A GUIDE TO GLYMED+ CLEANSERS: WHICH FORMULA FOR WHICH CLIENT

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CLEANSER FOR A CLIENT

Before you can recommend the best facial cleanser for any client, you need a clear picture of their current skin. Perform an evaluation to determine:

• Skin Type vs. Skin Condition: Skin type (oily, combination, normal, dry, sensitive) is fairly stable, while skin condition (dehydrated, congested, aging) is something that changes with routine and environment.
• Primary Concern: Acne, aging, dullness and hyperpigmentation each call for a different approach at the cleansing step.
• Barrier Status and Sensitivity: A compromised barrier needs comfort first, actives second.

The final question should be: is this a first cleanse, a daily gentle cleanse or a second cleanse? Double cleansing is a two-step process that typically involves using a creamy or oil-based cleanser for the first cleanse to break down surface debris, followed by a second, targeted cleanse to address skin concerns. Many of our 11 formulas are designed to complement this approach and will fit into both morning and evening routines.

QUICK REFERENCE: GLYMED+ CLEANSERS AT A GLANCE

Use this chart to quickly narrow your options and decide which is the best facial cleanser for your client.

CLEANSERS FOR GENTLE DAILY CLEANSING AND BARRIER SUPPORT

These four formulas make up the first cleanse of most regimens.

ILLUMINATING CLEANSING OIL

The go-to first cleanse for makeup and SPF removal.

This oil-based formula gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen and daily buildup without stripping or disrupting the skin's natural balance. Enriched with nourishing plant oils, it leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable instead of tight and dry.

It’s a smart double-cleanse partner for every skin type, helping your second cleanse work more effectively by leaving no residue behind!

Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal, Dry, Sensitive

MEGA CREAM CLEANSER

A comfort-focused cleanse for sensitive and post-procedure skin.

Mega Cream Cleanser is an amazing ultra-gentle cream built on mild, plant-derived surfactants. It effortlessly dissolves makeup, oil and debris without stripping your client's protective barrier lipids. This cleanser also has Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil and Olive Fruit Oil working together to beautifully replenish lipids, while Vitamin E scavenges free radicals and limits transepidermal water loss.

This cleanser works great as a first cleanse and is safe for eyelash extensions. It’s the best facial cleanser for home care after peels and for oncology clients.

Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal, Dry, Sensitive

GENTLE GEL CLEANSER WITH AMINO ACIDS

A lighter texture for clients who want gentle cleansing without a cream.

This mild, lathering gel is rich in amino acids and calming botanicals, making it a great option for clients (including men) who prefer a lighter feel while still supporting the skin's comfort. Its wheat proteins increase firmness, reduce wrinkle depth and protect against dryness, while Green Tea offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

This cleanser can soften beards and prep the skin for shaving, so we recommend using this as a first cleanse before Essential Shave Cream.

Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal, Dry, Sensitive

VITAMIN C CLEANSER

Antioxidant support for a brighter-looking complexion.

Blending Vitamin C with softening agents, this creamy cleanser lifts away dead skin cells, makeup and debris while helping to support skin that looks dull, dehydrated or pigmented. It's a stable, non-irritating cream packed with antioxidants, including Vitamin E and Vitamin A. It also helps suppress melanin formation and boosts collagen synthesis.

During facials, you can leave this cleanser on for several minutes and use it as a massage cream to give antioxidants more contact time. It is also one of the best facial cleansers for post-care and rosacea regimens.

Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal, Dry, Sensitive

CLEANSERS FOR AGING AND MATURE SKIN

For clients focused on firmness and hydration, these two cleansers bring targeted support to the cleansing step of their routine.

PEPTIDE FIRMING CLEANSER

A rich, massage-friendly cleanse for mature or dehydrated skin.

Peptide Firming Cleanser is an elegant cream that blends rich emollients with GlyMed+'s proprietary PC10 Amino Acid Complex. Our PC10 Complex corrects free radical damage and combats inflammation, which is a leading driver of skin aging. This formula also pairs peptides with botanicals like Rose Oil and Horsetail to leave the skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

This cleanser doubles as a facial massage cream for added treatment time. Let clients know that slight pinkness is simply the active peptides at work. The formula promotes circulation, lifting and firming, and calms tired, compromised skin.

Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Sensitive

FOAMING CLEANSER WITH AMINO ACIDS

A lightweight foam for clients who don't need an acne-focused active.

Built with amino acids and soothing extracts, this cleanser offers a gentle foam without Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide, ideal for clients who simply want a fresh, light finish. It features the PC10 Complex of amino acids, peptides and antioxidants to support cellular health, prevent water loss and calm inflammation.

This cleanser's lightweight texture and gentle surfactants make it an excellent starter cleanser for pre-teens. It’s also one of the best facial cleansers for clients focused on prevention who want to stay ahead of fine lines and dryness.

Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Sensitive

ACTIVE CLEANSERS FOR TEXTURE, DULLNESS AND CONGESTION

When a client is ready for gentle exfoliation during the cleansing step, these two formulas offer different levels of intensity.

IDYLLIC CLEANSER WITH 3% MANDELIC ACID

A gentle entry point into exfoliating cleansers.

Mandelic Acid, paired with Chamomile and Green Tea, offers slow penetration and gentle exfoliation suited to most skin types, including those newer to actives or prone to mild to moderate congestion. It also reduces buildup, controls acne-causing bacteria and brightens.

Because Mandelic Acid is so well tolerated, this cleanser is a reassuring option for sensitive clients who still need active exfoliation.

Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal, Dry, Sensitive

GLYCOLIC FACIAL CLEANSER WITH 10% GLYCOLIC ACID

A more active option for resurfacing.

This formula steps up exfoliation with a higher concentration of Glycolic Acid, making it a strong choice for clients focused on texture, dullness or early signs of aging who can tolerate a stronger active. Glycolic Acid has a low molecular weight, so it penetrates quickly and breaks up corneocyte cohesion, promotes desquamation and removes surface dryness to boost product penetration.

If you need a second cleanser or pre-procedure prep, this is a great option! You can also mix it with Mega Cream Cleanser to boost that formula's results.

Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal, Dry, Sensitive

CLEANSERS FOR OILY, CONGESTED AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN

For clients managing breakouts, the right active cleanser can make a noticeable difference in how the rest of the routine performs.

PURIFYING CLEANSER WITH SALICYLIC ACID

Best for general oil and pore congestion.

This formula uses Salicylic Acid to help clear excess oil and debris from the pores, making it a solid daily option for oily or congestion-prone skin without inflamed lesions. As a lipophilic BHA, the Salicylic Acid moves through surface oil into the follicle. There, it slows cell shedding to prevent clogging, reduces oiliness and breaks down blackheads and whiteheads.

This cleanser is safe for inflamed acne, including Grades III and IV.

Skin Types: Oily, Combination

EXFOLIATING CLEANSER WITH SALICYLIC ACID

Best for blackheads and non-inflamed congestion.

This cleanser pairs Salicylic Acid with physical exfoliating beads made from hydrogenated Castor Oil for a dual-action desquamation! The acid loosens keratin inside the follicle, and the beads slough away surface buildup, absorb excess oil and purge impurities.

Skip this one on open or inflamed acne. You can also follow it with Skin Recovery Mist to clear any leftover beads!

Skin Types: Oily, Combination

CLEAR SKIN CLEANSER WITH BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Best for inflamed, cystic-leaning acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide targets acne-causing bacteria directly, making this the formula to reach for when a client is managing more inflamed breakouts rather than surface congestion alone. It oxygenates and detoxifies congested pores, kills bacteria and targets all lesions, including deep cystic-like lesions.

We recommend using white towels to avoid bleaching. And always pair this cleanser with a proper moisturizer and SPF!

Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Sensitive

CAN YOU USE MORE THAN ONE GLYMED+ CLEANSER IN THE SAME REGIMEN?

Yes, but layering cleansers should always serve a purpose rather than simply adding product count. Other than the double-cleansing method mentioned earlier, a common approach is alternating an active cleanser with a non-active one based on how a client's skin is tolerating exfoliation that week. Another option is using a gentle option in the morning and reserving an active formula for evenings when makeup and daily buildup need more attention.

The goal is always to match the formula to what the skin needs on a given day, not to stack actives for the sake of it. When in doubt, start with one active cleanser and monitor how the barrier responds before adding another.

JOIN THE GLYMED+ COMMUNITY FOR MORE GUIDANCE ON THE BEST FACIAL CLEANSERS & MORE!

Choosing the best facial cleanser for each client isn't always easy. And, with so many powerful formulas available, it's completely understandable if you're still weighing your options!

You don't have to figure it out alone. By becoming a GlyMed+ Pro, you'll gain access to personalized guidance, professional resources and a community of skincare experts who are just as passionate about skin health as you are! Whether you're building out a shelf of excellent products or refining your treatment-room protocols, our world-class education resources can help.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PURIFYING CLEANSER AND EXFOLIATING CLEANSER?

Both use Salicylic Acid, but Exfoliating Cleanser adds a light physical exfoliant for extra texture support. Purifying Cleanser is better for general daily oil control, while Exfoliating Cleanser is the best facial cleanser for clients dealing with blackheads or rough texture. Skip the physical exfoliant option on inflamed or open acne.

SHOULD EVERY ACNE-PRONE CLIENT USE AN ACTIVE CLEANSER?

No, not every acne-prone client needs an active cleanser. Some clients get better results from a non-active cleanser paired with targeted treatment products applied after cleansing. Reserve active cleansers for clients whose skin can tolerate the extra exfoliation without becoming irritated.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD CLIENTS USE AN EXFOLIATING CLEANSER?

Most clients do well starting with an exfoliating cleanser two to three times per week. This allows the skin to adjust to the active ingredient without becoming over-exfoliated. From there, frequency can increase gradually based on how the skin responds.

WHEN SHOULD A PROFESSIONAL RECOMMEND A CREAM CLEANSER INSTEAD OF A GEL OR FOAMING CLEANSER?

A creamy product is the best facial cleanser when a client has dry, sensitive or post-procedure skin. Cream formulas cleanse without stripping natural oils, offering more comfort than a gel or foam. This makes them a safer starting point for compromised or reactive skin.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A NON-ACTIVE CLEANSER OVER AN ACTIVE CLEANSER?

Choose a non-active cleanser when a client's barrier is compromised, sensitized or newly introduced to a routine. Non-active formulas cleanse without adding extra exfoliation, giving the skin room to stabilize. Once the skin is calm, an active cleanser can be reintroduced if needed.