Quick Question: What Is a Cleansing Powder?

Cleansing powders are some of the lesser known products of the skin-care world, but they’re slowly growing in popularity. The waterless formula comes in powder form to start and activates when it comes into contact with water — AKA when you’re washing your face. While the idea may seem strange at first, there are a lot of really good reasons you should try a cleansing powder — and that doesn’t even count the fact that they’re as travel-friendly as you can get. To answer all of your questions, we tapped New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, ahead. 

Why Use a Cleansing Powder?

The biggest difference between a cleansing powder and your regular cleanser is the state the product comes in. “A cleansing powder transforms into a liquid or foam with added water, while a cleanser is already in the liquid state,” says Dr. Engelman. But powdered cleansers are more than just extra work in your skin-care routine. That little bit of additional effort to add water allows for a more personalized cleanse. For example, based on how much water you add to the formula, you can get more or less exfoliation from the product, she explains, whereas you need a specific exfoliating cleanser to get the job done if you’re using a regular cream-, gel- or liquid-based product. 

To add to their appeal, cleansing powders are suitable for all skin types, even sensitive. But the customization doesn’t just stop there. Because cleansing powders are hand mixed by you, Dr. Engelman explains you can add other skin-care ingredients to the formula if needed. “The powder itself, including the particle size, as well as other key ingredients, will play a role in the overall formula being more hydrating or drying,” she says. 

How to Use a Cleansing Powder

Despite what it may sound like, cleansing powders aren’t that much more work. Simply dispense the powder into the palm of clean hands, add a small amount of water and begin to activate the product by rubbing your hands together. “Continue to add water until the desired consistency is achieved. Then, gently massage onto the face for up to a minute for maximum benefits before rinsing off with warm water,” says Dr. Engelman.

Our Favorite Cleansing Powders 

Glo Skin Beauty Daily Polishing Cleanser

This soft cleansing powder uses eco-friendly jojoba beads to exfoliate and brighten the complexion. When mixed with water it transforms into a creamy consistency that leaves even sensitive skin feeling nourished and refreshed. 

Josie Maran Argan Exfoliating Cleansing Powder

The exfoliating cleansing powder contains argan shells to buff away dead surface skin cells and reveal a brighter, softer, more even complexion. Rice powder in the formula helps smooth uneven texture without stripping skin of its moisture. 

DHC Care Face Wash Powder 

This powder-to-foam face wash is best suited for oily and combination skin types. It contains enzyme powder to gently exfoliate while lavender flower and licorice root extract help to calm the skin.  

Amarte Daily ExfoliPowder

With wheat and rice bran extracts in the formula, this exfoliating powder helps remove dead cells from the skin’s surface to reveal a brighter complexion. Other key ingredients help refine the appearance of pores, making it ideal for all skin types.

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