Ready to add another type of cleanser to your skincare arsenal? Entering the ring with jelly cleansers, oil-to-milk cleansers and cleansing balms, serum cleansers are set to change the landscape once more. 

Innovative soap-free formulations designed especially for sensitive and reactive skin, serum cleansers combine the benefits of a brilliant cleanser with a powerhouse serum. 

“Serum cleansers are gentle on the skin and work to remove make-up, dirt and debris. Unlike a lot of other cleansers, they can be used in the morning and at night without irritating the skin as they’re soap-free and non-foaming, which makes them a good choice for those with sensitive skin,” says Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics.

“Despite being washed off the same way as other cleansers, a serum cleanser actually continues to work on the skin long after application penetrating deeper into the inner layers of the skin. Plus, because of the active ingredients it also helps to hydrate and nourish.”

“When you wash off a traditional soap or foaming cleanser, although your skin may feel squeaky clean, it may also feel dry and taught. Because of how gentle serum cleansers are they don’t strip the skin of its natural oils. This allows the natural oils found in the skin to rehydrate and nourish the skin – something that will continue to happen in between cleansing routines,” explains Dr Perry. 

“A serum cleanser will also protect your skin cells, resulting in a better overall feel and appearance in the long term.”

“Sensitive and easily irritated skin will really benefit from using a serum cleanser as they are super gentle and completely free from common skin irritants,” says Dr Perry. “Almost anyone can use a cleansing serum, but always check to make sure the ingredients are best suited to your skin type and specific concerns.

“However, if you have particularly oily or acne-prone skin, I suggest looking for a serum cleanser that is oil-free and packed with ingredients such as niacinamide which helps visibly refine pores.”

“Depending on what you want a serum to do, you can still use an additional serum at night, but I’d avoid using one in the morning,” cautions Dr Perry. 

“Serums can really help with regeneration overnight when our skin is healing. They are packed full of antioxidants that will continue to work the following day, which makes them great for anti-ageing and reducing fine lines and open pores.”

Main image: Stylist