A face wash is the first step of almost every skincare routine, yet it is often chosen by fragrance or packaging rather than by skin type. Picking a cleanser that suits your skin makes the rest of your routine easier: a well-matched face wash cleans without leaving your face feeling tight, oily or uncomfortable.
This guide explains how to recognise your skin type, what to look for in a face wash for each type, and how to use it properly. It is general skincare information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, persistent irritation or are using prescribed treatments, speak to a dermatologist before changing your routine.
Step 1: Work out your skin type
A simple way to check is to wash your face with a mild cleanser, pat it dry, apply nothing and wait about an hour. Then notice how your skin looks and feels:
- Oily skin: visible shine across the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks, and pores that look more noticeable.
- Dry skin: a tight or rough feeling, sometimes with flaky patches, and little or no shine.
- Combination skin: shine in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) while the cheeks feel normal or dry.
- Normal skin: comfortable, neither noticeably oily nor tight.
Skin can change with weather, season and age, so it is worth checking again if your face starts to feel different.
Step 2: Match the face wash texture to your skin
Face wash for oily and combination skin
Oily and combination skin usually feels best with a lightweight gel cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping the skin. Avoid scrubbing hard or washing many times a day; over-cleansing can leave skin feeling irritated.
The CXE Super Matcha Face Wash is a lightweight gel cleanser with matcha extract, green tea extract and niacinamide, made for oily, combination and acne-prone skin types. You can find more options in our skincare for oily skin collection.
Face wash for dry skin
If your skin often feels tight after washing, look for a gentle cleanser that does not leave it feeling stripped, and keep water lukewarm rather than hot. Follow cleansing straight away with a moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp.
Browse our dry skin collection for cleansers and moisturising products that suit a comfort-focused routine.
Face wash for normal skin
Normal skin is the most flexible. Choose a cleanser you enjoy using every day, and simply avoid anything that leaves your face feeling tight or greasy. Our normal skin collection brings together everyday options.
Step 3: Choose by the finish you want
Once texture suits your skin type, you can choose a cleanser by the type of routine you are building:
- Brighter-looking routine: Bright Pro Face Wash is a rice water face wash for gentle daily cleansing and a brighter-looking finish.
- Vitamin C routine: Vitamin C Gel Face Wash is a refreshing gel cleanser that removes dirt and oil and pairs naturally with other vitamin C products.
- Foaming cleanse: Gluta Foaming Face Wash creates a soft lather and is made with glutathione, for people who prefer a foaming texture.
- Oil-balancing cleanse: CXE Super Matcha Face Wash, described above, for oily and combination skin.
See all of these together in our face wash collection.
How to use a face wash properly
- Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Take a small amount of face wash and work it into a lather or gel between your palms.
- Massage gently over the face for about 30 to 60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
- Follow with serum, moisturiser and, in the morning, sunscreen.
For most people, cleansing twice a day (morning and evening) is enough. After exercise or heavy sweating, an extra rinse can help.
Common face wash mistakes
- Using very hot water: it can leave skin feeling dry and tight.
- Scrubbing hard: gentle fingertip pressure is enough.
- Washing too often: more washing does not mean cleaner or clearer skin.
- Skipping moisturiser: even oily skin benefits from a lightweight moisturiser.
- Switching products constantly: give a new cleanser a few weeks before deciding whether it suits you.
Patch test before regular use
Before using any new cleanser on your whole face, apply a small amount to a small area such as the jawline or inner arm for a few days. If you notice redness, itching, burning or other discomfort, stop using it. Always read the ingredient list on the pack if you know you react to particular ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same face wash morning and night?
Yes. Many people use one cleanser for both. Some prefer a gentler wash in the morning and a deeper cleanse in the evening, especially after wearing sunscreen or makeup.
Which face wash is best for oily skin?
A lightweight gel cleanser is usually the most comfortable choice for oily skin. CXE Super Matcha Face Wash is made for oily, combination and acne-prone skin types.
Do I need a different face wash in different seasons?
You might. Skin can feel oilier in hot, humid weather and drier in cooler months, so it is reasonable to adjust your cleanser as your skin changes.
Find your face wash
Start with your skin type, choose a texture that feels comfortable, and keep the routine simple. Explore the full X Emirates face wash collection to compare options.