Facial cleanser is used to remove make-up, dead skin cells, oil, dirt and other types of pollutants from the skin of the face. This facial care product helps to unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as acne.

Many people use a cleanser once or more times a day as part of their skin care regimen together with a toner and moisturizer.

Using a cleanser to remove dirt is considered to be a better alternative to bar soap or another form of skin cleanser not specifically formulated for the face due to lower pH level, have thickeners that allow them to assume a bar shape can clog pores leading to acne, and the fact that many cleansers incorporate moisturisers.