The Ultimate Guide to Cleansing Foams for Dry, Sensitive, and Mature Skin: My Top 3 Picks of 2024

Annyeong! Yuhee here from oneeyebeauty, your trusted source for all things K-beauty. Today, we're delving into the essential first step of any skincare routine: cleansing. Specifically, we'll be exploring the world of cleansing foams and revealing my top three picks for 2024. These aren't just any cleansers; they're carefully curated to address the specific needs of dry, sensitive, and mature skin, and they've truly transformed my complexion.

Unlike my usual one-product reviews, I'm showcasing all three cleansers upfront to give you a holistic view of how I incorporate them into my weekly routine for optimal results. Seeing them together will help you understand how different pH levels and formulations can work synergistically to achieve a healthy, radiant glow.

So, without further ado, my top 3 cleansing foams of 2024 are:

1. L'air by Blancdoux Oligo Hyaluronic Acid Foam Cleanser: The hydration hero for dry, thirsty skin.
2. Ongradients Jeju Cica Cleansing Ball: A soothing and fragrant sensory experience.
3. Manur Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam: Gentle exfoliation without the harshness of physical scrubs.

These cleansers offer a diverse range of pH levels, which is crucial for effectively addressing my skin's ever-changing needs. The Ongradients and L'air by Blancdoux cleansers are mildly acidic, with pH levels around 5 and between 5-7, respectively. This acidity helps maintain the skin's natural protective barrier. The Manur cleanser, on the other hand, is slightly alkaline, with a pH of around 9. This alkalinity provides gentle exfoliation without the need for harsh scrubs. By strategically alternating between these cleansers, I can cater to my skin's specific requirements on any given day. I track my routine meticulously using my weekly skincare planner and tracker, which I'll discuss later.

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Now, let's dive into the details of each cleanser:

This cleanser is my absolute holy grail for combating dryness. That tight, uncomfortable feeling after cleansing? I despise it. This cleanser completely eliminates that sensation. Whenever my skin feels parched and craves intense hydration, the L'air by Blancdoux Oligo Hyaluronic Acid Foam Cleanser is my go-to.

This lightweight, creamy foam has a mildly acidic pH of around 5, which respects my skin's natural barrier. It's packed with hydrating powerhouses like glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and polyquaternium-67. Glycerin attracts and retains moisture, while hyaluronic acid delivers a surge of hydration deep into the skin. Polyquaternium-67 forms a protective film on the skin, preventing moisture loss. This combination effectively removes dirt, impurities, oil, and even stubborn makeup without stripping the skin's natural oils. The result? Hydrated, comfortable skin that's perfectly prepped for the next steps in my routine. No tightness, no dryness, just pure hydration bliss. I use this cleanser about six times a week, both morning and night, whenever my skin needs a moisture boost. It's incredibly refreshing and leaves my skin feeling soothed and supple.

I first encountered this unique cleanser at an Ongradients masterclass in London last autumn. The brand team flew in from South Korea, and I've been hooked on this cleansing ball ever since.

This isn't your typical cleanser. It's a jelly-like ball nestled within a mesh bag. To use it, simply wet your hands, place the ball in the bag, and gently rub it to create a luxurious, fragrant lather. Infused with 1,000 ppm of Centella Asiatica extract sourced from the pristine Jeju Island, this cleanser is incredibly soothing and hydrating. Centella Asiatica is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin. And the fragrance? It's divine! A sweet, spa-like aroma transforms my cleansing routine into a truly indulgent experience. While I understand some people prefer fragrance-free skincare, this scent is gentle and uplifting. It brightens my mornings and adds a touch of relaxation to my evenings. Despite the fragrance, it's remarkably gentle on the skin, with a low pH of around 5. I use this cleanser about four times a week, usually in the morning for a refreshing start to the day or at night when my skin needs some extra pampering.

This cleanser offers a different approach: low alkaline cleansing. While it might sound harsh, this cleanser is surprisingly gentle and effective.

I learned this valuable tip from fellow K-beauty YouTuber Jaina, and it's completely changed my cleansing game. Using a low alkaline cleanser like the Manur Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam provides natural exfoliation without the need for harsh physical scrubs, which can be damaging to mature skin. In my 20s, I loved using black sugar scrubs for their smoothing effect. However, I now realize how abrasive those scrubs were, likely causing micro-tears in my skin. Fortunately, younger skin regenerates quickly, so I didn't experience any lasting damage. But as we age, our skin's ability to recover slows down, making harsh exfoliants a no-go.

Mature skin still requires exfoliation to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. Low alkaline cleansers offer the perfect solution. The Manur Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam is a rich, creamy cleanser with a pH of around 9. It lathers into soft, fine bubbles that effectively deep cleanse pores, removing dirt, impurities, makeup, and excess oil. Simultaneously, it keeps my skin hydrated and balanced thanks to ingredients like ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and a 10-type floral complex. Ceramide strengthens the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration. The floral complex soothes and nourishes the skin. If you have normal, combination, or oily skin, you can use this cleanser every night. For dry or sensitive skin like mine, I recommend using it 3-4 times a week at night. This cleanser has been a revelation, keeping my skin soft, smooth, and balanced without any harsh scrubbing.

Important Note: If you have troubled skin with redness or acne, avoid low alkaline cleansers, as they can be too harsh. Stick to low acidic cleansers, which are much gentler. For acne-prone skin, the Jumiso Pore Purifying Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser is a highly-rated low acidic option worth considering.

Incorporating multiple cleansers into my weekly routine has been transformative for my dry, sensitive, and mature skin. By carefully selecting cleansers based on my skin's needs for both morning and night, I've achieved a significant improvement in its overall health and radiance. My skin looks healthier, more youthful, and has a beautiful glow. I highly recommend trying this personalized approach. You'll be amazed by the results!

I hope this in-depth look at my top three cleansing foams of 2024 has been helpful. Remember, choosing the right cleanser is the first step towards achieving a healthy, radiant complexion. By understanding your skin's specific needs and incorporating a variety of cleansers into your routine, you can unlock your best skin yet!