Face Wash & Cleansers NZ | Every Skin Type | Zilion NZ
Face Wash and Cleansers in New Zealand
Cleansing is the one skincare step nobody should skip. A good cleanser lifts away sunscreen, makeup, oil, sweat and city grime without leaving skin tight, and it sets up everything that follows, from serum to moisturiser. The right formula depends on your skin: oily skin often prefers a gel or foam, dry and mature skin a milk, balm or oil, and sensitive skin something mild and low in fragrance.
Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, including Skintruth, Brillare, Aspect, Minimalist, Medik8, Natural Look, Arata, Nude Kiwi, HIDEHERE, Lumini, Baxter of California and The Bluebeards Revenge. There are more than 70 face washes, cleansers, makeup removers and facial kits to choose from.
About Face Wash and Cleansers
Cleansers come in several textures. Gel and foaming cleansers, such as Skintruth Sebum Control Gel Cleanser and Medik8 Clarifying Foam, give a fresh, thorough clean. Cream, milk and balm cleansers, such as Skintruth Moisture-Milk, Natural Look Immaculate Dermomilk and Dermobalm, and Nude Kiwi Cleansing Milk, are gentler and leave skin soft. Cleansing oils, such as Medik8 Lipid-Balance, Aspect Nourishing Cleansing Oil and Minimalist Marula Oil, dissolve makeup and sunscreen easily. Micellar water and dedicated eye makeup removers take care of the first cleanse or a quick refresh.
Some cleansers also carry actives. Salicylic acid helps clear pores and is popular for oily and blemish-prone skin. Lactic, glycolic and mandelic acids gently exfoliate as you wash, which helps with dullness and texture. Others focus on comfort, with soothing ingredients for sensitive or reactive skin.
Face Wash by Skin Type and Need
Oily and combination skin. Skintruth Sebum Control Gel Cleanser, Arata Oil Control Face Wash, Brillare Oil Away Face Wash, Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense, Aspect Exfoliating Cleanser and Natural Look Immaculate Dermojel Foaming Cleanser.
Blemish-prone skin. Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Cleanser, Brillare 2% Salicylic and 3% Lactic Acid Face Wash, Brillare Neem Powder Face Wash and Medik8 Clarifying Foam with salicylic acid, niacinamide and tea tree oil. See Acne & Blemish Care.
Dry and mature skin. Skintruth Moisture-Milk and Nourishing Cleansing Milk, Natural Look Immaculate Dermobalm and Dermomilk, Nude Kiwi Cleansing Milk, Aspect Nourishing Cleansing Oil and Brillare Age Revival Face Wash.
Sensitive skin. Medik8 Gentle Cleanse, Calmwise Soothing Cleanser and Micellar Mousse, Aspect Gentle Clean, Minimalist Oat Extract 6% Gentle Cleanser, Skintruth Soothing Cleansing Milk and Lumini Face Cleanser Fragrance Free.
Dull skin and texture. Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse with mandelic, lactic and salicylic acids, Aspect Purastat 5 with lactic acid, Minimalist Alpha Lipoic + Glycolic 7% Cleanser and Brillare Skin Brightening Face Wash. For a deeper polish, see Scrub.
Makeup removal. Skintruth Eye Makeup Remover and Silk Amino Eye Makeup Remover, Apraise Micellar Eye Makeup Remover, Aspect Cleansing Micellar Water and cleansing oils from Medik8, Aspect and Minimalist.
For men. Baxter of California Daily Face Wash, The Bluebeards Revenge Face Wash and Vitaman Face and Body Cleanser are built for quick, no-fuss routines, with twin packs available. Browse Men's Grooming.
Brands in This Category
These are the brands with the most cleansers at Zilion. Each link opens the brand's full range:
- Skintruth
- Brillare
- Aspect
- Minimalist
- Medik8
- Natural Look
- Arata
- Baxter of California
- The Bluebeards Revenge
- Lumini
- Nude Kiwi
- HIDEHERE
Top 10 Face Washes and Cleansers
- Skintruth Sebum Control Gel Cleanser 200ml: a balancing gel for oily and combination skin, and our best-selling cleanser this year.
- Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse 150ml: a resurfacing gel with mandelic, lactic and salicylic acids for pores, texture and dullness.
- Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser 220ml: a gentle foaming cleanser with lactic acid that cleanses and lightly exfoliates.
- Skintruth Moisture-Milk Cleanser 200ml: a creamy cleanser that removes impurities while keeping skin's moisture in balance.
- Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Cleanser 100ml: an exfoliating cleanser for oily, blemish-prone skin, also in 250ml.
- Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil 140ml: an oil cleanser with linoleic acid, safflower and moringa oils that melts away makeup and pollution.
- Natural Look Immaculate Dermobalm Facial Cleanser 125ml: a professional cream cleanser for dry, mature and sensitive skin.
- Medik8 Gentle Cleanse 150ml: a hydrating foam for sensitive skin that cleanses without stripping moisture.
- Arata Oil Control Face Wash 100ml: an everyday wash for shine-prone skin, also in packs of two and three.
- Baxter of California Daily Face Wash 236ml: a straightforward daily face wash for men, also sold as a twin pack.
Best Sellers at Zilion
- Skintruth Sebum Control Gel Cleanser 200ml ($22.60)
- Skintruth Clarifying Facial Kit for Oily/Combination Skin ($97.65)
- Skintruth Eye Makeup Remover 200ml ($15.99)
- Skintruth Gentle Gel Cleanser 200ml ($25.57)
- Skintruth Moisture-Milk Cleanser 200ml ($23.71)
- HIDEHERE Glow Set ($99.50)
- Natural Look Immaculate Dermojel Foaming Cleanser 300ml ($37.71)
- Natural Look Immaculate Dermojel Foaming Cleanser 500ml ($55.71)
- Natural Look Immaculate Dermomilk Daily Cleanser 500ml ($90.81)
- Natural Look Immaculate Dermobalm Facial Cleanser 125ml ($45.81)
Benefits of the Right Cleanser
- Clean without tightness. A formula matched to your skin removes the day without stripping it.
- Clearer pores. Gel, foam and salicylic acid cleansers help keep oil and congestion under control.
- Softer, more comfortable skin. Milks, balms and oils cleanse dry or mature skin while leaving it supple.
- Brighter texture. Cleansers with lactic, glycolic or mandelic acid add gentle daily exfoliation.
- Better results from serums. Clean skin absorbs serums and moisturisers more evenly.
- Makeup and sunscreen gone. Cleansing oils and micellar waters remove long-wear makeup and water-resistant sunscreen properly.
Face Wash Buying Guide
Oily or combination. Choose a gel or foam, such as Skintruth Sebum Control or Natural Look Dermojel, and add a salicylic acid cleanser if you get breakouts.
Dry or mature. Choose a milk, cream, balm or oil. Skintruth Moisture-Milk, Natural Look Dermobalm and Aspect Nourishing Cleansing Oil leave skin soft.
Sensitive or reactive. Keep it simple with a mild, low-fragrance cleanser such as Medik8 Gentle Cleanse, Aspect Gentle Clean or Lumini Fragrance Free, and avoid scrubbing.
Wear makeup or sunscreen daily. Double cleanse at night: an oil or micellar water first, then your regular face wash.
Using actives elsewhere. If your serum already contains retinol or acids, pair it with a gentle cleanser rather than an exfoliating one.
Size and value. Skintruth Gentle Gel, Moisture-Milk and Sebum Control come in 500ml, Natural Look cleansers come in 500ml salon sizes, and Brillare makes 20ml minis to try first.
How to Use a Face Wash
Wet your face with lukewarm water, then massage a small amount of cleanser over the skin for 30 to 60 seconds, including the hairline, jaw and sides of the nose. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. Cleansing oils and balms go onto dry skin first, then emulsify with a little water before rinsing. Most people cleanse morning and night; if your skin is dry, a splash of water or a micellar water may be enough in the morning. Follow with serum, moisturiser and, in the morning, sunscreen.
Why Shop Face Wash at Zilion
- Official NZ stockist. Every cleanser we sell is genuine stock from brands we are authorised to supply.
- Free shipping over $85. Orders under $85 ship for a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
- Afterpay and Zip. Spread the cost of a bigger order over interest-free instalments.
- Same-day dispatch. In-stock orders placed before 9am leave our warehouse the same business day.
- Complete the routine. Add a Face Serum, a Moisturiser and Sunscreen.
- Help when you need it. Email care@zilion.co.nz with your skin type and concerns, and we will suggest a cleanser.
Delivery Across New Zealand
We deliver face wash and cleansers right across the country, to Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, and to rural addresses in every region. Metro orders usually arrive in 1 to 4 business days and rural orders in 3 to 7.
Face Wash & Cleanser FAQs
How do I choose a face wash?
Start with your skin type. Gels and foams suit oily skin, milks, balms and oils suit dry or mature skin, and mild, low-fragrance cleansers suit sensitive skin.
What is the difference between a face wash and a cleanser?
The terms are used interchangeably. Face wash usually refers to a foaming or gel product rinsed with water, while cleanser can also mean milks, balms, oils and micellar water.
How often should I wash my face?
Most people cleanse twice a day. If your skin is dry or sensitive, a splash of water or micellar water may be enough in the morning.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing means using an oil or micellar cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, followed by a regular face wash. It is most useful at night.
Do I need to double cleanse?
Not always. It helps if you wear makeup, long-wear sunscreen or have oily skin. On a bare-faced day, one cleanse is usually enough.
Which cleanser is best for oily skin?
Gel and foaming cleansers work well. Skintruth Sebum Control Gel Cleanser, Arata Oil Control Face Wash and Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense are good choices.
Which cleanser is best for acne-prone skin?
Salicylic acid cleansers help keep pores clear. Try Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% or Brillare Salicylic and Lactic Acid Face Wash. See a GP or dermatologist for persistent acne.
Which cleanser is best for dry skin?
Creamy milks, balms and oils. Skintruth Moisture-Milk, Natural Look Immaculate Dermobalm, Nude Kiwi Cleansing Milk and Aspect Nourishing Cleansing Oil are popular.
Which cleanser is best for sensitive skin?
Look for mild, low-fragrance options such as Medik8 Gentle Cleanse, Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser, Aspect Gentle Clean and Lumini Face Cleanser Fragrance Free.
Which cleanser is best for combination skin?
A gentle gel such as Skintruth Gentle Gel Cleanser or Natural Look Dermojel cleans the oily T-zone without drying out the cheeks.
What does salicylic acid do in a cleanser?
Salicylic acid is a BHA that can get into oil, helping to clear pores and reduce congestion. It suits oily and blemish-prone skin.
What does lactic acid do in a cleanser?
Lactic acid is a gentle AHA that lightly exfoliates the surface of the skin, helping with dullness and texture. Aspect Purastat 5 contains lactic acid.
Can I use an exfoliating cleanser every day?
Many are designed for daily use, but if your skin feels tight or sensitive, cut back to every other day, especially if you also use retinol or acid serums.
What is a cleansing oil?
A cleansing oil dissolves makeup, sunscreen and oil. Massage it onto dry skin, add water to emulsify, then rinse. Medik8 Lipid-Balance and Aspect Nourishing Cleansing Oil are examples.
Will a cleansing oil make my skin oily?
No. A good cleansing oil rinses off cleanly. Oily skin often does well with oil cleansing because oil dissolves oil.
What is micellar water?
Micellar water contains tiny cleansing particles that lift makeup and dirt. Apply it with a cotton pad. Aspect Cleansing Micellar Water is a gentle option.
Do I need a separate eye makeup remover?
It helps with waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Skintruth Eye Makeup Remover, Skintruth Silk Amino Eye Makeup Remover and Apraise Micellar Eye Makeup Remover are made for the eye area.
What is a cleansing milk?
A cleansing milk is a light, creamy cleanser that removes makeup and impurities while leaving skin soft. Skintruth, Natural Look and Nude Kiwi all make one.
What is a cleansing balm?
A cleansing balm is a rich cleanser that melts on contact with skin. Natural Look Immaculate Dermobalm is a cream cleanser for dry, mature and sensitive skin.
What is a powder face wash?
Powder face washes activate with water into a gentle lather. Brillare makes Neem, Rose and Vitamin C powder face washes in 30g sizes.
Should I use hot water to wash my face?
Lukewarm water is best. Hot water can strip natural oils and leave skin feeling tight or red.
Can I use body wash on my face?
Body washes are often stronger than face washes. Some products, such as Vitaman Face and Body Cleanser and Davroe Body and Face Cleansing Gel, are made for both.
Is there a face wash for men?
Yes. Baxter of California Daily Face Wash, The Bluebeards Revenge Face Wash and Vitaman Face and Body Cleanser are popular with men, and twin packs are available.
Is there a face wash for kids?
Baby Forest Maasoom Mukhra is an Ayurvedic face wash made for kids. Check the age guidance on the product page.
Can a cleanser help with redness?
A gentle cleanser will not remove redness, but it avoids making it worse. Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser is designed to ease the look of redness.
Why does my skin feel tight after washing?
Your cleanser may be too strong for your skin type, or your water too hot. Switch to a milk, cream or gentle gel and rinse with lukewarm water.
How much cleanser should I use?
About a pea to a 20-cent coin size is enough for the face. Too much is harder to rinse off.
How long should I cleanse for?
Massage for 30 to 60 seconds. That gives the cleanser time to break down oil and makeup.
Should I use a face cloth?
A soft, clean face cloth can help remove cleansing balms and oils. Use a fresh one each day and avoid scrubbing hard.
Can I use a cleanser with retinol in my routine?
Yes. Pair retinol with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser, such as Medik8 Gentle Cleanse or Skintruth Gentle Gel, to avoid irritation.
How long does a bottle of cleanser last?
A 150 to 200ml bottle used twice a day usually lasts two to three months. 500ml sizes last much longer.
Which cleansers come in large sizes?
Skintruth Gentle Gel, Moisture-Milk and Sebum Control come in 500ml, as do Natural Look Dermojel, Dermomilk and Dermobalm, and Skintruth Soothing Cleansing Milk.
Do you have travel-size cleansers?
Yes. Brillare face washes come in 20ml minis, Nude Kiwi Cleansing Milk in 30g, HIDEHERE Green Tea Collagen Gel Cleanser in 25ml and Aspect Purastat 5 in 100ml.
Do you sell facial kits?
Yes. Skintruth Clarifying Facial Kit for Oily/Combination Skin, Aspect Clear Skin Kit and Age Management Kit, and the HIDEHERE Glow Set are in this collection.
What is the Skintruth Clarifying Facial Kit?
It is a complete kit designed to clarify, balance and refresh oily and combination skin, and one of our best sellers.
What is Aspect Purastat 5?
Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser is a gentle foaming cleanser with lactic acid that removes makeup, oil and pollutants while lightly exfoliating.
What is Medik8 Clarifying Foam?
It is a foaming cleanser with mandelic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide and tea tree oil that removes oil, makeup and impurities.
What is Natural Look Immaculate?
Immaculate is Natural Look's professional skincare line. Its cleansers include Dermojel Foaming Cleanser, Dermomilk Daily Cleanser and Dermobalm Facial Cleanser.
Which face washes are best sellers?
Skintruth Sebum Control Gel Cleanser, Skintruth Clarifying Facial Kit, Skintruth Eye Makeup Remover, Gentle Gel Cleanser and Moisture-Milk Cleanser are our best sellers this year.
Do cleansers expire?
Yes. Check the open-jar symbol on the pack for how long a product lasts after opening, and store it away from heat.
Is Zilion an official stockist of these skincare brands?
Yes. Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, from Skintruth and Medik8 to Aspect, Minimalist and Brillare.
Are the cleansers you sell genuine?
Yes. As an official stockist we only sell genuine products.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on NZ orders over $85. Orders under $85 cost a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders placed before 9am are dispatched the same business day. Metro deliveries take 1 to 4 business days and rural deliveries 3 to 7.
Can I pay with Afterpay or Zip?
Yes. Afterpay and Zip are both available at checkout.
Can I return a product I have opened?
No. For hygiene reasons, opened or used products cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
What is your returns policy for unopened items?
Unopened, unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a change of mind. Return postage and a restocking fee of $10 or 10% (whichever is less) apply.
What if my order arrives leaking or damaged?
Email care@zilion.co.nz within 5 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund.
Do you deliver to PO Boxes or overseas?
No. Our couriers do not deliver cosmetics to PO Boxes, and we ship within New Zealand only.
Who can I ask for help choosing a cleanser?
Email care@zilion.co.nz with your skin type and concerns, and our team will suggest a cleanser.
Follow your cleanse with a Face Serum and Moisturiser, add a weekly Scrub, or explore all Skincare.