Why You Need To Add A Powder Cleanser To Your Routine (Think: Glow)

Let’s get straight to the powder; sorry, we mean to the point, and that’s powder cleansers (go figure). These little skincare pots of goodness are one of the unsung heroes in the beauty business; they cleanse, exfoliate, and if they’re infused with the right ingredients, they’ll leave your skin softer and brighter than before. Just mix the powder with a few drops of water, massage into the skin, and wait for the magic to happen. Here are our top picks.

1. Mario Badescu Silver Powder, $12 

Source: Mario Badescu

If you have oily skin, this Silver Powder is a no-brainer. Formulated with mattifying zinc oxide, calcium carbonate and Titanium Dioxide, it removes impurities from the skin, helping to minimize the appearance of pores, so you’re left with a healthier, smoother complexion. Just mix a small amount of powder with water, apply it to the skin, then let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Use once to twice a week, and your skin will thank you.

2. DHC Face Wash Powder, $13  

Source: DHC

After a deep, transformative cleanse? This J-beauty formula will deliver every time. Each bottle is packed with soothing lavender and licorice root extract, making it ideal for all skin types, as well as exfoliating protease enzymes to leave your skin looking radiant and feeling super smooth with a clean and healthy glow. 

3. Honest Beauty Skin Sweep Exfoliating Powder Cleanser, $22 

Source: Honest Beauty

Enriched with skin-conditioning rice extract, hydrating grapeseed oil, soothing oat powders, and sea salt for physical exfoliation, this formula has everything you need for a restorative cleanse. The vegan cleanser also boasts clarifying kaolin clay, AKA one of our fave ingredients for absorbing excess oil, making it, yup, you guessed it – oily skin friendly. We also love that the packaging is sustainable and still so chic! 

4. Humanrace Rice Powder Cleanser, $32 

Source: Humanrace

When Pharrell announced he was dropping a skincare line, the world eagerly awaited its release. We mean, for good reason – the man doesn’t age! This powder cleanser was included in the brand’s first drop and has garnered rave reviews ever since. The gentle powder-to-foam cleanser is packed with rice particles, fruit enzymes, and snow mushrooms, which work overtime to ensure your skin is softer, plumper, and more even than before. It’s also infused with brightening vitamin C and skincare hero, collagen. It’s a yes from us. Oh and if it couldn’t get any better, the packaging is refillable.

5. Clinique Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder Cleanser with Vitamin C, $38 

Source: Clinique

All powder cleansers are perfect for travel as you don’t need to worry about spillage, but these rank top as they’re individually packaged. Inside each tearable package of goodness, you’ll find a glow-getting vitamin c4-infused powder that lightly exfoliates and purifies for more even, smoother skin. Plus, thanks to packaging, the vitamin C remains more potent and, therefore, more effective. #Love.

6. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator, $64

Source: Dermalogica

Rice enzymes, salicylic acid, and papain (an enzyme found in papayas) – now that’s an ingredient list we can lust over. Offering both physical and chemical exfoliation, this ultra-fine powder, designed for everyday use, will refine skin texture, unclog pores, and boost skin radiance. Oh, and it’s suitable for all skin types and doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight, which is super important.

7. Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder, $68

Source: Tatcha

Tatcha always comes through with bomb.com products, and this baby is no exception. Infused with finely ground rice bran – a nonabrasive exfoliatior rich in vitamins – it gently buffs away dead skin while the silk proteins work overtime to condition and nourish. We also have to talk about the Hadasei-3™, which is Tatcha’s Proprietary Complex, featuring rice, green tea, and algae that boosts skin turnover to reveal brighter, healthier skin. Finally, the powder prohibits flakiness and tightness thanks to licorice root extract and soothing Japanese indigo found in the formula. Basically, it covers all of the bases.

8.  Sisley Exfoliating Enzyme Mask, $90

Source: Sisley

This product is definitely a splurge, but if you’re looking for a luxe exfoliator, this formula takes it to the next level thanks to its impressive inkey list. Infused with papain, coconut, and vitamin B3, the exfoliating enzyme formula transforms into a foam cream that clarifies the skin without irritation. Instead, you’ll be left with a radiant glow. Simply grab a teaspoon-sized amount of powder and add a small amount of water. Mix in your hands, then apply a thin layer to the entire face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave for one minute and rinse thoroughly with water. The post-glow is a vibe!

For more skincare faves, check out the vitamin C serums we couldn’t live without.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.