Best Cleansing Powders That Cleanse and Gently Exfoliate

Cleansers are having a bit of a moment. First, there was all that buzz around double cleansing. Then, the market was flooded with all kinds of innovative formulas, including jelly cleansers, cleansing sticks, whipped mousse formulas and cleansing balms. After all, who doesn’t want fresh, clear skin? Well, now there’s another formula to add to your cleansing arsenal: powders. Like ampoules and essences, cleansing powders are another Korean beauty product that has made its way to the States, to the delight of skin care enthusiasts. Cleansing powders have a grainy texture, similar to loose powder or sand, and offer mild physical exfoliation along with enzymes to dissolve dead skin, dirt and oils, and to promote luminosity. Unlike the average exfoliating scrub, powders are gentle enough to be used daily. Powder cleansers are activated in the presence of water, so it’s possible to tweak the consistency depending on how thorough of an exfoliation is needed. For instance, a coin-size amount of powder on damp hands will help buff dry, scaly patches and deliver thorough exfoliation. If skin is fairly smooth, add more water so the powder turns into a foam or paste for more gentle exfoliation. To maximize exfoliation from the enzymes in the cleanser, Jude Chao, aka Fiddy Snails and marketing director at Beautytap, suggests letting the product sit on skin for a minute or so before rinsing. The unique powder formula earns major points for travelers because it doesn’t count toward TSA liquid limits. What’s more, there’s no need to worry about leaks. There are even some versions that come in one-time-use sachets that are perfect for stashing in carry-ons. Another pro is that cleansing powders often contain fewer preservatives because there’s no water in the formula. Foaming agents are also absent from many cleansing powders, which minimizes the risk of irritation — good news for those with sensitive skin. Ready to give powder cleansers a try? Click through the gallery above for our favorites.

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Cleansing Powders Are the Travel-friendly, Exfoliating Face Wash You Need to Know About

Uma

Ultimate Brightening Rose Powder Cleanser, $65 at Space.NK

This cleanser's gorgeous packaging rivals perfume — and so does its scent. It combines powdered rose, chamomile, oats and walnuts to buff away scaly patches and increase skin's natural glow. The surprise ingredient is bentonite clay, which offers the deep cleaning benefits of some of our favorite masks.
Bobbi Brown

Buffing Grains for Face, $46 at Bobbi Brown

This may look like a pretty bottle of sand from your last beach vacay, but the grains are actually Japanese adzuki bean powder. When mixed with water, the cleansing powder helps remove dry patches, resulting in softer, smoother skin. The formula is suitable for all skin types and doesn't feel rough or scratchy like some exfoliators.
Dr. Oracle

Enzyme Powder Wash, $25 at Glow Recipe

Got sensitive skin? This K-beauty powder is a great option. It's free of irritating ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl, laureth sulfates and mineral oil, so there's less chance of a reaction. It's also pH balanced so it won't strip skin of its natural moisture. Dispense a dime-size amount, then apply water to activate the fruit enzyme-rich formula.
Tatcha

Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder, $65 at Tatcha

Tatcha has become a favorite skin care brand because of its combination of Californian and time-honored Japanese beauty rituals. The Rice Enzyme Powder is one of the hero products thanks to the way it gently buffs away dead skin using a combination of papaya and rice bran. The nonirritating, dermatologist-tested formula also has conditioning pearl extract. This version is best for normal to combination skin, but there are options for dry and sensitive skin.
Rodin

Olio Lusso Facial Cleansing Powder, $45 at Nordstrom

This doesn't look like the average facial cleanser. In fact, it doesn't look like a cleanser at all. Rest assured that it is — and a very good one because it can be adapted based on skin's needs. For dry skin in need of thorough exfoliation, mix the rice bran cleanser with a bit of water. For a regular cleanse, add more water until the powder forms into a rich lather.
Josie Maran

Argan Exfoliating Cleansing Powder, $40 at Sephora

With this cleansing powder, it's possible to exfoliate every day without upsetting skin. Dump a quarter-size amount of the powder into wet hands and mix it around until it forms a creamy paste. Then massage the product in circular motions into skin. It contains crushed argan shells, green tea, tea tree and rice powder to brighten skin and minimize the appearance of breakouts and age spots. Instead of water, try mixing it with the Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil ($32) for a rich cleanse.
Dermalogica

Daily Microfoliant, $57 at Ulta Beauty

We're familiar with exfoliants, but microfoliants? The rice-based enzyme powder activates with water and releases a formula that promotes cell renewal and a smoother complexion. Physical exfoliators (rice bran) with papain enzyme and salicylic acid work together to dislodge and dissolve dead skin cells. The result is healthy, radiant skin.
Odacité

Green Ceremony Cleanser Powder to Foam Efficacy Matcha + Spirulina, $55 at Space.NK

It's easy to mistake this powder cleanser for a smoothie booster, considering it contains superfoods like matcha and spirulina. The ingredients have as many benefits when applied to skin as they do when ingested. On the facial front, they help detoxify, soothe, reduce free radical damage and target zits. The cleanser washes away without leaving behind any green tinge. Skin will feel refreshed, but not tight. Promise.
Clinique

Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder Cleanser With Pure Vitamin C, $29.50 at Sephora

With Clinique's powder cleanser, you'll get pure vitamin C in every pouch. The water-activated cleanser is packaged in individual-use sachets that help stop the vitamin C from degrading from exposure to oxygen. That means we get a potent formula as well as a cleanser that's perfect for traveling.
Eclado

Enzyme Deep Cleanser Pure Powder, $27 at Beautytap

Get brighter skin with this multitasking powder cleanser. The formula contains vegetable-based enzymes that help dislodge the gunk from pores while removing the skin cells built up on the surface. Simply mix the powder with water until it forms a light foam, then gently massage the mixture into your skin.