Stop Stripping Your Skin: Is a Cream or Oil Cleanser the Secret to Your Best Glow Yet?

If your skin feels tight, itchy, or “squeaky clean” after washing, I have some news for you.

That tightness isn’t cleanliness. It’s an SOS signal.

When you strip your skin of its natural oils, you aren’t just removing dirt; you’re tearing down your skin’s “security fence”—the acid mantle. Once that barrier is compromised, the door is wide open for dryness, irritation, and even those stubborn “why now?” breakouts.

At Scenturie, we believe cleansing should be a restorative ritual, not a chemical battle. But with all the noise out there, how do you choose between a lush cream and a silky oil?

Let’s find your perfect match.

The Cream Cleanser: A Hydrating Hug for Thirsty Skin

If your skin tends to feel like a desert by midday or reacts to the slightest change in weather, a cream cleanser is your sanctuary.

Unlike traditional soaps that use harsh surfactants, cream cleansers are water-based emulsions designed to feed your skin while they clean. Think of it as a treatment that happens to remove impurities.

• Why you’ll love it: It leaves your moisture barrier intact. No redness. No tightness. Just soft, supple skin.

• The Scenturie Signature: Our Natural Creamy Cleanser isn’t just a wash; it’s a botanical infusion. We’ve blended nourishing oils with the bright, uplifting scents of lime and mandarin to turn your morning routine into a sensory awakening.

Best for: The dry, the sensitive, and the “I want my skin to feel like silk” seekers.

The Oil Cleanser: The “Like Dissolves Like” Miracle

It sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Putting oil on your face to get rid of oil?

But here’s the science: sebum, stubborn SPF, and long-wear makeup are all oil-based. Water alone can’t touch them. Our Facial Cleansing Oil works on the principle that “like dissolves like.” It binds to the “bad” oils and impurities, lifting them out of your pores without a single harsh chemical in sight.

• The Myth: “It will make me break out.”

• The Reality: By gently removing excess sebum, you stop your skin from overcompensating and producing even more oil. It’s the ultimate balancer.

• The Experience: Infused with Juniper Berry and Clary Sage, this cleanser transforms your bathroom into a high-end spa. It’s deep cleaning that feels like an indulgence.

Best for: Oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, and anyone who wears waterproof mascara.

What About the Men?

Men’s skin has its own set of rules—it’s typically thicker, oilier, and deal with the daily trauma of shaving. That’s why we formulated the Men’s Hydrating Face Cleanser.

We’ve combined the healing power of native Kawakawa and Kanuka with Avocado oil to soothe “razor stress” and hydrate deep down. Plus, the woody notes of Black Spruce make it a rugged, refreshing start to the day.

How to Ritualise Your Cleanse

The way you wash matters as much as what you use.

1. For Oil: Apply to dry skin. Massage it in. Feel the day melt away. Add a splash of warm water to emulsify it into a milky lotion, then rinse.

2. For Cream: Massage onto damp skin in upward, circular motions. Take 60 seconds—give the botanicals time to work their magic.

3. The Pro-Move (The Double Cleanse): Use the Oil first to remove SPF and makeup, then follow with the Cream to treat the skin. It’s the gold standard of New Zealand skincare.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Will the Facial Cleansing Oil make me break out? A: Actually, it’s the opposite! Most breakouts are caused by hardened sebum and debris trapped in the pores. Because “like dissolves like,” our botanical oils dissolve those plugs and lift them away. Our formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores—it clears them.

Q: Can I use the Cream Cleanser if I have eczema or very sensitive skin? A: Yes. We formulated the Natural Creamy Cleanser specifically for reactive skin. By using soothing Kawakawa and avoiding harsh sulfates (SLS), we ensure your skin stays calm and hydrated, not irritated.

Q: Do I really need to wash my face twice a day? A: In the evening, absolutely—you need to remove the day’s SPF, pollution, and oils. In the morning, a gentle cleanse with our Cream Cleanser prepares your skin to absorb your serum and moisturiser effectively.

Q: Is this range safe to use during pregnancy? A: Yes! We use natural, plant-based ingredients and safe dilutions of essential oils. Many of our expectant mothers love the Creamy Cleanser for keeping “pregnancy glow” without the sensitivity.

Q: How do the refills work? A: It’s simple! Keep the pump from your original glass bottle. Order a Refill of your favourite Cream or Oil cleanser, which will arrive with a recyclable aluminium cap. Swap the pump onto the new bottle and keep the aluminium lid for travel. Done!

Q: How long will one bottle last? A: Our 195mL bottles are designed to be generous. With daily use, one bottle typically lasts 3 to 4 months, making it a sustainable choice for both your skin and your wallet.

Your New Skin Starts Here

You wouldn’t wear a dress that’s two sizes too small, so why force your skin into a cleanser that doesn’t fit? Whether you need the calming embrace of our Natural Creamy Cleanser or the deep-pore detox of our Facial Cleansing Oil, your skin is waiting for the relief that only nature can provide.

Ready to find your glow?

Shop the Scenturie Cleansing Collection Below: