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Organic Facial Cleansers Rowse Washing Face

Stop the Strip: How to Choose a Sulphate-Free Cleanser for Your Specific Skin Concern

In 2026, the global shift toward skin longevity has transformed our daily rituals, moving away from "strip and scrub" culture toward a barrier-first philosophy. At Glasshouse, we know that a healthy complexion isn’t built on aggressive intervention, but on a foundation of Clean Chemistry that protects the acid mantle and supports the skin’s unique microbiome.

As urban pollution and blue light exposure increase, your skin barrier (the stratum corneum) becomes the first line of defence against inflamm-ageing—the chronic, low-level inflammation that accelerates the signs of ageing. Whether you are navigating "maskne," seasonal dehydration, or a reactive, compromised barrier, choosing a sulphate-free, botanical cleanser is the single most important step in maintaining long-term skin resilience and internal dermal health.



What are the benefits of a "natural" cleanser?
Natural cleansers utilise plant-derived surfactants (like those from coconut or sugar) rather than synthetic detergents. The benefit is Biocompatibility—your skin recognises these ingredients, allowing for a deep clean that doesn't trigger an inflammatory response or disrupt your acid mantle.

What is a Sulphate-Free cleanser and why is it essential? Sulphates (like SLS) are harsh foaming agents that emulsify your skin’s natural oils so they can be rinsed away, often causing damage. 100% of our cleansers are sulphate-free. We use gentle plant-based alternatives that lift oil and dirt without stripping the protective lipids and microbiome.

How do I know if my skin barrier is damaged? If your skin feels tight after washing, looks dull despite moisturising, or reacts with a stinging sensation, your barrier is likely compromised. This leads to "Inflamm-ageing"—a state of chronic low-level inflammation that accelerates skin ageing.

How often should I cleanse and exfoliate? Cleanse twice a day: a gentle refresh in the morning and a thorough (ideally double) cleanse at night. Exfoliation should be targeted; we recommend a maximum of 1–3 times a week depending on the strength and type of exfoliant to avoid over-stimulating the skin. More sensitive skin types or those with an impaired skin barrier may need to avoid completely. 

What is the difference between a Chemical and a Manual exfoliant?

  • Manual (Physical): Uses particles (like seeds, bamboo, or clays) to physically buff away dead skin.

  • Chemical/Enzymatic: Uses acids (AHAs) or enzymes (Papaya/Pineapple) to dissolve the "glue" holding dead cells together. These are often gentler for sensitive or acne-prone skin.


The Glasshouse Cleanser Guide

1. The Barrier Builders (Oils & Balms)

  • Sans [Ceuticals] | Goji Body + Face Cleansing Oil

    Sans [Ceuticals] Goji Cleanser is an Emulsifying Repair Oil, Is a highly technical, pH-perfected oil that turns from oil to milk. It focuses on Skin Longevity by delivering high doses of Vitamin A and E for a gentle cleanse and anti-ageing.





    A dark-labeled bottle with a pump dispenser

    • Best for: Sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin.

    • Key Ingredients: Goji Berry (antioxidant) and Vitamin E (lipid repair).

     

     

  • Evolve Beauty | Gentle Cleansing Melt

    A Nourishing Lipid Balm, the Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt is a luxurious, jelly-like balm that melts into a creamy milk. It is designed to replenish the "skin-glue" (ceramides) that holds your barrier together and minimises stripping and skin tightness.


    • Key Ingredients: Organic Baobab Oil and Natural Sugar Extracts.

    • Best for: Very dry, dehydrated, or "winter skin."

     

  • ROWSE | Jasmine Cleansing Balm


    A gentle Grounding Oil-to-Milk Balm. Rowse Jasmine Cleansing is an iconic balm that removes impurities while deeply hydrating. It acts as a floral "shield" for the skin, leaving it exceptionally soft.

    • Best for: Dry or mature skin needing grounding comfort.

    • Key Ingredients: Tepezcohuite Bark (regenerative) and Jasmine.

     

  • ROWSE | Tangerine Cleansing Balm

    An uplifting Antioxidant Balm. The ROWSE tangerine cleansing balm is a naturally fresh and fragrant version of the ROWSE balm that dissolves makeup effortlessly while revitalising dull complexions.

    • Best for: Dull or tired skin in need of an antioxidant boost.

    • Key Ingredients: Tangerine Peel Oil and Apricot Kernel Oil.

     

  • Palm of Feronia | Ritual Cleansing Oil

    An Anti-Inflammatory Ritual Oil. Ritual Cleansing Oil by Palm of Feronia is a grounding, small-batch oil that targets the "stress-skin loop." Infused with crystals, it moderates oil production while calming the nervous system.



    • Best for: Congested yet sensitive skin; evening rituals.

    • Key Ingredients: Hemp Seed Oil and Arnica.

     

2. The Balancing Refresher (Water-Based)

  • Evolve Beauty | Deep Clean Micellar Water

    No-Rinse Micellar Treatment by Evolve is a sophisticated water that uses "micelles" to act like magnets, lifting makeup and heavy city pollution without scrubbing or rinsing.


    • Best for: Quick makeup removal and sensitive eye areas.

    • Key Ingredients: Moringa Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid.

     

3. The Regenerative Polishes (Exfoliating Treatments)

  • Evolve Beauty | Enzyme + Vitamin C Cleanser Powder

    Evolve Beauty | Enzyme + Vitamin C Cleanser Powder is an Enzymatic Chemical Exfoliant and Brightening Powder. An innovative powder-to-foam cleanser that changes colour from pink to orange. It provides enzymatic exfoliation while strengthening the skin barrier with prebiotics.


    Jar of light pink power face cleanser

    • Best for: Instant brightening and smoothing of all skin types.

    • Key Ingredients: Papaya Enzymes, Vitamin C, and Chicory-based Prebiotics.

     

  • Palm of Feronia | Terra Mari Polish


    Manual & Mineral Exfoliant / Resurfacing Mask. Terra Mari Polish potent blend of fine mineral extracts from land and sea. This dual-purpose mask and polish combines a gentle kaolin base with nutrient-rich actives to resurface and brighten the skin.


    • Best for: Resurfacing dull skin and boosting collagen.

    • Key Ingredients: Spirulina, Bamboo, and Fermented Copper.

     

  • Olixa | Gummy Facial Cleanser

    This gentle Chemical Exfoliant / Treatment Cleanser by Olixa is a unique gummy texture that provides a light suction to pull impurities from the pores. It refined the skin tone using natural acids rather than scrubbing for a fresh bright complexion and extremely gentle exfoliation.



    • Best for: Dullness and deep-pore cleansing for sensitive types.

    • Key Ingredients: Kakadu Plum and Natural AHAs.

     

4. The Active Purifiers (Gels & Solids)

  • ROWSE | Centella Asiatica & Orange Face Cleanser


    Healing Barrier Gel. This zero cleansing balm by ROWSE focuses on skin repair. Centella is a powerhouse for soothing the barrier while providing a fresh, sulphate-free clean, Gentle yet deeply clarifying.


    • Best for: Oily but "angry" or breakout-prone skin.

    • Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica and Sweet Orange.

     

  • ROWSE | Charcoal & Bergamot Face Cleanser


    Solid Detoxifying Cleanser. This Charcoal & Bergamot Face Cleanser by ROWSE is a plastic-free cleanser where charcoal acts as a magnet for toxins and Bergamot provides a gentle antibacterial action.




    • Best for: Combination to oily and acne-prone skin.

    • Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal and Bergamot.

     

  • Evolve Beauty | Daily Detox Facial Wash

    A Phyto-Active Clarifying Wash. Our most purifying foaming wash by Evolve Beauty. Daily Detox Facial Wash uses organic enzymes for a second layer of chemical exfoliation while natural sugars lift away excess sebum.


    • Best for: Oily and congested skin needing a deep "detox."

    • Key Ingredients: Papaya Enzymes and Aloe Vera.

     

 

 

In Summary: The Glasshouse Cleanser Cheat Sheet

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choice, remember that the goal of Skin Longevity is always to support, not strip. Here is your quick-reference guide to our collection:

The Golden Rule for 2026: If your skin feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too aggressive. Switch to a sulphate-free, botanical formula to halt inflamm-ageing and reset your skin barrier for good.

Shop the Glasshouse cleanser edit here >