Cream as a cleanser? What you need to know
August 27, 2025
Your skin needs gentle cleansing and moisturizing every day. Especially if you have dry skin, hot water and frequent use of soap can cause irritation. That’s why cream cleansing is a gentle alternative to traditional soap washing – suitable for the face, body, and even hair, for all ages.
After reading this article, you’ll understand:
- Why cleansing with moisturizer is a great alternative to soap.
- How to do it correctly.
- What benefits it offers for your skin.
A gentle alternative to soap: cleansing skin with moisturizer
In cream cleansing, the skin is washed with water and a suitable moisturizing cream instead of soap. It effectively removes both water- and oil-based impurities without drying out the skin like soap-based cleansers often do. However, not all creams are suitable for cleansing – for example, very greasy creams may not work well.
“Our Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream has the right consistency for cream cleansing and can be used not only on the skin but also on the hair. It cleanses and moisturizes without leaving a greasy residue. Cream cleansing is particularly well-suited for dry skin, I warmly recommend giving it a try” says Maarit, Well by Orion Pharma’s Development Manager and chemist.
Use Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream like you would use soap
Soap can wash away the skin’s natural moisture-binding agents. Cream cleansing protects your skin better by preserving its natural barrier. That’s why it’s especially important for dry and atopic skin.
Moisture for hair and scalp
Sometimes, you can wash your hair with a moisturizer instead of shampoo. This is especially helpful for dry or itchy scalps that need extra moisture. Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream rinses out easily and won’t leave your hair greasy.
Well by Orion Pharma
Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream
5.0 / 5.0
(1) 1 total reviews
3-in-1: cleanser, moisturizer, and in-shower care. Fragrance free and allergy certified.

But can a moisturizer truly cleanse your skin?
Development Manager Maarit says “Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream cleans just as effectively as soap, but without drying the skin, because it’s soap-free. Its cleansing power comes from mild surfactants, and it helps retain moisture throughout the day by preventing water loss from the skin”. Trust us — you’ll soon notice that your skin no longer feels tight after washing, but instead healthy and radiant!
How do you use a moisturizer as a cleanser? Let us guide you through the steps
How to cleanse your face and remove makeup:
- Apply the cream to your face, including eyelids.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Moisturize with the cream.
- If your skin is very dry, apply Calming Facial Serum underneath.
How to cleanse your body:
- Wet your skin and use a soft wash mitt or cloth.
- Apply the cream to the damp mitt and wash as you would with soap.
- Rinse with warm water.
- After showering, moisturize your slightly damp skin with Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream.
How to cleanse hair with moisturizer:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply the cream to your hair.
- Massage it into your scalp.
- Optionally, wrap your hair in a towel for a few minutes to let the cream absorb.
- Rinse with warm water.
- The Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream cleans even dirty hair effectively – no shampoo needed.
Well by Orion Pharma
Mama Bundle
Gentle skincare for pregnancy and postpartum. The bundle includes 1) a cleansing and moisturizing cream, 2) a facial serum, and 3) a body serum.

About the author
Tanja Kipinoinen, eCom Manager
Passionate about promoting well-being and improving customer experience in digital channels. Responsible for developing the online store and content in collaboration with experts in dietary supplements and cosmetics development to ensure that information is reliable and easy to understand.
We continuously work to make sure the content we create is high-quality, up-to-date, and engaging. All our content is based on independence, objectivity, and expertise. In addition to our skilled content creators, Orion Pharma’s product specialists regularly review the materials.
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