The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen:Water, cleanser or cleansing oil?

To evaluate the cleaning efficacy of sunscreen with or without water-resistant performance by water, or a foaming cleanser or a cleansing oil.

Photos of 20 participants were taken by VISIA prior and subsequent to application of the sunscreen as a negative control and a positive control, respectively. Volunteers were instructed to wash off sunscreen with water only, the cleanser or the cleansing oil and photos were taken by VISIA again after face washing. Assessment of the cleansing efficacy was conducted by Photoshop CS6 and volunteer-reported outcomes.

For the non-waterproof sunscreen, the residue rate of water, cleanser, and cleansing oil group were 54.0% ± 19.2%, 15.6% ± 6.1%, 13.4% ± 4.6%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the cleanser group and the negative control group (9.9% ± 4.8%) or between the cleansing oil group and the negative control group. For the waterproof sunscreen, the residue rate of water, cleanser, and cleansing oil group were 59.3% ± 10.4%, 36.8% ± 8.8%, 5.8% ± 3.3%, respectively. No significant difference was found between cleansing oil group and the negative control group (3.2% ± 2.2%). For adverse events, eight participants in cleanser group and one participant in cleansing oil group reported dry skin after face washing.

The non-waterproof sunscreen may be washed off by the cleanser or cleansing oil and the waterproof sunscreen by the cleansing oil. Moreover, the cleansing oil may cause less skin irritation and dryness compared with the cleanser. Future studies are needed to investigate other types of sunscreens and washing products.