If you haven't already met the cleansing stick, then prepare yourself for a life -- and skincare regimen -- that's about to change for the better. Cleansing sticks are exactly what they sound like: a solid cleanser in the shape of a stick. They're spill-proof, leak-proof and travel friendly, which means you can toss one into your gym or weekender bag without a worry (or a side-eye from your friendly TSA agent).
Even though they're a relatively new category, cleansing sticks are no gimmick. They work really well, and we predict more brands will formulate their own in the months and years to come. Here are 12 awesome options that just might convince you to change the way you wash your face.
Charcoal is still enjoying its moment as a trendy skincare ingredient, and for good reason. It's long been used as a natural way to detox the skin, and Boscia's Charcoal Cleansing Stick does just that. It's especially great for reducing pore size and zapping excess oil.
Pur isn't messing around with this deeply cleansing, exfoliating stick. It's loaded up with Moroccan lava clay to give dirt and oil the boot, and it contains jojoba seed extract to restore moisture to dull skin. It's recommended for congested and acne-prone skin, specifically.
Blackheads? What blackheads? A'Pieu's Pore Management Blackhead Cleansing Stick sends those pesky buggers on a permanent vacation. This Korean brand is yet to be sold widely in the states, but you can find it on e-commerce sites that ship directly from Korea.
Here's another blackhead-targeting cleansing stick. This one, by Korean brand Etude House, utilizes a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and lemon water to break down blackheads and refresh your pores. Because of its potency, it's more of spot treatment than the other full-blown facial cleansers on this list.
