We can get very scientific with the nature of water and the different types of grime that can accumulate on our face (and whether or not they’re oil or water-soluble). But to put things into perspective, consider that German clinical dermatologist and anti-aging expert Dr. Yael Adler has stated several times over the years that the only thing you need to cleanse your skin is “water and a towel”.
In fact, when you’re rinsing your face with water and then wiping it off with a towel, you’re physically removing the layer of whatever is sitting on your face - it’s an exfoliation and that is a form of cleansing.