Cleansers are an absolute necessity in everyone’s skincare routine, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid weather. Finding a facial cleanser may appear to be a simple task, but you won’t know whether it will cause dryness or breakouts until you give it a try! So, if you’re looking for a new cleanser or if your current cleanser isn’t cutting it, here’s a list of Singapore’s best facial cleansers to help you achieve better skin.
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How do I choose a facial cleanser?
The best facial cleanser formula is determined by your skin type, which can change from season to season and even change due to hormonal or environmental factors. There are four main skin types: dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Read on to find out how to choose a cleanser for each skin type.
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Dry skin
This skin type may have a rougher texture, wrinkles, dullness as well as a tight, uncomfortable feeling. If you have dry skin, use a gentle oil cleanser that contains moisturising ingredients and fatty acids. It’s also a good idea to avoid antibacterial soaps and cleansers that contain exfoliants like salicylic or glycolic acid, as these can dry out your skin.
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Oily skin
Oily skin produces excessive sebum and is prone to enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples, and unwanted shine. The best facial cleanser for oily skin should contain ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil, which are both mild ingredients that balance oil production and support skin clarity.
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Combination skin
This skin type has both dry and oily patches. Dullness and rough texture are common in some areas, while enlarged pores, blackheads, and shine are common in others (especially around the nose, chin, and forehead). Look for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and soap-free face wash that will not irritate your skin.
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Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin types are more likely to react to environmental factors, including skincare. Stinging, burning, and redness are all symptoms of sensitive skin. To reduce the possibility of allergic reactions, look for a cleanser that is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, chemicals, or alcohol!
Best facial cleansers in Singapore for dry skin
It’s a common misconception that cleansers will strip moisture from dry skin, leaving it tight and uncomfortable. This does not have to be the case if you use a hydrating facial cleanser. The best hydrating facial cleansers in Singapore leave the skin feeling supple and plump by simultaneously removing dirt and replenishing moisture.
1. Medicube Red Foam Cleanser
Experience rich and moist foam for deep cleansing without worrying about dryness with the Medicube Red Foam Cleanser (available on Medicube Official Store)! This Medicube cleanser, which contains 0.5% salicylic acid, effectively removes waste from large pores, dissolves sebum accumulated in pores, and keeps dead skin cells at bay. Designed for dry skin, this best facial cleanser in Singapore also contains Sophora extract, which soothes irritated skin and leaves your skin feeling boing-boing after every use!
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Facial Cleanser
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser (available on Johnson & Johnson Official Store) gently exfoliates skin for an instantly soft and refreshed complexion. It’s also made with cutting-edge technology that effectively removes dirt and oil without compromising the skin’s natural barrier. If you’re using it daily, fret not as this facial cleanser for dry skin is made with a gentle formulation that does not cause any irritation! What’s more, it also contains hyaluronic acid which is clinically proven to boost skin hydration. The Neutrogena cleanser is no doubt one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore for treating dry skin and locking in moisture over time for a soft and supple appearance!
3. Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser
Are you a fan of Laneige products? Then you’ve probably heard of the Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser (available on Laneige Official Store). Containing white leaf tea water, which is green tea grown in complete shade and mixed with Dutch extracts for 450% increased amino acid content, this cleanser boasts moisturising and skin barrier-strengthening effects. There’s no need to emulsify with water as you can directly roll it onto your face with wet hands, making cleansing a breeze for those with dry skin! More importantly, this best facial cleanser in Singapore has passed the eye irritation test so you know you’re certainly in safe hands!
4. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
If thick, creamy facial cleansers are not your cup of tea, gel cleansers like the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (available on Watsons Singapore Official Store) are good alternatives to add to your skincare routine. A translucent gel-lotion cleanser, this CeraVe cleanser is light and washes away easily without any lather. Now you won’t have to worry about your face feeling tight or dry after washing! Furthermore, this facial cleanser is also best suited for dry skin as it contains hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture for long-lasting hydration.
Pro Tip: Dampen your face with lukewarm water (NOT hot water) and massage the cleanser into your skin in circular motions. Refrain from scrubbing your skin too harshly, as it may cause over-exfoliation and agitate dry skin.
5. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (available on Cetaphil Official Store) is soap-free, preservative-free, fragrance-free, and designed specifically for intolerant, easily irritated skin. This Cetaphil cleanser has been highly recommended by dermatologists and raved about by customers for its gentle and non-stripping formula. With its balanced pH formula, this facial cleanser for dry skin can also effectively remove light makeup and provide you with healthy skin free of flakiness and redness!
6. Bio Essence Bio-Gold Rose
Dry skin is always the main culprit when it comes to aging. That’s why we rely on the Bio Essence Bio-Gold Rose (available on Bio Essence Official Store) to help with anti-aging. This Bio Essence cleanser features an ingredient called Bio Energy Complex that hydrates the skin. Working in tandem with that ingredient is rose water that further moisturises and brightens skin. But the hero in this Bio Essence cleanser is the 24K Bio-Nano Gold that boosts your skin’s natural protective layer and reduces signs of aging. Trust us, this is one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore that’ll make you look younger!
7. BANILA CO Clean it Zero Foam Cleanser
Featuring acerola extract, the BANILA CO Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser (available on Banila Co Official Store) cleanses your skin thoroughly without leaving it too dry. This key ingredient is great for those who struggle with pimples and acne. Acerola has been known to treat skin blemishes while hydrating the skin, thus improving skin elasticity in the long run. So bid goodbye to impurities and welcome your perfect complexion with this Banila Co cleanser!
Best facial cleansers in Singapore for oily skin
With some of the best facial cleansers for oily skin, you can say goodbye to midday grease in Singapore! The right cleanser will aid in the reduction of sebum, the prevention of clogged pores, and, ultimately, the likelihood of breakouts. Aside from that, you’ll notice that your makeup stays on your skin better throughout the day, and your fringe no longer gets greasy from coming into contact with your forehead.
8. Cosrx Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Get a value-for-money, versatile Cosrx cleanser that can be used for both your day and night cleansing routine! While it was originally made for sensitive and dry skin, beauty reviewers praise this cleanser for its ability to work well even on oily skin types. Apart from that, the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (available on COSRX Official Store) contains a low pH formula to remove oil residue on the skin. its purifying botanical ingredients and mild acids like BHA exfoliate and calm oily skin, leaving it feeling supple and refreshed.
9. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Combining both a powerful acne treatment and cleanser in a single formula, the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (available on Johnson & Johnson Official Store) contains an oil-free formula for oily and acne-prone skin. It eliminates oil, unclogs pores and treats breakouts. What’s more, it contains salicylic acid that removes oil and acne – effective yet gentle, it won’t over-dry or irritate. You can rest assured this Neutrogena facial cleanser is one of the best balanced facial cleansers in Singapore suited for oily skin, as it rinses off clean without any pore-clogging residue!
10. Sebamed Facial Cleanser
Formulated with active ingredients (Montaline C40, Panthenol and Sodium Lactate), the Sebamed Facial Cleanser for Oily and Combination Skin (available on Sebamed Singapore Official Store) promotes a deep pore-penetrating effect to regenerate skin and regulate moisture content. Moreover, with a gentle 5.5 pH value, this Sebamed cleanser for oily skin softens and soothes skin effectively while removing bacteria, making it one of the best facial cleansers suited for oily skin in Singapore!
11. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Do you have oily skin that never seems to go away? Try the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser (available on jorzz)! Formulated with salicylic acid and a soothing blend of botanicals like aloe vera, chamomile, and thyme, this best facial cleanser for oily skin in Singapore boasts exfoliating properties to remove impurities with a deep-cleaning effect. In fact, Mario Badescu cleansers are also hailed as one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore for targeting oily and acne-prone skin. Never have to worry about clogged pores and uncomfortable redness again!
12. L’Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Daily Cleanser
Many of us are familiar with L’Oreal’s haircare products, but did you know they also have a line of facial cleansing products? Glycolic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for oily skin, especially if you’re prone to breakouts. This makes the L’Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Daily Cleanser (available on L’Oreal Paris Official Store) the best facial cleanser for oily skin in Singapore! It penetrates deeply and effectively accelerates the skin’s own renewal with the smallest AHA. With regular use of this L’Oreal cleanser, you can expect dark spots to fade and your skin to glow!
Pro Tip: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Wear protective clothing and use the best sunscreens to limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
13. Senka Perfect White Clay Facial Cleanser
Japanese skincare products are all the rage right now, especially since Japan’s borders have been opened. SENKA, a highly effective skincare brand available in Japan, provides a line-up of dependable products that clear up skin concerns and deliver fresh, translucent bare skin.
And the Senka Perfect White Clay Facial Cleanser (available on Guardian SG Official Store) is the best facial cleanser for oily skin in Singapore because it contains Shiseido’s unique moisture-boosting Aqua-In-Pool ingredient. This special ingredient protects and strengthens the skin against daily damage and reinforces the skin’s barrier function. It improves the skin’s resilience for longer-lasting moisture without leaving a tight feeling when combined with Senka’s signature silk cocoon essence! The cherry on the top is its key ingredient, white clay, which effectively cleans away excess oil and removes dead skin cells – goodbye, greasy skin!
Best facial cleansers in Singapore for combination skin
While many may assume that you can use any type of cleanser for combination skin, the truth is you actually need to pay more attention when choosing skincare products. Furthermore, using products designed for the incorrect skin type may result in skin dehydration or excessive sebum production in combination skin. To address your skincare concerns, here are some of our best facial cleanser recommendations in Singapore for combination skin:
14. Bioderma Sébium Gel Moussant
Still suffering from mask-ne breakout these days? The Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant (available on Watsons Singapore Official Store) is here to the rescue. With its non-comedogenic properties and allergen-free fragrance, rest assured that this is one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore for combination skin leaning towards the oiler side. Furthermore, as a gentle and purifying facial cleanser, this Bioderma facial cleanser regulates sebum production by cleaning the gunk out of your pores.
Pro Tip: The Bioderma Gel Moussant also doubles up as a makeup remover as well!
15. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
Suited for combination skin that leans towards the oilier side, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser (available on La Roche Posay Official Store) is dermatologist-tested and proven to gently purify oily skin without causing any dryness. Formulated with cleansing agents like zinc, this La-Roche Posay cleanser gently removes grime and dirt from the skin and prevents the accumulation of excess sebum. Psst… if you struggle with blackheads, this best facial cleanser in Singapore for combination skin also works like a blackhead remover for a renewed, cleaner look!
16. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam
Rice water facial cleansers like The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam (available on Younfamily) are wildly popular among K-beauty enthusiasts. In Japan and Korea, rice water was (and still is) one of the best-kept beauty secrets.
Known to contain antioxidants and vitamin B, rice water softens and brightens dull skin, while enhancing collagen growth. What’s more, this facial cleanser contains natural cleansing agents (rice extract and soapwort extract) that hydrate, brighten, and clear skin. With a whipped cream texture, you can be sure that it even removes makeup effectively, making it one of the best facial cleansers to use in Singapore for combination skin!
17. Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Hop on board the jelly cleansers trend! The Drunk Elephant Beste No 9 Jelly Cleanser (available on PinkmistSG) is an innovative jelly cleanser that removes makeup, grime, and oil. With a unique blend of mild surfactants and makeup-dissolving ingredients, this is one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore for combination skin that leans more toward the oily side. Moreover, it rinses away dirt without an ounce of residue with its gentle formula, leaving your skin feeling clean and soft.
18. Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser
If you have combination skin leaning towards the dry side, check out the Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser (available on Round Lab Official Store). An award-winning, pH-neutral facial cleanser, it cleanses thoroughly and removes dirt particles, makeup, and airborne pollutants – the key culprits of clogged pores. Apart from this, it is also the bestselling facial wash in Korea! Containing seawater from the Dokdo island, coupled with three hyaluronic acids, this Round Lab cleanser is one of the best facial cleansers for combination skin in Singapore that creates a dewy lastingness and combats moisture loss.
19. Truu 76 Probiotics Amino Purifying Cleanser
The Truu 76 Probiotics Amino Purifying Cleanser (available on TRUU Official Store), which is widely praised in the Taiwanese beauty industry, has recently gained recognition as the holy grail item for people with combination skin. This facial cleanser contains white willow bark extract to remove dead skin cells and is fragrance- and colourant-free to ensure it is gentle enough for irritated skin. But it’s mostly loved for its 76% highly concentrated moisturising essence (made from 25% Japanese amino acid and 51% probiotics) — this best facial cleanser for combination skin in Singapore will have you parading your dewy, clear skin with new-found confidence in no time.
Best facial cleansers in Singapore for sensitive skin
Probably one of the trickiest skin types, people with sensitive skin often find it challenging to find a suitable cleanser. To make matters worse, sensitive skin may sometimes also be dry or oily. Above all, it’s vital to exercise caution when choosing the best facial cleansers in Singapore for sensitive skin to prevent inflammation or allergy reactions.
20. Eucerin Dermatoclean Refreshing Cleansing Gel
Formulated for sensitive skin, the Eucerin Dermatoclean Refreshing Cleansing Gel (available on Guardian SG Official Store) is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and does not contain parabens. Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of this gel cleanser. With an innovative blend of active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, it calms inflamed spots and moisturises the skin. Additionally, Eucerin cleansers boast a variety of skincare and brightening products so you’ll definitely be spoiled for choice with some of the best facial cleansers online in Singapore.
Pro Tip: After cleansing, use the Eucerin Dermatoclean Clarifying Toner (available on EUCERIN Official Store) to remove any last traces of grime and dirt.
21. Innisfree Volcanic Pore BHA Cleansing Foam
Struggling with oily T-zones? Why not try the Innisfree Volcanic Pore BHA Cleansing Foam (available on Innisfree Official Store)? Formulated with Jeju volcanic clusters and BHA, this Innisfree facial cleanser is great for absorbing excess sebum and removing fine dust particles in pores. It contains Jeju water and madecassoside, and is a hypoallergenic cleansing foam that can be used comfortably even on sensitive skin! It’s hence no surprise that this Innisfree cleanser earned its reputation as one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore.
22. Neogen Dermalogy Green Tea Foam Cleanser
If you have sensitive and oily skin, go for a cleanser that helps to reduce sebum production. Bonus if it’s a natural cleanser – just like the Neogen Dermalogy Green Tea Foam Cleanser (available on NEOGENLAB.kr). In fact, the facial cleansers in this range are free from harmful chemicals and made purely from natural ingredients. What makes this facial cleanser special is that real fruits are actually fermenting at the bottom of the bottle! This produces amino acids and fresh vitamins to nourish your skin. Moreover, it’s also formulated with green tea extract. Containing antioxidants that soothe the skin, this cleanser ensures that all sebum is expelled without leaving your skin irritated.
23. Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
The Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser (available on karamartsg) boasts a gentle formula that balances the pH level of dry and sensitive skin. Apart from this, it is formulated with acne-fighting salicylic acid, making Aveeno facial cleansers one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore to treat acne-prone skin. Moreover, it helps even skin tone and texture without the risk of over-drying.
24. Aprilskin Real Carrotene Acne Foam Cleanser
Korean natural facial cleansers have been the ‘it’ thing for a while and the April Skin Real Carrotene Acne Foam Cleanser (available on April Skin Official Store) is crowned as one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore for agitated, acne-prone skin. A micellar foam cleanser with natural carrot extracts and tea tree oils, this April Skin cleanser effectively soothes and relieves sensitive skin. Additionally, it contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin, tackle acne breakouts and soothe redness. For more Korean skincare tips, check out the best Korean face masks to achieve glowing skin like your favorite K-drama actresses.
Pro Tip: Use the Real Carrotene Blemish Clear Serum (available on April Skin Official Store) after cleansing to clear stubborn acne scars!
25. Derma Lab Hydraceutic Amino Gentle Cleanser
Are you in search of a facial cleanser that’s gentle and cleans effectively? Look no further – the Derma Lab Hydraceutic Amino Gentle Cleanser (available on Derma Lab Official Store) is known for its ability to clean without stripping the skin’s moisture. Formulated with Derma Mimic complex and amino acids, it strengthens the skin’s barrier and locks in moisture effectively. Moreover, this Derma Lab cleanser is free from colourants, fragrances, and parabens, making this one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore for sensitive skin.
Choose the best facial cleanser in Singapore for your skin type
Finding the best facial cleanser for your skin can be a challenge. We hope our rundown of facial cleansers for all skin types will help you find the perfect fit! When trying out new products, observe your skin and stop immediately if you notice any negative effects. Unsure where to start? Check out our skincare guide for men. And if you’re trying to revamp your skincare routine, check out the best Japanese skincare products to buy and achieve flawlessly radiant skin. Be sure to shop during our Shopee 12.12 Birthday Sale to snag value deals and save more on your purchases!
This article was updated on 24 November 2022. Additional research was done by Shermyn Tan.
