The right facial cleanser can make all the difference for your skin, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. All that sweat, oil, and dirt builds up fast, so a good cleansing is an essential step in your skincare routine. After all, without clean skin, your other products won’t absorb properly. Luckily for you, our team rounded up the best facial cleansers in Singapore, so you can skip the guesswork and pick one that actually works for your skin!
For me, a good facial cleanser is non-negotiable. It’s one of the simplest ways to take care of your skin, especially if you’re not into those ten-step skincare routines. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, oiliness, or a combination of both, your cleanser should help keep things clear and balanced.
We narrowed down the best facial cleansers in Singapore, according to four criteria that help ensure each pick not only cleanses well but also supports your skin’s overall health, without leaving it feeling tight, irritated, or stripped.
| Criteria | What we looked for |
| Cleansing Efficiency | We looked for facial cleansers that removed makeup, dirt, and excess oil effectively, without leaving behind any residue or causing irritation. |
| Non-stripping Formula | We picked formulas that cleansed thoroughly but still left our skin feeling soft, hydrated, and comfortable, not tight or dry. |
| Texture | We also took into account different preferences. Some of us liked gentle, soap-free gels, while others preferred foamy textures for that extra-clean feeling. |
| Active Ingredients | We paid attention to the active ingredients in each cleanser, choosing ones that offered added benefits like calming, hydrating, or clarifying the skin. |
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Benefits: Continuous hydration, reinforces the skin’s natural moisture barrier
Skin Type: Dry to normal skin; Sensitive skin
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a great option for dry or sensitive skin as it’s soap-free, preservative-free, fragrance-free, and designed specifically for intolerant, easily irritated skin. It contains glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol, which maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier, even while cleansing away dirt and oil. My colleague Shermyn even considers it one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore. Here’s her take on it:
Shermyn, user with combination skin: “I’ve been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser on and off for a few years now, and it’s one of those products I always find myself coming back to, especially when my skin feels irritated, dry, or just overwhelmed from testing too many new products. I never have to worry about my skin reacting badly to this cleanser (it’s that reliable!). I have a mild case of eczema, and this is one of the few products that doesn’t trigger any flare-ups.”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Great for removing light makeup, and can be used without rinsing | Not ideal for deep cleansing or removing heavy makeup |
| Non-stripping Formula | Formulated for sensitive skin, so there’s never any stinging or irritation | Because it’s so gentle, it might not do much to control oil for oily skin types |
| Texture | Creamy and smooth texture – almost like a light lotion! | Not ideal if you prefer a foamy, lathering cleanser |
| Active Ingredients | Minimalist, gentle, with mostly non-irritating ingredients | Contains fewer active ingredients, so it may not suit those looking for targeted benefits like acne or oil control |
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Vitamins B5 and E
Benefits: Gentle cleansing, moisturising, maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance
Skin Type: Dry to normal skin; Sensitive skin
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser was my holy grail (HG) for years until I recently switched to their Gentle Foaming Cleanser for its sudsy formula. I love a rich lather, and this one delivers while still being kind to my sensitive skin. Like the original, it’s packed with hydrating glycerin and skin-loving vitamins, which help keep my skin soft and supple as it gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup.
Janica, user with combination skin: “I love that the Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser doubles as a makeup remover, making it one of the best facial cleansers in my book! It’s a great alternative to micellar water or cleansing oils, which I tend to avoid since my skin can react harshly to new or layered products. With this one, I don’t need anything extra to remove mascara or eyeliner, and my skin always feels soft and hydrated after using. Of all the foaming cleansers I’ve tried, this one keeps my skin feeling the most moisturised, despite its sudsy texture.”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Removes daily dirt and pollution that clogs pores, yet skin stays calm and hydrated | You may need to massage the cleanser in for a while to thoroughly deep-clean your pores |
| Non-stripping Formula | Forms a soft lather that cleanses, and leaves skin feeling moisturised | Not the best for managing oil if you have oily skin or T-zone |
| Texture | Soft, sudsy texture that self-lathers with its foaming pump | The pump tends to get stuck sometimes, and I’ve had to pop it back up manually with every bottle I’ve used |
| Active Ingredients | Gentle ingredients that lock in skin moisture | Contains fewer active ingredients, so it doesn’t target oily skin or blemishes |
Active Ingredients: 2% Salicylic acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hectorite Clay
Benefits: Oil control, exfoliates, and helps to prevent future breakouts
Skin Type: Oily and Acne-prone skin
Like I mentioned, I have blemish-prone skin that’s prone to frustrating breakouts. On days when my skin flares up, I add the CERAVE Acne Blemish Control Cleanser into my routine to help manage acne around my oily T-zone. It contains 2% BHA (salicylic acid), which exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells, and helps control sebum, making it great for acne maintenance. It’s one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore for keeping blemishes, clogged pores, and blackheads in check.
Janica, user with combination skin: “I usually turn to this cleanser when I’m breaking out, whether it’s from stress or reacting to a new product. It helps dry out blemishes quickly and reduces cystic acne by clearing out the buildup trapped under my skin. What’s more, the CERAVE Acne Blemish Control Cleanser can be used on the body too! It’s helped me manage stubborn back-ne as well.”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Deep-cleansing and exfoliating without irritation | You’ll need to massage the cleanser thoroughly into your skin to get its full benefits |
| Non-stripping Formula | Its gel formula leaves skin feeling hydrated, even for a blemish control cleanser | Excessive use may lead to dryness, especially if you already deal with dry skin |
| Texture | Lightweight gel formula that doesn’t feel harsh or heavy | Make sure to foam up the cleanser to minimise friction on the skin |
| Active Ingredients | Contains ingredients like salicylic acid and hectorite clay to minimise and prevent blemishes | Salicylic acid may cause skin purging, so you might experience a breakout while your skin heals |
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Soybean Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract
Benefits: Skin pH-friendly, calms and comforts irritated skin
Skin Type: Sensitive skin
We all know (and love) the Senka Perfect Whip line for its rich, foamy lather that feels oh-so velvety on the skin. It’s easily one of the best facial cleansers you can find in Singapore, with a wide range of options that target concerns like dryness and blemishes. That said, one lesser-talked-about variant is the Perfect Whip Calming Cica Low pH Cleansing Foam, but it definitely deserves more attention! Formulated with cica and soybean extract, it soothes and hydrates the skin, leaving it soft, calm, and with that plump, mochi-like bounce. My colleague Caryn swears by this one, and here’s why:
Caryn, user with combination skin: “Tried this cleanser after dealing with irritation and dryness. Nothing seemed to help until I switched to this. I’ve been using this Cica cleansing foam for about 3 months now, and so far it’s been really good for my skin. The texture is lighter, and doesn’t foam up as much compared to the other Perfect Whip cleansers. And, it leaves a very nice moisturising feeling afterwards!”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Extra-gentle cleansing power that removes clogged dirt and sebum | Make sure to whip the cleanser into a foam for even dispersion without the harshness |
| Non-stripping Formula | Safe for sensitive and irritated skin, so it soothes and nourishes the skin barrier | Can be drying for very dry skin types |
| Texture | Lighter texture than most Perfect Whip cleansers, which doesn’t weigh down the skin | Its lighter texture also means a lighter foam, so don’t expect it to have that rich, velvety foam that other Perfect Whip cleansers have |
| Active Ingredients | Japanese soybean extract helps maintain moisture, while cica extract helps soothe the skin | Cica can be a sensitiser, so be sure to do a patch test if you’ve had reactions to Cica before! |
Active Ingredients: Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid
Benefits: Deep, long-lasting hydration
Skin Type: For all skin types
Torriden’s DIVE IN line has gained popularity in the K-beauty community, especially after Hwahae named the DIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Foam Cleanser one of the best facial cleansers for dry and sensitive skin. It’s formulated with 5D Complex Hyaluronic Acid, which helps moisture absorb quickly and deeply, leaving skin plump and healthy-looking. It’s also fuss-free and easy to work into your daily routine. However, it’s not the foamiest cleanser out there, so if you love a thick, velvety lather, this might not be your top pick. My colleague, Jaia, put it to the test, and here’s what she has to say:
Jaia, user with combination skin: “It has a very light and airy consistency with a non-drying formula that left my skin feeling refreshed after [cleansing]. It didn’t make my skin too oily either, so it’s a great facial cleanser for both humid and cold weather!”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Suitable for daily use, even for sensitive skin types. | Not the most effective at removing heavy makeup |
| Non-stripping Formula | Fuss-free and low-irritant, making it easy to integrate into any skincare routine | While hydrating, it may not be enough for very dry or flaky skin on its own |
| Texture | Light, airy consistency that spreads easily and rinses clean without residue | May lack the thick, luxurious lather some people expect from a foam cleanser |
| Active Ingredients | 5D Complex Hyaluronic Acid, offering multi-depth hydration for plumper, more supple skin | May feel too basic for those looking for added benefits |
Active Ingredients: Panthensoside™ (Panthenol + Madecassoside)
Benefits: Hydrates and repairs the skin barrier, soothes irritated skin
Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive and irritated skin
Another one of Caryn’s picks, the ETUDE Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser, stood out for its 10-free formula, meaning it’s free from animal ingredients, mineral oil, fragrance, parabens, and other potential irritants. It’s a gentle, skin-friendly cleanser that helps soothe irritated or sensitive skin while allowing it to breathe and heal. It also contains Panthensoside™, which calms redness and soothes dry skin for extra comfort!
Caryn, user with combination skin: “I used this for a short while as my skin was really sensitive for a period of time. I only got this because this product is known for its 10 Free properties. It’s also known for having a pH that’s similar to what your skin would be. It worked wonders, helping me to cleanse my skin after a long day out and without any irritation as well. My skin felt smooth and prepped for my skincare routine!”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Very gentle cleansing that didn’t leave irritation or tightness | Not ideal for deep cleansing |
| Non-stripping Formula | Non-stripping formula that’s pH balanced to match the skin’s natural acidity, and contains no skin-harming ingredients | May strip moisture in cold, dry weather |
| Texture | Dispenses as foam for a creamy lather | Its light and foamy texture is not ideal for heavy-duty cleansing |
| Active Ingredients | Panthensoside™ helps to hydrate the skin while calming redness and irritation | Does not directly target concerns like acne, oil control, or dryness |
Active Ingredients: Triple Hyaluronic Acid, Pro Vitamin B5
Benefits: Deep cleansing, maintains long-lasting skin hydration
Skin Type: All skin types
I’ve tried most of the CosRx facial cleansers, from the Low pH Good Morning Cleanser to the Pure Fit Cica Cleanser, but the Triple Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cleanser is still my favourite out of the entire line. Its hydrating formula never leaves my skin feeling dry, reddened, or stripped, even with daily use.
Janica, user with combination skin: “I use this facial cleanser on days when I need a deeper cleanse, since I don’t double-cleanse with oil-based products (they tend to trigger breakouts for me). I love the fresh, clean feeling it leaves on my skin, and the rich, fluffy foam feels so luxurious that deep-cleansing starts to feel more like a spa day than a chore. However, the formula is quite rich, so it’s something to be mindful of, especially if you have very sensitive skin. While I do have sensitive skin myself and haven’t had major issues, I still take care not to overuse it, as it could be a bit too much for more reactive skin types.”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Deep yet gentle cleanse that removes excess sebum, makeup, and sunscreen | May still struggle with heavy or waterproof makeup |
| Non-stripping Formula | Doesn’t disturb your moisture barrier, even with daily use | Creamy richness could be too much for highly reactive or compromised skin, especially with frequent use. |
| Texture | Ideal for those who enjoy that rich, creamy foam feel during their skincare routine | Not ideal for those who prefer a simple gel or milky cleanser |
| Active Ingredients | Infused with three types of hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture while cleansing | Doesn’t address specific skin concerns beyond dryness or dehydration |
Active Ingredients: Vitamins B5 + E, Pro Amino Acids
Benefits: Helps strengthen and smooth skin
Skin Type: All skin types
I’m all for minimalist skincare routines, and the Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel Cleanser is a no-frills staple that does exactly what it promises: keeping your skin clean and healthy. My colleague Jena swears by it as her HG, as it clears away oil and impurities after a long day without stripping moisture like typical foaming cleansers. She still double-cleanses for makeup, but since using this, she’s noticed smoother skin and hasn’t needed her spot treatments as often.
Jena, user with combination skin: “What I like about this product compared to the common foaming cleanser is that it doesn’t strip away moisture after washing my face. Since using this product, I can’t recall if I had some random zit on my face for the past 2 months, because my pink powder spot treatment has been left untouched.”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities after a long day | Might not be enough for removing heavy-duty sunscreen or long-wear foundation |
| Non-stripping Formula | Doesn’t strip the skin of moisture, so it’s ideal for sensitive or combination skin | May feel too mild for those who prefer that squeaky-clean finish |
| Texture | Light, runny gel texture, similar to aloe gel | Due to its gel consistency, the cleanser can leak if the cap isn’t fully closed |
| Active Ingredients | Pure, skin-loving ingredients that are kept to a minimum for gentle cleansing | Not targeted for acne, brightening, or oil control |
Active Ingredients: Derma-Clera™, Betaine Amino, AHA, naturally-derived BHA
Benefits: Clears away makeup and blackheads, unclogs pores
Skin Type: For all skin types
Shermyn switched to the MAKE P:REM Safe Me Amino Refresh Cleansing Balm after discovering it on TikTok, and it’s been her go-to ever since. Its smooth, buttery texture melts away even long-wearing makeup with ease, without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Once emulsified, it transforms into a milky solution, making it one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore for anyone looking for a soap-free, skin-friendly option.
Shermyn, user with combination skin: “This cleansing balm is my go-to on days when I wear heavy makeup and need to double cleanse. I love how it melts easily, glides on smoothly, and rinses off cleanly with warm water. Plus, it has a subtle minty scent that feels really refreshing and makes for a nice way to start my nighttime routine.”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Effective in breaking down heavy makeup, including concealer, blush, contour, and long-wear lipstick | Although marketed to help with blackheads, no noticeable results in that area (at least for Shermyn) |
| Non-stripping Formula | Soap-free formula, so it leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable, never tight or dry | May not be ideal for oily or very sensitive skin |
| Texture | Thick, buttery balm texture melts into skin easily, and rinses off cleanly with warm water | If you don’t like the feel of oil-based products, the initial balmy texture might not be ideal |
| Active Ingredients | Made with amino acid-derived cleansing agents that are extra gentle on skin | Think of it more as a maintenance cleanser than a treatment step |
Active Ingredients: 243Da Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, SYN-COLL
Benefits: Boosts collagen production, improves skin elasticity, tightens pores
Skin Type: All skin types
The Biodance Collagen Mask to Foam Cleanser has been on my radar for a while now, so I finally gave it a go and tested it for over a week. Thankfully, it didn’t trigger any breakouts, and I was pleasantly surprised by how hydrating (and fun) this cleanser was! Like the rest of the Biodance Collagen line, this cleanser features ultra-low molecular collagen that absorbs quickly to boost elasticity, along with SYN-COLL, which helps tighten pores and improve overall skin texture.
Janica, user with combination skin: “I tested it both as a pore-cleansing mask and a regular foam cleanser, and personally, I preferred using it as a foam. My skin did feel more moisturised when I used it as a mask, but since I usually hydrate in later steps, I didn’t find it essential. That said, it gave my skin a glassy, bouncy finish I really liked. Still, it might be the best facial cleanser for you if you’re after a more minimal routine, since it cleanses and hydrates in one step.”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Great for preparing your skin for serums, moisturisers, or masks | No need to keep it on like a mask if you’re just using it as a cleanser |
| Non-stripping Formula | You’ll feel that hydrated, bouncy QQ texture after cleansing | Avoid leaving it on your skin for longer than 3 minutes, as it may still cause dryness |
| Texture | Thick, “gelato-like” texture that doubles as a mask | When applied as a mask, it can feel quite heavy and difficult for the skin to breathe |
| Active Ingredients | Ultra-low molecular collagen absorbs deep into your pores | Its active ingredients can make oily skin appear even shinier |
Active Ingredients: High-purity soymilk isoflavone
Benefits: Brightens and hydrates skin
Skin Type: Oily to normal skin
Here’s one of the best facial cleansers in Singapore that’s often overlooked: The Sana Soy Milk Moist Cleansing Wash! Recommended by Jaia, this gentle yet effective cleanser is enriched with soybean extract to help keep skin bright, smooth, and hydrated. Its creamy, foamy texture breaks down makeup, oil, and daily grime with ease, offering a satisfying cleanse without the tight, squeaky feel that harsh cleansers leave behind.
Jaia, user with combination skin: “I love this facial cleanser because it’s non-drying, yet it removes makeup, oils, and impurities so well! The soymilk [extract] keeps my skin smooth and bouncy. It lathers up nicely but feels lighter than other foam cleansers, so there’s no heaviness or friction. It’s perfect for removing a full face of makeup after a long day.”
| Criteria | What we liked | What to keep in mind |
| Cleansing Efficiency | Great for end-of-day cleansing | May require a follow-up cleanser for waterproof makeup |
| Non-stripping Formula | Feels gentle and refreshing, and doesn’t leave a tight, squeaky finish | Can be drying over time, especially for dry or dehydrated skin types |
| Texture | Creamy foam lathers well without being too thick or heavy | May feel slightly drying if your skin barrier is already compromised |
| Active Ingredients | Contains soybean extract, known for its hydrating, brightening, and smoothing benefits | Primarily focused on cleansing, with no treatment-focused ingredients |
Finding your ideal facial cleanser can be a challenge, as you need to consider your skin type and your preferences before you pick the right one. Still, we hope our rundown of the best facial cleansers in Singapore can help you find one that matches your skin type! Looking for more skin-loving products? Check out the best facial toners in Singapore that will upgrade your skincare routine, or read through our in-depth review of the Reedle Shot 100 to see if this product is for you. Find more of our tried and tested reviews on your favourite beauty products for more skincare recommendations. We’ve done the testing, now it’s your turn to glow!
This article was updated on 14 July 2025. Additional research was done by Janica Ng.
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