Cleansing isn't exactly the most glamorous step in any skincare routine – but it is certainly one of the most important. After all, it is vital to start with a fresh, clean canvas before layering on any toner, serum, moisturiser or mask afterward.
So what makes a facial cleanser good great? It should wash away dirt without a trace, melt makeup, and leave your skin feeling clean but never over-stripped. To make your daily cleansing routine a little more effective (and enjoyable), we tested a variety of options on the market to bring you our top choices that do the job seamlessly.
Read on for our pick of the best cleansers in Singapore for different skin types – be it oily, acne-prone, normal or dry.
Photo from Porcelain Skincare
Best Cleanser For Acne-Prone Skin: Porcelain Skincare Deep Cleansing Gel
We love a multi-tasking product and this winning cleanser is simply hard to beat. It is packed with a bevy of skin-loving ingredients such as papaya and bladderwrack extract that remove impurities, slough away dead skin cells, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, the combination of chamomile, cucumber, aloe vera, oleanolic acid, and soy amino acids work together to hydrate and restores your skin’s natural pH level.
Get it here.
Photo from Origins
Best Cleanser For Oily Skin: Origins Clear Improvement™ Zero Oil Active Charcoal Detoxifying Cleanser to Clear Pores
Goodbye, greasiness; hello clear and balanced skin! This gel-to-foam cleanser is a must-try for those with congested, oily skin. The oil-fighting duo of salicylic acid and bamboo charcoal reduces excess shine and detoxifies without leaving the skin too dry or tight.
Get it here.
Photo from Avène
Best Cleanser For Normal Skin: Avène Eau Thermale Gel Moussant Soapless Foaming Gel
Soapless cleansers typically don't lather up effectively but Avène's winning formula foams up reasonably well and left our tester's skin feeling fresh and clean without stripping it of its natural oils. In fact, our tester's skin felt even softer and more moisturised after cleansing.
Get it here.
Photo from Neogen Dermalogy
*Editor's Pick*
Best Cleanser For Normal Skin: Neogen Dermalogy Wine Lift PHA Gauze Peeling Pads
A peeling pad as a cleanser? Don't knock it til you've tried it. This product by Neogen Dermalogy is a winner in our books, thanks to its unique, multi-tasking formulation. Each cotton pad is soaked with peptides, PHA, AHA, BHA, and LHA, as well as wine polyphenols to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish and revitalise the skin with just a few swipes on the skin.
Get it here.
Photo from Curél
Best Cleanser For Dry Skin: Curél Foaming Facial Wash
Most foam cleansers do the job a bit too well, leaving your face feeling dry and tight. That's not the case for this foaming wash by Curél. It is designed specifically to protect the natural lipids in dry, sensitive skin, while providing a thorough clean.
Get it here.
Photo from EVERSOFT
Best Cleanser Under $30: EVERSOFT Hydra Nature RiceBiotics Facial Cleanser
Ringing in at only $11, this EVERSOFT cleanser gives you more bang for your buck. Its gentle and lightweight formula effectively removes dirt and oil. We also love that it left our skin feeling plump and hydrated, thanks to the Korean Rice Water Extract and Natural Prebiotics.
Get it here.
Photo from FOREO
Best Cleanser Worth The Splurge: FOREO Micro-Foam Cleanser
At $79, consider this cleanser a luxurious treat for your skin. What makes it worth every dollar of its price tag is its effective formulation that cleanses and replenishes your skin at the same. The delicate micro-foam works to lift impurities away from the pores, while skin-replenishing amino acids and vitamin E add to the overall pampering experience. Whether used alone or together with FOREO's facial cleansing device, your skin will thank you anyway.
Get it here.
