Put your best face forward with these facial cleansers for all skin types...
When it comes to skincare routines, the first (and crucial) step is selecting the right facial cleanser. Washing it away after mere seconds of massaging may not seem like much, but trust us (and the many dermatologists who agree) – a good cleanser will target all your skin concerns, and effectively whisk away grime and makeup.
First things first: Identify your skin type and its needs. For instance, dry skin may need an oil or cream-based face wash, while sensitive skin requires mild and soothing formulas to fight inflammation. To help you get the best skin of your life, we pick cleansers for every skin type.
Best cleansers for all skin types
For sensitive skin
Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap
Enriched with the goodness of marine plant extracts, this creamy face wash is gentle on your skin while keeping it fresh and hydrated. The seaweed grains also helps to gently buff the skin, leaving you with a brighter complexion. Tip: Make sure you remove all makeup with a heavy-duty makeup remover before applying this gel cleanser.
Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap, $22 for 236ml, available at Sephora.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Infused with rosewater and cucumber extract, you can be sure that your sensitive skin won’t be acting out the day after. This amino-rich gel cleanser helps to restore elasticity in your skin while removing the nasty gunk, without stripping off moisture.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $63 for 150ml, Available at all Fresh boutiques.
For oily skin
Eve Lom Cleanser
Described by Vogue as “the best cleanser in the world”, this balm cleanser deep cleanses without stripping it off its natural moisture and removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. Four plant oils make up most of its formula: Clove for blemish-free skin, eucalyptus to remove toxins, hops to tone and Egyptian chamomile to soothe and soften.
Eve Lom Cleanser, £85 for 200ml (approx $152), available online.
Aesop Amazing Face Cleanser
Great-smelling citrus-based botanicals infused into this low-foaming gel cleanser makes this a treat to use even after the longest day. It thoroughly removes dirt and oil from your skin and absorbs excess sebum.
Aesop Amazing Face Cleanser, $65 for 200ml, available at all Aesop locations.
For acne-prone skin
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
It is believed that tea tree oil helps to reduce inflammation caused by acne and that’s why we love this range. Use it every day for blemish-free skin alongside the toner! And extra brownie points ‘cos it’s 100% vegan!
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, $21 for 250ml, available at all The Body Shop stores.
Vichy Phytosolution – Intensive Purifying Gel
Loaded with probiotics and minerals like zinc and copper, this cleanser helps to mattify acne-prone skin throughout the day. It also claims that sebum production is reduced to 94% after the first wash. Another thing to take note of is the 5.5 PH value which is ideal for our skin – in fact, it’s the perfect value!
Vichy Phytosolution – Intensive Purifying Gel, available on Lazada.
For dry skin
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
If you’re new to cleansing oils, don’t be put off by this cleanser’s texture – it intensely hydrates while removing any grime. It’s made with eight natural botanical oils which promise to reduce pore visibility and wrinkle formation and improve skin elasticity.
Shu Uemura ultime8 sublime beauty cleansing oil, $65 for 150 ml, or $165 for 450 ml, available at Shu Uemura stores.
Bioderma Atoderm Huile de douche
Not only does this ultra-gentle oil cleanser strengthen your skin barrier from deep within, it also offers long-lasting hydration and prevents dryness while soothing any feeling of tightness.
Bioderma Atoderm Huile de douche, $39.90 for 1 litre, available at Guardian.
For normal to combination skin
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
The blend of calendula and plant-based glycerin gives this cleanser a creamy gel texture which turns into a rich foam when mixed with water. Its pleasant floral smell doesn’t hurt either.
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, $49 for 230ml, available at all Kiehl’s stores.
K Sisters IWLT Rice Oil Foam Cleanser
As fans of Queen Bey, we can’t ignore the catchy name of this cleanser. Plus, it’s not just the moniker that caught our attention. Formulated with rice bran extract (helps to open pores and restore pH levels), mari anti toxin (absorbs impurities) and other skin-nourishing ingredients, the oil-foam cleanser gives you a squeaky-clean feeling. Also removes makeup and other build up.
K Sisters IWLT Rice Oil Foam Cleanser, $48, available online
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Upon application, this solid balm transforms into a silky oil. Not only does it remove the most stubborn makeup, it also cleanses skin thoroughly, leaving it non-greasy and non-dry.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, $15 for 30ml, available at Clinique counters and stores including Sephora ION and BHG Bugis.
