Looking for the best cleansers and exfoliators in Singapore? Whether you want a gentle daily face wash, a brightening cleanser, or an exfoliator that smooths texture and unclogs pores, the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2026 winners were selected based on real performance – tested by editors, evaluated by experts, and voted by 695 readers.
From low-pH cleansers that protect the skin barrier to cult-favourite exfoliants that refine pores and boost radiance, these are the formulas that truly stood out this year.
- How the Winners Were Chosen
- What Are the Best Brightening Cleansers in Singapore?
- What Are the Best Affordable Cleansers for All Skin Types in Singapore?
- What Are the Best Premium Cleansers for All Skin Types in Singapore?
- What Are the Best Luxury Cleansers for All Skin Types in Singapore?
- What Are the Best Leave-On Exfoliators in Singapore?
- What Are the Best Wash-Off Exfoliators in Singapore?
- What We Noticed Across This Year’s Winners
- How to Choose the Right Cleanser or Exfoliator
- Quick Answers: Best Cleansers and Exfoliators
How the Winners Were Chosen
Every winner in the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2026 earned its badge through a rigorous selection process – not popularity alone.
Editor’s Choice winners were personally evaluated and selected by our Editorial Director, Kristen Juliet Soh, and Regional Editor, Jade Yeo, based on performance, formulation, innovation, and value.
Top row (L-R): Dr Xu Rong Rong, Dr Sy Li Lin, Dr Ray Loh, Dr Ivan Puah | Bottom row (L-R): Serene Seah-Ma, Teo Shiyun, Ginger Lynette Leong, Benedict Choo
Experts’ Choice winners were handpicked by our trusted panel of professionals:
- Dr Xu Rong Rong from The Urban Clinic
- Dr Sy Li Lin and Dr Ray Loh from Fundamental Aesthetic Medical Clinic
- Dr Ivan Puah, Medical Director of Amaris B. Clinic
- Serene Seah-Ma, Founder and Director of Freia Aesthetics
- Teo Shiyun, Co-founder of Picasso Hair Studio
- Makeup artist Ginger Lynette Leong
- Makeup artist Benedict Choo
Readers’ Choice winners were voted by 695 DV readers, based on their genuine personal experiences.
Finally, our Highly Commended picks are dependable favourites strongly endorsed by both our experts and community.
What Are the Best Brightening Cleansers in Singapore?
Brightening cleansers help refresh dull skin while removing daily impurities. These formulas stood out for their ability to gently cleanse while improving radiance and evening out skin tone.
But Better Beauty Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Mousse Editor’s Choice!
What it does:
This cloud-like cleansing mousse gently cleanses with minimal friction while refreshing skin. Infused with vitamin C and barrier-supporting ingredients, it brightens and soothes, while the optional antibacterial brush offers mild exfoliation for added glow without irritation.
Where to purchase:
- Shopee (S$42, 100ml) Tap in to view the latest price!
- TikTok (S$42, 100ml) Tap in to view the latest price!
Bio-essence Bio-Gold 24K Liquid Radiance Cleanser Readers’ Choice! Experts’ Choice!
What it does:
A gentle yet effective daily cleanser that removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping skin. It helps rebalance skin’s pH, control excess sebum, and boost radiance, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and refreshed after every wash.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$24.90, 100ml)
Alluora Brightening Cleanser Highly Commended!
What it does:
Formulated with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and arbutin, this cleanser targets dullness and uneven skin tone while cleansing gently. It helps fade dark spots, boost radiance, and maintain hydration for a brighter, smoother complexion with daily use.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$98, 100ml)
What Are the Best Affordable Cleansers for All Skin Types in Singapore?
Effective cleansers don’t have to be expensive. These affordable picks impressed readers and experts with their gentle yet thorough cleansing while keeping skin balanced and comfortable.
Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser Readers’ Choice! Experts’ Choice!
What it does:
A gentle, low-pH gel cleanser that cleanses effectively without compromising the skin barrier. Infused with green plum water and mung bean extract, it refreshes, lightly exfoliates, and leaves skin feeling soft, balanced, and comfortably hydrated after every wash.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$20.80, 100ml)
Vytle Gentle Moisturising Cleanser Editor’s Choice!
What it does:
A creamy, non-foaming cleanser formulated for even the most sensitive skin. Made with 95% natural-origin ingredients, it cleanses without stripping moisture and is gentle enough for all ages, making it a fuss-free essential for the whole family.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$24.90, 450ml)
ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato 5.0 Gentle Skin Cleanser Highly Commended!
What it does:
This low-pH cleanser removes impurities while reinforcing the skin barrier with Soy Ceramide™. Its micro-foam texture cleanses gently yet thoroughly, leaving skin soothed, hydrated, and balanced – ideal for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$15, 250ml)
What Are the Best Premium Cleansers for All Skin Types in Singapore?
Premium cleansers often combine advanced ingredients with a luxurious cleansing experience. These formulas cleanse deeply while hydrating and supporting the skin barrier.
OUAI Detox Face Cleanser Readers’ Choice! Highly Commended!
What it does:
A deep-cleansing yet non-stripping face wash that tackles sweat, oil, and makeup effortlessly. Formulated with niacinamide and gentle exfoliating acids, it clarifies skin while maintaining hydration and comfort for a clean, refreshed finish.
Where to purchase:
Sephora (S$51, 231ml)
Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser Experts’ Choice!
What it does:
This nutrient-rich gel-to-foam cleanser deeply cleanses while delivering intense hydration. Powered by silk amino acids, antioxidant oils, and vitamin C, it leaves skin soft, supple, and perfectly prepped – especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin.
Where to purchase:
Sephora (S$56, 100ml)
Saya Cleansing Gel Editor’s Choice!
What it does:
A lightweight, pH-balanced gel cleanser that purifies without irritation. Infused with Kakadu plum, chamomile, and marshmallow, it soothes, hydrates, and gently removes excess oil, making it an easy, everyday cleanse for all skin types.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$56.40, 190ml)
What Are the Best Luxury Cleansers for All Skin Types in Singapore?
Luxury cleansers elevate the cleansing step with nourishing ingredients and sensorial textures. These picks stood out for leaving skin refreshed, soft, and radiant.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cleansing Foam Readers’ Choice! Highly Commended!
What it does:
A luxurious cleansing foam infused with Sulwhasoo’s ginseng complexes to deeply cleanse while supporting skin firmness and hydration. It refreshes and revitalises stressed skin, leaving it supple, luminous, and comfortably balanced after each use.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$52, 200ml)
OSEA Ocean Cleanser Experts’ Choice!
What it does:
This pH-balanced gel cleanser gently exfoliates while removing impurities and excess oil. Enriched with mineral-rich seaweed, it refines pores and boosts hydration, leaving skin clear, refreshed, and naturally radiant with continued use.
Where to purchase:
Pure Tincture Organic Beauty (S$74, 150ml)
EVE LOM Cleansing Oil Editor’s Choice!
What it does:
A sensorial cleansing oil that effortlessly dissolves makeup, SPF, and daily impurities. Infused with nourishing oils and barrier-supporting ingredients, it cleanses deeply yet gently, leaving skin soft, balanced, and radiant without residue.
Where to purchase:
Sephora (S$95, 150ml)
What Are the Best Leave-On Exfoliators in Singapore?
Leave-on exfoliants work gradually to refine skin texture, unclog pores, and improve clarity. These winners deliver effective exfoliation while remaining gentle enough for regular use.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Readers’ Choice! Experts’ Choice! Editor’s Choice!
What it does:
This cult-favourite exfoliating toner unclogs pores, controls oil, and smooths skin with 2% salicylic acid. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it boosts cell turnover, refines texture, and leaves skin clearer, brighter, and makeup-ready with consistent use.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$56, 118ml)
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum Highly Commended!
What it does:
A powerful AHA/BHA night serum that resurfaces congested skin overnight. It lifts dead skin cells, smooths texture, and refines pores while improving tone and radiance, making it a go-to for dull, uneven, or textured skin.
Where to purchase:
Sephora (S$137, 30ml | S$205, 50ml)
What Are the Best Wash-Off Exfoliators in Singapore?
Wash-off exfoliators provide instant smoothing and radiance. These formulas polish away dead skin cells while maintaining skin comfort and balance.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator Readers’ Choice! Highly Commended!
What it does:
This iconic rice-based powder exfoliant activates with water to gently polish skin. It brightens, smooths uneven texture, and helps refine pores while soothing ingredients keep skin calm – gentle enough for daily use across all skin types.
Where to purchase:
Shopee (S$119, 74g)
Smoovee Skin Exfoliator Experts’ Choice!
What it does:
Powered by AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, this gentle exfoliator removes dead skin cells and clears pores without irritation. Suitable even for sensitive skin, it reveals a smoother, more luminous complexion while maintaining skin comfort and balance.
Where to purchase:
Smoovee Skin outlets (S$58, 200ml)
Dolce&Gabbana Nouri-Lip Berry Scrub Editor’s Choice!
What it does:
A luxurious lip exfoliator that gently smooths and moisturises lips in one step. Its melting texture buffs away flakes without harshness, leaving lips soft, hydrated, and perfectly prepped for flawless lipstick application.
Where to purchase:
Tangs (S$57)
What We Noticed Across This Year’s Winners
- Low-pH and barrier-friendly cleansers dominated, reflecting growing awareness of skin barrier health.
- Gentle exfoliation remains a key trend, with AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs appearing across many winners.
- Hydrating ingredients like ceramides, amino acids, and botanical extracts were common, helping prevent dryness after cleansing.
- Brightening ingredients such as niacinamide and vitamin C continue to gain popularity in daily cleansers.
How to Choose the Right Cleanser or Exfoliator
- For oily or acne-prone skin → Gel cleansers and BHA exfoliants
- For dry skin → Cream cleansers and hydrating formulas
- For sensitive skin → Low-pH cleansers and gentle exfoliants
- For dull or uneven skin → Brightening cleansers and AHA exfoliants
- For clogged pores → Salicylic acid (BHA) exfoliants
Quick Answers: Best Cleansers and Exfoliators
What are the best cleansers in Singapore?
Top cleansers from the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2026 include But Better Beauty Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Mousse, Vytle Gentle Moisturising Cleanser, and Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cleansing Foam.
What is the best exfoliator for clogged pores?
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is widely recognised for unclogging pores and controlling excess oil.
Which exfoliator is gentle enough for regular use?
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a popular choice for gentle daily exfoliation while smoothing skin texture.
What cleanser is best for sensitive skin?
Low-pH cleansers such as Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser and Vytle Gentle Moisturising Cleanser help cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier.
What ingredients help brighten skin while cleansing?
Brightening cleansers often contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and arbutin to help improve radiance and even skin tone.
