When it comes to skincare, cleansing is non-negotiable — especially in Singapore’s hot, humid climate. Between the relentless heat, city pollution, frequent sun exposure, and alternating between air-conditioned environments our skin needs more than just a basic face wash to stay clear, balanced, and healthy.
Whether you’re battling midday oiliness, clogged pores, or dry patches from too much air-conditioning, the right face cleanser can make all the difference.
Ahead, we round up the best face cleansers to use in Singapore, so your skin can look and feel its best, whatever the weather.
Best Face Cleansers To Try
But Better Brighter Beginnings Vitamin C + Refreshing Cleansing Mousse
Best for: All-rounded, especially brightening
Why Singapore users love it: Sensorial experience, thanks to fluffy foam and citrus scent; leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed
Pore care, brightening, and hydration, this cleanser seems to do it all. It also dispenses as a fluffy foam that allows you to cleanse gently without hassle.
What’s more, it comes with an attached anti-bacterial brush that allows you to exfoliate once to twice a week effortlessly – saving you time and money in your cleansing routine.
The result? More radiant, youthful-looking skin that feels refreshed and plump.
But Better Brighter Beginnings Vitamin C + Refreshing Cleansing Mousse retails for S$42 and at Shopee.
Uriage Hyseac Anti-Blemish Cleansing Gel
Best for: Oily skin and acne-prone skin
Why Singapore users love it: Keep skin mattified so there’s no midday shine
This face cleanser absorbs excess sebum, making it a great option for those with combination to oily skin.
The best part? The mattifying effect continues so you enjoy shine-free comfort even after midday.
Uriage Hyseac Mat Mattifying Gel-Cream retails for S$34.90 at Watsons.
Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Pore Purify’r Gel Cleanser
Best for: Pore care
Why Singapore users love it: Lightweight gel cleanser with a pleasant scent
If you’re most concerned with improving the look of pores, this cleanser is definitely what you should look out for.
Lightweight and refreshing, the cleanser is also has a juicy Barbados Cherry-inspired scent that soothes your senses.
Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Pore Purify’r Gel Cleanser retails for S$51 at Sephora.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cleansing Foam
Best for: Dry skin
Why Singapore users love it: Easy to lather, and leaves skin feeling hydrated
Infused with Blue Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and Wild Mint to soothe, this creamy cleanser is able to melt down makeup and sunscreen too.
A hydrating formula, it leaves dry skin feeling less parched and more plump.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cleansing Foam retails for S$39 at all Laneige boutiques and counters, as well as Sephora.
Shu Uemura Ultime8∞ Cleansing Foam
Best for: Anti-ageing
Why Singapore users love it: Create dense foam that rinses off easily
You probably have already heard of the Ultime8∞ Cleansing Oil; the popular cleansing oil has a partner in cleansing foam format, and helps removes dirt, sebum, and residue of makeup. You can consider it the second step of your double-cleansing routine!
Thanks to its luxurious texture, it reduces tugs at the skin so it prevents additional wrinkles for appearing.
Shu Uemura Ultime8∞ Cleansing Foam retails for S$60 at Shu Uemura boutiques and counters, as well as Sephora.
Evereden Kids Multi-Vitamin Face Wash Cool Peach
Best for: Sharing in a family with young children
Why Singapore users love it: Gentle formula that can be used by adults and children alike
Designed to be gentle enough for children to use, this cleanser removes excess sebum, dirt, and impurities, while supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
Enriched with vitamins and coconut water, it nourishes the skin so it feels good even while it’s deeply cleansed.
Evereden Kids Multi-Vitamin Face Wash Cool Peach retails for S$37 at Sephora.
How To Use a Face Cleanser?
Start by wetting your face with lukewarm water. Dispense a small amount of cleanser into your palms and gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions for about 30 to 60 seconds.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow up with your usual skincare routine while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.
Can You Use Two Cleansers at the Same Time?
You can certainly do so, especially if you’re doing a double cleanse.
Typically, an oil-based cleanser is used first to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and impurities.
This two-step method ensures a deeper, more thorough clean without stripping your skin.
How Long Should I Leave Cleanser on My Face?
You don’t need to leave cleanser on your skin for too long — about 30 to 60 seconds is ideal. This gives the ingredients enough time to lift away dirt and oils without over-drying or irritating your skin.
Some treatment cleansers (like those with exfoliating acids) may have different instructions, so it’s always good to check the label.
Is Cleanser Enough To Remove Sunscreen?
Well, it depends on the type of sunscreen you use.
Lightweight, water-based sunscreens may be removed with a good cleanser, but if you’re using water-resistant or heavy-duty formulas, a first cleanse with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water is recommended to ensure all residue is properly broken down and washed away.
Featured images taken from @fentyskin and @byebeckyyy
