Cleansers are an absolute essential in every person’s skincare arsenal. This is why you’ll be hard-pressed to hear anyone who claims not to have a cleanser.
So if you’re looking for a new cleanser or if your past cleanser just isn’t working out for you – you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve categorised 23 of the best cleansers for all kinds of skin types: from cleansers for oily skin to face washes that sensitive skin will love to get you started on the right footing in nailing the perfect skincare routine.
All Skin Types
Senka Perfect Whip
Senka’s Perfect Whip has been the number one facial cleanser in Japan for 14 consecutive years now, and for a good reason. Its affordable price doesn’t keep it from giving you a “Massara Suppin” complexion: clear, bright, and beautiful bare skin.
How? The cleanser is formulated with Nomitsu Technology that effortlessly whips up a rich, dense, cushiony foam that’s packed with microscopic bubbles, which remove invisible dirt, fine dust and particles (PM2.5), as well as dead cells to reveal clear, supple bare skin.
Packed with naturally-derived Japanese white silk cocoon essence to protect and smooth your skin, the formula is also boosted with double hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture even after you cleanse.
On top of that, Senka’s unique Aqua-in-Pool ingredient strengthens your skin’s barrier and shields it from daily environmental damage.
Left to right: Perfect Whip Collagen-in, Perfect Whip Acne Care, Perfect Whip White Clay, Perfect Whip Fresh, Perfect Whip White, Perfect Whip Berry Bright
Besides the original Perfect Whip Cleanser, Senka has also added six other variants to the range that cater to different skin concerns and types.
These include the Perfect Whip Collagen-in, which contains Collagen and Beauty Serum for firm and supple skin, and the Perfect Whip Acne Care, which is enriched with salicylic acid to unclog pores.
There’s also the Perfect Whip White Clay, which gently purifies the skin, and Perfect Whip Fresh, which uses Uji Green Tea to remove excess sebum from the skin. Not to mention, there’s the Perfect Whip White uses Fuji Sakura Essence to brighten the skin.
The latest addition to Senka’s range of foaming cleansers is the Perfect Whip Berry Bright! The formula within the lovely berry-toned tube contains actual red berries extracts like raspberries and cranberries, which help to energise the skin. Yes, you’ll be one step closer to brighter skin and a natural rosy flush.
Senka Perfect Whip range retails from S$8.90 to S$9 at Watsons, Guardian, Welcia-BHG, NTUC FairPrice.
The Moisturizers Co. Glow Renew Moist Cleanser
This gentle cleanser could be your next favourite step in your skincare routine! Not only does it cleanse effectively, but it’s also well tolerated even by those with reactive or sensitive skin.
Known for its clinically proven and barrier-repairing skincare, The Moisturizers Co. offers products with exceptionally delicate textures that can penetrate deep into your skin to treat any of your compromised skin needs.
This daily essential cleanser has a moist gel texture that’s soap-free, fragrance-free, non-foaming, and non-irritating.
Formulated with mild and hydrating Gluconolactone (PHA), the Glow Renew Moist Cleanser gently lifts off dead skin cells while conditioning your skin with antioxidants.
It also helps to remove excess oil and improves the appearance of fine lines and discolouration. Meanwhile, Panthenol helps with wound healing and skin irritations like eczema.
With this ultimate cleanser in your beauty regimen, your skin will be in its very best shape within three to six months!
For a more elevated routine and recharged skin, use The Moisturizers Co.’s Glow Renew Soothing Toner and PURE+ Hyaluronic Acid Serum after cleansing.
The Moisturizers Co. Glow Renew Moist Cleanser retails for S$52 at themoisturizers.co and Shopee.
Normal to Dry Skin
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Mild)
Fantastic for people with dry-combination skin types, this cleanser not only gently exfoliates your skin without aggravating its dryness, it also ensures it doesn’t strip your skin of its moisture.
Sounds like the mark of a product that can be labelled as the best cleanser you can find.
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Mild) retails at S$44 (200ml) and is available at Sephora retail outlets, free-standing Clinique retail outlets and counters. It is also available at Sephora.sg.
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Foam Cleanser
You may have heard of its holy grail-worthy toner. You know – the one that has a premium label stuck to it with claims that it is infused with five types of hyaluronic acid?
Its hyaluronic foam cleanser may not be as famous as the toner, but is a hidden gem well-loved by its users. With an impressive 5/5 star rating on Amazon and Watsons, this cleanser is infused with four types of hyaluronic acid to replenish and preserve essential moisture in the skin to visibly improve skin texture. You’ll be left with softer, more supple and hydrated skin in no time!
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Foam Cleanser retails at S$17.10 (160ml) and is available at all Guardian and Watsons retail outlets. It is also available online at Lazada.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Highly raved in the US beauty community on Reddit, the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is the perfect solution to sufferers of dry or dehydrated skin.
Intensely moisturising, it is also soap-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and non-comedogenic. Infused with rosewater that’s soothing and gentle, it is safe for eyes and those who wear contact lenses.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser retails at S$38 and is available on Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
A cleanser that the r/SkincareAddiction subreddit absolutely swears by as holy grail-worthy, not only is it fairly affordable at SGD22.54 for 355ml, it also contains the hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate skin.
Heck, one reviewer on Ulta even called it ‘cleansing perfection in a bottle’! The only con? The CeraVe cleanser is rather inaccessible, only available on iHerb – total bummer!
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser retails at S$19.50 (473ml) and is available online at Amazon.
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser
Enriched with charcoal, which gives it its black appearance, this cleanser is great for those who suffer from enlarged pores, dull complexion, and greasy skin.
Besides charcoal, this cleanser also contains Vitamin P, an active component in citrus peel, Vitamin C, and exfoliating glycolic acid. Together, these ingredients help skin look smoother, brighter, and more clarified. Most importantly, it also keeps acne at bay.
Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser retails at SGD54 (150ml) and is available at Sephora retail outlets.
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Foam Wash
Highly raved about online for how effective it is, this is a formula that is not only clinically tested, but also one that can be trusted for sure.
Loved for its paraben-free, fragrance-free formula, this is one of the best cleansers for removing excess sebum without overly irritating your skin. Plus, it’s also specially designed for acne-prone skin – so say goodbye to breakouts!
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Foam Wash retails at S$33.92 (237ml) and is available at Raffles Health Clinic and the National Health Group (NHG) polyclinics.
Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser
This is a foam-free cleanser that soothes and hydrates skin while delivery powerful anti-bacterial benefits. Besides keeping shine at bay, it also prevents breakouts.
Formulated with soothing ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera, and thyme, this cleanser is also great at helping your skin recover faster from icky acne.
Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser retails at S$63 (200ml) and is available at Sephora retail outlets and Sephora.sg.
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
Gentle and mattifying, this cleanser is great for those looking to keep oil levels at bay and to rid of yucky clogged pores.
Formulated with key ingredients like Amazonian White Clay, which is known for its detoxifying and exfoliating properties, and Aloe Barbadensis to hydrate and soothe the skin, this cleanser will have you parading your dewy, clear skin with new-found confidence in no time. One of the best cleansers in the market? You bet!
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser retails at S$44 (150ml) and is available at all free-standing Kiehl’s retail outlets and counters.
Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser
Think skincare for acne-prone and oily skin and Mario Badescu is a name that would probably pop up. And one of the most talked about products from them? This cleanser.
Infused with powerful anti-acne agent salicylic acid, it treats existing pimples AND prevents future breakouts. To help soothe irritable skin, the product is also packed with aloe vera and chamomile that calms inflamed skin.
Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser retails at S$34 (177ml) and is available at Sephora retail outlets and Sephora.sg.
Sensitive Skin
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Highly raved about on Sephora’s review page with a total of 10,000 reviews and an average of a 4.5/5 star rating, this cleanser is loved even by reviewers with chronic, easily irritable sensitive skin. They LOVED how this product felt on their skin and how it was one of the only products not to break them out. How awesome does that sound?
It has a light, refreshing scent that is loved by many, and it leaves skin feeling fresh and supple after each use. Fragrance-free with a light, refreshing scent, and leaving the skin fresh and supple after each use.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser retails at S$25 (50ml) and S$65 (150ml) and retails at Sephora retail outlets and free standing Fresh retail outlets. It is also available online at Sephora.sg.
Burt’s Bees Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, Fragrance-free
Burt’s Bees may be more well-known for its yummy-smelling lip balms, but its cleanser for sensitive skin is not one to be overlooked.
Soap-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, this cleanser is loved for its ultra gentle and non-irritant formula, while also leaving their face feeling refreshed and clean after.
Burt’s Bees Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, Fragrance-free retails at S$36 (170g) and is available at Sephora retail outlets and Sephora.sg.
Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Those with sensitive skin would know to stay clear of SLS, fragrance, and essential oils – and this cleanser is free from all of them. With a unique blend of mild surfactants to keep excess oil, pollutants, and other grime at bay throughout the day, this is the perfect cleanser to get if your skin is easily irritated.
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser retails at S$51 (150ml) and is available at selected Sephora outlets and Sephora.sg.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Softening Foaming Gel
As a brand that has been in the skincare industry for over 150 years now, you bet La Roche-Posay knows their stuff.
Soap-free, preservative-free, fragrance-free and built specifically for intolerant, easily irritated skin, this cleanser has been highly recommended by dermatologists for its gentle and non-stripping formula.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Softening Foaming Gel retails at S$39.25 (150ml) and is available at selected Watsons and Guardian retail outlets, and Watsons online.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
One bottle of Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O is sold every second worldwide – and for a good reason. Ideal for sensitive and irritated skin, it’s formulated to soothe while it removes eye and face makeup in one step. Although it’s being touted as an ideal makeup remover, this micellar water works just as well as a non-rinse facial cleanser for convenience.
The pH 5.5 formula contains high-quality micelles that are made up of a single and gentle non-ionic surfactant called glycerol ester, a fatty acid ester that’s similar to lipids (a.k.a. fats) already present in your skin. It’s a simple yet powerful formula that combines highly purified water with four natural sugars – rhamnose, mannitol, xylitol, and fructooligosaccharides – to reduce irritation, soothe the skin, and prevent inflammation.
Together, these ingredients help to protect your skin’s protective layer as it lifts away dirt and sebum, effectively treating irritation. Simply use it day and night without rinsing it off. You’ll walk away from your sink with soft, soothed, and healthy skin without any flakiness or redness in sight.
This iconic cleanser also comes in two other variants to suit your skin type too, such as the Hydrabio H2O for dehydrated skin, and the Sebium H2O for oily, acne-prone skin.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water retails for S$16 (100ml), S$29.40 (250ml) and S$42.70 (500ml) at Amazon Primenow, Guardian Health and Beauty, LazMall Official Store, Shopee Mall Official Store, Unity, Watsons, and Welcia.
Dull Skin
Shu uemura anti/oxi+ pollutant & dullness clarifying cleansing oil
A holy grail list of facial cleansers is most certainly NOT complete without at least one mention of Shu uemura on the list.
A cult skincare product that has stood the testament of time since 1967, the Anti/oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil is by far the most highly rated (and bought) on Sephora.
Targeting at pollution damage and removing impurities and makeup, this cleanser is loved for how it delivers suppleness and radiance to skin. Some reviewers even go as far as proclaiming it the “best facial cleanser” they’ve used.
Shu uemura anti/oxi+ pollutant & dullness clarifying cleansing oil retails at S$66 (150ml) and S$153 (450ml) and is available at selected Sephora outlets, free standing Shu Uemura boutiques and counters, Shu uemura online, and Sephora.sg.
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Suitable for all skin types and infused with powerful botanical antioxidants, this cleanser really gets the job done. Reviewers raved about how it has kept their skin supple, soft, evened out their skin tone over time. They also loved how clean and hydrated their skin felt right after, and that they even had fewer breakouts since using it.
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser retails at S$25 (56.7g), S$40 (142g), S$54 (226g) and is available at Sephora retail outlets and Sephora.sg.
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
A gentle physical and chemical exfoliation cleanser infused with BHA and the ultra-nourishing olive oil, this creamy cleanser is a great solution in removing build-up, minimises the appearance of pores and deeply cleanses skin.
It also decongests pores, and leaves skin feeling supple, soft, moisturised. Look forward to a healthy, radiant glow!
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser retails at S$129 (112ml) and is available at The Naturally Better Company.
Ageing Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
Imbued with anti-wrinkle technology, this luxurious facial cleansing gel is oil-free and helps to clarify and brighten skin with glycolic acid and salicylic acid in its formula. It also contains ingredients that support natural cell turnover to help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing.
Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel retails at S$17.50 (30ml) and is available at Sephora retail outlets and is available at LookFantastic.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser
Pricey but most definitely a goodie in many people’s books, this multi-action, moisture-rich cleanser is formulated with biodegradable wax exfoliating beads to help skin look extra radiant. This is certainly one of the best cleansers you can find in the market.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser is available at all Elizabeth Arden counters.
Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
This cleansing oil is enriched with camellia oil – an excellent source of nourishing vitamins and Omega oils – great for tackling dry skin AND reducing the appearance of the dreaded fine lines!
Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil retails at S$85 and is available at Sephora retail outlets and Sephora.sg.
IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cleanser
Developed with plastic surgeons, this cleanser-and serum is safe for the eye area, thanks to its sulfate-free and soap-free formula. Imbued with Anti-Aging Armour Rejuvenating Concentrate, it helps your skin appear rejuvenated and restores moisture.
There are also a host of super nourishing ingredients like anti-ageing collagen, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and super ceramide complex – all of which are chosen to help you achieve an instant youthful glow.
IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cleanser retails at S$56 (148ml) and is available at Sephora retail outlets and Sephora.sg.
