Keep your face clear of pimples with the best facial cleansers in Malaysia 2021!
A good cleanser will remove dirt and excess oil from your face without leaving it dry. And without messing up the pH balance of your skin!
Have a look at these reviews on facial cleansers for oily skin, dry skin, combination skin and more!
How To Choose The Right Facial Cleanser
Because it’s the first step in any beauty routine, it’s important that you select a cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type!
As you need your skin to be clean and prepped before you apply your toner, whitening cream or eye cream!
1. Identify Your Skin Type
Not sure what your skin type is? Read on!
2. Oily Skin
Skin tends to get shiny fast and has visible pores.
Go for: A cleanser with oil control. A balanced pH is preferable.
3. Dry Skin
There’s a tight feeling in your skin. And it can be itchy or flaky at times.
Go for: A moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, etc; Soap-free is good. Or you can try the best cleansing oil instead!
4. Combination Skin
You have both symptoms of oily skin and dry skin but limited to certain parts of the face. (e.g. T-Zone is oily)
Go for: Any cleanser that cleans your face well without stripping away moisture. You can follow the cleanser recommendations for dry skin.
5. Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin that gets red and itchy easily, you’ll need to avoid fragrances! As with all your skin products like moisturizer, sunscreen and lip balm!
Go for: A fragrance free cleanser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera; Beware of foamy cleansers Maintaining your pH balance is important too.
6. Acne Prone Skin
This one is self explanatory. But just keep in mind that acne prone skin can be dry too. And is not necessarily oily!
Go for: Gentle cleansers that will not leave an oily residue. Or your skin dry! Anti-inflammatory or soothing ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil are recommended.
7. Check The Cleanser’s Ingredients
Avoid harsh cleansers. And by harsh, we mean that they leave your skin very dry.
They tend to contain:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Strong fragrances
- Parabens
- Mineral oils
- Alcohols like SD alcohol 40, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol
17 Best Facial Cleansers In Malaysia
Best Facial Cleanser For Oily Skin Malaysia
1. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
For a product that’s marketed towards sensitive skin, Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser strangely has fragrance.
Otherwise, it’s gentle enough to use for washing off make up without leaving your skin tight and uncomfortable! Unless you wash your face a few times a day!
- Size: 354ml
- Suitable For: Sensitive Skin
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Price: ~RM90
Pros:
- Oil-free
- Soap-free
- Free of parabens, phthalates & sulfates
- Alcohol-free
- Pump dispenser
- Affordable
Cons:
- Can be drying unless you have oily skin
2. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
The main cleansing ingredient in Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (or SLES). Which is what makes the cleanser foamy!
There is lavender and lemon peel oil (citric acid) in the formula too. Both can be irritating to sensitive skin!
- Size: 250ml, 500ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Quillaja Saponaria, Balm Mint, Lavender Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil
- Price: RM219, RM299
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Smells like lavender (mild)
- Exfoliating properties
- Pump bottle
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as gentle as claimed
3. Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Facial Cleanser
This is a BHA cleanser with natural exfoliating properties and salicylic acid to curb excessive sebum production!
Regardless of the label, this cleanser is best for oily skin that is prone to acne. And even so, use it sparingly!
Interested in the benefits of AHA, BHA and PHA products? You might like what we have in our list of the best face serums!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Normal, Combination & Oily (Especially For Acne-Prone Skin)
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternigolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Evening Primrose Flower Extract
- Price: RM30
Pros:
- Cruelty free
- Paraben free
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Removes light make up
- Mild scent (citrus)
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Can be drying
Best Facial Cleanser For Combination Skin Malaysia
4. Origins Checks And Balances Frothy Face Wash
Origins Checks And Balances Frothy Face Wash is frothy and doesn’t dry out the skin (i.e. no tight feeling)!
You don’t need to use a lot either!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
- Key Ingredients: Lavender Flower Water, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Spearmint Leaf Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil
- Price: ~RM100
Pros:
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben free
- Can remove make up residue
- Lasts for 4-5 months
Cons:
- Tube form makes it difficult to get the last of the product out
5. SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser
Creamy and moisturizing, the SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser removes oil and grime. A little goes a long way!
People with dry or combination skin find that this makes their face softer and smoother!
- Size: 120g
- Suitable For: Normal To Combination Skin
- Key Ingredients: Pitera™ And White Willow Extract, Vitamin E, Niacinamide
- Price: RM249
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Mild rose scent
- Foams well
- Vitamin E and Niacinamide to help brighten your complexion
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Expensive
6. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser cleans without leaving any residue. Or disturbing your skin’s pH balance! You don’t need a lot of it to remove your make up either!
Just be sure to keep it stored with the cap up as it is prone to leaking!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types including sensitive skin
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E and Avocado Oil
- Price: ~RM100
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- No fragrance
- Lathers well
- Lasts a long time
Cons:
- Expensive
- Has some comedogenic ingredients (e.g. avocado oil) that may block pores
- Has citric acid (not suitable for sensitive skin)
7. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild
Ingredients like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and olive oil in Clinique’s Liquid Facial Soap Mild will replenish moisture in dry to combination skin!
And you won’t feel sticky or oily afterwards!
- Size: 200ml
- Suitable For: Dry Combination Skin
- Key Ingredients: Olive Fruit Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Barley Extract, Sunflower Seedcake
- Price: RM99
Pros:
- No parabens
- No phthalates
- No fragrance
Cons:
- Packaging is not leak proof/ air tight
Extra-Mild for Very Dry to Dry Skin:
- Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Extra Mild – Check Price
Oily Skin Formula for Combination Oily or Oily Skin:
- Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin– Check Price
Best Facial Cleanser For Dry Skin
8. Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser
There are 12 essential oils in the formula of Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser!
And even though it feels gentle on the skin, it can still remove makeup! With the exception of waterproof mascara!
- Size: 240ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam Seed Oil And Twelve-Essential Oil Blend Including Rosewood, Sandalwood, Sage
- Price: RM110
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Smells strange
9. Laneige Multi Deep Clean Cleanser
Glycerin content in the formula of the Laneige Multi Deep Clean Cleanser makes it suitable for dry skin types.
But because it has comedogenic ingredients (e.g. lauric acid, stearic acid), oily and acne prone types may want to pass on this cleanser!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Normal To Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Papain Enzyme, Blueberry, Cranberry, Strawberry & Raspberry Extract, Coffee Seed Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Extract
- Price: RM100
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Removes make up
Cons:
- Contains fragrance / parfum
Bonus: Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser by 100%Pure
Gentle on the skin with natural ingredients, the Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser by 100%Pure is just what dry skin types need!
It does not foam much but it is still effective at cleansing. And you don’t need to use a lot each time. It works best together with a konjac sponge!
- Size: 100ml
- Suitable For: Dry Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Organic Aloe Juice Leaf Juice*, Cocoa Seed Butter, Saponified Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Honey, Orange Fiber, Candelilla Wax Extract, Acai Oil Fruit Oil, Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract*, Rosehip Oil Seed Extract, Blood Orange Essential Oil, Japanese Honeysuckle Extract, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coffee Cherry Seed Extract, Limonene**, Linalool**
- Price: ~RM250
- *Certified Organic
- **Component of Natural Essential Oil
Pros:
- Fragrant
- Lots of antioxidants (argan oil, green tea, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin E and C)
- Soothes the skin with aloe vera and green tea leaf extract
- Creamy texture
- Softens skin
- No tight dry feeling afterwards!
- No alcohol or silicones
Cons:
- Expensive
If you have dry skin, you can have a look at the options for sensitive skin types as well.
Don’t forget to check the last cleanser (that’s organic!) on this list too!
Best Facial Cleanser For Acne Prone Skin
10. Biotherm Biosource Foaming Cream Normal Skin
Biotherm’s Biosource Foaming Cream Normal Skin has a bunch of ingredients that are great for acne prone skin!
Like salicylic acid, lauric acid and zinc gluconate! To exfoliate and soothe your skin!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Normal To Combination Skin
- Key Ingredients: Pure Thermal Plankton, Zinc, Complex Of 70 Revitalizing Minerals
- Price: RM108
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Zinc content helps to reduce the damage from free radicals
- Cleans without drying your skin
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Quite drying on other skin types (that are not oily or combination)
11. Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Containing vegan ingredients, the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a daily use cleanser with BHA ingredients to act as natural exfoliants!
It’s got tea tree oil to soothe inflamed skin as well.
Cosrx happens to have a great face mist too! See the face mist review.
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Evening Primrose Flower Extract
- Price: RM30
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Mild fragrance
Cons:
- Despite what the label says, this is best on oily and acne prone skin
- Not good at removing heavy make up
12. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Whether you have oily or dry skin that’s prone to acne, this salicylic acid cleanser by The Inkey will do the trick!
There’s vitamin E and glycerin for hydration. And salicylic acid to control excess oil. While allantoin soothes your skin!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Normal, Combination & Oily (Especially For Acne-Prone Skin)
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid 2%, Zinc Compound, Allantoin 0.5%
- Price: ~RM90
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Effective on acne
- Foams well
Cons:
- Not for sensitive skin
- Strong smell
- Can bleach fabrics
Best Facial Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
13. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Despite the name, this cleanser is clear, with a gel-like consistency. However, using too much can be drying.
It’s so effective at cleaning that you may be able to skip your make up remover! The included Niacinamide (vitamin B3) will improve your skin texture over time too!
- Size: 473ml
- Suitable For: Normal To Oily Skin
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
- Price: ~RM110
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Fragrance-free
- Controls oil production
Cons:
- Expensive
14. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser For Sensitive Skin has minimal ingredients. Something that sensitive skin types will appreciate! Especially if you have eczema!
And there’s glycerin to keep your skin hydrated!
- Size: 237ml
- Suitable For: Sensitive Skin
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Coco-glucoside
- Price: ~RM100
Pros:
- Free of dyes, fragrance and parabens
- Oil-free, non-comedogenic
- Sulfate-free
- Removes sunscreen and light makeup
- Pump dispenser
Cons:
- Medicinal smell
15. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
You only need a little to wash away dirt and light make up with the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser! It does not remove your skin’s natural oils!
The cleanser features natural ingredients that can calm irritated skin. Like aloe vera, soy and cucumber!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Amino Acid-Rich Soy Proteins, Calming Cucumber Extract, Balancing Rosewater, Borage Seed Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- Price: RM122
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Smells like cucumber/ rose
- Best for sensitive skin that is dry
- Lightweight texture (not very foamy)
Cons:
- Quite pricey
- Does have some vitamin C (not a main ingredient)
In case you do fancy adding vitamin C to your skin care, consider a vitamin C serum!
16. Simple Cleanser Refreshing Facial Wash
This highly affordable gel cleanser by Simple is mild enough for sensitive skin.
And if you wash your face frequently, switching to a cleanser like this one may be less taxing (i.e. drying) for your skin in the long term!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types (Even Sensitive Skin)
- Key Ingredients: Triple Purified Water, Pro-Vitamin B, Vitamin E
- Price: RM20
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No artificial perfume
- No colour or dye
Cons:
- Too gentle for acne-prone or oily skin
- Not very moisturizing
- Can’t remove heavy make up
Best Natural Facial Cleanser
There’re only a handful of organic facial cleansers in Malaysia. And as with most things organic, they don’t usually come cheap!
17. Sukin Signature Foaming Facial Cleanser
Hailing from Australia, Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser should be avoided by anyone with oily or acne-prone skin! With rich natural ingredients like essential oils and shea butter!
On the other hand, dry skin and sensitive skin tend to benefit with use of this cleanser!
- Size: 125ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types including sensitive skin
- Key Ingredients: Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Witch Hazel, Evening Primrose, Rosehip Oil
- Price: RM31.9
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- 1 pump is enough each time
- Pump dispenser
- Removes stubborn make up
- Moisturizing
Cons:
- Comedogenic
- Hardly foams
18. Golden Elixir Face Cleanser By HelloNaturalCo
Organic castile soap plant base soap provides the cleaning factor for the Natural Face Cleanser Malaysia | Golden Elixir Face Cleanser By HelloNaturalCo.
At the same time, this natural face cleanser has astringent (frankincense oil) and anti-inflammatory (rose geranium oil) properties as well! To reduce breakouts and skin irritation!
- Size: ~50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Frankincense Oil, Rose Geranium Oil
- Price: ~RM40
Pros:
- Without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates, and artificial fragrance and coloring
- Not drying
- Vegan
- Removes makeup
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin too
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Conclusion
Take a minute or two to go through all the best facial cleansers in Malaysia! You might find your new holy grail cleanser to add to your existing beauty regime!
The most critical deciding factor is your skin type! Rich cleansers are not for those with oily or acne-prone skin. While dry and sensitive skin types should not use stronger cleansers with exfoliants!
