Whether your skincare approach is a simple wash-tone-moisturise method or a more indulgent ritual, beginning with a fresh and clean face is crucial to fully enjoy the benefits of all the nourishing products you apply afterward.
This is why it’s vital to choose a face wash that perfectly suits your skin type, especially if you want to ensure the success of the other products in your routine.
Ahead, Daily Vanity lines up the best face washes ranging from award-winning classics, crowd-favourites and innovative formulas that you’ll gladly splash away as they transform the task from an everyday chore to a treat and ready the skin for whatever’s next.
Best face washes that are budget-friendly
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Arguably the most recognisable option in the market, this mild, soap-free face and body cleanser hydrates and soothes skin as it cleans.
The award-winning formula is trusted by beauty enthusiasts and the healthcare community because of its ability to gently clean and moisturise without stripping skin’s natural oils, making it a great choice for all skin types, even for babies and very sensitive skin. Many consider this one of the best face washes and we aren’t surprised!
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser retails RM26.70 at major pharmacies such as Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in the link to see updated price.
Eucerin ProACNE Solution Cleansing Gel
Free of both soap and and fragrance, Eucerin ProACNE Solution Cleansing Gel is a non-comedogenic daily face wash for blemish-prone skin that can be used alongside medical acne treatment and during pregnancy
With 6% Ampho-Tensides (mild cleansing molecules that are said to be well tolerated by sensitised skin), this cleanser can effectively eliminate dirt, makeup, and excess sebum. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, the gel formula can rid skin of bacteria and prevents bacterial growth.
Eucerin ProACNE Solution Cleansing Gel retails for RM74 (200ml) at major pharmacies such as Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in the link to see updated price.
Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash
In case you haven’t heard, skin hydration is the foundation to healthy, glowing skin so it could help to use a more hydrating cleansing formula at the start of your routine.
Formulated with two types of hyaluronic acid, this foam cleanser is an especially great option for parched skin as it can help restore and preserve skin’s natural moisture while it gently washes away impurities, dirt, and oil.
Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash retails RM38.90 at major pharmacies such as Guardian.
Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
A super gentle cleanser that’s great for your morning wash, this low pH formula gel cleanser gets the job done with pore tightening tea tree oil and mildly exfoliating natural BHA so your skin gets thoroughly cleansed but not have its natural oils stripped away. Great for any skin type, including sensitive and dry skin.
Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser retails from RM54 on Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in the link to see updated price.
Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
Enriched with Triple Purified Water and vitamins, this dermatologically tested and approved formula leaves your skin feeling clean and replenished without irritation. This is certainly one of the best face washes to reach out for if you’re looking for one that won’t break the bank.
Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel retails for RM27.30 at major pharmacies such as Watsons.
Aiken Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleanser
Made specifically for oily, acne-prone skin, this formula deeply cleanses clogged pores to remove excess oil and control shine without leaving skin dry and taut.
Aiken Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleanser retails for RM13.20 at major pharmacies such as Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in the link to see updated price.
Senka Perfect Whip Cleanser
One of the most popular facial cleansers in Japan, this formula goes beyond its cleansing function and is capable of protecting the skin, reinforcing its barrier, and improving skin’s resilience for longer-lasting moisture thanks to a combination of Shiseido’s moisture-boosting Aqua-In-Pool ingredient and signature silk cocoon essence in the formulation.
Senka Perfect Whip Cleanser retails for RM23.90 (120g) at major pharmacies such as Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in the link to see updated price.
Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash
Powder-formula cleansers have been steadily gaining traction over the last few years because of its convenience and gentleness.
This one by Kanebo is at the forefront of the category with an enzyme-activated formula that whisks away impurities and unclogs pores as it protects skin’s natural moisture.
Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash retails for RM42.80 (15 pieces) and RM85.60 (32 pieces) at major pharmacies such as Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in the link to see updated price
Garnier Light Complete Brightening Whip Foam
Infused with brightening yuzu lemon and vitamin C, this zero-alcohol formula gently cleanses and clears away dullness so that skin is softer and brighter-looking without feeling any tightness.
Garnier Light Complete Brightening Whip Foam retails for RM19.50 at major pharmacies such as Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in the link to see updated price
Naruko Tea Tree Purifying Clay Mask & Cleanser In 1
Made with skin-brightening and antibacterial ingredients, this formula leaves skin refreshed and free of acne by clearing clogged pores, ridding dead skin cells and excess oil, and regulating sebum.
Naruko Tea Tree Purifying Clay Mask & Cleanser In 1 retails for RM35 on Naruko’s website.
Best face washes that are splurge-worthy
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap
This one’s got all the benefits of Clinique’s dermatologist-developed Facial Soap in a liquid formula as it cleanses and preps the skin without stripping protective lipids while protecting skin’s natural moisture balance.
Available in three types: Mild (dry combination skin), Extra Mild (sensitive skin), and Oily Skin.
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap retails for RM128 at all Clinique and Sephora stores as well as online at sephora.my.
It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cleanser
Makeup-wearers will appreciate this cleanser-and-serum-in-one formulation for it’s developed to effectively take away even the toughest eye makeup while boosting skin vitality and restoring moisture with a blend of proprietary Anti-Aging Armour Rejuvenating Concentrate, collagen, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and a ceramide complex.
This is one of the best face washes to consider if you have sensitive skin.
It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cleanser retails for RM160 at all Sephora stores and on sephora.my.
Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser
A powerhouse for an acne-ridden skin, this formula utilises salicylic acid to banish those pesky pimples while inhibiting future breakouts. The addition of aloe vera and chamomile helps calm any irritation, leaving you with a glowing complexion.
Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser retails for RM95 at all Sephora stores and on sephora.my.
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
This creamy gel cleanser creates a rich lather to gently mop away impurities, dirt, and oil without stripping skin dry, thanks to a moisture-attracting blend of calendula and plant-based glycerin in the formula.
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash retails for RM66 (75ml) and RM158 (230ml) at all Kiehl’s boutiques and online.
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
When it comes to faces with dry and oily places, it takes this clever cleanser to balance the two without cancelling each other out. It incorporates broad leaf kelp extract to dial down excess oil production while wheat protein balances and protects dryness-prone zones so skin feels comfortably refreshed after cleansing, never pulled or parched.
We also love the formula’s aromatic concoction of bergamot, spearmint, and lavender that makes face cleansing a pleasurable process. add pleasure to the process. A little goes a long way with this product – all you need is the size of a 20-cent coin for your whole face.
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash retails for RM135 at all Origins and Sephora stores as well as online at sephora.my.
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
An antioxidant blend in this pH-balanced cleansing formula works hard to block damaging free radicals while alleviating redness and skin reactivity and maintaining the natural acidity of the skin.
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser retails at RM60 (56.7g), RM120 (142g), and RM175 (226g) at all Sephora stores and on sephora.my.
Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro pH Foam Facial Cleanser
Developed for dry or sensitive skin, this non-irritating gel-to-foam cleanser is dermatologically tested clean gunk and sebum off your face without erasing all moisture while evening out the skin’s pH level for a fresh and healthy complexion.
Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro pH Foam Facial Cleanser retails for RM25 (30ml) and RM85 (120ml) on sephora.my.
Related: Double cleansing: What is it, how to do it, and why it’s an important part of your skincare routine
