Having a clean and fresh face is essential for a successful skincare routine. It sets the foundation for all the other products you use.

To help you make the right choices, we want to share some valuable tips on selecting the perfect face cleansers for the humid climate in Malaysia. Additionally, we’ll also recommend some of our favorite cleansers that we believe you should try in 2024.

How to choose the best face cleansers in Malaysia?

cleansers for combination skin wash

Credit: xFrame.io

First, understand your skin. Do you have oily, dry, or combination skin?

Those with oily or acne-prone skin will find face cleansers that contain tea tree oil or salicylic acid great for them.

When it comes to the best cleansers for combination skin, experts say to look for ones with a gel or light foam base that have gentle exfoliants to counteract oiliness and ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid for hydration.

Finally, if you have dry, itchy skin, look for one that contains ingredients like ceramide that can protect your skin’s lipid barrier, locking in sufficient moisture while also cleansing away dirt, grime, and excess oil. Also, go for a slightly more acidic formula (healthy skin is naturally a little more acidic) so that your skin will feel less compromised.

To help you narrow down your options, we rounded up some of the best face cleansers in Malaysia to help you choose the best one that suits your skin.

Best face cleansers for oily skin

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

cleansers for combination skin dermalogica

The special cleansing gel by Dermalogica is a soap-free gel cleanser that gently cleanses your skin without being too harsh on it. It is infused with naturally foaming Quillaja Saponaria, which helps remove toxins and impurities from the skin.

On top of that, this cleansing gel also contains balm mint and lavender extracts to soothe and improve your skin’s moisture level.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (250ml) retails for RM219 at Dermalogica Online Store.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

cleansers for combination skin cerave

Ideal for removing makeup, dirt and excess oil, the CeraVe Foaming cleanser deeply cleanses your skin without stripping away too much moisture. It’s formulated with three skin-friendly ingredients – ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid – to help restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (355ml) retails for RM58 at Shopee. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price.

Dr.Jart+ Teatreement Cleansing Foam

cleansers for combination skin dr jart

Oily skin that’s also acne-prone is even tougher to manage. That is why we’re thankful that Dr.Jart+’s Teatreement Cleansing Foam exists. It’s a mild cleanser that can washes away impurities without irritating the skin.

This face cleanser also balances the moisture levels in the skin to prevent it from drying out, especially if you’re already using an acne treatment in your routine. The antioxidants and salicylic acid help exfoliate and fight any impurities to keep your skin smooth and clear.

Dr Jart+ Teatreement Cleansing Foam (120ml) retails for RM80 at Sephora.

Sebamed Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin

sebamed facial cleanser

This face cleanser helps reduce oil secretion while relieving sensitive and irritated skin.

Great for those with acne-prone skin, it contains ingredients that prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria so that acne can be controlled.

You’ll also love that this face cleanser keeps oily skin feeling comfortable without stripping off your natural moisture.

Sebamed Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin retails for RM53.80 at Watsons. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price.

Sand & Sky Oil Control Clearing Cleanser

face cleanser sand & sky

This refreshing face cleanser contains AHAs and Salicylic Acid to brighten skin and manage clogged pores and excess oil.

Prebiotics in formula also helps improve skin microbiome so that overall skin health is improved.

Sand & Sky Oil Control Clearing Cleanser retails RM89 at Sephora.

Best face cleansers for combination skin

Origins Checks And Balances Frothy Face Wash

cleansers for combination skin origins

One of the best face cleansers for combination skin, this 100% vegetarian facial wash by Origins is made especially for those with that skin type.

Broad leaf kelp extract helps prevent excess oil production while wheat protein in this cleanser protects and hydrates dry zones, keeping your skin fresh and balanced all day.

Origins Check And Balances Frothy Face Wash (150ml) retails for RM130 at all Origins counters and Sephora.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Purifying Cleanser

cleansers for combination skin clarins

Another fan favourite, this Clarins cleanser is enriched with organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm to give your skin the thorough cleanse it needs.

Thanks to meadowsweet extract found in the cleanser, it helps to reduce the production of sebum, leaving your skin less oily. Besides that, the gentle surfactants help to preserve the skin’s microbiota balance too.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Purifying Cleanser (125ml) retails for RM135 at Clarins.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

cleansers for combination skin kiehls

Hailed as one of the best cleansers for combination skin, Kiehl’s face cleanser is a gentle one that contains squalane, avocado oil, and glycerin to preserve your skin’s moisture balance as it cleanses.

It effectively removes dirt, makeup, and impurities for soft, clear skin. This pH-balanced cleanser also helps to maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (150ml) retails for RM110 at Kiehl’s boutiques.

Sephora Collection Smoothing Cleanser

face cleansers sephora collection

This exfoliating face cleanser contains BHA and AHA that helps with exfoliation while reducing the appearance of pores and removing impurities.

The unscented gel leaves skin feeling soothed and looking radiant. The alcohol-free face cleanser is also fragrance-free to cater to sensitive skin.

Sephora Collection Smoothing Cleanser retails for RM69 at Sephora.

Best face cleanser for dry skin

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

cleansers for combination skin fresh

Of course, we can’t leave out the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser in a roundup of the best face cleansers in Malaysia.

A crowd-favourite, this cucumber-scented gel cleanser is packed with amino acid-rich soy proteins that can help remove impurities, including stubborn makeup. It’s also pH-balanced, so it won’t cause your skin to dry out or throw it off balance.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (150ml) retails for RM190 at Sephora.

Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap – Very Dry to Dry

Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap - Very Dry to Dry

One of the most well-known cleansers for combination skin, Clinique’s facial soap cleanses your skin without stripping away its natural oils. It’s also soft and gentle, removing debris and dry flakes while also preserving the skin’s natural moisture balance. Many users have said it truly helped their dry or combination skin and it’s been a staple of theirs for years.

Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap (200ml) retails for RM112 at Clinique counters.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash

the body shop face cleanser

The Body Shop’s non-drying formula cleanses away impurities, keeping your skin moisturised and extra clean. Packed with nourishing vitamin E and wheat germ oil, its light creamy texture effortlessly sweeps away dirt and oil.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash (125ml) RM72 at The Body Shop boutiques.

Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser

cleansers for combination skin cetaphil

You know your cleanser isn’t the best for you if it leaves your skin dry and tight – but that’s not something you’ll experience with the Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser.

It cleanses and leaves your skin soft without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture balance, thanks to skin conditioners and its vitamin complex. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it great for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser (250ml) retails for RM43.56 at Watsons. There’s a discount offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price.

Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera

face cleansers alpha-h

This creamy face cleanser has a non-foaming formula that’s designed for dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin.

Enriched with skin-hydrating ingredients such as Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, the face cleanser leaves skin feeling balanced, moisturised, and rejuvenated.

Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera retails for RM191 at Sephora.

Featured image credit: @freshbeauty on Instagram and Dr.Jart+