Facial cleansing is an essential part of your daily skincare regimen in order to maintain optimal skin health. A good rule of thumb is to do it twice a day, in the morning and at night.
Facial cleansing products come in many types: foams, oils, gels, creams and balms. Each has advantages and disadvantages, suited to different types of skin.
What are the best facial cleansers in Malaysia?
The best facial cleanser for acne is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser. It doesn’t irritate skins and helps in removing excess oil from the face effectively.
For people troubled with blackheads, you can try out Some By Mi Bye Bye Blackhead Bubble Cleanser which can be used as both a deep cleanser and a daily cleanser.
Here is the full list of the top 15 best facial cleansers in Malaysia for all skin types:
- La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
- Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
- Curel Intensive Moisture Care Foaming Wash
- Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Facial Cleanser
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Himalaya Men Power Glow Licorice Face Wash
- Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser
- Hada Labo Premium Whitening Face Wash
- Cerave Hydrating Cream-To-Foam Cleanser
- Some By Mi Bye Bye Blackhead Bubble Cleanser
- Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser
- Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
- Axis-Y Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam
- Simple Cleanser Refreshing Facial Wash
1. La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Facial Cleanser is specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin.
The cleanser is designed to easily remove makeup, sebum and oil, making it ideal for cleaning up daily beauty routines such as sunscreen and CC cream.
Additionally, it controls oil production, so your face stays fresh throughout the day.
Another advantage of Effaclar Facial Cleanser is it cleanses without overdrying your face.
However, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Facial Cleanser is not suitable for people with dry skin types.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Facial Cleanser Ingredients:
Aqua / Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Peg-8, Coco-Betaine, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Zinc Pca, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum / Fragrance B193153/1
2. Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Kiehl’s brand has been around since 1851. The Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash is designed for normal and oily skin.
It deeply cleanses the skin by removing impurities, dirt and oil. At the same time, it helps calm and soothes skin and doesn’t make your skin feel tight, thanks to the calendula flower extract.
The Calendula Face Wash is totally free of Sulfate, Parabens, Silicone, Mineral Oil, Alcohol and Dye.
The Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash is the best facial cleanser for oily skin. The best way to achieve a radiant and bright complexion is to follow up by applying the Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner.
3. Curel Intensive Moisture Care Foaming Wash
Curel Intensive Moisture Care Foaming Wash is the best face wash for dry skin. It is Japan’s No.1 brand for Asians with sensitive skin.
It is a bubble foam-type facial cleanser that you can apply directly onto wet skin without the need for rubbing. It cleanses sweat and dirt from your skin while preserving ceramide to minimize stress on the skin.
Most importantly, many customers with dry skin issues claimed that their skins feel hydrated each time after using Curel Intensive Moisture Care to wash their face.
Curel Intensive Moisture Care Foaming Wash Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Maltitol, Propylene Glycol, PEG-150, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben
4. Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Facial Cleanser
The Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Facial Cleanser is suitable for both oily and dry skin users. Hence, it is the best facial cleanser for combination skin.
It contains natural prebiotics which promote the growth of skin friendly-bacteria to strengthen skin barrier function for healthier skin.
The rice water deeply hydrates skin and locks in moisture. Using it daily helps to boost skin hydration internally and externally.
Furthermore, it is soap-free, pH-balanced, and free of Paraben, Mineral oil, Colourant, Alcohol, Fragrance, Propylene, and SLES/SLS.
Most importantly, the Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Facial Cleanser is very affordable.
Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Facial Cleanser Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Aspergillus Ferment, Maltodextrin, Lactobacillus, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
5. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is highly recommended for sensitive skin. It is recommended by Allure and Byrdie as the best budget-friendly facial cleanser.
It is formulated with glycerin and coco glucoside to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without irritating skin.
It’s soap-free, botanical extract-free, no essential oil, sulfate-free, no dyes, no fragrance, gluten-free, and no parabens.
It is dermatologist tested and awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is suitable for even the most delicate and sensitive skin.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser Ingredients:
Purified Water, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Acrylates Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Mica, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA
6. Himalaya Men Power Glow Licorice Face Wash
Himalaya Men Power Glow Licorice Face Wash is the best face wash for men. It uses a soap-free, herbal formulation that gently cleanses the face.
The key ingredients for this Himalaya Face Wash are Alfafa, Licorice and Wood Apple. These ingredients provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients for better skin health.
It claims to reduce pigmentation and brighten skin. In addition, it exfoliates and eliminates dead skin cells.
7. Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser
Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser is the best hydrating cleanser. It is a gentle and creamy foam cleanser that removes makeup residues, fine dust, oils, and impurities while keeping the skin hydrated.
Apart from deep cleansing, it has a neutral pH level that is close to natural skin and helps to maintain the skin’s oil production.
It has triple Hyaluronic Acid to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized.
The only downside is that the Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser is so mild it cannot completely remove sunscreen and make-up on its own.
Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser Ingredients:
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Coco-Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-67, Potassium Cocoate, Citric Acid, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Disodium EDTA, Pullulan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sea Water, Sodium Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Beta-Glucan, Phosphatidylcholine, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide NP, Glycine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Serine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lysine, Alanine, Arginine, Threonine, Proline
8. Hada Labo Premium Whitening Face Wash
Hada Labo Premium Whitening Face Wash is the best whitening face wash. It uses a triple brightening formula to help brighten up dull skin.
It contains Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Arbutin, which have whitening properties.
It also contains Super Hyaluronic Acid, which replenishes skin moisture, making it feel soft, supple, and hydrated after cleansing.
There are no fragrances, colourants, mineral oils, or alcohol in Hada Labo Premium Whitening Face Wash.
Hada Labo Premium Whitening Face Wash Ingredients:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sorbitol, Sodium Methyl Cocyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Cocomide DEA, Myristic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Chloride, Lauric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Polyquaternium-7, Methylparaben, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrionium Hyaluronate.
9. CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is the best facial cleanser to remove makeup. It is a mild cream-based cleanser that transforms into a light foam as you massage with water.
CeraVe is the trusted facial cleanser that cleanses your skin from dirt, makeup, grime and sweat without irritating sensitive skin.
Dermatologists recommend this CeraVe Cleanser because it contains ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid which are friendly to sensitive skin. This product is also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
It is most suitable for normal to dry skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser Ingredients:
Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Pca, Ppg-5-Ceteth-20, Peg-100 Stearate, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Aspartic Acid, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycine, Trideceth-6, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Threonine, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Serine, Sodium Benzoate, Valine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Proline, Isoleucine, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Alanine, Phenylalanine, Coconut Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Chlorphenesin, Disodium Edta, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Histidine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-53, Polyquaternium-39, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid
10. Some By Mi Bye Bye Blackhead Bubble Cleanser
Some By Mi Bye Bye Blackhead Bubble Cleanser is the best facial cleanser to get rid of blackheads.
It is a low-pH bubble cleanser enriched with Green Tea Tox, beta hydroxy acid (BHA0 and tannin complex to remove blackheads and whiteheads.
This Some By Mi Bubble cleanser is suitable as both a weekly intensive blackhead cleanser as well as a daily face wash. It helps to dissolve blackheads and clean clogged pores.
For intensive cleansing, apply the facial cleanser on your face and leave it for 5 minutes then massage to remove dead skin, sebum and blackheads.
For daily face wash, just spread the product onto your face thinly, and rub your face once the foam emerges. Then rinse it with lukewarm water.
11. Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser
Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser is the best moisturizing face cleanser with no negative reviews.
It contains 14.9% highly moisturizing plant oil, which is known to improve skin hydration and boost skin care products’ absorption.
It gently removes dust, dirt, and makeup residue to make the skin more breathable.
Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser is suitable for all skin types including normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin.
Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser Ingredients:
Water / Aqua / Eau, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Myristic Acid, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance / Parfum, Polyquaternium-7, Peg-14M, Disodium Edta, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Silica, Bht
12. Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser is the best facial cleanser for reducing pores. This is a mildly acidic gel cleanser.
This low pH level keeps the cleanser in harmony with our skin’s natural pH level, preventing acne breakouts and eczema.
This Cosrx facial cleanser contains BHAs, which can penetrate deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.
However, the Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser contains tea tree oil which will not be suitable for users with dry skin.
Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser Ingredients:
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Polysorbate 20, Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine Salicylate, Citric Acid, Ethyl Hexanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA
13. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is the best affordable cleansing water for women. It is selling for less than RM10.
The Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water can be used as an all-in-one makeup remover, cleanser and moisturizer.
To use it, soak a cotton ball or pad in Micellar water and wipe it across your face to remove makeup. The product doesn’t need to be rinsed.
However, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water will not remove stubborn dirt and water-resistant skin products. A deep cleanser should be used afterwards.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Ingredients:
Aqua / Water, Hexylene Glycoglycerin, Alcohol Denat., Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Edta, Myrtrimonium Bromide, Poloxamer
14. Axis-Y Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam
Axis-Y Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam is the best face wash for deep cleansing. It is rated as pH5.5
This face cleansing foam has great cleansing properties. It removes stubborn makeup like mascara and eyeliner easily, without being harsh on the skin.
It also has its patented skincare technology “Aquaxyl” to keep skin moisturized and balanced.
The Axis-Y Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam is fully vegan, cruelty-free, alcohol-free and paraben free.
Axis-Y Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine, Potassium Cocoate, Polyquaternium-67, Xylitylglucoside, Citric Acid, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Chloride, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glucose, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Benzoate
15. Simple Refreshing Facial Wash
Simple Refreshing Facial Wash is the best mild cleanser. It is 100% soap free and suitable for all skin types.
This Simple Face Wash is very gentle but it does a good job of removing dirt from your skin. It doesn’t lather much and is most suitable for people with sensitive skin.
It is claimed as the kindest ever face wash because it is free from alcohol, paraben, artificial perfume & colourant, and animal-derived ingredients
Simple Refreshing Facial Wash is very mild so it does not suit people who are used to foaming cleansers.
Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Ingredients:
Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propylene glycol, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantolactone, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Facial Cleanser FAQ
How to choose the right facial cleanser?
You need to identify whether you have oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin. And choose a suitable cleanser accordingly. It is best to avoid face washing with parabens, mineral oils, and SLS.
How often should you use a facial cleanser?
For people with normal and oily skin, you should wash your face twice a day. For people with dry skin, you may choose only to wash your face at night time.
Is Korean face wash better?
Yes, most Korean face washes contain natural and mild ingredients that are suitable for Asian skin types. Hence, K-Beauty product is really popular these days.
