A facial cleanser is an important part of any skincare routine. It is formulated to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin’s surface, leaving it clean and rejuvenated. “Realistically, you only need to wash your face once a day — twice at the most,” said Dr Todd Minars, MD, a dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Facial cleansers also come in different forms, including foaming, cream, gel, and oil-based. These variations help to cater to various skin types and concerns. Choosing the right cleanser can help improve your skin’s overall appearance and health. Hence, understanding your skin’s needs and the ingredients in the cleanser can help you make the right and informed decision. Here are the 10 best facial cleansers available in the current market in Malaysia.
Is Double Cleansing a Necessary Step in Your Skincare Routine?
Double cleansing can be a beneficial step in a skincare routine, especially if you wear makeup, sunscreen, or live in areas with high pollution levels. The initial oil-based cleanser helps break down and remove makeup, SPF, excess oils, and pollutants from the skin’s surface. Following up with a water-based cleanser can then effectively eliminate any remaining impurities, sweat, or residues, ensuring a thoroughly cleansed complexion. However, whether double cleansing is necessary depends on individual skincare needs, daily activities, and preferences.
What Factors Should One Consider When Choosing the Right Facial Cleanser?
Choosing the appropriate facial cleanser involves considering essential aspects for optimal skincare. These factors play a vital role in selecting a suitable product tailored to individual skin needs. A few of the factors are:
- Know the skin type
Before choosing a facial cleanser, it is crucial to determine whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin. Doing so will help you select a cleanser specifically formulated for your skin type.
Here is a brief explanation of each skin type:
- Oily skin
If your skin looks shiny, especially in the T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin), it is a common sign of oily skin. Excess oil production makes This skin type more prone to breakouts.
- Dry skin
Those with dry skin often feel tight, especially after cleansing or exposure to dry environments. This skin type may also have a flaky or rough texture and is more sensitive to products and extreme weather.
- Combination skin
Combination skin typically has an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with visible pores and a shiny appearance. The cheeks and outer edges of the face may feel dry, flaky, and rough compared to the T-zone.
- Sensitive skin
You may experience strong reactions to skincare products and environmental factors if you have sensitive skin. Your skin may feel a burning, drying or stinging sensation and appear red or blotchy due to irritation or a temperature change.
- Read the ingredients
Another vital step is reading the ingredients while deciding which facial cleanser to purchase. It helps you understand the specific ingredients in the product and how they can affect your skin. Common ingredients you can find in facial cleansers:
- Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid can provide hydrating benefits to the skin by attracting and retaining moisture from the surrounding environment. It helps to keep the skin hydrated during the cleansing process.
- Niacinamide
Niacinamide is beneficial in calming and soothing the skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides moisturising benefits by improving hydration levels, strengthening the skin barrier and reducing water loss.
- Retinol
Retinol works by promoting the rate of cell turnover in the skin. It helps to accelerate the shedding of dead skin cells and supports the growth of new cells to achieve more youthful-looking skin.
- Amino Acid
Amino acids act as surfactants in facial cleansers, as it helps to get rid of dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface. It also has hydrating and moisturising properties to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
For more information about other types of facial cleansers, refer to:
- Best Cleansers for Acne Prone
- Best Cleansers for Oily Skin
- Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin
- Best Cleansers for Dry Skin
- Best Cleansers for Combination Skin
- Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers
10 Best Facial Cleansers in Malaysia 2024
1. Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash creates a foamy lather designed for thorough and gentle cleansing, making it suitable for normal to oily skin types. It effectively eliminates impurities without drying the skin out. Formulated using Calendula Extract, It is enriched with five elements recognised for its potential to alleviate noticeable redness and irritation. This foaming facial wash reacts with water to generate a rich foam that purifies while providing a soothing sensation.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Limon Peel Oil/Lemon Peel Oil, Limonene, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Edta, Propylene Glycol, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil/Matricaria Flower Oil, Citral, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Citric Acid
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Size Available: 230ml
Pros:
✅ Rich foaming action
✅ Soothing sensation
✅ Potent calendula extract
Price: RM142.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
First Aid Beauty’s Face Cleanser offers a gentle yet effective cleansing experience, effectively eliminating surface oils, makeup, dirt, and impurities. With a unique whipped texture that transforms into a rich cream upon contact with water, this cleanser is enriched with a potent botanical antioxidant blend, actively combating harmful free radicals. Notably, it soothes redness and maintains the skin’s natural pH balance, curbing skin reactivity and reducing flare-ups with consistent daily use.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Allantoin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Heal and soothe. -Glycerin: Moisturizes and protects the skin. -FAB Antioxidant Booster: Combats free radicals. Water, Sodium Coloyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium PCA, White Tea Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Allantoin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Size Available: 226g
Pros:
✅ Gentle cleansing
✅ Transformative texture
✅ Antioxidant infusion
Price: RM175.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Y.O.U Hy! Amino Acid Facial Cleanser
A facial wash enriched with Amino Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and Moringa Seeds that works effectively in cleansing, maintaining moisture, and nourishing for fresh, smooth, and healthy skin.
1. Amino Acid Formula
Enriched with 4 types of Amino Acids to help maintain skin moisture.
2. 5D Hyaluronic Acid
Contain 5 types of Hyaluronic Acids that help provide hydration and maintains skin’s moisture.
3. Moringa Seed
A natural ingredient that purifies and softens the skin.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sekken Soji-K, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Laureth Phosphate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Benzoate, Distearyl Phthalic Acid Amide, Cocamide MEA, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Parfum, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Pentylene Glycol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Serine, Histidine, Sargassum Pallidum Extract, Honey Extract, Threonine, Aspartic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trehalose, CI 17200
- Country Of Origin: China
- Size Available: 100g
- Types of Cleanser Available: 4 Types Of Cleanser (Anti Acne, Oil Control, Brightening, Hydrating)
Price: RM15.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Foaming Cleansing Cream
L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Foaming Cleansing Cream is a skin-reviving gem designed to refresh and restore your skin. This luxurious cleanser brings back suppleness and clarity, revitalising and glowing your complexion. It removes impurities, makeup, and pollution, revealing a clearer skin tone. Enriched with Immortelle Essential Oil, known for its antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, this cleanser fights skin laxity. It reduces wrinkles, giving you firmer, youthful-looking skin with a radiant glow.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum/Fragrance, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol
- Country Of Origin: France
- Size Available: 125ml
Pros:
✅ Anti-aging
✅ Revives skin
✅ Packed with antioxidant properties
Price: RM175.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Mediheal Teatree Care Cleansing Foam EX. 170ml
The Mediheal Teatree Care Cleansing Foam EX is designed to provide a freshening and mild cleansing experience for individuals with sensitive skin. This cleansing foam contains natural ingredients such as tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid extracts that help to soothe and calm irritated skin. This cleansing foam is nature’s solution for skin concerns, and it thoroughly cleanses the skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry. It effectively removes impurities, makeup, and excess oil from the skin, leaving it refreshed and rejuvenated. The Mediheal Teatree Care Cleansing Foam EX also helps rejuvenate and lock in moisture in the skin, leaving it healthy and dewy.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Purified Water, Laureth-1 Phosphate, Glycerin, Lauryl Phosphate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Glycol Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract (10,000ppm), Citric Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-160 Sorbitan Triisostearate, Ethanol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil (600ppm), Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
- Country Of Origin: South Korea
- Size Available: 170ml
Pros:
✅ Improves the skin’s texture
✅ Reduce the appearance of large pores
✅ Leaves the skin feeling soft, without any tightness
Price: RM44.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam creates a gentle and moisturising mousse-like lather that removes dirt from the skin. Its water-based formula offers a comforting cleansing experience suitable even for sensitive skin. Infused with the proprietary Hydra Capture Complex™, this unique formula imparts moisture, leaving the skin dewy and clear without discomfort. It deeply cleanses pores that can be aggravated by daily exposure to fine dust, environmental pollutants, and masks, ensuring a thorough purification process.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water / Aqua / Eau, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Sodium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Isostearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Fragrance / Parfum, Butylene Glycol, Limonene, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Linalool, Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
- Country Of Origin: South Korea
- Size Available: 200ml
Pros:
✅ Moisturising mousse-like lather
✅ Moisture-infusing formula
✅ Deep Pore Cleansing
Price: RM150.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Fresh Soy pH-Balanced Hydrating Face Wash
Fresh Soy pH-Balanced Hydrating Face Wash features upcycled soy proteins to offer a makeup-removing solution that deeply cleanses pores while maintaining the skin’s pH balance and enhancing hydration. Designed to cater to all skin types and tones, this formula ensures effective cleansing and increased moisture retention. Enriched with soy proteins rich in hydroxyproline, an amino acid known for its skin-smoothing and elasticity-improving properties, this face wash promotes a vibrant complexion.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Coco-Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Silica, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Caramel, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Size Available: 150ml
Pros:
✅ Maintains the skin’s pH balance
✅ Increased moisture retention
✅ Soy Protein Enrichment
Price: RM141.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Melvita Floral Bouquet Detox Cleansing Jelly
Melvita Floral Bouquet Detox Cleansing Jelly offers a mild yet effective way to remove impurities and residual makeup. Its gel-like texture will transform into a gentle foam upon contact with water, ensuring cleansed skin. It is certified organic and skillfully combines the hydrating benefits of Rose Floral Water with the calming properties of Orange Blossom Floral Water with the antioxidant potential of Green Tea. By embracing this blend, it retains the skin’s natural balance, leaving it feeling supple and velvety soft with each application.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Hordeum Vulgare Stem Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium PCA, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum/Fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol
- Country Of Origin: France
- Size Available: 200ml
Pros:
✅ Certified organic cleanser
✅ Reserves skin’s natural balance
✅ Promotes skin suppleness
Price: RM115.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Kose Sekkisei White Liquid Wash
Kose Sekkisei White Liquid Wash promotes gentle cleansing that removes old keratin while remaining kind to the skin. Its soft foam, enriched with hydrating properties from mild taurine cleansing agents, ensures a gentle cleansing experience. Enhanced with Rubus suavissimus extract, it offers soothing relief from UV-induced damage, unveiling the skin’s natural radiance and translucency through thorough cleansing. By eliminating dead skin cells, it revitalises the skin and provides a velvety-smooth, satin-like veil that enhances suppleness for flawless makeup application.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Tea-cocoate, Cocamide Dea, Potassium Cocoate, Tea-laurate/myristate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Peg-55 Stearate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Akebia Trifoliata Stem Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Coix Lacryma-jobi Ma-yuen Seed Extract, Melothria Heterophylla Root Extract, Rubus Suavissimus Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Polyaspartate, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Lauryl Betaine, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Squalane, Trisodium Edta, Xantham Gum, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
- Country Of Origin: Japan
- Size Available: 140ml
Pros:
✅ Hydrating properties
✅ Revitalising effect
✅ Soothes UV-induced damage
Price: RM128.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap (Extra Mild)
Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap (Extra Mild) facial cleanser is designed to cater to various skin types, including combination, normal, and sensitive skin. Specifically formulated to address dryness concerns, it offers a soft, non-drying lather that cleanses the skin gently while rinsing off easily. Notably, this soap ensures the skin’s natural moisture balance is protected, preventing any taut or dry sensation post-cleansing. It is suitable for individuals of different age groups, from those in their 20s to those aged 50 and beyond. Moreover, it is free from parabens, phthalates, and fragrance, promoting a clean and safe skincare experience. The bottle packaging is also eco-friendly, made with 96% plant-derived plastic, and the cap comprises 25% post-consumer recycled material. Additionally, the recyclable nature of the bottle supports environmental sustainability, as users can easily rinse the bottle, reattach the cap, and dispose of it in a recycling bin.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract\Extrait D’Orge, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cholesterol, Sucrose Stearate, Sucrose, Caffeine, Ppg-20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Urea, Sodium Pca, Linoleic Acid, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol <ILN41364>
- Country Of Origin: South Korea
- Size Available: 200ml
Pros:
✅ Moisturising mousse-like lather
✅ Deeply cleanses pores
✅ Suitable for sensitive skin
Price: RM118.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
