10 cleansers with active ingredients to combat different skin types

Dry skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $24.72

Credit: CeraVe

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Well-loved for its gentle formulation, CeraVe’s products are formulated with three essential ceramides in mind. They work in tandem with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to cleanse the skin without stripping it. It is also fragrance- and paraben-free.

Oily skin: Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser, $35

Credit: Caudalie

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Those with oily skin types tend to face issues with sebaceous filaments, blackheads and whiteheads due to the presence of increased sebum. As a result, finding a cleanser with salicylic acid, such as this one from Caudalie, can help unclog the pores. Grape seed polyphenols, essential oil complex and grape water further aid in providing antioxidative, antibacterial and calming relief.

Acne-prone skin: PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash, $16.66

Credit: PanOxyl

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Containing four per cent benzoyl peroxide, the PanOxyl antibacterial wash banishes acne-causing bacteria to target existing and future breakouts. The paraben-, fragrance- and phthalates-free formula can also be used under the armpits to zap away body odour-causing bacteria.

Normal Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser, $40

Credit: Kiehl's

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With normal skin types, congratulations are in order as you have your pick of face cleansers to choose from. But we would still recommend a gentle cleanser to reduce stripping and inflaming the skin. Kiehl’s cleanser is bolstered with squalane, vitamin E, apricot kernel and avocado oil to clean without drying,

Sensitive skin: Holifrog Tashmoo Water Lily Milky Wash, $59.40

Credit: Holifrog

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The skincare label HoliFrog began with a cleanser line, so they definitely know what they’re doing. This iteration is enriched with plant extracts such as lily root, lotus flower, blue-green plant algae, sunflower seed oil and aloe vera to cleanse, hydrate, moisturise and soothe sensitised skin.

Combination skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Softening Foaming Gel, $38.90

Credit: La Roche-Posay

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As the name implies, combination skin types exhibit two or more different skin types on their faces, usually oily and dry. Consequently, this La Roche-Posay cleanser foams to provide a clean yet hydrated complexion thanks to the glycerin content. It is also fragrance- and alcohol-free.

Dull skin: The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser, $18.50

Credit: The Inkey List

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Tapping on the fulvic acid found in Nordic Beauty Peat, The Inkey List cleanser aims to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin underneath. Meanwhile, aloe vera soothes and hydrates while vitamin C-rich kakadu plum extract brightens and evens skin tone.

Rough skin: Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder, $108

Credit: Tatcha

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Physical scrubs give the instant gratification of smoother skin, but it pays to pick one that isn’t too abrasive that it will damage the skin barrier — here’s where Tatcha’s gentle wash powder comes in. It is made with Japanese rice bran to slough off dead skin and infused with the brand’s nourishing Hadasei-3 complex of rice, green tea and algae.

Oil cleanser: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, $29

Credit: DHC

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Powered by olive oil, the DHC oil cleanser is a tried-and-true beauty product for the first step in your cleansing routine. With dry hands and face, dispense a few pumps to dissolve makeup and sunscreen and give yourself a quick facial massage while at it. Add some water to emulsify and wash it all away. Finish with a second cleanse.

Balm cleanser: Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm, $61

Credit: Clinique

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A travel-friendly alternative to oil cleansers is balm cleansers. Clinique recently introduced the charcoal iteration to its popular Take The Day Off cleansing balm line, which aims to help detoxify and remove excess oil from the skin.


This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.