27 Best Facial Cleansers In Malaysia That Are Perfect For All Skin Types

After a long day outdoors, nothing can truly beat the feeling of some pampering session with a skincare routine before heading to bed. The heart of this ritualistic form of self-care is cleansing, which is regarded as the most important step for every individual. Honestly, cleansing does not only keep your skin dirt-free, it is actually a secret to attaining a radiant and glowing-looking complexion. However, with so many options on the market, selecting the best facial cleanser can be difficult!

You need a cleanser with a meticulous formulation that can eliminate impurities and dissolve makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. To help ease the quest of finding the right cleanser, Beauty Insider Malaysia has gathered an elite breed of all-star facial cleansers in Malaysia.

How to Choose the Best Facial Cleansers that Suit Your Skin?

Although the majority of you might feel tempted to try out the best facial cleansers that people are highly obsessed with, sometimes you need to refrain yourselves from doing so. Since every individual possesses different skin conditions, what works wonders for them might not be suitable for you. To save you from such mishaps, there are a few criteria that you need to consider before purchasing a facial cleanser.

Read the labels carefully

As some facial cleansers can be quite harsh on the skin and cause substantial damage, it is important to avoid using such products. Amongst the list of ingredients that you need to avoid are as follows:

• Paraben
• Mineral oil
• Synthetic fragrances
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Alcohols

Consider Your Skin Type

Dry skin

People with dry skin will find that facial cleanser that is formulated with hydrating ingredients ideal for them. Plus, it is also recommended that you opt for a non-foamy product that features gentle formula like hypoallergenic and is free of irritant properties such as salicylic or glycolic acid as they can dry out your skin.

Oily skin 

If you have oily skin, prioritise facial cleansers that feature aloe vera extract and tea tree oil as they regulate sebum production and combat all sorts of skin issues. Another ingredient that you should look out for is salicylic acid which is known for its effectiveness in unclogging the pores and eliminating excess sebum. Most importantly avoid using any product that is formulated with alcohol or oil as it can worsen your existing conditions. 

Sensitive or Combination skin

The rule of thumb in selecting facial cleansers for sensitive or combination skin types is to look for a gentle formulation. It is advisable to select a product that is labelled as hypoallergenic, soap-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free. 

The Best Facial Cleansers in Malaysia

1. Heimish All Clean Balm Mandarin

There is nothing not to love about the Heimish All Clean Balm Mandarin as it helps to eradicate all makeup, blackheads, and exfoliates in a single rinse. It also removes 99% of the dirt from pores in a single use. It features Moringa Ceramide and Papaya extracts, which are known to purify, hydrate, and clear any pore residue. Since it has a balm-like texture, instead of compressing the dead skin, it will melt away the dead skin and rubble in the pores. Indulge yourself in natural aromatherapy with its natural citrus aroma that merges with fresh mandarin oil, providing you with a refreshing body and mind as well as vigour and vitality to the skin.

Why we love it:

• Aromatherapy effect
• Gentle to the skin
• Remove dead skin cells, residue, and sebum
• All-in-one cleanser

Price: RM 44.31 (120ml)

Where to buy: StyleKorean

2. MARY&MAY White Collagen Cleansing Foam

The MARY&MAY White Collagen Cleansing Foam is an ideal facial cleanser for all skin types. Not only is it allergen-free, but it has also passed the skin irritation test. So you don’t have to worry about developing any skin reactions. Besides that, its formula contains 1% of niacinamide and 46.6% of collagen to brighten your skin and restore its elasticity. What’s more, niacinamide is known to help balance sebum activity as well. Practising clean beauty, MARY&MAY is a skincare brand offering effective ingredients with accurate information. So if you are looking to achieve brighter skin, then this is your top pick.

Why we love it:

• Moisturising
• Brightening
• Anti-ageing 
• Allergen-free

Price: RM33.44

Where to buy: Shopee

3. Elemental Pick Radiance | Nourishing Face Cleanser with Calendula

Elemental Pick Radiance | Nourishing Face Cleanser with Calendula meets all of the requirements we’re looking for in the best facial cleanser. It is expertly formulated to gently cleanse the skin from impurities and excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The high-performance formulation boasts a medley of calendula sourced from the fields of Macaronesia, aloe vera extract, and castor oil. The plant-based niacinamide or vitamin B3 helps to regulate excess oil production, thereby minimising the appearance of enlarged pores and controlling the formation of acne. This facial cleanser produces a luxurious lather, which ensures a relaxing sensory experience.

Why we love it:

• Non-drying formula
• Delivers deep cleansing, which keeps the skin hydrated
• Regulates excess sebum 

Price: RM49.00

Where to buy: Elemental Pick Official Website 

4. NUViT DermaCalm Amino Acid Micro-Foam Cleanser

Refresh the skin with each wash! This eco-friendly cleanser from NUViT instantly dispenses foam to rid the skin of makeup traces, excess oil, dirt, pollutants, and built-up grime. The Amino Acid Micro-Foam cleanser is developed with mild surfactants and dissolving emollients to gently cleanse without being too harsh on the skin. In addition, the plant-derived amino acids that it contains help prevent moisture loss and keep your skin soft and balanced. What’s more, its formula contains no harsh foaming and bubble-forming agents; rather, it’s made with an advanced golden ratio of amino acid properties and mousse to transform the liquid into a soft, airy foam.

Why we love it:

• Suits any skin type, including sensitive skin
• Purifies the skin
• Locks in moisture to keep skin smooth and comfortable

Price: RM39.70

Where to buy: NUViT Official,  Watsons  

5. Académie Scientifique de Beauté 100% Hydraderm Cleanser 

One of the best facial cleansers in Malaysia is the Académie Scientifique de Beauté 100% Hydraderm Cleanser. Gentle and light on the skin, this cleanser can effectively remove makeup and eliminate impurities and dead skin cells. Formulated with high-quality apple water, it can also keep your skin hydrated, supple and radiant. Not just this cleanser, but all of their products consist of a minimum of 98% of natural origin ingredients. In attempts to be more responsible in eco-responsible cosmetics, all their products are 100% recyclable packaging and containers. 

Why we love it:

• Removes makeup effectively
• Eco-friendly
• Recyclable packaging
• Infused with natural ingredients

Price: RM172.00

Where to buy: Academie Beaute Malaysia

6. Aiken Derma Care Deep Cleansing Sensitive Skin Cleanser

Aiken Derma Care Deep Cleansing Sensitive Skin Cleanser is a certified cult-status product that people swear by. It boasts a soap-free formulation that can gently and effectively cleanse without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture. With its high performance formulation, it contains a concoction of ceramide and calendula oil. These ingredients work together to deliver multiple benefits, including fortifying the skin’s barrier function, retaining moisture levels, alleviating signs of redness, calms and soothes irritated skin. Apart from the pH-balanced properties, this facial cleanser features a tear-free formulation that does not sting the eyes and is proven safe for sensitive skin, which makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin types, as well as infants.

Why we love it

• Soap-free & tear-free formulation
• pH-balanced 
• Retains skin moisture
• Gentle yet powerful 

Price: RM13.90

Where to buy: Shopee

7. Laneige Multi Deep Clean Cleanser

Infused with cellulose beads, this cleanser can deeply cleanse your skin while effectively removing makeup too. It also has blueberry extracts with antioxidant effects for clearer and brighter skin. It is suitable for all skin types, especially for those with dry skin as it can provide a highly moisturizing effect that keeps the skin moisturized after cleansing. Apart from that, it also contains natural plant-derived papain enzyme and cellulose beads that melt softly on the palm, removing stubborn dead skin cells.

Why we love it:

• Does not cause any irritation
• Remove makeup effectively
• Very moisturising and hydrating
• Gentle and lightweight

Price: RM36.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

8. Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

You know how dry skin and oily skin can never share the same cleanser because one needs oil while the other shies away from it? This cleanser can cleverly balance the two. Super gentle and frothy, this cleanser can effectively remove excess oil production, while also can balance and protect dry-prone zones. To add to that, this cleanser also has a delicate aroma to it thanks to the bergamot, spearmint and lavender. Not just your skin, but your senses will feel comfortably refreshed after cleansing.

Why we love it:

• Vegan
• Alcohol-free
• Paraben-free
• Can remove makeup residue

Price: RM120.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

9. Garden of EDEN Gentle Milk Cleanser

Garden of EDEN Gentle Milk Cleanser features a soap-free formula that gently cleanses the skin against impurities and excess sebum without causing any irritation. Enhanced with a blend of aloe vera extract, allantoin and glycerin, it keeps the skin hydrated for long-lasting hours. What’s more, this fan-favourite cleanser also works wonders to dissolve light makeup effectively. It is packed with botanical surfactants that are ideal for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

• Free from harmful ingredients
• Soap-free formula
• Melts light makeup

Price: RM21.70

10. Biore Skin Caring Facial Foam Moisture

With its impeccable formulation and efficacy, Biore Skin Caring Facial Foam Moisture is one of the best facial cleansers in Malaysia. It produces a luxurious lather that deeply cleanses the pores from impurities and sebum. Formulated with Skin Purifying Technology (SPT), it retains the moisture level and follows the natural pH balance, leaving you with a visibly smoother and softer-looking complexion.

Why we love it:

• Packed with hydrating properties
• Gentle and mild formulation
• Follows the natural pH balance

Price: RM24.40

11. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

One of the most popular facial cleansers in Malaysia, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser can clean your face without leaving any residue or disturbing your skin’s pH balance! The gel-like texture can keep your skin hydrated without over-drying or stripping the skin of its natural oils. For those of you who are a big fan of the award-winning, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, this cleanser is actually inspired by it. However, do take note this cleanser does contain citric acid which may cause irritation. 

Why we love it:

• Alcohol-free
• No fragrance
• Lathers well
• Lasts a long time

Price: RM58.00

Where to buy: Kiehl’s official website

12. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild

Packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and olive oil, this facial cleanser can replenish moisture in skin! Despite its soapy texture, this cleanser does not feel sticky or oily. Dermatologically tested and approved, this cleanser can cleanse your skin without stripping protective lipids. You can use this to remove makeup or as the first step in applying makeup as it can prep your skin for all the next steps.

Why we love it:

• Parabens-free
• No phthalates
• Fragrance-free
• Nourishing on the skin

Price: RM102.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

13. Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

One of the most affordable facial cleansers in Malaysia, the Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is one that cannot be missed. It is loaded with vegan ingredients like floral and fruit extracts, this cleanser is perfect for your everyday use as it acts as a natural exfoliator for your skin! It has also got tea tree oil to soothe inflamed skin as well. But do take note this cleanser is pretty mild so we don’t recommend you use it as a makeup remover.

Why we love it:

• Alcohol-free
• Paraben-free
• Cruelty-free
• Affordable

Price: RM49.00

Where to buy: Watsons Malaysia

14. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

One of the best-selling facial cleansers in Malaysia, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a favourite among many skincare enthusiasts. Packed with soy proteins, it can effectively cleanse and remove makeup without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture and oil. It can also balance your skin’s pH level without drying and leaves you with soft, supple skin. Apart from amino acid-rich soy proteins, this cleanser also has calming cucumber extract and balancing rosewater which can also soothe and tone even the most sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

• Clean ingredients
• Does not dry out the skin
• Soothing properties

Price: RM70.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

15. SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser

Regarded as one of the most expensive facial cleansers in Malaysia, this SK-II cleanser is worth every penny. Infused with Pitera and white willow extract, this high-end cleanser can deeply cleanse your impurities around and inside pores while enveloping your skin with silky smoothness. It also has a nice rose smell last all day long. It is super gentle on the skin and with regular use, trust us your skin gonna magically transform to be dewy, radiant and lustrous.

Why we love it:

• Alcohol-free
• Mild rose scent
• Foams well without any irritation
• Packed with Vitamin E to help brighten your complexion

Price: RM270.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

16. Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

This award-winning cleanser is infused with 12 essential oils that can gently clean and clear out the skin. Oh did we also mention, it can remove makeup too? To add to that, it can also tone and hydrate your skin by keeping your skin’s pH level comfortably balanced. Formulated for all skin types and gentle enough for sensitive eye areas, it deep cleans pores while natural oil extracts help condition skin. 

Why we love it:

• Alcohol-free
• Fragrance-free
• Gentle and lightweight
• Suitable for even the most sensitive skin

Price: RM97.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

17. MIA.JANE Hydro-Cleansing Mousse

When it comes to an all-rounder high-performing cleanser that not only is effective but also suitable for all skin types- it’s asking for a stretch. Despite that, this cleaning mousse from Mia.Jane seems to be every you need in a cleanser.

It is formulated with Opunthia Streptacantha Flower Extract, Silk Amino Acid, Aloe Vera Extract and Glycerin. These ingredients work well to cleanse your skin while hydrating the skin.

Why we love it:

• Does not leave a stripping feeling
• Protects the skin
• Nourishes the skin while cleansing

Price: RM198.00

Where to buy: The Kiss Beauty

18. Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

Next up on our best facial cleansers in Malaysia list is the Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. With a blend of ingredients, this cleanser can keep your skin thoroughly cleansed and revived. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, this cleanser is also super affordable. It also contains Pro-Vitamin B5, which can help to soften and gently cleanse the skin. Available across all drugstore shelves, this one is def not to be missed.

Why we love it:

• Affordable
• Suitable for all skin types
• Lightweight
• Long shelf-life

Price: RM27.30

Where to buy: Watsons Malaysia

19. Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser

The Superfood Cleanser feeds your skin with good-for-you nutrients that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to go. It is strong enough to remove makeup and debris but mild enough to use twice daily to clear pores. This wholesome, herbal-scented cleanser includes cold-pressed antioxidants and kale to infuse the skin with phytonutrients and vitamins C, E, and K. Green tea work as an anti-inflammatory while maintaining the health of your skin’s protective layer with necessary fatty acids, while spinach calms and cools while promoting moisture retention. Alfalfa, which is high in antioxidants, also makes an appearance and shields your skin from the stress of free radicals and city life.

Why we love it:

• Packed with antioxidants
• Multifunctional
• Anti-inflammatory

Price: RM230.00

Where to buy: Shopee

20. Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

Your skin is saved by CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser from the verge of dehydration. With this non-foaming, gel-like cleanser, you can shine right from the start of your routine, whether you’re relaxing down after a long night out or pumped up to start your day. Bursting with three important ceramides, this product gently removes debris and grime from makeup that might clog your pores. Consider this to be a glow skin affair where dryness and tightness are no longer welcome, offering additional protection with the aid of barrier-boosting properties.

Why we love it:

• Promotes repair
• Formulated with ceramides
• Evens out skin tone

Price: RM45.00

Where to buy: Shopee

21. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Gel

This calming gel cleanser removes pollutants and excess oil to leave your face clean and noticeably clearer, refreshing oily complexions that are prone to irritation. This daily cleanser covers all the bases to leave your face feeling fresh and looking clear without irritation since it is infused with La Roche-very Posay’s own pure “Thermal Spring Water,” which provides the ultimate skin-soothing experience. With sebum-reducing zinc PCA, this mild gel cleanser is the ideal supplement for any oily-skin beauty in need of assistance. It is hypoallergenic and carefully developed to provide you with the best washing experience. Citric acid is infused to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin without the risk of irritation.

Why we love it:

• Works well, especially for those with sensitive skin
• Ultra-soothing
• Brightens complexion

Price: RM83.90

Where to buy: Watsons

22. Selfless By Hyram Centella And Green Tea Hydrating Gel Cleanser

Use the Centella & Green Tea Gel Cleanser to give your skin a new start in the morning or an oh-so-satisfying thorough cleanse in the evening. This product is made to soothe your skin after each and every wash. This antioxidant-rich cleanser offers the ultimate defence against environmental aggressors by penetrating your pores deeply with a number of gentle-to-skin ingredients including Baltic black moss and glycerine, which lock in moisture while Centella and green tea act to reduce redness and irritation.

Why we love it:

• Soothes inflammation
• Protects the skin
• Hydrating

Price: RM103.00

Where to buy: Sephora

23. Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser

Glow Recipe’s recently reformulated Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser creates a mild foam that gently removes makeup and pollutants while also intensely moisturising skin, perhaps eliminating the need for a hydrating toner. When left on for five to eight minutes, it serves as both a deep-cleansing mask and a moisturising cleanser, giving you the best of both worlds. This cleanser protects, strengthens, and clarifies skin as mild alpha hydroxy acids gently exfoliate dead skin cells for restored brightness. Blueberry, is a well-known antioxidant powerhouse. Your skin is left smooth, moisturised, dewy, and bouncy with the addition of hyaluronic acid, and is ideally prepared for the next step of skincare.

Why we love it:

• Rich luscious texture
• Deeply cleanses
• Brightens complexion

Price: RM160.00

Where to buy: Sephora

24. Then I Met You Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel

This soft gel efficiently lifts water-based pollutants as a purifying second cleanse to support bright, radiant skin. This calming solution, which has a pH of 6, strikes a balance between clarifying chemicals and various moisturising and nourishing components to leave your skin feeling renewed but never stripped. Rice ferment filtrate, an important component that contributes to the blend’s richness of enzymes and amino acids to nourish your skin while it gently clears impurities, is in charge of conditioning. In addition, it contains green tea extract to support calm, youthful-looking skin and liquorice root extract to support an even, luminous tone.

Why we love it:

• Rebalances pH levels
• Gently exfoliates the skin
• Anti-inflammatory

Price: RM230.00

Where to buy: Shopee

25. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Enzyme Foam Cleanser

Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Enzyme Foam Cleanser is unafraid of the heat. This creamy wash lathers into a delightful froth that’s packed with the formula’s flagship ingredient, Centella asiatica (also known as cica), moisture-boosting glycerin, and skin-soothing ingredients including heartleaf (a prominent ingredient in Korean beauty), soybean peptide, and moringa seed extract. This green-tinted solution is fragrance-free, as is any face cleanser designed for delicate, sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

• Ideal for all skin types including the most sensitive
• Contain Centella Asiatica, Heartleaf, Soybeans & Moringa Seed extract
• Made to protect your skin from the heat

Price: RM92.30

Where to buy: Shopee

26. Mario Badescu Skin Care Cleansing Oil

Mario Badescu’s Cleansing Oil is a relatively light composition that removes even the most tenacious makeup and grime while calming your skin after a long day. Rice bran and evening primrose oils wipe away easily, leaving your skin clean but not bare.

Why we love it:

• Lightweight and non-sticky
• Suitable for everyday use 
• Removes makeup and dirt 

Price: RM 75.00

Where to buy: Sephora

27. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

It’s difficult to discuss all-star cleansers without including Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser, which has received several awards, doctor accolades, and mom recommendations since its introduction in 1947. The remarkably, lotion-like solution is infused with fatty alcohols, which coat the skin and replace post-cleanse harshness with skin-coddling sweetness.

Why we love it:

• Recommended by beauty editors
• Gentle for all skin types
• Soft, lotion-like formula

Price: Starts from RM25.12

Where to buy: Watsons

Have you tried out any one of these best facial cleansers in Malaysia? Make sure to follow Beauty Insider on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates.