Indeed, the feeling of a fresh clean face after a long day is an often overlooked luxury! The cleanser is a significant first step to thoroughly cleanse and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. However, we also know that choosing the right cleanser can be overwhelming, with all these different types of cleansers available on the market, ranging from oil, foam, milk, gel, and clay. It can be confusing to choose the best cleanser for your skin. You might want to consider gel cleanser as it is perfect for all skin types and especially for sensitive or oily and acne-prone skin. Rest assured as Beauty Insider Malaysia has gathered and listed the best gel cleansers for 2021 that you need to incorporate to achieve your glow.

What are Gel Cleansers?

Gel cleansers have a thick and jelly consistency which provides a lesser amount of foam but don’t be misled as it is specially designed for deep cleansing which removes excess dirt, impurities and oil without stripping the skin of its natural oils. A squeaky clean feeling after cleansing is not actually a good thing as it signifies that your skin has been stripped of its natural oils.

Which Skin Types Are Gel Cleansers Suitable For?

Gel cleansers are suitable for all skin types. However, it is more ideal for sensitive or oily and acne-prone skin as it helps to unclog the pores, remove excess oil and bacteria which cause acne on the skin. Most of all, it provides hydration and moisturizes the skin while minimizing the production of excess oil on the skin.

The Benefits of Using Gel Cleansers

A gel cleanser can be holy grail step in your skincare regimen as it offers these astounding benefits:

  • It does not strip the skin of its natural oils.
  • The cleanser offers deep cleansing by unclogging the pores and removes impurities.
  • The effective solution to fight and prevent acne.
  • Moisturizing and soothing qualities that reduce skin redness and irritation.

Best 18 Gel Cleansers in Malaysia

Here are the best gel cleansers that we have shortlisted just for you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your notepad now!

1. Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

This drugstore favorite cleanser gently cleansed the skin thoroughly while maintaining hydration. It is 100% soap-free and contains vitamins that are essential for the health of your skin. The best part is that it is affordable! You don’t need to compromise your wallet for dewy skin.

Why we love it:

  • 100% soap-free
  • Free from artificial colors, perfume, and harsh chemical
  • Dermatologically tested and approved
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Affordable

Price: RM22.80. Available at Watsons.

2. Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker Low pH Gentle Cleanser

Made for all skin types and concerns, this gel cleanser by Geek & Gorgeous is definitely no joke (despite the name)! Infused with PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides and Poloxamer 184, it gently cleanses the away dirt, makeup, and oil on the skin. Coupled with anti-inflammatory and skin barrier moisturizing ingredients, this cleanser will leave your skin feeling fresh without feeling dry and tight.

Why we love it:

  • Soft, gel-cream texture
  • Removes redness and irritation
  • Balances skin pH level
  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free

Price: RM75

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3. Daughters of Malaya Charcoal Oil Cleansing Gel

This hybrid cleanser comes out as a gel that turns into oil as you work into the skin. Eventually, it emulsifies to get rid of makeup, dirt, excess sebum, and impurities on the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Easy to rinse off without leaving any residue
  • Cleanses without stripping the skin of its moisture
  • Suitable for all skin types

Price: RM52

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4. Asis-tobe Ph Balancing Gel Cleanser

This daily cleansing gel-water from Asis-tobe contains about 200ml of product that will last you for months! It contains Panthenol (vitamin B5) and Allantoin to moisturize and calm the skin as you wash your face. It leaves the skin hydrated thanks to the added Aloe extract.

Why we love it:

  • Removes makeup and dirt without stripping the skin
  • has pH level of 5.3
  • Gentle on the skin

Price: RM152

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5. Exuviance Professional Purifying Cleansing Gel

Combined with Glycolic Acid (AHA) and Gluconolactone (PHA), this gel cleanser contains no soap but does the job of cleansing the skin while gently exfoliating it! It conditions the skin while improving the skin’s texture, leaving you with a clean and clear complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Has anti-ageing properties
  • Deeply cleanses the skin of its impurities
  • Non-drying and gentle
  • Ideal for normal, combination, or sensitive skin types

 Price: RM178

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6. Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel

Infused with its prominent thermal prominent spring water as an ingredient, this gel cleanser delivers soothing properties and removes excess oil. It also contains Cucurbita pepo which minimizes sebum production and it helps to mattifies the skin. Why only lather it on your face when you can use this cleanser on your body as well?

Why we love it:

  • Soap and paraben free
  • For face and body usage
  • Soothing and gentle qualities

Price: RM74. Available at Watsons.

7. Garden of Wisdom Daily Cleanser

Nothing like unwinding at the end of the day with a good cleanser to remove all the gunk, debris, makeup, and pollution that might’ve built up on your skin after a long day. This water-gel cleanser from Garden of Wisdom cleanses the skin thoroughly without stripping it, plus it addresses your skin’s needs too! Couple with water-soluble surfactants decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside, it purifies and balances the skin as you cleanse.

Why we love it:

  • Rebalances the skin’s natural pH level
  • Rejuvenates the skin
  • Protects the skin’s microbiome
  • Safe to use around the eye area

Price: RM85

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8. Uriage Extra-Rich Dermatological Gel Cleanser

If you have sensitive skin from your face down to your body – this gel cleanser will be your life-saver! It’s a gentle daily cleanser that washes off the skin’s impurities without being harsh. It also hydrates the skin as you cleanse, so you won’t get that tight feeling on your skin as you step off the shower.

Why we love it:

  • Protects the skin and its hydrolipidic film
  • Brings the skin comfort
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Soft and delicate on the skin

Price: RM110

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9. FRESH Soy Face Cleanser

This cult-favorite gel cleanser with a 4.5 rating on Sephora, removes impurities and even melts away makeup, especially your mascara! It is rich in amino acids which ensures skin suppleness. Infused with cucumber extract and rosewater, this gel cleanser delivers soothing and calming qualities. It might be pricier for a full-size product, but once you have tried it you will never look back! You can opt for the smallest size which is 50ml to test it out first.

Why we love it:

  • Effectively removes makeup
  • Soothing and calming properties
  • PH-balanced cleanser

Price: RM67. Available at Sephora.

10. Alpha Refreshing Face Wash

This fuss-free and soap-free cleanser lathers generously to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil on the skin. It works deeply to the pores to decongest it without drying the skin afterwards. If you also wear sunscreen (as you should daily!), this one also does a job of removing it – including water-proof ones.

Why we love it:

  • Contains no fragrance
  • Softens and smoothens the skin
  • Rebalances the skin’s pH level
  • Leaves skin clean and comfortable without dryness

Price: RM65

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11. DR. DENNIS GROSS Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel

The Alpha Beta acids together with willow bark effectively remove the dead skin cells and soothe the skin. The  Snow Ear Mushroom functions as an agent of hydration so that the skin will maintain its moisture balance. This gel cleanser minimizes the appearance of the pores so that you can achieve flawless skin.

Why we love it:

  • Paraben, sulphate, and cruelty-free
  • It is vegan
  • Minimizes the pores and non-irritating

Price: RM60. Available at Sephora.

12. Garden of EDEN Rosa T Mild Gel Cleanser

Give your skin a thorough cleanse while combating acne with Garden of Eden’s Rosa T Mild Gel Cleanser. It features a twist-n-lock pump for no unnecessary spilling that’s ideal to use while you’re travelling or as you cleanse your face after a good gym session! Its plant-based ingredients combined with witch hazel and aloe vera extract make it perfect to use for those with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.

Why we love it:

  • Has oil-controlling and anti-irritant properties
  • Hydrates and soothes acne
  • Prevents acne and clears blemishes
  • Soothes and heals the skin

Price: RM20.60

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13. Dr. Murad Clarifying Cleanse

This gel cleanser is a lifesaver for those with acne-prone skin due to its key ingredients namely Salicylic Acid and Green Tea Extract. The formula prevents recurring acne, purifies the pores, and alleviates irritation. Your skin will be feeling cleaner and smoother. This product is recommended for people with combination, oily, and sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

  • Combats recurring and existing acne
  • Alleviates redness and irritation
  • Suitable for combination, oily, and sensitive skin.

Price: RM188. Available at Murad online store.

14. L’Occitane Aqua Réotier Water Gel Cleanser

Known for its calcium-rich Réotier spring water and hyaluronic acid, this gel cleanser delivers infinite hydration and maintains the skin’s moisture barrier. Just imagine as you splash your face with the natural spring water from the Provence mountains, it makes your skin feeling fresh and revived. This gel cleanser eliminates impurities, oils, and even makeup.

Why we love it:

  • Infused with Réotier spring water and hyaluronic acid which provide hydration
  • Fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier
  • It removes impurities and makeup

Price: RM100. Available at L’Occitane stores nationwide.

15. Bioderma Sensibio Face Wash (Sensitive Skin)

Let’s be honest, Bioderma is mostly known for its micellar water but you might want to grab this cleanser as well. Its effectiveness might surprise you. This gel cleanser gently cleanses your skin and enriched with essential ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier. This product is specially curated for sensitive skin. What’s better is that a bottle of it should last a long time!

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Soap, paraben, fragrance, and alcohol-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Formulated to strengthen the skin’s barrier

Price: RM55.50. Available at Watsons.

16. Elemis Superfood Facial Wash

Have you ever feel that your skin just needs a healthy smoothie of its own? Then this gel cleanser will deliver what you wish for! Just like a bottle of miracle green potion but it’s for your face. It is packed with superfoods ingredients including kale, avocado, and broccoli, making your skin feeling healthier, nourished, and glowy. Did we mention it contains a prebiotic?

Why we love it:

  • Packed with vitamin-rich superfoods and prebiotic
  • Nourished and revived the skin
  • Effectively removes makeup and impurities

Price: RM115. Available at Elemis online store.

17. Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser

This lightweight gel cleanser works like a charm that eliminates impurities and removes all traces of makeup on the skin. Formulated with hydrating ingredients namely cucumber and aloe vera as well as thyme that is effective to reduce sebum production. It’s a gamechanger for your skincare routine due to its effectiveness and definitely worth the splurge!

Why we love it:

  • Hydrating and anti-bacterial properties
  • Lightweight texture
  • Removes all traces of makeup

Price: RM34. Available at Sephora.

18. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser For Normal to Dry Skin

Loved by many, there’s nothing that could go wrong with this gel-based cleanser. It is enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to retain the skin’s moisture and hydration. This cleanser will deeply cleanse the skin without making it feels dry and tight. Furthermore, due to its non-comedogenic properties, it does not clog your pores. Having an eczema flare-up? Fret not, as this gel cleanser is approved by the National Eczema Association.

Why we love it:

  • Approved by National Eczema Association
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist tested

Price: RM20.03. Available at iherb.

Author: Balqis Ariffin | Date: 19th Jan 2021