13 Facial Cleansers That Help Control Acne-Troubled Skin

This article was first published on 10 January 2022.

Are breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads the banes of your existence? You may have acne-prone skin. Yes, pimples can still be a problem past your teenage years. This is because breakouts are caused by various factors such as hormones, stress, wrong skincare products, and pollution. Luckily, having a proper acne treatment regimen — which includes a good facial cleanser — can help manage these breakouts. 

What to look for in a facial cleanser for acne

Look for these ingredients when shopping for your acne-busting facial cleanser.

These products typically contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree which are known for their antibacterial properties.

Salicylic acid, also known as beta hydroxy acid, is great for reducing redness and inflammation caused by breakouts. It's also a good pore-declogger, which is one of the common causes for acne.

Meanwhile, benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic and helps reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin.

If you want a plant-based option, tea tree can help soothe acne-prone skin and bust acne-causing bacteria in one go.

Want to know the best facial cleansers for acne that are readily available in Singapore? Read on.

1. Senka Perfect Whip Acne Care

Senka Perfect Whip Acne Care. (watsons.com.sg)

ICYDK, one of Japan's bestselling facial cleansers — the SENKA Perfect Whip — also comes in an acne-fighting variant. The Perfect Whip Acne Care contains Kyoto chamomile extract, an underrated ingredient that has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is further enriched with salicylic acid to unclog pores and control sebum.

Why it's great: White cocoon essence and double hyaluronic acid keep the skin hydrated.

It’s available in the brand’s Lazada store, Watsons stores, and the Watsons online store. It's priced at SGD9.90 per 100G.

2. CosRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

CosRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser. (watsons.com.sg)

This drugstore gel acne cleanser contains salicylic acid that cleanses the skin of impurities and bacteria, which is great for those with oily, acne-prone skin.

Why it's great: It also has tea tree oil for added protection from blemishes.

It's available at Watsons stores and on its website for SHD15.05 per 150ML.

3. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser. (watsons.com.sg)

Blemishes can also occur from excess sebum, so keep it in check with the Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser. Its derm-tested pH-balanced formula promises to help reduce excess sebum in two weeks.

Why it's great: It won't clog your pores or trigger any sensitivity.

You can find this at Watsons stores and online where it's priced at SGD31.20 per 125ML.

4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Purifying Gel

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Purifying Gel. (watsons.com.sg)

Made for oily, acne-prone skin, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Purifying Gel contains zinc to lift away impurities and sebum.

Why it's great: This foaming gel cleanser is also formulated with soothing La Roche Posay thermal spring water to calm irritated skin.

It's available on the Watsons Singapore e-store where it's priced at SGD38.90 per 200ML.

5. Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash. (sephora.sg)

If you like foaming cleansers, then the Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash is for you. This gentle acne cleanser doesn’t only give a soothing feeling as you lather but (more importantly) it also sloughs away dead skin cells and dirt, reduces oiliness, unclogs pores, and soothes the skin.

Why it's great: It contains orange peel extract to energise and brighten up your complexion.

You can find it on Sephora.sg where it's priced at SGD52 per 295ML.

6. DRGL Cleanser Acne

DRGL Cleanser Acne. (sephora.sg)

The DRGL Cleanser Acne can be a splurge but its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it worth the investment. With almond extracts to soothe redness and fight bacteria, this cleanser treats acne, regulates sebum, and moisturises your skin.

Why it's great: You can also use it on your scalp and body to treat acne in those areas.

It's available on Sephora.sg for SGD130 per 240ML.

7. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser. (theinkeylist.com)

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is another good facial cleanser that helps fight pimples. Its non-drying formula contains 2% salicylic acid and a zinc compound that helps control oil, reduce blackheads, and even out your complexion.

Why it's great: Its formula also has 0.5% allantoin, which is a great soothing agent.

It's exclusively available through Sephora and its e-store for SGD22 per 150ML.

8. Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser. (sephora.sg)

Looking for an oil-free acne cleanser? The Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser is a gel-to-foam facial cleanser that contains 100% natural salicylic acid to help reduce oil and the appearance of pores and blemishes.

Why it's great: It is also formulated with antioxidant grape seed polyphenols, soothing grape water, and glow-giving rose water.

You can purchase this cleanser from Sephora.sg where it's priced at SGD35 per 150ML.

9. Dr. Jart+ Ctrl-A Teatreement™ Cleansing Foam

Dr. Jart+ Ctrl-A Teatreement™ Cleansing Foam. (sephora.sg)

If you're a fan of its Cicapair and Ceramidin products, you’ll like K-beauty brand Dr. Jart+’s tea tree-powered cleansing foam that can help with acne breakouts too. If your breakouts are caused by excess sebum, then this mild cleanser helps balance out the oil-to-moisture levels in your skin. Tea tree helps get rid of any acne-causing bacteria, leaving you with a clear, hydrated complexion after cleansing.

Why it's great: Its gel-to-foam formula is great for hot and humid areas like ours.

It's available exclusively on Sephora.sg for SGD28 per 120ML.

10. Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser With Aloe Vera

Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser With Aloe Vera. (sephora.sg)

If you deal with redness from acne breakouts, pick up the Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser With Aloe Vera. Soothing aloe vera helps minimise redness and moisturise the skin. It is enriched with vitamin E to promote skin repair and neutralise free radicals.

Why it's great: It's gentle enough to also remove any eye makeup.

You can find this in Singapore at Sephora.sg for SGD63 per 185ML.

11. Shiseido Deep Cleansing Foam

Shiseido Deep Cleansing Foam. (sephora.sg)

If your acne is due to excess sebum on your skin, the Shiseido Deep Cleansing Foam can help. It's infused with Sebum Absorbing Powder that draws away oil and other impurities, leaving your skin clear and fresh.

Why it's great: It has hydrating ingredients that prevent your skin from drying out.

It's priced at SGD62 per 125ML at Sephora.

12. Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser

Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser. (sephora.sg)

Mario Badescu's Acne Facial Cleanser contains salicylic acid to treat your pimples and prevent future ones from popping up. It's also infused with thyme leaf extract, which is known for its skin-clarifying effect. Pair it with the brand's popular Drying Lotion and you're set!

Why it's great: It also soothes the skin with aloe vera and chamomile in its formula.

It's priced at SGD34 per 177ML at Sephora.

13. Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash

Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash. (sephora.sg)

Clear out your pores with the Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash. It has Vitamin A, a gentle retinol alternative, that nourishes and soothes your troubled complexion and speeds up its natural turnover process.

Why it's great: Besides being oil- and fragrance-free, this cleanser contains arnica that calms any redness.

It's priced at SGD71 per 250ML at Sephora.

Treat dark spots from previous acne breakouts with the right vitamin C serum.