One factor that we often overlook when shopping for cleansers is the pH balance. It may seem negligible, but it’s actually an important consideration.
Why does pH balance matter?
Keep your skin mantle happy and healthy with these cleansers.
Did you know that habitually using a facial wash that has a high pH level (7 and above) can cause disruption to your skin’s acid mantle, a thin layer that acts as a barrier and protects your skin from “invading organisms”, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin? It's important that your skin cleansers are formulated with a pH level of 5.5 or as close to it as possible.
If you want to make the switch, here are 18 low-pH cleansers that you can buy in Singapore.
1. INNISFREE Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Water
INNISFREE Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Water. (sg.innisfree.com)
INNISFREE’s Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Water marries the benefits of makeup-removing micellar water with the soothing properties of green tea. This budget-friendly pick is a hydrating cleansing water that has a pH similar to that of the skin and is powered by INNISFREE's Beauty Green Tea which is enriched with amino acids, Amino Acid Complex, and hyaluronic acid.
Another reason to love it: It also doesn’t hurt that the cleansing water contains sweet flag root extract that acts like a magnet for skin impurities.
It's priced at SGD23 per 320ML on the brand's website.
2. Eucerin pH 5 Wash Lotion
Eucerin pH 5 Wash Lotion.
The Eucerin pH5 Wash Lotion is a multitasking low pH cleanser that you can use both on your face and body. It promises to thoroughly clean your skin using only non-drying “extra mild surfactants” that won’t disrupt its pH balance. A no-frills, simple formula that works!
Another reason to love it: In addition to the mild surfactants, the cleanser has pH5 Citrate Buffer and that help protect the skin's enzyme activity and keep the skin barrier healthy.
It's priced at SGD18.10 per 400ML at Guardian.
3. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is famed for its ability to deliver a balancing act. Its formula works gently on the skin but is tough on dirt and effectively washes away any impurities with each wash.
Another reason to love it: It contains tea tree oil and salicylic acid that have antibacterial properties to help prevent breakouts.
It's priced at SGD15.20 per 150ML at Watsons.
4. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. (guardian.com.sg)
Dubbed “the cleanser for all skin”, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser features a skin-friendly soap-free formulation that cleanses skin without stripping away its natural protective oils. It’s also known as a waterless cleansing option; you can just rub the creamy product onto the skin and wipe it off with a towel — perfect for busy days or when you’re travelling.
Another reason to love it: The cleanser now contains hydrating glycerin and skin essential vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) in its new formula.
It's priced at SGD 17.25 per 250ML at Guardian.
5. THEFACESHOP Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Foam Cleanser
THEFACESHOP Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Foam Cleanser.
Got sensitive skin? You might want to try THEFACESHOP’s Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Foam Cleanser. This low-irritant gel formula has a pH level that’s similar to the skin and contains skin-loving ingredients like Phytosphingosine which strengthens the skin barrier and Moroheiya which ensures moisture retention.
Another reason to love it: If you have redness-prone skin, it's formulated with Birch tree sap that's known for being incredibly soothing to any redness.
It's priced at SGD20 per 150ML on the brand's website.
6. LANEIGE Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser
LANEIGE Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser.
If you adored LANEIGE’s famous Cream Skin Refiner, then you’ll also love the LANEIGE Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser. It uses non-emulsifying hydrating milk oil to cleanse off dirt and dead skin cells.
Another reason to love it: It has soothing Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Limnanthes Alba(Meadowfoam) Seed Oil to promote clear, moisturised skin.
It's priced at SGD38.25 per 200ML on the brand's website.
7. Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser.
Not a fan of fragrance and essential oils in your cleanser? Go for the Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser. This gentle jelly cleanser is made without SLS and other possible irritants but can efficiently remove dirt and grime just as well as cleansers that do thanks to its mild dissolving emollients that you can easily rinse off.
Another reason to love it: If you’re feeling extra tight and dry, you can add a drop of Marula Oil to this cleanser to make it even more hydrating.
It's priced at SGD51 per 150ML at Sephora.
8. SKIN INC Pure Serum Infused O2 Cleanser
SKIN INC Pure Serum Infused O2 Cleanser.
Claiming the title of the “world's first one-step Oxy-Bubble-to-Cream foaming double cleanser”, the SKIN INC Pure Serum Infused O2 Cleanser is perfect for those who are into skinimalism. While a usual double-cleansing routine involves two products (an oil cleanser and a water-based one), this innovative product does the job of both. The formula begins as a “gel” and transforms into a cream that melts away any impurities. Two for the price of one!
Another reason to love it: It's formulated with eight natural extracts and hypoallergenic ingredients like centella asiatica, reishi and salix alba that have anti-inflammatory benefits.
It's priced at SGD52 per 30ML at Sephora.
9. ALPHA-H Balancing Cleanser With Aloe Vera
ALPHA-H Balancing Cleanser With Aloe Vera.
The ALPHA-H Balancing Cleanser With Aloe Vera is a vegan multitasking cleanser option that can serve as an eye makeup remover, face wash and toner.
Another reason to love it: It is rich in vitamin E (for neutralising free radicals) and Aloe Vera (for moisturising skin). All work together to nourish your skin from inside and out.
It's priced at SGD63 per 185ML at Sephora.
10. Fresh Soy Cleanser
Fresh Soy Cleanser.
Get a clean slate without any dryness with Fresh Soy Cleanser. This cleanser doesn’t just refresh your skin but also functions as a makeup remover thanks to amino acid-rich soy proteins that can melt away even your mascara — all without dehydrating your skin.
Another reason to love it: It's also infused with cucumber extract and aloe vera to calm and soothe the skin.
It's priced at SGD25 per 50ML and SGD65 per 150ML at Fresh boutiques and Sephora.
11. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel. (laroche-posay.sg)
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is a good pH-balanced cleanser. It removes impurities and excess sebum that can cause breakouts with its gentle cleansing ingredients.
Another reason to love it: It's a foaming formula, so you still get the deeply cleansing feeling without stripping your skin of moisture.
It's priced at SGD39.25 per 200ML at Lazada.
12. TWO L(I)PS Rinse Gentle Prebiotic Cleanser
TWO L(I)PS Rinse Gentle Prebiotic Cleanser. (twolips.vip)
This pH-balancing cleanser contains plant-based prebiotics that rebalance the skin's microbiome. It also has lactic acid to help refine skin texture and plump up its appearance.
Another reason to love it: It can also be used on your vulva so the skin down there is soft, hydrated, and smooth too.
It's priced at SGD60 per 200ML on the brand's website.
13. Pyungkal Yul Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Pyungkal Yul Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam. (pyungkalyul.us)
This K-beauty cleanser has soft and mildly acidic bubbles that deeply cleanse your pores from excess sebum and skin waste.
Another reason to love it: It has fine cleansing particles that gently clean the skin without stripping off moisture.
It's priced at SGD4.2 per 40ML and SGD10.6 per 100ML on hush.sg.
14. Tatcha The Rice Wash Cleanser
Tatcha The Rice Wash Cleanser. (sephora.sg)
Willing to splurge a little on your cleanser? This Tatcha facial cleanser is pH-neutral and has a creamy lather that creates a gentle yet luxurious skincare experience.
Another reason to love it: It has skin-softening rice powder, moisture-replenishing Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid, and barrier-protecting ceramides to pamper your skin.
It's priced at SGD60 per 120ML at Sephora.
15. Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro pH Foam Facial Cleanser
Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro pH Foam Facial Cleanser. (sephora.sg)
Low-pH cleansers can also come in gel textures, like this one from Dr. Jart+. The gel lathers into a gentle mousse-like foam with water, helping to cleanse the skin while balancing its pH level at the same time.
Another reason to love it: Its surfactant (foaming agent) is made from coconuts, which reduces chances of irritation.
It's priced at SGD29 per 120ML at Sephora.
16. isntree Hyaluronic Acid Low-pH Cleansing Foam
isntree Hyaluronic Acid Low-pH Cleansing Foam. (en.isntree.com)
If you're a fan of isntree's popular sunscreen, you may want to consider trying another one of the brand's products. This cleanser has a low pH of 5.5 which keeps the skin barrier healthy and thriving.
Another reason to love it: It contains eight types of hyaluronic acid and 17 types of amino acids to keep your skin hydrated even after cleansing.
It's priced at SGD19.17 per 150ML at FairPrice.
17. Anua Heartleaf Gentle Facial Cleanser
Anua Heartleaf Gentle Facial Cleanser. (asianbeautyx.com)
K-beauty brand Anua has been making waves for its Heartleaf toner, but did you know that it has a cleanser in the same range? It's developed to be slightly acidic, just like the skin's natural pH levels, so your skin's moisture barrier remains intact even after cleansing.
Another reason to love it: Its hero ingredient, heartleaf extract, is known for its soothing and protective capabilities. This means that it can remove all impurities while also calming the skin.
It's priced at SGD27 per 120ML on Asian Beauty X.
18. ILIA The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover
ILIA The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover. (revolve.com)
If you're looking for a low-pH cleanser that feels like a cloud on your skin, look no further than the ILIA The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover. This gentle foaming cleanser lifts away any debris or buildup on the skin surface like a breeze on a dandelion. Did we mention it also restores much-needed hydration to your skin in the process?
Another reason to love it: While it promises to be suitable for all skin types, the brand prides itself on formulating this cleanser without talc, carbon black, gluten, silicones, oils, nuts, fragrance, synthetic dyes, nanoparticles, sulfate, phthalates, and parabens that may compromise the skin — especially sensitive ones!
It's priced at SGD46.44 per 200ML on Revolve.
This article was first published on 23 January 2023. Last updated: 18 January 2024.
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