Dry skin can be attributed to a lot of factors. While some people are impacted by environmental variables like the weather and urban pollution, others are born with naturally dry skin. Whatever the cause, it is crucial to take precautions against these issues since they can cause the skin to become dry, dull, rough, or even inflamed.
Your first priority in skincare should be to select a suitable cleanser that will effectively cleanse your skin of oil and impurities while providing ample hydration. A daily face cleanser promotes greater absorption and effective performance by laying the groundwork for other skincare products.
Contents
- Top 10 Best Cleansers for Dry Skin 2026
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
- Simple Water Boost Micellar Facial Wash
- Hada Labo Hydrating Foaming Wash
- Innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser
- Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser
- The Ordinary Squalene Cleanser
- Clinique Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam
- Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant
- Bio-Essence Hydra Be Bio-Hydra Whipped Cleanser
- FAQ
- - How often should I wash my face if I have dry skin?
- - What to look out for when choosing a cleanser for dry skin?
- Related articles
So, if you have this skin type, this list of Malaysia's top 10 best cleansers for dry skin is useful to help you!
Top 10 Best Cleansers for Dry Skin 2026
1 more point
Overview:
Cetaphil's mild cleanser effectively hydrates while cleansing without removing your skin's natural oils, thanks to its pro-Vitamin B-5, essential Vitamin B-3, and moisturising glycerine. Furthermore, this cleanser has undergone dermatological tests to guarantee the health and suppleness of your skin!
Details:
- Niacinamide for acne treatment
- Pentanol to moisturize the skin
- Glycerine, as a humectant, hydrate and soften the skin
Who is this for?
Dry to normal, sensitive skin is best suited for this gentle cleanser. This formula is designed to keep your skin moist while also expelling impurities from your skin, keeping it clean and fresh.
2 more points
Overview:
The salicylic cleanser from Cerave uses microbeads to gently exfoliate your skin without irritating it. Your skin maintains its natural barrier while being moisturized and softened throughout the day, owing to the three crucial infusions of niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
Details:
- Salicylic acid to gently exfoliate skin
- Niacinamide – calms the skin
- Hyaluronic acid to retain moisture
- Ceramides restore the skin's natural barrier
Who is this for?
This cleanser exfoliates the skin by eliminating dirt and oil, particularly for people with dry, rough, bumpy skin that is also prone to acne. Also, it removes dead cells and smooths rough skin without leaving it dry.
1 more point
Overview:
Simple's facial cleanser is made entirely without soap but instead, uses Micellar water technology to thoroughly clean and moisturizes your skin! Powered by micelles, the tiny cleansing particle effectively draws dirt and makeup out of your pores and boosts hydration by 90%!
Details:
- With minerals and plant extracts
- Pentavitin moisture magnate - firming moisture barrier
- Lightweight texture
Who is this for?
The five indicators of dehydration (dryness, dullness, roughness, a tightening sensation, and dry dehydration lines) are intended to be reversed by this water-boost gel cleanser. This simple-to-find (pun intended) cleanser at the drugstore is perfect if your skin is dry and flaky!
1 more point
Overview:
The quality of Japanese products is well-known, and this Hada Labo cleanser is no exception. Equipped with cutting-edge technology that combines two forms of hyaluronic acid for improved moisturization and healthier skin, it produces the much-desired plumping effect for your skin.
Details:
- 2 types of Hyaluronic acid, medium and large size HA
- Gently removes light makeup
- Balances the skin’s pH levels
- Fine foam texture
Who is this for?
If you are normal to dry skin type and searching for a facial cleanser to suit that, explore no further! Designed to address dehydration and roughness, this cleanser purifies and moisturizes your skin, preserving its softness and suppleness.
1 more point
Overview:
Innisfree's hydrating and refreshing foam cleanser helps eliminate dirt and pollutants, leaving your skin feeling clean, smooth, and supple. Made with Korea's natural Beauty Green Tea, its amino acid content is also 3.5 times higher than other green tea extracts!
Details:
- With fresh Green Tea Water 2.0, moisturizing ingredient
- Infused with highly concentrated Beauty Green Tea
- Contain green tea root extract
Who is this for?
This green tea-based cleanser from Jeju is formulated with rich amino acids known for regeneration and hydration. Unfortunately, the solution might be too strong for individuals on the extreme spectrum-excessively dry skin. But if your skin is mildly dry, you are good to go!
1 more point
Overview:
The birch tree water-infused cleanser from Laneige is fantastic for soothing inflammation, purifying, and moisturising your skin. The luxurious, silky lather effectively cleanses skin while retaining moisture, making it the ideal daily facial cleanser for addressing dryness and enhancing elasticity!
Details:
- Excellent in removing makeup
- Multifruit BSC for dead skin cell removal
- Vitamin E acetate to remove impurities from the skin
Who is this for?
This cream cleanser preps the skin for skincare by increasing the absorption rate. Besides, your skin is intensely hydrated, revitalized, and protected from premature ageing, owing to this product's 14.9% plant-derived oil.
1 more point
Overview:
Squalene, a fundamental component in The Ordinary's cleanser, is gentle on the skin while removing external impurities. Your skin is kept hydrated by the moisture it leaves behind. Besides, it is suited as the first step in your beauty routine since it is non-comedogenic and soap-free!
Details:
- Contains glycerine to increase skin hydration
- With malic acid to brighten and smoothen the skin
- Lipophilic esters dissolve makeup and impurities
Who is this for?
In addition to removing makeup, this mild cleanser effectively moisturizes and smooths the face. It is designed to address your pore and dehydration concerns and has a balm-to-oil texture, making it ideal for dry and oily skin.
1 more point
Overview:
Clinique's luxurious, velvety-soft facial foam has a non-irritating composition intended to gently remove dirt and impurities. As a result, your skin will be left smooth, clean, and pleasant without feeling too tight or dry, thanks to this excellent formula's nourishing and revitalizing effects.
Details:
- Salicylic acids to soften and loosen dry skin
- Glycerine as a moisturizing ingredient
- Algae extract for skin’s elasticity
Who is this for?
Since most facial cleansers on the market primarily cater to regular dry skin, having very-dry-to-dry combo skin can be a real pain when shopping. However, this incredibly gentle cleanser ticks off all the right boxes since it is specially formulated to address this type of skin!
1 more point
Overview:
A soothing and purifying face wash, the Bioderma foamy gel cleanser is incredibly gentle on your skin. It works excellently in treating irritated, rough, and dehydrated skin due to its Micellar technology, which is well recognized for calming and eliminating debris.
Details:
- Low irritation potential
- Excellent skin tolerance
- Non-comedogenic formula to ensure unclogged pores
Who is this for?
This product contains coco glucoside and glyceryl oleate, which mimic the skin's natural structure and are formulated for dry, sensitive skin and rosacea. Additionally, it is made with active substances that reinforce the skin barrier and sensitive skin's tolerance limit.
1 more point
Overview:
The hydrating cleanser from Bio Essence contains Bio Energy Complex to help your skin retain moisture and stay dewy! It is specially formulated with three strong Jeju marine algae to deeply cleanse pores while locking in natural minerals and nutrients.
Details:
- Hizikia Fusiforme extracts act as an anti-inflammatory
- Euglena Gracilis extract for skin’s elasticity
- Ecklonia Cava extract to revive dull and tired skin
Who is this for?
Facial cleansing is a must; however, a cleanser's price tag might be a burden to some people. With a good amount of product and an affordable price tag, this whipped cleanser not only moistens your skin but also maintains your budget below RM20. That's a win!
FAQ
- How often should I wash my face if I have dry skin?
For best cleansing impact, you should typically wash your face twice a day; however, those with dry and sensitive skin should not follow this general guideline.
The ideal time to wash your face is at night, and you should use a gentle cleanser to prevent inflammation. Your skin will be moisturized and free of pollutants and excess oil/sebum with the help of a mild cleanser that doesn't include soap and doesn't produce much foam.
How can cleansing your face in the morning be replaced? First, you might try substituting washing your face with warm water instead. After that, continue your evening skincare regimen. Less is more when it comes to dry skin!
- What to look out for when choosing a cleanser for dry skin?
Avoid those that contain detergents
Anyone with dry skin should avoid using cleansers that include abrasive detergents, such as SLS or SLES. They may deplete the skin's natural oils, leaving it drier and with a compromised skin barrier, which may irritate people. Choose mild products instead that are stuffed with nutritious nutrients and cleansers like gluconolactone or lactic acid.
Emollient-rich formula
If your skin is dry, seek a cleanser that has lots of emollients. Think about lipids, fatty acids, and natural plant butters. These will assist in bolstering and supporting the skin's natural barrier, which is in charge of retaining moisture.
Avoid drying ingredients
A high quantity of salicylic acid or glycolic acid are two substances to avoid since they may be drying or irritating. Lactic acid, which has humectant characteristics, is a good choice if you're seeking a cleanser that contains an exfoliating hydroxy acid.
Alternatively, look for a PHA that doesn't enter the skin as deeply, lowering the likelihood of dryness or irritability. Moreover, fragrances should generally be avoided as it might irritate the skin, especially if it is already dry.
Related articles
- Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin in Watsons Malaysia
- Best Drugstore Facial Cleansers in Malaysia
- Best Facial Sunscreens in Malaysia
- Best Moisturisers for Combination Skin in Watsons Malaysia
- Best Face Moisturisers for Dry Skin in Malaysia
- Fenty Beauty Brings Together Bling And Bronze In New Limited Edition Powder
