Beauty

These 9 Best Low pH Cleansers Are So Good You’ll Want Them All

Avoid dryness and breakouts with these low pH cleansers for dry and oily skin. These brands from Cosrx and Hada Labo are suitable for sensitive skin too.


Editor · 8 Jan 2020, 7:57pm

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These 9 Best Low pH Cleansers Are So Good You’ll Want Them All

You may be wondering, why is pH important for your skincare? Well, for those you can recall high school chemistry, pH is a scale used to measure acidic and basic levels in solutions. It goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, lucky number 7 for being perfectly balance, and 14 for the most alkaline.

This matters because the skin’s natural pH falls slightly on the acidic side, somewhere between 4 and 5.5. Maintaining this balance is important for healthy skin, as the acidic film on our skin called the acid mantle, prevents bad bacteria from accumulating and causing irritation that leads to breakouts and acne. While the acid mantle works to keep the bad out, it also keeps the good in. Which is mostly water, that helps us retain supple and well-hydrated skin. 

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Why do you need a low pH cleanser?

A cleanser’s job is to clean your skin, and while it clears away grease, sweat, and make-up, the wrong type of cleanser can also strip away the skin’s natural oils. So, it’s best to use a cleanser with a pH similar to that of healthy skin to minimizes damage to the protective barrier. However, do check out these low pH cleansers that may work for your skin.

Best overall low pH cleanser 1 of 7
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Partnership with COSRX
From RM49.68
See price at Lazada Malaysia
Fragrance-free
Hypoallergenic
2 more points
Vegan
Delivers smooth, clear skin

This gel-based cleanser prevents irritation and helps remove make up, as soap-based ones are always naturally more alkaline-based. The formula is further enriched with natural BHA for gentle exfoliation, and tea tree oil can control sebum and tighten pores. Mild enough for daily use, it’s great for both morning and evening cleansing.

Best Korean low pH cleanser 2 of 7
The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Foam Cleanser
Partnership with The Face Shop
From RM59
See price at Hermo Malaysia

As Korea's leading natural skincare brand, The Face Shop formulates solutions that are best suited for Asian skin. Dr. Belmeur uses mild plant-based ingredients to ensure minimal irritation and deep hydration. Part of a four-step cleansing ritual package, you can achieve healthy skin with all the other products in the set.

Best low pH cleanser for dry skin 3 of 7
Rovectin Skin Essentials Conditional Cleanser
Partnership with Rovectin
From RM62
See price at Hermo Malaysia

As Korea's leading natural skincare brand, The Face Shop formulates solutions that are best suited for Asian skin. Dr. Belmeur uses mild plant-based ingredients to ensure minimal irritation and deep hydration. Part of a four-step cleansing ritual package, you can achieve healthy skin with all the other products in the set.

Best low pH drugstore cleanser 4 of 7
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
Partnership with Cetaphil
From RM51.96
See price at Shopee Malaysia
Suitable for combination with oily, sensitive skin
Free of fragrance, paraben, and oil
Might have a slight medicinal smell ( May not be appealing for some people )
2 more points
Hypoallergenic
Doesn’t clog pores

An award-winning classic, Cetaphil is a brand trusted by many and easily found anywhere. Step into any drugstore at any corner of the world, and you can feel assured of the quality in your purchase of a Cetaphil product.

Best low pH cleanser for sensitive skin 5 of 7
Etude House Cica Balance 5.5 Gel Cleanser
Partnership with Etude House
From RM46
See price at Shopee Malaysia

Irritation can occur from the slightest change in pH value, reacting even worst for those with sensitive skin. Not only is it more acidic to meet your skin’s natural pH, this product is also formulated with chamomile and madecassoside to calm the skin after each wash.

Best low pH cleanser for combination skin 6 of 7
Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser
Partnership with Sioris
From RM92.63
See price at Hermo Malaysia

The success of this product comes from a combination of fresh ingredients and great product design. Sourcing fresh ingredients that are in season when picked for production, it combines this with an airless bottle system that prevents air from entering the bottle, thus prevent the formula from direct contact with outside air.

Best sulfate-free low pH cleanser 7 of 7
Real Barrier Control-T Cleansing Foam
Partnership with Real Barrier
From RM82.10
See price at Hermo Malaysia

While keeping close to your skin’s natural pH is a good way to maintain healthy skin, avoiding the use of sulfates in cleansers can have an equally positive effect. Sulfates help create that luxurious lather of bubbles that lifts oil away from our skin. This can initially feel fresh and clean on the skin, but once done with the washing, your skin may begin to feel tight and dry. Because the sulfates can also lift the natural oils on your skin, stripping it of its natural protective barrier.

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