There is a reason why cleansing falls as the first step in a skincare regime. Facial cleansing doesn’t only remove debris from the face but also prepares it for the proceeding steps in our skincare routine (essence, serum, moisturizer…). This is because a clean face absorbs products more efficiently, like how a clean sponge absorbs water.
In this article, we have researched, reviewed, and listed down a few affordable drugstore/pharmacy face washes that can be easily obtained from both physical and online stores. With the right cleanser, getting clear skin is not a dream at all.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
Top 11 Drugstore Face Washes in Malaysia
Who is this for?
Several reviewers have mentioned that this cleanser has reduced the redness of their acne and given them a good amount of oil-control without leaving their face dry. However, reviewers with dry skin mostly find this foam cleanser a little too harsh for them. As such, we recommend this to people with combination or oily skin who struggle with acne.
What to know
Through clinical tests, this glycerin-based foam cleanser from Neutrogena vows to eliminate up to 99.9% of unwanted dirt from the face without taking the glow away.
The anti-bacterial and anti-microbial Isopropyl Methylphenol (IPMP) used in formulating this cleanser is what makes it such a great acne-fighter. Supporting its strength, it also contains other anti-acne ingredients such as lauric acid and zinc gluconate too.
Key info
- It contains the brand’s Natural Botanical Complex that protects the skin
- Helps to keep the skin hydrated and calm.
- With glycerin, which is a skin humectant will not strip your skin of its moisture.
- It is free from alcohol
Who is this for
For those having problems due to oily skin on face, this product can make your skin feel clean, fresh and a lot less oily, especially at the T-zone. Indeed a worthy to buy. This product can also improve a cystic acne condition.
What to know
Two active ingredients that can be found in this cleanser are Thermal Spring Water and Zinc PCA. While the former is an anti-irritant that leaves a soothing effect on the skin, the latter fights against acne-causing bacteria and regulates the sebum production of our pores. It’ll effectively reduce breakouts and is a gold ingredient for people with oily and acne-prone skin.
Despite its gel consistency, this cleanser can create rich white foam when mixed with water. It is specially designed to remove excess sebum and dirt on the face without disrupting its pH balance at level 5.5. Having a skin’s pH level that is too high or too low will trigger an awful skin reaction which can take a long time to heal.
Key info
- It is alcohol-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic
- Listed as one of the Bustle Editor’s picks in 2020
- It has Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) that is a gentler cleansing agent
Who is this for?
You acne and oily face will benefit from this acne solution from Eucerin. It efficiently gets rid of acne. This is one miracle for those who experience acne problems.
What to know
It contains Bisabolol, which is derived from Chamomile. This natural ingredient is quite effective at calming down acne that can trigger skin inflammation. Moreover, Bisabolol promotes skin-healing effect and even aids in reducing wrinkles in the long run, truly a saviour of an ingredient!
There’s also Lauric acid which combats acne and glycerin which helps to retain skin moisture naturally can also be found in the product. That being said, this is a cleanser that clears up our skin without over-stripping it. With its non-alcohol formulation, this cleanser promises to be sensitive-skin friendly.
Key info
- It cn reduce acne by 82%
- Unclog pores thoroughly and reduce excess facial oil
- Tested for sensitive skin
- Gentle formula leaving hydrated skin
Who is this for?
For people with normal, dry and sensitive skin you can use this exfoliating face wash from St. Ives up to only 2 times a week. The ccumulation of dead skin cells, excess sebum and bacteria clog our pores will lead to the development of acne. Skin exfoliation, on the other hand, helps to clean congested pores and reduce the signs of breakouts. So when it’s done in moderation, exfoliation gives us a softer and smoother skin that glows.
What to know
The face scrub from St. Ives is a thick beige cream with scrub beads to deeply exfoliate the skin. Not only are the scrub beads in the cleanser obtained from 100% natural walnut shell powder, but the fragrance of this cleanser is also extracted from the natural apricots.
Key info
- The key ingredient is 2% of salicylic acid.
- Salicylic acid works as a skin exfoliant with anti-inflammatory properties
- It is extremely effective in treating blackheads and whiteheads.
Who is this for?
If you seek for a budget-wise face wash that can control excess oil on face, Garnier can help you. With extraxt of Sakura, this is ideal for those who have combination skin type.
What to know
This cleansing foam from Garnier contains Sakura extracts from Japan!
This cleanser aims to cleanse the face and reveal a complexion that is dewy, radiant and pinkish like Sakura. It is not only an alcohol-free face wash, but it’s also dermatologically tested safe for sensitive skin. Moreover, the cleanser is infused with Ascorbyl Glucoside which is a stable form of Vitamin C that brightens up the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation and works as an antioxidant.
Key info
- For normal to combination skin
- Cleanses thoroughly leaving no dirt on face
- With gentle formula ideal for sensitive skin
Who is this for?
It turns out that Simple really keeps their products simple. This is good as make up remover because it hydrates the skin, leaving it soft. Ingreidients are not harsh to skin that makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
What to know
This moisturising facial wash from the brand is free from artificial colouring, artificial fragrance and any harsh chemicals that might upset the skin.
Furthermore, being 100% free from soap or to be more specific, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), it is no surprise that this face wash is formulated ideally for people with dry and sensitive skin. The reason why a soap-free face wash is more preferable is that SLS is alkaline and might dry out the skin in the long run.
Looking through its ingredient list, the face wash is also formulated with Bisabolol to calm irritations and Panthenol which helps speed up the wound-healing process. There’s also Tocopheryl Acetate(Vitamin E) which is an amazing antioxidant for the skin. So, besides cleansing the skin, the cleanser also comes with other skin benefits.
Key info
- It has perfect blend of ingredients that keep thorough cleansing
- It os good to sensitive skin
- It helps moisturize and soften the skin
- No artificial perfume and color
Who is this for?
For those with acne and who wants to moisturise their face, this facial treatment cleaner will be suitable for you as it penetrates your skin to remove any impurities hidden underneath the naked eye.
What to know
Ponds Age Miracle Facial Treatment Cleanser uses 10% of Retinol-C and Vitamin B that will deeply clean your skin by removing impurities such as dead skin cells. Furthermore, it can also brighten your skin as it has 3x Youthful Glow.
Key info
- Contains niacinamide that combats acne and brightens your skin
- Protects and moisturises your skin with its main ingredient: Glycerin
- Can be used during morning and evening
Who is this for?
is perfect for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Aside from balancing the pH system in the skin, it removes impurities and hydrates your face without any stripping needed.
What to know
Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser promises to deliver smooth skin without causing any irritation. Perfect for all skin types, it aims to balance the pH system in your skin that may be imbalanced throughout the night.
Key info
- Does not contain fragrance
- No irritation
- Alcohol-free
Who is this for?
Garnier face wash brings brighter look on your face. This is ideal for those who always travel and get the dust from their environment. As you wash, your skin will keep brighten up tp 6 hours. You'll look fresh for the rest of the day.
What to know
Unclogging the pores and improving skin complexion are what this foaming cleanser from Garnier goes after. It is enriched with fresh lemon essence that flushes away the toxins in our skin, brightens it up and lightens skin pigmentation.
The product is of a creamy texture that lathers well with water and can be easily rinsed off, so it’s quite a comfortable, basic cleanser to use.
Key info
- It is affordable
- It can perfectly clean face by 94%
- Vitamin C helps brightens the skin
- Easy to rinse
Who is this for?
Did you know that men have thicker and tougher skin texture? As such, we recommend men try out this product as it’s a more effective face wash that can meet their skin needs. With its soap-free formulation, the face wash promises to penetrate deeply yet gently, into the skin and take away all unwanted impurities. Several reviewers have shared their pleasant experiences with this product.
What to know
This Himalaya face wash contains some of the most uncommon ingredients for a cleansing product which are Neem and Turmeric. The former has been known as a popular ingredient that’s used in traditional Indian remedies to treat skin issues. It is not only an excellent anti-fungal, but also an anti-aging element that boosts and maintains skin firmness.
Key info
- It has turmeric which is one of the most potent wound-healing agents for the skin.
- With benefits like easing skin inflammation and reducing skin cell oxidation.
- It helps to purify the skin, giving it a glow from within.
Who is this for?
For those who’d like to seek help from mother nature about their skin woes, try Botanics! This face wash from Botanics is fortified with natural herbal ingredients that not only cleanses the skin, but also work to better the skin’s condition in time.
What to know
The Botanics Gentle Facial Wash is formulated with natural plant essences from Chamomile, Lavender and Calendula. These popular flower ingredients all carry anti-inflammatory properties that soothes and calm the skin, making up for a face wash that’s pleasant and ultra-gentle to use.
Also, it is fortified with natural Aloe Vera extracts that possesses amazing skin-healing properties as well as speed up skin cell regeneration.
Key info
- It has shea butter for excellent skin moisturizer
- It smoothen skin
- All natural plant extract
FAQ
What are the differences between a face wash and a face cleanser?
While the words “wash” and “cleanse” are synonyms, it is not exactly the case when it comes to a face wash and a face cleanser. Generally speaking, they both work to cleanse and get rid of the dirt from our face. But which is better for you, and which is not? Or, are they simply no better than each other?
Let’s find out.
Foaming Nature
A face wash lathers as you massage it onto the face with water, creating white foam that needs to be rinsed off. Meanwhile, a face cleanser is typically non-foaming and doesn’t necessarily need to be rinsed off. They can be easily removed with a washcloth or a facial tissue.
Take, for instance, a foaming cleanser is considered as a face wash while a lotion cleanser/milk cleanser is considered as a face cleanser.
Functionality
A face wash removes heavy dirt that accumulates at a deeper layer of our skin and clears our pores more thoroughly compared to a face cleanser. Because of its foaming action, it tends to be harsher and more drying on the skin.
On to the face cleanser. They do clear the impurities from our face too, but focus on removing makeup dirt and excess sebum that stays on the skin’s upper layers. Its creamy and silky texture also makes it a kinder, gentler cleanser than a face wash.
For removing heavy makeup and double cleansing (for oily skin), a face cleanser should go first to get rid of any makeup grime, followed by a face wash to deep cleanse your pores.
Suitable Skin Types
As a face cleanser is milder and more moisturizing to the skin, it is best for people with normal, dry, and sensitive skin. Whereas for those with combination and oily skin, it is ideal to use a face wash for a more sufficient cleanse.
If your skin always feels squeaky clean, and tight, and gets quite red after cleansing, chances are your cleanser is too harsh for your skin. Do consider switching it to a gentler one if that is the case.