• 
  1 / 21 The right kind of cleanse

  Skin cleansing is the first step of your skincare routine. It may seem like a basic step, but getting it right may be trickier than just picking up any random facial wash off the shelf.

  Pick the right cleanser for your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive) or to address your most pressing skin concerns (acne, dullness, ageing) and you’re well on your first step to treating your skin right.

  Using the wrong kind of cleanser, however, could irritate or aggravate your skin unnecessarily and cause more problems before you can even start moving on to your skincare serums and creams, so choose wisely.

  Click through our gallery to see the best cleansers for sensitive, dull, oily, dry, acne prone skin, or if you’re all about preventing skin ageing.

  (Also Read: 8 Best Toners For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin)

  Photo: 123rf.com. Product photos are provided by the respective brands. 

  A version of this article originally appeared on www.herworld.com.

  Read more
• 
  2 / 21 Canvas Brightening Cleansing Oil ($132 for 200ml, www.canvasbeauty.com.sg)

  A light-weight, non-comedogenic formula that removes makeup and impurities.

  It contains a blend of natural, plant-based oils to gently cleanse and refine your skin tone for fresh, glowing complexion.

  Read more
• 
  3 / 21 Dull skin - Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser ($27 for 177ml, Sephora)

  A foaming cleanser with glycolic as an ingredient to gently exfoliate skin to brighten the complexion.

  This is made from rich herbal extracts which dissolve impurities while gently sloughing away dead skin and stimulating the growth of new cells. It reduces discolouration and leaves skin looking radiant and smooth.

  Read more
• 
  4 / 21 Dull skin - This Works Light Time Cleanse And Glow ($61 for 75ml, Sephora)

  An antioxidant packed facial wash that gives skin back its natural radiance.

  This recharges your skin in the morning and detoxes it at night. It is packed antioxidants and brightening actives like jojoba oil, water-activated vitamin C, and soothing vitamin E to cleanse, nourish and make skin look healthier with a natural glow.

  Read more
• 
  5 / 21 Dull skin - Sephora Radiance Cleansing Foam ($19 for 150ml)

  A light, airy foam that not only cleanses but leaves skin more radiant.

  The secret ingredient in this cleansing foam is citrus extracts. These softly and gently buffs away dull dead skin to leave the complexion thoroughly yet gently cleansed, with a boost in skin clarity and luminosity.

  Read more
• 
  6 / 21 Oily, acne-prone skin - Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant ($33.90 for 200ml, www.zalora.com.sg)

  This cleanser is specially formulated to deal with shiny, greasy faces.

  The hot and humid weather in Singapore does not bode well for your complexion. The Sebium Gel Moussant contains zinc sulfate that can help keep your sebaceous glands under control.

  Read more
• 
  7 / 21 Oily, acne-prone skin - Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser ($58 for 120ml, Sephora)

  A powerful, medicated cleanser that cleanses pores and removes impurities.

  With a luxuriously whipped texture, this has three percent sulfur to zap acne and blemishes, draw out impurities, and clear congested pores. There’s also honey and rice bran extracts to calm redness, while natural oat ingredients balance skin’s sebum. With continued use, it leaves skin trouble-free with visibly minimised pores.

  (Also Read: A Dermatologist’s Guide to the Best Treatment for Every Type of Acne)

  Read more
• 
  8 / 21 Oily, acne-prone skin - Three Balancing Foam ($55)

  To deep cleanse gently, this facial foam has 90 percent natural ingredients.

  This foam deeply cleanses the skin and removes excess oiliness effectively. It also has a lovely botanical scent when it lathers into a rich foam that removes dead skin cells and impurities. Skin is left perfectly clean, soft and moisturised.

  Read more
• 
  9 / 21 Oily, acne-prone skin - Dr Jart Poremedic Pore Minish Bubble ($32 for 120ml, Sephora)

  A mild yet effective cleanser that balances and soothes skin.

  It contains a duo of bubble mechanisms to help tighten and unclog pores while effectively getting rid of dead skin cells and keeping excess oil under control. It leaves skin brighter, firmer, and deeply cleansed.

  Read more
• 
  10 / 21 Dry skin - Senka Perfect Whip Facial Cleanser ($13.90 for 150ml, leading pharmacies)

  This cleanser comes with an auto-foaming dispenser that gives you a rich, fluffy foam that feels super soft on your skin.

  It provides your face with a gentle cleanse without stripping your skin’s moisture. Plus, it contains Shiseido’s moisture-boosting Aqua-in-Pool ingredient to deliver hydration to your skin.

  Read more
• 
  11 / 21 Dry skin - Nivea Hydration Super Mousse ($9.90 for 150ml, leading pharmacies)

  A novelty with its souffle-light mousse texture, this cleanser cares for dry skin.

  Thanks to kind-to-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, algae extract and marine salt, this mousse cleanser not only feels like a soft cloud on the skin, it leaves skin super soft and plump to boot.

  Read more
• 
  12 / 21 Dry skin - Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Extra Mild) ($35 for 200ml)

  A trusted cleanser in a super gentle formula that won’t dry out the skin.

  Developed with dermatologists, this offers simple, effective cleansing, thanks to its soft, non-drying lather that cleans gently and rinses easily. It protects skin’s natural moisture balance so there’s no taut or dry feeling after washing.
  (Also Read: 11 Best Korean Moisturisers to Give You Beautiful, Glowing Skin)

  Read more
• 
  13 / 21 Dry skin - Estelle & Thild Biocleanse Multi Action Cleansing Gel ($36 for 150ml, Sephora)

  This gentle gel washes away impurities without stripping the skin of moisture.

  It is called a multi-active cleansing gel as it soothes, purifies, calms and clarifies skin, while most importantly replenishing skin’s moisture levels. It has black elderflower that helps to detox skin so that it glows from within.

  (Also Read: 9 Natural Beauty Skincare Products That Actually Work)

  Read more
• 
  14 / 21 Anti-ageing - First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser ($18 for 56.7g, Sephora)

  Packed with antioxidants that cleanser also blocks free radical damage.

  With a powerful botanical blend of antioxidants to block the onset of ageing from oxidative stress, this facial wash gently cleanses the skin, removing surface oils, makeup, dirt, and grime with its whipped texture that transforms into a skin-pampering cream when you massage with water.

  Read more
• 
  15 / 21 Anti-ageing - Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Cleanser ($66 for 200ml, Sephora)

  A gentle and effective cleanser to rid skin of impurities while nourishing it.

  Jojoba cleanses whilst precious damask rose extracts nourish to keep skin supple, radiant and healthy. Geranium essential oils also replenish and smoothen the skin texture.

  Read more
• 
  16 / 21 Anti-ageing - Peter Thomas Roth Anti Aging Cleansing Gel ($69 for 250ml, Sephora)

  With a host of good-for-skin ingredients, this pampering cleanser is ideal for mature skin.

  It has anti-wrinkle technology in its formulation, which helps to clarify and brighten with glycolic acid, while extracts of peach, white oak bark, lemon, lime, linden, grapefruit, and arginine boost natural cell turnover to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing.

  Read more
• 
  17 / 21 Anti-Ageing - Senka Perfect Whip Collagen-In Facial Cleanser ($8.90 for 120g, leading pharmacies)

  Enhanced with collagen, it increases skin elasticity and prevents signs of ageing.

  It is also infused with signature silk cocoon essence that delivers long-lasting hydration to your skin.

  Read more
• 
  18 / 21 Sensitive skin - Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Water ($21 for 300ml)

  A mild cleanser that gently removes impurities without irritating skin.

  It effectively cleanses and restores your skin’s pH levels. It also contains green tea root extract that removes grime and dirt thoroughly for refreshed and dewy skin after.

  Read more
• 
  19 / 21 Sensitive skin - Shiseido Waso Waso Quick Gentle Cleanser ($40 for 150ml)

  An alcohol- and oil-free -gel cleanser that has honey to help it foam without water.

  It and rinses off clean to remove makeup, plus dirt and excess oil. The honey is a gentle and natural non-foaming agent plus it also helps to nurture the skin to make it healthier and supple.

  Read more
• 
  20 / 21 Sensitive skin - Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($20 for 236ml, Sephora)

  A non-foaming gel that you massage onto skin and rinse off for the gentlest cleanse.

  This effectively yet gently cleanses without drying or irritating sensitive skin. It has papaya and grapefruit extracts with mild exfoliating properties that help to remove accumulated dead skin which is the cause of blackheads and pimples. The gel calms and lessens skin irritation too.

  Read more
• 
  21 / 21 Sensitive skin - Caudalie Fleur De Vigne Instant Foaming Cleanser ($33 for 150ml, Sephora)

  The foaming pump dispenses a light, airy foam for gentle, effective cleansing.

  With its 99 percent natural, soap-free formula, plus a natural blend of grape extracts, sage, and chamomile, this not only cleanses and removes makeup and impurities but also helps to soothe the skin.

  Read more

The right kind of cleanse Skin cleansing is the first step of your skincare routine. It may seem like a basic step, but getting it right may be trickier than just picking up any random facial wash off the shelf. Pick the right cleanser for your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive) or to address your most pressing skin concerns (acne, dullness, ageing) and you’re well on your first step to treating your skin right. Using the wrong kind of cleanser, however, could irritate or aggravate your skin unnecessarily and cause more problems before you can even start moving on to your skincare serums and creams, so choose wisely. Click through our gallery to see the best cleansers for sensitive, dull, oily, dry, acne prone skin, or if you’re all about preventing skin ageing. (Also Read: 8 Best Toners For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin) Photo: 123rf.com. Product photos are provided by the respective brands.  A version of this article originally appeared on www.herworld.com. Canvas Brightening Cleansing Oil ($132 for 200ml, www.canvasbeauty.com.sg) A light-weight, non-comedogenic formula that removes makeup and impurities. It contains a blend of natural, plant-based oils to gently cleanse and refine your skin tone for fresh, glowing complexion. Dull skin - Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser ($27 for 177ml, Sephora) A foaming cleanser with glycolic as an ingredient to gently exfoliate skin to brighten the complexion. This is made from rich herbal extracts which dissolve impurities while gently sloughing away dead skin and stimulating the growth of new cells. It reduces discolouration and leaves skin looking radiant and smooth. Dull skin - This Works Light Time Cleanse And Glow ($61 for 75ml, Sephora) An antioxidant packed facial wash that gives skin back its natural radiance. This recharges your skin in the morning and detoxes it at night. It is packed antioxidants and brightening actives like jojoba oil, water-activated vitamin C, and soothing vitamin E to cleanse, nourish and make skin look healthier with a natural glow. Dull skin - Sephora Radiance Cleansing Foam ($19 for 150ml) A light, airy foam that not only cleanses but leaves skin more radiant. The secret ingredient in this cleansing foam is citrus extracts. These softly and gently buffs away dull dead skin to leave the complexion thoroughly yet gently cleansed, with a boost in skin clarity and luminosity. Oily, acne-prone skin - Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant ($33.90 for 200ml, www.zalora.com.sg) This cleanser is specially formulated to deal with shiny, greasy faces. The hot and humid weather in Singapore does not bode well for your complexion. The Sebium Gel Moussant contains zinc sulfate that can help keep your sebaceous glands under control. Oily, acne-prone skin - Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser ($58 for 120ml, Sephora) A powerful, medicated cleanser that cleanses pores and removes impurities. With a luxuriously whipped texture, this has three percent sulfur to zap acne and blemishes, draw out impurities, and clear congested pores. There’s also honey and rice bran extracts to calm redness, while natural oat ingredients balance skin’s sebum. With continued use, it leaves skin trouble-free with visibly minimised pores. (Also Read: A Dermatologist’s Guide to the Best Treatment for Every Type of Acne) Oily, acne-prone skin - Three Balancing Foam ($55) To deep cleanse gently, this facial foam has 90 percent natural ingredients. This foam deeply cleanses the skin and removes excess oiliness effectively. It also has a lovely botanical scent when it lathers into a rich foam that removes dead skin cells and impurities. Skin is left perfectly clean, soft and moisturised. Oily, acne-prone skin - Dr Jart Poremedic Pore Minish Bubble ($32 for 120ml, Sephora) A mild yet effective cleanser that balances and soothes skin. It contains a duo of bubble mechanisms to help tighten and unclog pores while effectively getting rid of dead skin cells and keeping excess oil under control. It leaves skin brighter, firmer, and deeply cleansed. Dry skin - Senka Perfect Whip Facial Cleanser ($13.90 for 150ml, leading pharmacies) This cleanser comes with an auto-foaming dispenser that gives you a rich, fluffy foam that feels super soft on your skin. It provides your face with a gentle cleanse without stripping your skin’s moisture. Plus, it contains Shiseido’s moisture-boosting Aqua-in-Pool ingredient to deliver hydration to your skin. Dry skin - Nivea Hydration Super Mousse ($9.90 for 150ml, leading pharmacies) A novelty with its souffle-light mousse texture, this cleanser cares for dry skin. Thanks to kind-to-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, algae extract and marine salt, this mousse cleanser not only feels like a soft cloud on the skin, it leaves skin super soft and plump to boot. Dry skin - Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Extra Mild) ($35 for 200ml) A trusted cleanser in a super gentle formula that won’t dry out the skin. Developed with dermatologists, this offers simple, effective cleansing, thanks to its soft, non-drying lather that cleans gently and rinses easily. It protects skin’s natural moisture balance so there’s no taut or dry feeling after washing. (Also Read: 11 Best Korean Moisturisers to Give You Beautiful, Glowing Skin) Dry skin - Estelle & Thild Biocleanse Multi Action Cleansing Gel ($36 for 150ml, Sephora) This gentle gel washes away impurities without stripping the skin of moisture. It is called a multi-active cleansing gel as it soothes, purifies, calms and clarifies skin, while most importantly replenishing skin’s moisture levels. It has black elderflower that helps to detox skin so that it glows from within. (Also Read: 9 Natural Beauty Skincare Products That Actually Work) Anti-ageing - First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser ($18 for 56.7g, Sephora) Packed with antioxidants that cleanser also blocks free radical damage. With a powerful botanical blend of antioxidants to block the onset of ageing from oxidative stress, this facial wash gently cleanses the skin, removing surface oils, makeup, dirt, and grime with its whipped texture that transforms into a skin-pampering cream when you massage with water. Anti-ageing - Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Cleanser ($66 for 200ml, Sephora) A gentle and effective cleanser to rid skin of impurities while nourishing it. Jojoba cleanses whilst precious damask rose extracts nourish to keep skin supple, radiant and healthy. Geranium essential oils also replenish and smoothen the skin texture. Anti-ageing - Peter Thomas Roth Anti Aging Cleansing Gel ($69 for 250ml, Sephora) With a host of good-for-skin ingredients, this pampering cleanser is ideal for mature skin. It has anti-wrinkle technology in its formulation, which helps to clarify and brighten with glycolic acid, while extracts of peach, white oak bark, lemon, lime, linden, grapefruit, and arginine boost natural cell turnover to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. Anti-Ageing - Senka Perfect Whip Collagen-In Facial Cleanser ($8.90 for 120g, leading pharmacies) Enhanced with collagen, it increases skin elasticity and prevents signs of ageing. It is also infused with signature silk cocoon essence that delivers long-lasting hydration to your skin. Sensitive skin - Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Water ($21 for 300ml) A mild cleanser that gently removes impurities without irritating skin. It effectively cleanses and restores your skin’s pH levels. It also contains green tea root extract that removes grime and dirt thoroughly for refreshed and dewy skin after. Sensitive skin - Shiseido Waso Waso Quick Gentle Cleanser ($40 for 150ml) An alcohol- and oil-free -gel cleanser that has honey to help it foam without water. It and rinses off clean to remove makeup, plus dirt and excess oil. The honey is a gentle and natural non-foaming agent plus it also helps to nurture the skin to make it healthier and supple. Sensitive skin - Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($20 for 236ml, Sephora) A non-foaming gel that you massage onto skin and rinse off for the gentlest cleanse. This effectively yet gently cleanses without drying or irritating sensitive skin. It has papaya and grapefruit extracts with mild exfoliating properties that help to remove accumulated dead skin which is the cause of blackheads and pimples. The gel calms and lessens skin irritation too. Sensitive skin - Caudalie Fleur De Vigne Instant Foaming Cleanser ($33 for 150ml, Sephora) The foaming pump dispenses a light, airy foam for gentle, effective cleansing. With its 99 percent natural, soap-free formula, plus a natural blend of grape extracts, sage, and chamomile, this not only cleanses and removes makeup and impurities but also helps to soothe the skin.