Foaming cleansers are some of the commonly used types for cleansing. These foamy formulas offer deeper cleansing compared to their other counterparts. When it comes to taking care of our skin, it is impossible to leave out one of the most basic parts of our routine — cleansing. It is a staple in skincare that must be incorporated into everyone’s routine at least twice a day.
They are ideal for efficiently stripping off dirt, pollutants, and makeup from our faces that were accumulated on an entire day. If you’re currently in need of a foaming cleanser that will leave your face fully refreshed and clean, then you came to the right place! Allow us to provide you a walkthrough by reading our provided buying guide — with comments and tips from a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan!
Graduated Dermatology Residency from University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan is a diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society. She is also a consultant and the Section Head of the Dermatology Section in Amai Pakpak Medical Center. Dr. Aznaida is also a part-time faculty of Xavier University-JPRSM. Aside from that, she is also the co-founder of Pandapatan Dermatology Clinic in Marawi City. She is passionate about skin health and skincare, and dreams of world peace.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
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Table of Contents
According to studies, foaming cleansers tend to be the optimal choice when it comes to efficient deep cleansing and removing excess sebum. There are also a number of these cleansing foams with ingredients that serve as a gentle exfoliator that penetrates your pores and gets rid of dead skin cells.
If it’s the deep cleansing benefits that you want from your cleanser, foaming cleansers do this best because they can fully remove the oil that lies on the surface of your skin. Foaming cleansers are also ideal for people who wear heavy makeup and those exposed to severe pollutants because they can remove even several layers of dirt and very hard-to-wash-off makeup.
Foaming cleansers were best for those with oily skin or combination skin (oily T-zone and normal/dry cheeks), but it is actually alright for even dry skin and sensitive skin to use foaming cleansers. This is because of the advent of milder surfactants available in the market now, which can avoid drying the skin and avoid sensitizing sensitive skin. Of course, for extremely sensitive skin, a skin 'patch' test would be ideal to do before using foaming cleansers.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
When it comes to skincare, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all, as each person has different skin. However, this fact should not worry you a lot because there is surely a foaming cleanser for every skin type. Always take your skin type into account to avoid purchasing a product that can do more harm than good to your skin.
Foaming cleansers have previously been viewed as a bad choice for those with dry and sensitive skin because most cleansing foams have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or SLS that can strip off the skin’s natural oil, which can cause more dryness and irritations. Fortunately, the tides have changed, and a lot of foaming cleansers nowadays are SLS-free.
Instead of incorporating SLS, they use a milder agent usually derived from coconut oil. If you want a less drying option, even if your skin does not violently react to SLS, opt for foaming cleansers with a lower percentage of SLS. Meanwhile, for dry skin, a denser cleansing foam with infused ingredients like aloe vera extracts, PHAs (lactic acid, gluconolactone, lactobionic acid), and witch hazel can work wonders for your skin.
If you have dry, sensitive skin, opt for cleansers that use less-drying ingredients such as sodium Laureth (not lauryl) sulfate and betaine (cocoamidopropyl betaine). These are milder surfactants that will not leave your skin feeling irritated and dry. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may opt for non-foaming cleansers.
For those with skin leaning more on the oilier side, it is always ideal to opt for a foaming cleanser with oil-control and pore-penetrating capabilities. Products that are highly infused with charcoal are deemed effective and suited for oily types, too, as they effectively draw dirt from your skin.
What you want to avoid is the type of cleanser that leaves your face with a greasy sensation post-cleansing. Foaming cleansers that possess gentle foaming action and are packed with ingredients like Tannins, salicylic acid, citric acid, tea tree oil, and volcanic scoria or ash will do the trick for you because they have the ability to wash away and absorb excess sebum.
For those who have oily skin or combination skin, foaming cleansers will help dissolve oil on your face, plus it will also dissolve all the makeup and sunscreen you may have worn. It is okay to have extra ingredients that may help unclog pores. The best would be those foaming cleansers that have 2% salicylic acid. Charcoals, tannins, and volcanic scoria are also acceptable options, as long as you are not sensitive to these.
The higher the pH level of a product means, the more alkaline it has. Our skin's normal pH level is 5.5, and several foaming cleansers have a pH level as high as 6, making it more alkaline than the skin. This occurrence usually results in drying as it strips off oils in your skin, leaving you with that nasty tight feeling after cleansing.
It would always be ideal to go for gentle foaming cleansers that have a balanced pH level. Low pH level products will benefit those who have dry complexions because it will not take away a lot of your face moisture. On the other hand, products with higher pH levels are usually made to combat other skin woes like acne.
The cleanser's pH can actually affect your skin a lot, and this is why it's important to know the pH of your cleanser. Skin's pH ranges from 5.0 to 5.5. High pH cleansers have been known to perturb the skin barrier. If you feel that your cleanser's pH matters and if you do not know the pH of your cleanser, you may research from the internet, check out their official website, or if still not indicated, you may send them an email of inquiry.
A skincare routine can indeed be extra easy and enjoyable to commit to when your senses are overwhelmed with refreshing and good-smelling scents. There are several foaming cleansers that derive their fragrance from natural extracts and oils like aloe vera extract, tea tree extract, green tea, almond oil, rose oil, and lavender oil.
However, when opting for scented foaming cleansers, it is always better to ensure that it is not made of synthetic fragrance. For those who have very sensitive skin, you can stay on the safe route by opting for fragrance-free foam cleansers. These can still perform their task to wash off pollutants on your skin minus the fragrance that may appear as irritants for some.
Fragrance in a cleanser can be an issue for some. If you have resilient/resistant skin, there is no need to worry about fragrance ingredients. If however, you have sensitive skin, both synthetic fragrances and natural fragrances may cause irritation or allergic reactions. In this case, fragrance-free foaming cleansers will have to be your better option.
Selecting a safe and gentle foaming cleanser is one thing, but it’s not a bad idea to get more of your money’s worth too! Several foaming cleansers nowadays do not just do their jobs of stripping off dirt and pollutants on the skin but also provide other skin benefits. To get hydration, look for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
A handful of foaming cleansers are infused with substances like aloe vera and tea tree extracts that perform acne treatment and blemish removals. This will be a good pick for people who want to cleanse and score that spotless skin at the same time. Additionally, there are also cleansing foams that help you achieve bright glowing skin through the aid of their skin-boosting niacinamide, vitamin E, and vitamin B5 content.
Since foaming cleansers, no matter how mild, can still possibly dry your skin, it is definitely a good idea to choose one that contains moisturizing ingredients. Moisturizing humectants and emollients are good ones to watch out for when looking for a foaming cleanser. Humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Emollients include squalane, lanolin, soybean, and grapeseed oils.
From ₱129
It also contains silk cocoon essence that locks in moisture to keep your skin supple and hydrated. On top of that, it has a five times denser foam compared to other foam cleansers, allowing it to penetrate deeper and target deep-seated dirt.
It's also a good choice for people who are sensitive to fragrance as this one only has a subtle scent. Additionally, it is also cost-effective because even a pea-sized amount goes a long way. Just make sure to whip it until the formula turns into a big, creamy, and cloud-like lather.
From ₱540
If you're on the lookout for a foaming cleanser that also does a good job reducing breakouts, this one is straight-up your alley. This product contains a plethora of ingredients known to combat impurities and excess oil that usually cause acne.
It is infused with an appropriate amount of salicylic acid that aids in gently exfoliating the skin to target breakouts. It also contains tea tree oil, known for its calming and anti-bacterial properties that also help treat acne.
From ₱429
Additionally, it is made of various skin conditioners and vitamin complex that allows it to clear out impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture. Several reviewers also commented on its very clean and light finish that leaves the face with a fresh and no oily feeling.
From ₱675
This foaming cleanser aims to keep your skin at perfect balance by getting rid of the bad and providing you with the good. It gets rid of the bad by gently eliminating impurities, preventing excess oil, and combatting dryness on your face. To provide you with the good stuff, this foamy formula is packed with naturally-derived ingredients.
It is loaded with vitamin C-rich Acerola that aids in treating blemishes, brightening, and revitalizing skin complexion. It also contains Rooibos extract that soothes your skin through its anti-bacterial properties. And on top of that, it also has Ginseng root extract that hydrates and keeps your skin firm - the key to a healthy and radiant appearance!
From ₱349.26
Suffering from large and clogged pores? This foaming cleanser might give you the extra help that you need with its infusion of volcanic scoria. This ingredient does not just cleanse within the surface level but deeply penetrates and purifies clogged pores.
It is also a naturally alkaline substance with a pH level similar to the human body, so it effectively works with your skin. This product can also get rid of that greasy feeling on your skin by strongly absorbing and controlling the excessive production of oil.
But worry not, because this product does all that without drying out your skin. In fact, it also moisturizes and smoothens your skin with the help of its Orchid flower extract ingredient.
From ₱245
This foaming cleanser does not just make sure that your skin is well-cleansed but also see that it's moisturized throughout the day. It is highly infused with Aloe Vera extracts, known to effectively soothe the skin to keep it moisturized and fresh. It can also serve as an anti-inflammatory substance to alleviate minor skin troubles.
This foaming cleanser comes with a creamy yet light formula that removes impurities on your face, usually brought by pollutants. This product also contains Lauric acid that is commonly extracted from coconuts. This substance is known for its skin-repairing capabilities and anti-acne properties.
From ₱550
This foaming cleanser acts as an acne-clearing cleanser by refining skin texture and controlling excessive oil production from which acne formation stems. It comes with Centella Asiatica and tea tree leaf water that minimize redness caused by pimples and eliminate bacteria that cause acne.
On top of that, it is also formulated with AHA that eliminates impurities and flaky skin, BHA that exfoliates clogged pores, and PHA that retains skin moisture. Several reviewers loved that it reduces pore visibility, too, and it has a cooling effect post-cleansing that comes along with a minty scent that is not overpowering.
From ₱430
This foaming cleanser is formulated to tackle blackheads, pores, breakouts, and excess sebum without stripping and drying the skin. It has ingredients that foster the repair and healing of damaged skin.
This is another buddy for sensitive and acne-prone skin as it combats the most stubborn impurities seated on the deepest layer of the skin. It also has Tiger Lily as an agent to prevent bacteria that cause irritations and inflammation on the face.
On top of that, it also stops new acne from occurring because it is infused with anti-bacterial properties. Compared to other foaming cleansers, this one does not lather much, so if you want proper coverage, it is better to wet your face with water first.
From ₱199
This foaming cleanser is saturated with Aloe Vera extracts and Vitamin C which makes it superior at calming, brightening, and providing moisture for your skin. Aloe vera extracts are known as good moisturizers that contain antioxidants and effectively treat skin issues that lay on the surface level of the skin.
Vitamin C on the other hand is best at preventing UV-induced skin damage and maintaining the youthful glow of the skin. Additionally, this foam cleanser is gentle, making it good for daily use; for setting your skin for makeup during the day, and for cleansing before bedtime.
From ₱191.95
Similar to women, men have evolving skin concerns as well. If you're looking for something that can give your skin a boost of energy, this foaming cleanser for men might be the answer to your dilemma.
This product is packed with coffee bean extracts that are filled with antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and skin troubles that cause dull and tired skin. It also brightens skin complexion and eliminates dark spots to make it appear more energized.
On top of that, it also repairs skin damage that is derived from excessive UV exposure, so if you're in a job that requires you to be working under the sun all-day-long, cleansing with this may be what you need to get rid of the dirt and pollutants that accumulated on your skin on an entire day.
Here are some of Dr. Aznaida's answers to some of the most asked questions on the web!
Yes, you can use foaming cleansers daily. Twice a day is alright if you have resilient skin. For those with sensitive skin, it is best used once at night only, and use a non-foaming cleanser in the morning.
The surfactants in these foaming cleansers have the natural ability to form bubbles. But it is not the foam per se that removes the dirt and grime. For example, oil cleansers, micellar waters, and milky cleansers do not foam, yet they too can effectively remove sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and grime.
Foaming cleansers are good for any skin type as long as your skin can tolerate them. Nowadays, there are new foaming cleansers formulated for sensitive skin and even those with dry skin too. So the question is not what skin type can use foaming cleansers, but rather, what ingredients were used, what pH, and what additional advantageous ingredients are present in that foaming cleanser.
Don't forget to always do a patch test prior to using new products on your face. Use the cleanser on your neck and inner arms, let it stay there for a minute while massaging on the skin, then rinse off. Do this for 3 consecutive days. If no untoward reactions occur, you may use them on your face. If in doubt, consult a Board-Certified Dermatologist near you. Here is a simple guide in choosing a foaming cleanser:
A skincare routine does not end with foam cleansers. If you want to ensure that you'll get radiant and clean skin, stick with a proper washing routine and equip your vanity with these other skincare products! Your skin will definitely thank you in no time!
Author: R. Victoriano
Reviewed By: Dermatologist Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
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