Combination skin types are complicated to care for because of the varying needs of each skin area. Some parts may be healthy or dry, while the t-zone may be oily. That's why finding the best cleanser for combination skin can be a struggle. After all, you need an all-around cleanser that can expertly handle both dryness and oiliness.
If you're not sure how to pick out the right cleanser for your combination skin, we're here to help! In this article, we have a buying guide, reviewed by dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, to give you an idea on what to look for. We've also rounded up the Top 10 best cleansers for combination skin to help you easily find your new go-to facial cleanser.
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
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.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
Opt for a cleanser with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.5.
Look for ingredients that are beneficial for combination skin.
Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients
Select cleansers with gel or cream consistency.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below:
Maintaining a balanced skin pH level is extremely important for combination skin. If it’s too alkaline, you risk your skin going reddish and flaky. On the other hand, an acidic pH level makes your skin prone to acne and eczema. The perfect pH level is between 4.5 and 6.5, so go for cleansers with a pH level of 5 to 5.5 to avoid messing up your skin’s natural balance.
Fun fact! The pH level of our skin is acidic as it helps keep moisture in and bacteria out. It is brought about by the natural mix of our sweat and sebum. Our skin is amazing in that it can adapt to the different changes in our skin and bring it back to its natural pH. But why give it a challenging time when you can easily choose a pH-balanced cleanser?
Looking at a cleanser’s ingredient’s list might be a headache because of all the scientific terms you’ll see. To help you, we’ve listed below some ingredients that have effective cleansing, hydrating, and exfoliating properties.
For those with combination skin that’s on the dry side, it’s important to look for a cleanser with soothing and hydrating ingredients. Some examples of these are aloe vera and chamomile. These extracts are great for hydrating the skin while simultaneously pacifying skin irritation and inflammation.
For those with combination skin, it's all about striking a balance between oiliness and dryness. Some barrier-loving ingredients can help do the trick, such as niacinamide, panthenol, and Centella Asiatica too!
Vitamins C and E are known for their skin-loving benefits. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C helps prevent hyperpigmentation and works as an anti-aging ingredient. Meanwhile, Vitamin E is both an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that help keep skin youthful-looking. Both are good for either oily or dry combination skin types!
Gone are the days when cleansers simply cleanse! Now, you can look for multifunctional products that provide other skin benefits.
Remember, though, that since cleansers have a short contact time with the skin, you need to manage your expectations with the results you will be able to achieve.
Oiliness is a big problem for combination skin types, especially during summertime. That’s why salicylic acid is an important component that you should look for in a cleanser. It’s a BHA or a keratolytic, which means it exfoliates the skin without the need for harmful scrubbing. It also helps regulate your skin’s oil production.
Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), like glycolic acid, is another component that also works as an exfoliator. It is usually added to cleansers as a chemical peel that effectively gets rid of dead skin cells. However, cleansers with AHA are not advisable for use during summer since the ingredient is sensitive to sun exposure.
Do take note that both salicylic acid and AHA should only be used a few times per week, as overuse can lead to skin irritation and dryness. Also, avoid using them with Vitamin C because this might throw off the skin’s pH balance. This can increase skin sensitivity, making you more susceptible to sunburn if you often go out.
When it comes to choosing a cleanser with an active ingredient, make sure to check the other products in your routine as well. You don't want to have more than one acid in your routine, lest you develop an irritation!
Hyaluronic acid is helpful for dry combination skin types. As a humectant, it aids the skin in retaining water and prevents it from drying out. This is best used during cool seasons when the skin is vulnerable to dryness. It is also generally safe for all skin types and for daily use because it's a substance that our body produces naturally.
Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient that can absorb moisture and keep the skin hydrated. It's best used on damp skin, so it is a great way to incorporate it into your routine through a cleanser.
Cleansers may also contain ingredients that worsen your skin’s condition rather than improve it. Substances like alcohol, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and parabens can damage the skin barrier and cause skin irritation and sensitivity. To be on the safer side, it's best to choose cleansers that do not contain these ingredients.
Cleansers have to be drying to know your skin is clean is a myth! Gone are the days when cleansers have to be overly stripping. Consider choosing alcohol-free and fragrance-free options to keep your skin barrier happy and healthy!
Aside from the ingredients, take note of the cleanser's consistency. Gel and creamy cleansers are the best bet for combination skin types because they're both hydrating, control oil production, and do not contain harsh ingredients.
Generally made for thoroughly cleansing the skin, gel cleansers work best at declogging pores, getting rid of excess oil, and eliminating bacteria that cause acne. It does all these without being harsh on your skin and leaving it dry.
Meanwhile, cream cleansers have the gentlest consistency. They cleanse your skinーjust as effectively as gel cleansersーwithout stripping the skin's natural oils. It also does a great job of hydrating dry and sensitive skin.
Not all cleansers are created equal! So it's important to choose the cleanser type and overall consistency based on your skin type and, of course, personal preference.
Cream cleansers are generally thicker in consistency. Gel cleansers are generally more lightweight. Choose which works for you and your skin needs!
From ₱1,105
K'shl’s is a well-known brand that puts out exceptional skincare products. Their Ultra Facial Cleanser has everything you'll want in a cleanser: balanced pH, paraben-free, and fragrance-free. It also has a creamy formulation that gently purifies the skin of dirt, impurities, and makeup.
This cleanser is compatible with any skin type, but especially for combination that's sometimes oily or dry. Its key ingredients include squalene and vitamin E, both of which are effective for moisturizing the skIt'sIt's also packed with nourishing oils like avocado and apricot kernel oils to prevent fine lines and give your skin a radiant glow.
From ₱1,520
True to its name, Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser is made from repurposed soy! This product enjoys a cult following because it can remove dirt and stubborn makeup without stripping the skin of natural oils. It has a moderate pH level of 5.5 and feels lightweight on the skin. Aside from that, it also boasts three major benefitsーcleansing, toning, and soothing.
Due to the presence of soy proteins, this cleanser is rich in amino acids, perfect for maintaining skin elasticity. In addition to that, it also contains other natural ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, and rosewater that help moisturize the skin and relieve irritation. We're sure that this is a great buy for both dry and oily combination skin.
From ₱1,048
CeraVe's Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is a cut above the common foam cleansers. It starts off with a creamy consistency that turns foamy once it comes in contact with water. Instead of sulfates, it uses amino acids to create a delicate foam that gets rid of dirt embedded in the skin's pores.
Aside from effective skin cleansing, this product has hyaluronic acids and ceramides that work together to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the skin nourished. In fact, more than 98% of women claim that the cleanser leaves their skin clean and refreshed without feeling stripped. This makes it an ideal choice for those with dry combination skin!
From ₱140
If you're unsure whether your combination skin type leans towards oily or dry, the safest cleanser you can try is Celeteque's Hydration Facial Wash. For less than Php 200, you can enjoy a product with a super gentle, lightweight, and creamy formulation. It's completely free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates, too!
Instead, this cleanser contains niacinamide that repairs the skin barrier and prevents fine lines from forming. It also has panthenol which helps retain the skin's moisture. This affordable option is a must-have for combination skin types and those that have acne-prone skin.
From ₱495
In Her Element is a local brand of skincare products made especially for Filipino skin, and their offerings are always on point. Their Rose Radiant Cleanser is made with fresh botanical ingredients that get rid of skin impurities without drying out your skin. Plus, because its key ingredient is rose extract, it has a naturally sweet floral scent!
Aside from that, it has an ideal pH level of 6 to 6.5, as well as niacinamide and cica extract for extra hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits. Users love how it feels mild yet luxurious and can calm breakouts, too. Some even say it has helped brighten their dull complexion!
From ₱451
If we're talking skincare, Cetaphil will never be out of the discussion. Their Gentle Skin Cleanser deserves a spot on this list for combination skin types. In fact, it's often considered a holy grail product for its simple, gentle, and soap-free formulation that effectively washes away deep-seated dirt and bacteria in the skin.
This cleanser is often recommended by dermatologists, and rightly so. Aside from being a mild yet effective cleanser, it also contains the powerhouse trio of niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin. These moisturizing ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier and keep your skin from feeling dry and tight. Moreover, you can ditch your regular soap and use this as a body wash!
From ₱122
While it's a foaming cleanser, this one from Neutrogena is still a popular choice for people with combination skin. That's because it's packed with skin-friendly features. For one, it doesn't contain sulfates and can retain up to 99% of skin moisture. It also has beeswax as a humectant that protects the skin.
In addition to its cleansing and exfoliating qualities, the cleanser has 8% amino micellar that keeps sebum production at bay. It's oil-free, too, so it's great for acne-prone or oily combination skin types. Best of all, it matches the skin's natural pH, so you can get squeaky clean skin without any irritation!
From ₱359
The COSRX cleanser is worth checking out if you need a product that can address acne and excess oil effectively yet gently. It has a pH level of 5 and a gel formulation that cleanses the face while retaining the skin’s natural oils. It's also great for minimizing pores for clearer and smoother skin.
While it can handle both oily and dry combination skin, the Good Morning Gel Cleanser has salicylic acid that's especially soothing for oily combination skin. It also contains tea tree oil which reduces susceptibility to acne and irritations. Because of its ability to manage acne, it's easy to see why this product has earned many positive reviews from loyal users!
From ₱219.75
Human nature prides itself in using 100% natural ingredients in their skincare products. Their Balancing Facial Wash is a great example of this; it's made with bamboo and elemi extracts as well as orange oil that cleanse the face and leave it revitalized. It also has a mild yet refreshing citrus scent.
This is one of the best cleansers for oily combination skin types. With the help of Manila elemi, it can control oil production and reduce the shine on the t-zone without further drying the other areas of your face. With this soothing gel cleanser, you can stay shine-free all day!
From ₱539
When hyaluronic acid shows up in a cleanser's ingredient list, chances are it's a good fit for dry combination skin types, like this one from Happy Skin. This gel cleanser helps maintain elasticity by trapping enough water to keep the skin moisturized. Not only that, but it also has ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.
Aside from these two hydrating ingredients, the cleanser also has centella asiatica to protect your skin against inflammation and irritation. Satisfied users claim that this cleanser helps soothe, smoothen, and hydrate their skin. And because of its excellent ability to remove deep-seated oil and dirt, this is perfect for better absorption of your serum and moisturizer!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.
The ideal cleanser for combination skin is one that is hydrating. Remember, dry skin needs hydration. But so does oily skin! The thing is, oily skin sometimes is brought about by the skin overcompensating and overproducing oils because it is dehydrated.
A foaming cleanser is ideal for those with oily and/or acne-prone skin. However, newer formulations of foaming cleansers have now been incorporated with hydrating ingredients to balance out their effects.
Apply a small amount onto your palm, dilute in water, lather, and massage gently onto your skin. Of course, rinse off! If you have oily areas, you can leave the cleanser on these areas longer than the dry ones.
Once you’ve found your ideal facial cleanser, it’s time to build the best skincare routine for your combination skin. Check out the links below for more products for healthy, glowing skin!
Author: Ronadine Amata
Editor: R. Umlas
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.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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