10 Best Cleansers for Dry Skin in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist

Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, a sugar that is mainly found in your skin, eyes, and joints. Its primary function is to provide moisture, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s found in many skincare products made for dry skin.

Aside from giving your face much-needed hydration, it also smoothens your skin’s texture, improving its elasticity. It reduces dermatitis and eczema, too, making it an effective all-around ingredient to combat any kind of skin dryness.

Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture from the air in your surroundings and keeps your skin hydrated. It also shields your face from environmental irritants and strengthens your skin's moisture barrier so that it can retain hydration.

It works with your body's natural oils and other skincare products to keep your skin soft and supple and prevent it from becoming drier. It's considered non-allergenic and safe for acne-prone skin, so if you have sensitive skin, you probably won't encounter any problems when using this ingredient.

Like glycerin, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is also a versatile ingredient that's suitable for most skin types. It is a good ingredient for dry skin as it hydrates and soothes the skin. Vitamin B5 has an unstable nature, so this is best combined with other ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Niacinamide is often referred to as a star ingredient since it offers many benefits, including addressing dry skin. It does this by promoting the production of ceramides, which lock in moisture and protect the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Niacinamide also has calming properties that help improve skin redness and blotching, so if you have acne or other blemishes, this ingredient can help heal them. It also has anti-aging properties, making it a common component in many skincare products.

If you want to opt for a natural moisturizer, then consider getting a cleanser with aloe vera. It’s a humectant like glycerin, so it will improve your skin’s texture and elasticity. Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties, too.

If you’re struggling with redness or irritation, aloe vera can help calm it down. This ingredient also stimulates collagen production, which helps your skin stay soft and healthy. It ensures that you get a bright and smooth complexion without any dryness or dullness.

Not all alcohols are bad. Alcohol derived from fat or fatty alcohols are safe to use since they’re not irritating and can even help protect your skin by locking in moisture. Common fatty alcohols that you may encounter are cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol.

However, alcohols like ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol can strip your face of its natural oils, drying it out. This makes them an irritant, especially if you already have dry skin in the first place. It would be best to refrain from using products that contain these ingredients.

While fragrances aren't necessarily bad for the skin, especially in lower concentrations, they may cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin, so it's best to avoid them. They don't provide any benefits for your skin and are more of a personal preference.

For best results, opt for cleansers that don't have unnecessary ingredients or ones that use natural fragrances and additives to their products. This way, you won't likely experience any adverse effects that will cause more harm than good.

Gel cleansers have a light texture and tend to be mild on the skin, which is great for those with acne or irritated skin. They're also suitable for those with sensitive skin since they can help calm it down. Plus, their texture makes your face feel moisturized and refreshed without any heaviness.

Foam cleansers work up a lather and are often used to deeply cleanse the skin, making them ideal for removing dirt and impurities. However, they tend to strip the skin of its natural oils, so make sure to get one that is gentle or moisturizing. This is so that it won't disrupt your skin's natural moisture balance, but protect its moisture barrier instead.

The texture of cream cleansers is reminiscent of lotion and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. They usually provide intense hydration, which means that they can feel quite heavy on the face, especially if they have a thick consistency. This is recommended, though, for those with sensitive skin because they are gentle on the face.