10 Best Gel Cleansers in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, gel cleansers may be the best option to choose versus other types of cleansers. Gel cleansers, from the name itself, have a slippery, gel-like texture and produce little to no bubbles or suds when applied. Moreover, they typically have a lightweight formulation, which also makes them perfect for people with sensitive skin.
With the wide array of gel cleansers available on the market, you might find it difficult to look for one that would suit you best. In this article, we will be giving you 10 of the best gel cleansers available on various e-commerce platforms in the Philippines. We’ve also prepared a detailed buying guide, with comments and insights from dermatologist Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, to help you decide which gel cleanser is suitable for your skin concerns.
Quick List - Top Gel Cleansers
La Roche-Posay
Dermatologist-Recommended Cleanser for Oily and Sensitive Skin
Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, MD, DPDS is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila, and achieving healthy skin is her goal in every skin journey she has with her patients. She also aims to raise awareness on healthy skin facts and skincare habits. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently offering online consults for any skin, hair, and nail concerns. You can follow her on her Instagram and Facebook page to know more details about her practice!
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.
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Gel Cleanser - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose a formulation based on your skin type.
- Opt for natural ingredients for gentle and soothing cleansing.
- Pick cleansers with additional skin benefits.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose a Formulation Based on Your Skin Type
Your skin may have certain needs that can only be addressed by a specific type of cleanser. With that in mind, always remember to choose a cleanser with a formulation that suits your skin type. Below are some factors to consider when choosing a gel cleanser.
Consider Pore-Refining Cleansers if You Have Oily Skin
People with oily skin struggle with excess sebum that can clog their pores and may even cause acne breakouts. To avoid this, choose cleansers that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic and glycolic acid.
Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), also works to diminish enlarged pores, although it can strip away more moisture than it should and can be unsafe for pregnant women. Some cleansers may also contain niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, which is another ingredient that helps minimize the appearance of pores.
Gel cleansers are known to be used for deep cleansing. It can be beneficial for oily skin as a face wash. They can remove gunk and oil from the skin effectively. Active ingredients like AHA (glycolic, lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid) can control oil.
The frequency of using gel cleansers with these actives depends on the formulation and also on how the skin feels after. For beginners, washing once daily with these actives in gel cleansers is advisable. Watch out for redness and skin tightness after using. If these signs appear, then the cleanser may be too drying on your skin.
For Dry Skin, Look for Hydrating Ingredients
Some cleansers may remove too much oil from the skin, depriving it of its much-needed moisture. This is bad news for those with skin that already suffers from dryness. In that case, it is recommended to choose cleansers that contain hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Botanical ingredients such as almond oil and green tea extracts also provide moisture to treat dry skin.
For people with dry skin, gel cleansers with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid are helpful. Avoid foam cleansers, as these can make skin drier. It is also recommended to apply moisturizing cream after cleansing to seal in the moisture.
For Combination Skin, Select pH-Balanced Formulas
Combination skin is characterized by having skin that is oily in some areas, especially in the T-zone, and dry or normal in others. If you have this skin type, opt for gel cleansers with pH-balanced formulas. These can help stabilize your skin’s acidity and alkaline levels, as too much alkaline can cause your skin to look red and flaky due to dryness, while too much acidity can cause inflamed skin.
Choosing a pH-balanced formula aids in helping the skin form its acid mantle barrier, which keeps moisture in and bacteria out. Thus, pH-balanced products remove excess oil that can attract bacteria without stripping away your skin’s much-needed moisture.
Combination skin type will benefit from gel cleansers because these are not too drying (like foam cleansers) and not too heavy (like cream-based cleansers). When you have combination skin, achieving balance is important. In the morning, mild cleansers can be used. In the evening, cleansers with AHA or BHA may be used to remove the gunk throughout the day.
Steer Clear of Cleansers With SLS and Fragrances if You Have Sensitive Skin
Sulfates are surfactants that are used as a cleansing agent in many skincare products. Some cleansers have sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is effective for creating a satisfying lather. However, this ingredient can remove too much oil, which dries out the skin even further. It can also cause redness and irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.
Similarly, be careful of products that contain fragrances, especially synthetic ones. They are often made of petroleum-based ingredients, which may cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, dermatitis, and even asthma.
For people with sensitive skin, avoiding harsh cleansers with irritation potential, such as those with fragrances, is better. As for sulfates in cleansers, they are not entirely harmful since they help lather and are a degreaser that helps wash off sebum. There are now newer formulations that make sodium lauryl sulfate to be milder.
Opt for Natural Ingredients for Gentle and Soothing Cleansing
Many skincare products use ingredients that can be extracted in nature because they offer multiple benefits for the skin. Plant-based ingredients such as green tea, quinoa, micro-alga, and tea tree extracts gently cleanse the skin and can even soothe skin irritation. Furthermore, they commonly have antioxidants that can protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Natural ingredients may be preferred by some. But remember that not all natural-grade skincare is safe for everyone. Just like with any skincare product, it is better to patch-test first before using. For cleansers, I usually use it on my neck or hand area first to test it out and check for any signs of irritation before using it on my face.
Pick Cleansers With Additional Skin Benefits
Taking good care of your skin can sometimes be a splurge, so it’s better to pick products that offer other benefits to give you your money's worth. For instance, when purchasing a cleanser, you may opt for those which also help clear acne scars and keep skin hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid is one example of an ingredient that offers benefits beyond cleansing. It boosts collagen production for supple skin and can help reduce dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Another one is glycerin, which helps relieve minor irritation and boosts moisture. Meanwhile, vitamin C and plant extracts like pomegranate and calendula help protect skin from free radicals.
With the advancement in formulations, cleansers are now incorporated with other ingredients to address certain skin concerns. Some have brightening ingredients such as niacinamide and licorice. Others may contain exfoliants (AHA, BHA, PHA). It is mportant to know the skin concern and skin type for you to choose the proper cleanser.
10 Best Gel Cleansers to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | AXIS-Y Quinoa One-Step Balanced Gel Cleanser | | Specially Formulated for Hot and Humid Weather | |
2 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel | | Dermatologist-Recommended Cleanser for Oily and Sensitive Skin | |
3 | SOME BY MI Super Matcha Pore Clean Cleansing Gel | | A Matcha Water-Based Cleanser to Tighten Pores | |
4 | COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser | | Achieve Luminous and Glowing Skin With This Low-pH Cleanser | |
5 | ACURE Brightening Cleansing Gel | | 100% Vegan Formula That Brightens and Hydrates Skin | |
6 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser Water Gel | | Lightweight and Hypoallergenic Cleanser for Plump and Supple Skin | |
7 | Yves Rocher Pure Algue Ultra Fresh Cleansing Gel | | Detoxify Your Skin With Micro-Alga Extracts | |
8 | DERMAX Professional AcneX Pore Clearing Gel Cleanser | | Be Acne-Free With This Pore-Clearing Cleanser | |
9 | Céleteque Dermoscience Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel | | A Dermatologist-Tested Cleansing Gel for Clearing Acne | |
10 | Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel | | A Soap-Free Face and Body Cleanser for Oily Skin |
Specially Formulated for Hot and Humid Weather
Through the combination of 6 nourishing natural ingredients, this cleanser promises to address skin concerns caused or aggravated by hot and humid weather. Its core functional ingredient, quinoa, works on producing collagen and elastin to leave your skin looking smooth and supple while gently clearing out your makeup and skin's impurities in just one step.
It also contains sweet almond oil to help clear pores, green tea to regulate oil control, and gotu kola extracts to flush out toxins that cause blemishes. It even has calendula extracts, which reduce damage from harsh UV rays!
What's also reassuring is that this product does not contain any sulfates, alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances. It's also pH-balanced, so if you have sensitive skin, this cleanser might be the right one for you.
Dermatologist-Recommended Cleanser for Oily and Sensitive Skin
Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, this highly regarded gel cleanser purifies skin without drying it. It has been dermatologist- and allergy-tested, and it's loaded with zinc pidolate, which helps remove excess oil while balancing your skin's pH level. It is also paraben- and soap-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
At the core of its formulation is thermal spring water sourced from the town of La Roche-Posay, France. Because of this unique ingredient, this product has a special blend of minerals and selenium, a natural antioxidant to protect your skin from stress. Users also love how it is non-comedogenic, effectively clears up acne, and leaves skin feeling soft.
A Matcha Water-Based Cleanser to Tighten Pores
Matcha isn't just a well-loved drink; it can also be your new favorite cleanser! Formulated with 62% matcha water extracted from Bosung, South Korea, this gel cleanser effectively works on tightening pores, making it an excellent option for oily skin. It also contains naturally derived beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and poly hydroxy acid (PHA) that cleanse deep within your skin's pores.
What makes it even more interesting is that it contains konjac granules, a combination of green tea, calamine, and tea tree powder that gently scrubs away the skin's impurities while soothing it. It also boasts natural moisturizing factors through its hyaluronic acid and glycerin contents.
This product has a low pH formulation, so it can cater to people with combination skin. You won't have to worry about your skin drying out or getting irritated as well because it does not contain sulfates.
Achieve Luminous and Glowing Skin With This Low-pH Cleanser
With a pH-balanced formulation, this mildly acidic cleanser soothes, refreshes, and softens skin without stripping away its moisture barrier. Formulated with evening primrose extracts, this cleanser is perfect for everyday use and will leave your skin glowing and feeling well-hydrated. Users also love how it has a clean botanical scent that does not smell harsh at all.
Thanks to its tea tree oil content, this cleanser can treat pimples and even brighten your skin tone! Add to that a dose of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) betaine salicylate, and you get a cleanser that can gently remove impurities from your skin. Betaine salicylate may be similar to salicylic acid that dries out the skin, but it definitely is more lightweight and gentler than the latter.
100% Vegan Formula That Brightens and Hydrates Skin
Maximizing the power of botanical ingredients, this vegan cleanser can gently brighten up your complexion while delivering soothing hydration. Its pomegranate, acai, blackberry, chamomile, lemon, and calendula extracts also offer antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals, promising not just effective cleansing but optimum nourishment as well.
What also makes it a good option for different skin types is that it is free of irritants and potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and petrolatum. With its combination of such powerful natural ingredients, you can wash away dirt, oil, and makeup and give your skin some much-needed pampering!
Lightweight and Hypoallergenic Cleanser for Plump and Supple Skin
Suitable for people with dry and sensitive skin, this gel-to-foam cleanser is formulated with Neutrogena's patented Barriercare technology to gently lift away makeup, oil, and dirt without disturbing the skin's moisture barrier. This innovation helps maintain the right balance of your skin's fats and lipids to protect its plumpness.
Its key ingredients, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, can also help boost your skin's hydration and lock moisture in. This will leave your skin more supple and glowing. Moreover, it is non-comedogenic, so you won't have to worry about clogged pores and acne breakouts. It is hypoallergenic and contains no added parabens or sulfates, too!
Detoxify Your Skin With Micro-Alga Extracts
This cleansing gel from Yves Rocher is a standout with its unique formulation made primarily of Tetraselmis micro-alga. This marine plant has oxygenating properties that go a long way in purifying and refreshing your skin. This will surely leave your skin soft and comfortable while being rid of dirt and traces of makeup.
On top of that, it contains glycerin to provide just the right amount of moisture for normal and combination skin. Responsible consumers would also be happy to know that its sulfate-free formulation is 98% natural and sustainably sourced.
Be Acne-Free With This Pore-Clearing Cleanser
Because of its time-released, microencapsulated salicylic acid, this acne-fighting product does a great job at gently exfoliating the skin and removing blackheads and dead skin cells. This means that its salicylic acid is released slowly, reducing the risk of irritation.
Not only that, but it also contains soapberry extracts, which mildly cleanse the skin while clearing out dirt, oil, and impurities. Furthermore, it is paraben-, sulfate-, and fragrance-free, which makes it a suitable option for people with sensitive skin. If you struggle with both oily and sensitive skin, this cleanser might be just the right fit for you!
A Dermatologist-Tested Cleansing Gel for Clearing Acne
If you're looking for a gentle, everyday cleanser that targets acne without irritating your skin, Celeteque has you covered! Packed with salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid (AHA), and lactic acid (AHA), it helps exfoliate and clear pores to reduce breakouts. Willow bark extract also works to control excess oil and smooth your skin.
This oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic formula is perfect for sensitive skin, keeping it balanced without clogging pores. Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, it’s designed to be gentle yet effective for acne-prone skin. Many users find it works wonders in clearing up their skin while keeping it soft and hydrated.
A Soap-Free Face and Body Cleanser for Oily Skin
Avene's gel cleanser is specially formulated for people with oily skin and doubles as both a face and body cleanser. Its main star is lauric acid-derived ingredient monolaurin, which washes away impurities, regulates sebum hyper-production, and results in a mattifying effect. With this product, you can stay shine-free all day!
Moreover, its zinc gluconate also has anti-acne properties and can soothe irritation, leaving your skin feeling calm and refreshed. It is also soap- and paraben-free, which guarantees that your skin won't feel tight and dry afterward. Another plus is that it's suitable for use under non-irritant anti-acne drug treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang!
Is a Gel Based Cleanser Good for Double Cleansing?
A gel cleanser is a good option for double cleansing. It is safe for all skin types as it is not too drying. Remember, though, that you don't need to double cleanse all the time since over-cleansing can damage the skin barrier. I, personally, recommend double cleansing only if you've worn makeup or tinted sunscreen and if your skin feels "heavy."
Is It Better to Only Have One Type of Cleanser for Day and Night Use?
The choice of cleanser for your morning and evening routines can be the same or different based on your skin concern. Mild cleansers can be used in the morning. Meanwhile, the cleanser you will use at night will depend on your needs. For instance, people with oily skin may benefit if they use cleansers with BHA at night to remove all the oil and gunk buildup.
How Much Gel Cleanser to Use?
I usually recommend 2 to 3 pumps of the gel cleanser and lather onto the face. Check if this is enough to cover the area. The size of our faces differ from one another, so there's really no "standard" amount that we must strictly follow.
More Tips From Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang
For people with sensitive skin, active breakouts, or eczema, avoid using facial cleansing devices, as these gadgets can irritate the skin.
Find the Right Cleanser for Your Skin!
Cleansing is an important step in your skincare routine because it helps you remove unwanted dirt and refresh your skin. With this in mind, check out these links to find out which cleanser is best for you!
Author: Kate Basa
Editor: R. Umlas
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
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.
Top 5 Gel Cleansers
No. 1: AXIS-Y｜Quinoa One-Step Balanced Gel Cleanser
No. 2: La Roche-Posay｜Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
No. 3: SOME BY MI｜Super Matcha Pore Clean Cleansing Gel
No. 4: COSRX｜Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
No. 5: ACURE｜Brightening Cleansing Gel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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