Caring for combination skin can be pretty tricky. You have generally dry skin and then boom your T-zone is an oil well. How do you strike a balance in this situation? Make sure your routine caters to your skin type. Let’s start with the first step — cleansers for combination skin.
What to look for in cleansers for combination skin
Some of the ingredients that work well for combination skin (and that should be part of your must-find list) are hyaluronic acid, peptides, lactic acid and salicylic acid.



Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is the it ingredient of the moment. If you need help with hydrating your combination skin, this one’s definitely something to add to your coveted ingredients list. Contrary to popular belief, moisturizing oily skin can actually help balance your skin’s flora — and, no, it won’t make your skin any oilier than it already is.
Peptides
Peptides may not be as popular but they’re definitely just as great for combination skin. Aside from hydrating and smoothening the skin, they also offer up firming benefits. The result? A young- and healthy-looking complexion.
Lactic acid
Slough away dead skin cells and help your skin have improved texture with lactic acid. This is great particularly for the oily areas in your face!
Salicylic acid
The hero ingredient for acne-prone folks everywhere. If you happen to find that you get pimples along with your skin’s imbalance, this ingredient’s the one to add to your routine.
The best cleansers for combination skin in the Philippines
Now that you know how to start off your regimen, here are some products to consider for your first step.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser



It doesn’t get any more straightforward than this. You need gentle cleansing, this one’s got you. But it also promises the added benefits of brightening and hydration, thanks to the vitamins B3 and B5 in its formula.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser



Maintain your skin’s pH while helping it gently get rid of dead skin cells for a smoother texture with this cleanser that’s infused with glycolic acid and peptides.
Celeteque Hydration Facial Wash



This low pH cleanser ensures that your skin’s environment isn’t disrupted so it’s healthy and strong. It also has natural moisturizing factor which keeps your skin amply moisturized. Check out my review of this here.
COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser



Another low pH pick, this cleanser is great at cleansing the skin while keeping its barrier intact and strong. This one’s also great if you have sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel



Say goodbye to excess oil while keeping hydration in check with this French pharmacy fave. It’s also been tested for acne-prone skin (it’s non-comedogenic a.k.a. it won’t clog your pores).
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser – Gentle Foaming Cleanser



On top of cleansing, feed your skin with the nourishing benefits of squalane, avocado oil and glycerin in this sensitive-skin-friendly cleanser.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser



Looking for something that’s a bit more heavy-duty but still gentle on the skin? This cleanser from The Ordinary promises to be strong enough to remove makeup while also being gentle enough to keep your skin hydrated.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser



Need extra hydration to help keep your skin’s balance? This Inkey List cleanser claims to be able to keep your skin hydrated for up to 48 hours after use. It also claims to be strong enough to remove makeup and SPF while still being gentle.
Happy Skin Hyaluronic Soothing Cleansing Gel



Aside from hydrating hyaluronic acid, this cleanser from local beauty brand Happy Skin also has centella asiatica that soothes pimples and inflammation and ceramide that helps strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Senka Perfect Whip



This J-Beauty favorite is great at keeping the skin clean and smooth. The proof is in the foam. Check out our review of this cult-favorite here.
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Facial Wash



Achieve balance in your skin’s health while keeping it fresh and clean with this vegan and cruelty-face wash that’s enriched with broad-leaf kelp extract, wheat protein and tourmaline.
Muji Mild Cleansing Gel



This gel cleanser has moisturizing apricot juice and peach leaf extract. It’s also fragrance-, alcohol- and mineral oil-free.
Looking for more skincare options? Check these out:
- Add These Niacinamide Toners to Your Routine for Brighter Skin
- The Best Micellar Cleansers in the Philippines (Water, Milk and Cream)
- 12 Best Sheet Masks for a Skincare Boost
P.S. If you’re keen on buying the product/s in this article, use Shopback when you buy and get P100 (and cash back!) through this link. Learn more about how Shopback works here.