The importance of pH, and why you should be using a low pH cleanser.
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Why you should use a low PH cleanser and the best ones to try.
Cleansing is an essential part of our skincare routines, yet many of us hardly pay attention to the type of cleanser that we’re using. All that matters is that it does its job, right? Wrong. Finding a pH-balanced cleanser might not be top of mind, but it could be the key to healthier and happier skin.
Whether you’re a “skinmalist” with a cleanse-tone-moisturise routine or beauty enthusiast with an elaborate 10-step skincare ritual, it all starts with cleansing. Besides removing impurities, cleansing also preps skin to fully absorb the skincare that follows. But often, when it comes to choosing a cleanser, most of us seem to pay more attention to the ingredient list, and neglect the other important factor: the pH level.
CHEMISTRY 101
Everything has a pH value, and is either acidic or alkaline, depending on where it sits on the pH scale: Zero is the most acidic, 14 is the most alkaline, and 7 (where water lies) is neutral.
Skin is at its most functional at a pH level between 4 and 6, which is slightly acidic. This acidic environment is able to support the natural bacteria on skin, keep out environmental aggressors and lock in moisture.
If your skin’s pH level veers towards the alkaline end of the spectrum, it can disrupt skin’s barrier, resulting in it becoming inflamed, irritated, sensitive and dry. “As pH increases, inflammation in the skin is activated. Skin function is thus compromised, resulting in skin disease. Increased skin pH is noted in those with acne, eczema, fungal infection and contact dermatitis,” says Dr Lynn Chiam, dermatologist at Children & Adult Skin Hair Laser Clinic.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CLEANSER IS LOW PH
That squeaky-clean feeling you love after washing your face might actually point to your cleanser having a high pH, as it is stripping away your skin’s natural oils and sebum.
As a general rule of thumb: the fewer suds, the lower the pH.
But when the pH isn’t on the label, here’s what you should look out for:
#1 Opt for cream-, milk- or gel-based cleansers. These are known to create fewer suds and are gentler on skin.
#2 Avoid harsh soaps that foam and bubble a lot. These tend to be more alkaline in nature, and the foam also strips away skin’s natural moisture.
IDS Skincare C3 Cleansing Milk, $66.34 A fragrance-free milky lotion mild enough for the most sensitive of skins, this updated cleanser gently yet effectively removes makeup, dirt and pollutants to leave skin clean and clear. Available at IDS Clinics and IDS Aesthetics
Dior Prestige La Mousse Micellaire Face Cleanser, $128
A luxurious foaming cleanser for delicate skin, it’s enriched with Rose de Granville actives to perfectly remove makeup and impurities. Skin feels soft, supple and never tight. Available at Dior Beauty and Sephora
Skin Inc Pure Serum-Infused O2 Cleanser, $48
This one-step double-cleansing system delicately yet effectively removes makeup, pollutants and pore-clogging sebum. Infused with skin-loving actives like ceramides, centella asiatica and reishi, it boosts oxygen in skin and restores balance to reveal a smooth, supple complexion. Available at Skin Inc and Sephora
The History Of Whoo Gongjinhyang: Soo Vital Hydrating Cleansing Water, $56 This highly moisturising no-rinse cleansing water not only removes impurities, but also gently exfoliates thanks to the use of carnitine, a skinfriendly amino acid that provides a mild peeling effect. Skin is left softer, smoother and brighter. Available at The History of Whoo
Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk, $34 Enriched with nourishing sweet almond oil and antioxidant-rich polyphenols, this creamy milk cleanser removes makeup and grime without pulling and tugging at skin. Available at Sephora
Derma Lab Gentle Relief Cleanser, from $9.90
Packed with a unique Derma Mimic complex, ceramides and glycerine, this nasties-free cleanser is oh-so-gentle on skin as it cleanses, moisturises and restores skin’s protective barrier. Skin never feels dry or tight after cleansing. Available at Watsons and Lazada.sg
Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse, $54
This soft foam cleanser is laced with tamarind pulp extract, which adds an element of gentle exfoliation as you cleanse. Infused with a blend of alpine herbs – a cocktail of yellow gentian, lemon balm, organic soapwort, and plantbased squalene
– this cleanser envelopes skin in moisture. Available at Clarins
Cle de Peau Beaute Micellar Cleansing Water, $90 Formulated with low pH rosemaryinfused water, conditioning actives and star fruitinfused Intelligent Food extract, this no-rinse cleansing water efficiently removes traces of makeup and impurities, while leaving skin hydrated and refreshed. Available at Cle de Peau Beaute