Each skin type has unique needs, and choosing the right cleanser is key to achieving healthy skin. One often overlooked factor when selecting a face wash is its pH level. Understanding pH is essential if you want to take your skincare routine to the next level. Read on to learn more about pH and discover five expert-recommended face washes with balanced pH levels that will benefit your skin.
1 What is pH, and Why is it Important to Use a Face Wash with a Balanced pH?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is pH?” Typically, when purchasing a facial cleanser, people focus on whether it is suitable for their skin type rather than its pH level. However, the pH of a face wash is a critical factor in determining how well it works with your skin.
In simple terms, pH represents the balance between acidity and alkalinity in a solution. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral pH—anything above 7 is alkaline, and anything below is acidic.
Face washes are designed to cleanse the skin and protect its natural acid mantle. Using a cleanser with an extremely high or low pH can disrupt this protective layer, leading to various skin issues such as acne, allergies, dryness, and dehydration.
The pH level affects the oiliness of your skin as the right amount of oil is essential for maintaining a smooth and glowing complexion. Since face wash directly interacts with your skin, selecting one with the right pH is of utmost importance.
The ideal pH level for a face wash should be slightly higher than that of the skin, typically within the range of 5.5 to 6.5 (balanced pH). Such a cleanser will effectively remove excess sebum and impurities while keeping your skin supple and vibrant.
2 5 Expert-Recommended Face Washes with Balanced pH Levels
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash is a popular choice, often dubbed the “people’s favorite.” It is a gentle gel-based formula that creates a moderate amount of foam.
The soft, creamy foam effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and makeup residue as you massage it into your skin, leaving your face feeling thoroughly cleansed.
With a pH level of 6, this cleanser is perfect for all skin types. It effectively cleanses the T-zone and cheeks, resulting in a smooth and refined complexion. One of the key reasons for its popularity is its natural, botanical-based formula:
- Calendula flower extract and Roman chamomile essential oil help soothe and calm even the most sensitive skin.
- Lemon peel oil effectively controls sebum production and brightens the skin.
- Glycerin provides intense hydration, transforming dry and dull skin into a smooth and radiant canvas.
- Coconut-derived cleansing agents deliver deep cleansing action for a soft and supple feel.
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash is available in 30ml, 75ml, and 230ml sizes at select online retailers, with prices ranging from 85,000 to 1,700,000 VND.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
True to its name, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a “fresh” addition to your skincare routine, boasting natural ingredients and a pleasant fragrance. It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
With a pH level of 5.5, which matches the skin’s natural pH, you can rest assured that this cleanser won’t disrupt your skin’s delicate balance. While it produces minimal foam, it effectively removes impurities and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
You can use this cleanser in the morning to wake up your skin and in the evening after removing your makeup. The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser features a natural and gentle formula with multiple benefits:
- Soybean oil, proteins, and other soy derivatives offer powerful antioxidant properties, slowing down the aging process and promoting a smooth, soft, and bright complexion.
- Cucumber extract and aloe vera help treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone while soothing irritated skin.
- Lychee seed extract, rich in antioxidants, provides intense hydration and helps firm the skin, combating signs of aging.
- Rosehip oil and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids refine the skin’s texture, reducing the appearance of scars and promoting a radiant glow.
- Calendula, Texas cactus, and ginseng extracts nourish the skin from within, promoting overall skin health and combating aging concerns.
The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is available at select online retailers, with prices ranging from 120,000 to 1,200,000 VND, depending on the size.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
is a top choice for individuals with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin. It is a soap-free, fragrance-free, and non-foaming formula with a pH of 5.5, ensuring that your skin doesn’t feel overly dry after cleansing. Instead, your skin will feel supple, smooth, and hydrated.
Cetaphil’s gentle formula is just as effective and safe as the previous recommendations:
- Purified water is the primary ingredient, ensuring a pure and gentle cleansing experience.
- Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol soften the skin and improve its elasticity. These ingredients have been clinically proven to be safe and non-irritating.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate effectively removes excess sebum, dirt, and makeup, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and clean.
- Propylene Glycol prevents moisture loss and enhances the skin’s hydration levels, resulting in soft and supple skin.
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is available at select online retailers, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 800,000 VND, depending on the size.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel
is a gentle gel-based cleanser that produces a moderate amount of foam. It effectively removes impurities while being incredibly soothing to the skin.
With a pH level of approximately 5.5, this cleanser is ideal for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. La Roche-Posay is free of soap, oil, and alcohol, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Its formula includes:
- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to soothe and calm the skin, protecting it from irritation.
- Zinc PCA controls sebum production and helps combat acne-causing bacteria.
- treats acne and brightens the complexion.
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is available at select online retailers, with prices ranging from 400,000 to 600,000 VND, depending on the size.
Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel
The Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel is a gel-based formula with a pleasant fragrance and a moderate amount of foam. With a pH level of 6, it provides a deep cleanse without drying out the skin, thanks to its hydrating properties.
This cleanser contains Salicylic Acid, which effectively controls sebum production and tightens pores. Its formula is free of alcohol, soap, dyes, parabens, and lanolin, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
The Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel is available at select online retailers, with prices ranging from 75,000 to 850,000 VND, depending on the size.
Choosing the right face wash is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. We hope that this article has helped you understand the importance of pH in skincare and introduced you to five excellent options with balanced pH levels. Remember to select a cleanser that suits your skin type and always read the ingredient list to ensure it meets your skin’s unique needs.
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