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.

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.

Dior Prestige La Mousse Micellaire Face Cleanser, $128 | pH 4-6

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.

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.

This highly moisturising no-rinse cleansing water not only removes impurities, but also gently exfoliates thanks to the use of carnitine, a skin- friendly amino acid that provides a mild peeling effect. Skin is left softer, smoother and brighter.

Available at The History of Whoo

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

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.

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.

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 plant- based squalene – this cleanser envelopes skin in moisture.

Available at Clarins.

Formulated with low pH rosemary- infused water, conditioning actives and star fruit- infused 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.

Text: Vanessa Chia/HerWorld

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