4 Cleansers to Shop Online When You Are Based in Kampala

For the past few months, at any one time, I have about 4 different cleansers in my beauty wardrobe. This has been due to a combination of factors, namely a sore lack of gentle cleansers available on the local market and a tendency to purchase in multiples when I find a cleansing gem online.

Whether you have dry skin like I do, or acne, or mature skin, proper cleansing is an important part of any skin care routine. It gets rid of dirt, sweat, excess oil, makeup and sunscreen, preparing your skin for the beneficial ingredients from the products in the next steps of your routine. That being said, I often wonder why so many cleansers available locally are skin damning horrors.

When it comes to cleansers, I have 5 measly requirements that I wish more beauty stockists in Kampala could pay attention to:

1. Must be free from potentially irritating,harsh surfactants/cleansing agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate. I prefer  my skin to be plump and kissable skin after cleansing, not dry and tight.
2. Must have a low pH. This is essential to maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. High pH cleansers strip the skin and encourage microbial growth which leasds to breakouts.Ever since reading this post by Skin & Tonics on the importance of pH in skin care, I’ve been paying attention to it. I also wrote about pH here.
3. Preferably fragrance free. When my skin is normal, I have no issues with fragrance. However, during a dry phase, an eczema bout makes it sensitive even to the slightest fragrance.
4. Must have a great texture. Whether its foaming or non foaming, I love a cleanser that spreads easily. This makes cleansing the face, neck, ears and decolletage much simpler.
5. Must be effective. It has one job – to clean effectively. It says so in the name, “cleanser”

Since it’s next to impossible to find cleansers that meet these requirements locally, I turn to online shopping, using the myriad of online shopping services available in Kampala. Here are some great cleansers suited to certain skin types, in two versions, Western and Asian.

Note that the following cleansers are those I’ve suggested to real people based on their skin type. I am not recommending any of these items as must-haves for any skin type or condition. This is just me sharing a few low pH (all are below 6), gentle cleansers that suit many skin types. If you would like to learn your skin type, check out this infographic by the team at Paula’s Choice.

As always, links are in the text.

Combo/Oily/Acne Prone Skin

1. Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser.This gentle water soluble cleanser has a low pH of 5.5. It’s formulated with ceramides that help restore and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
2. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. This gentle cleanser doesn’t strip your face and contains a wonderful soothing, anti inflammatory ingredient, tea tree. Read an in-depth review by Fiddy  of Fifty Shades of Snail.

Dry/Sensitive Skin

1. Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser. A non foaming version of the classic facial cleanser (above), which is suited to dry, sensitive skin.

2. Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam.A foaming cleanser that is gentle yet effective. Here is a great review by Dee of Adoredee.

If you have normal skin. You’re in luck. Any of these cleansers are gentle enough for your skin.

Before any skin issues like acne, inflammation or hyperpigmentation can be properly addressed, proper cleansing is an absolute essential. What are some of your favorite gentle cleansers?

Disclaimers

This is not a sponsored post. Any opinion expressed is 100% my own.

Kindly note that I can’t guarantee that all of the make-up and skincare products I recommend will suit you. Everyone’s skin is different and it’s possible to be allergic to anything. Always patch test your products before ‘full on’ use.