4 Summer Cleansers to Keep Your Skin Cool, Clear & Glowing

When the mercury rises, your skincare routine deserves a refresh. Summer in Hong Kong is not for the faint-hearted — heat, humidity, pollution, and that ever-present city grit all conspire to clog pores and dull your glow. The solution? A hardworking cleanser that not only removes impurities, sunscreen and sweat but also keeps skin calm, balanced and radiant.

We’ve rounded up four of the most effective (and elegant) cleansers to add to your vanity this summer — each with a different strength, but all equally deserving of a place in your skincare arsenal.

1) Sunday Riley: Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser

Best for: Refining pores without stripping

Formulated with French green clay and Moroccan rhassoul clay, this Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser manages to deeply purify while keeping your skin feeling hydrated and never tight. Perfect for: Anyone battling congested pores or the inevitable oil-slick sheen that comes with a Hong Kong summer. Massage it in for a minute before rinsing for optimum results.

Price: HK$315 / 150ml

READ: Your Guide to Sunday Riley's Festive Skincare Sets

2) Malin + Goetz: Grapefruit Face Cleanser

Best for: A refreshing, one-step morning cleanse

Few cleansers are as deceptively simple — and effective — as this grapefruit-powered gel from Malin + Goetz. Its gentle foaming action cleanses, tones and brightens in one go, thanks to coconut-based surfactants and a vitamin-rich formula. There’s no need for a toner afterward — this multitasker leaves your skin feeling balanced, never squeaky.

Plus, the scent? Citrus heaven.

Price: HK$350 / 236ml

3) Augustinus Bader: The Foaming Cleanser

Best for: Luxurious skincare minimalists

Powered by the brand’s proprietary TFC8® complex (the same one found in its world-famous creams), Augustinus Bader’s foaming cleanser elevates cleansing to a science. The rich cream-to-foam texture melts away makeup, pollution and oil while actively hydrating, soothing and refining your skin’s texture. It’s gentle enough for everyday use, but delivers results like a targeted treatment. Expect a clearer complexion, minimised pores, and a healthy glow that doesn’t rely on highlighter.

Price: HK$600 / 100ml

READ: 4 Must-Have Products from Augustinus Bader

4) Kiehl’s: Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

Best for: Sensitive, summer-stressed skin

A mainstay in many bathroom cabinets for good reason, Kiehl’s calendula cleanser offers rich foam without the soapiness. The formula is packed with soothing calendula extract, making it ideal for sensitive or post-sun skin. It lifts dirt, sweat and sunscreen without compromising your barrier — a must for surviving the elements. It’s gentle, dependable and pleasantly nostalgic. Think of it as a cooling tonic for overheated, city-worn skin.

Price: HK$320 / 230ml