Sick of your face feeling like the Sahara desert once your face is washed? You’re not alone! It can seem nearly impossible to find the best cleansers for dry skin, like you’re in a never-ending quest.
If you scramble for moisturizer post-washing your face and your skin always feels dry, easily irritated, or flaky, it’s clear that you’re using a face wash that’s too harsh for your skin. A lot of cleansers can take away those oils that keep your skin dewy and plump, leaving you feeling tight, irritated, or even more parched than before. That’s why it’s crucial to find a dry skin cleanser and use one of the best cleansers for dry skin to ensure that hydration starts at the earliest step in your skin care routine.
In this guide, we’ve combed the market to discover which is the best face wash for dry skin, meaning more than just cleansers. These formulas are chock-full of nourishing ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid that help to hydrate your skin and seal in that moisture barrier. They’re also dermatologist-recommended, cleansers — so you know they’re safe, effective, and mild.
Whether you’re new to managing dry skin or want to revamp a tired routine, this list offers a wide range of cleansers that moisturize and refresh skin without irritating it. Enough with the tight, uncomfortable, too-pale look.
Quick Pick Summary
Product Name | Best For | Highlight |
---|---|---|
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | Sensitive, easily irritated dry skin | Mild, non-foaming, classic gentle formula |
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | Very dry, compromised barrier skin | Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid for barrier repair |
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser | Extremely sensitive, allergy-prone dry skin | Free of common irritants, dermatologist favorite |
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser | Reactive, minimalist dry skin routines | Soothing, hydrating, prebiotics for skin balance |
Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash | Dehydrated, dull dry skin | Aquaporin boosters for enhanced water channels |
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser | Morning cleanse, slightly oily but dry skin | Low pH balance, gentle exfoliation |
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser | Makeup removal, comforting cleanse | Rosewater & Pro-Vitamin B5 for soothing hydration |
Prequel Glycerin Cleanser | Deep hydration, plump skin | High concentration of glycerin for intense moisture |
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser | Redness-prone, distressed dry skin | Colloidal oatmeal and allantoin to calm |
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser | All dry skin types, light makeup removal | Squalane & Glycerin for balanced cleansing |
Key Factors to Choose the Right Product
When you’re shopping around for the best cleansers for dry skin, it pays to be a smart label reader. Here’s what you should prioritize:
- Soft Formulation: Stay away from tough sulfates (SLS) and harsh foaming agents. These may remove natural oils and leave you feeling that uncomfortable tightness. Opt for cream, milk, lotion, or gel textures that are made not to strip.
- Hydrating Elements: For a face wash for dry skin, there should be no compromise on this. Look for humectants, which draw moisture to the skin, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate. Emollients such as ceramides, squalane and fatty acids are also great for taking care of the skin barrier.
- pH-Balanced: The pH of your skin is naturally slightly acidic (about 5.5). Washing with a pH-balanced cleanser will help keep that fragile balance intact and reduce barrier disruption.
- Non-Comedogenic: This simply means the product is less likely to block pores, which even those with drier skin should be paying attention to.
- Dermatologist-Recommended Cleanser: There are some cleansers that are recommended by dermatologists to use for dry skin, because their gentle formula is effective at supporting the skin barrier.
Did You Know?
Your skin is shielded by a natural protective barrier made up of fats (lipids) and skin cells. This barrier is super important to keep you from losing water and to keep irritants out.
The 10 Best Face Washes for Dry Skin
The key to finding the best cleansers for dry skin is to look for formulas that have just the right amount of cleansing power, but not so much that your skin feels like parchment afterwards. Seek out mild, hydrating, and fragrance-free varieties.
Here are 10 top-rated cleansers people often recommend for dry skin, based on availability and popularity:
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

An Overview:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a classic that’s been a dry skin go-to for decades for good reason. It’s an extremely gentle, non-foaming, creamy cleanser designed to clean without stripping. It’s also at the top of the list of dermatologist-recommended cleansers made for sensitive and dry skin. It’s great for taking off light makeup and daily grime.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Glycerin: A natural humectant that helps draw moisture from the air to the skin for superb skin hydration.
- Cetyl Alcohol & Stearyl Alcohol: Emollients which Lend Moisture to the Skin & Aid in Barrier Restoration.
Pros and Cons: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Pros
- Extremely gentle and non-irritating.
- Affordable and widely available.
- Effectively removes impurities without stripping.
Cons
- Doesn’t lather, which could be a selling point for some users who associate lather with a “clean” sensation.
- May be not work very well for heavy make-up.
2. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

An Overview:
Another cult favorite among dermatologist-recommended cleansers, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is known for cleansing washes that won’t strip the skin’s barrier. It’s honestly one of the best face wash for dry skin as well as sensitive, compromised skin barrier. It is a great face wash for dry skin.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II): Form a protective barrier on the skin to help prevent moisture loss.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This powerful ingredient is capable of holding up to 1000x its weight in water, meaning it offers serious plumping and hydrating effect.
- Glycerin: A great humectant to use for attracting moisture to the skin.
Pros and Cons: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Pros
- Repairs and strengthens barrier of the skin.
- Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and non-irritating.
- Provides long-lasting hydration.
Cons
- Might feel slightly slippery if not washed off entirely.
- The texture might be a little bit much for some.
3. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

An Overview:
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a mild face wash that a mildis free of common chemical irritants and allergens, like added fragrances, dyes, and parabens, so it is the perfect dermatologist-recommended face wash for sensitive skin. If you have difficulty finding gentle cleansers for dry skin that won’t elicit a reaction, this is your solution.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Glycerin: Hydrates the skin without having to deal with the greasiness.
- Purified Water: A basic neutral that guarantees low irritation.
Pros and Cons: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Pros
- Without dyes, fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde and other common irritants.
- Experience clean and soft skin.
- Perfect for the most sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
Cons
- It is a very basic formula, and likely does not have any additional help beyond cleaning.
- The packaging may be a bit utilitarian.
4. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

An Overview:
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a treasure from the French pharmacy, favored by sensitive and dry skin types. It’s a soothing cream cleanser, gentle enough for my sensitive dry skin, and won’t strip the skin of moisture. It has a solid reputation as one of the best cleansers for dry skin.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Ceramides: Aid in restoring and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Calms skin, helps offset redness and supports barrier function.
- Glycerin: Hydrogen attracts moisture to the skin.
- Prebiotic Thermal Water: Loaded with minerals and anti-oxidants, it helps balance the skin’s microbiome and reduce irritation.
Pros and Cons: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Pros
- Great for dry sensitive reactive skin.
- Afterward skin feels soothed and hydrated.
- Contains soothing and barrier-repairing ingredients.
Cons
- A little pricier than drugstore alternatives.
- Some may find that texture a bit too thin.
5. Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash

An Overview:
For those seeking next-level hydration, there’s nothing quite like Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash. It’s one of the best cleansers for dry skin if you want to work with your skin’s natural waterways.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Aquaporin Boosters (Glyceryl Glucoside): Activate the skin cells’, aquaporins; those are water channels in the skin, which will in tun allow more water to enter the skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Instant smooth and long-term hydration.
- Glycerin: Reinforces the hydrating effects.
Pros and Cons: Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash
Pros
- Targets internal skin hydration mechanisms.
- Fragrance-free and gentle.
- Leaves skin plump and dewy.
Cons
- A more recent technology, so long-term effects may not be as well-documented as traditional ingredients.
- The offering could potentially not be as available elsewhere.
6. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

An Overview:
Though it’s called “Good Morning,” this gel cleanser is fine for the evenings, too, especially if you like your evening cleanse to be light and fresh. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is one of the most-loved among dry skin cleansers for its mild exfoliating action without being drying. It’s a good face wash for dry skin in need of just a little bit of fresh feeling.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Tea Tree Oil: Beloved for its antibacterial properties, but in a mild concentration here, so it’s easy on the skin.
- Natural BHA (Betaine Salicylate): Delivers a gentle chemical exfoliation to help remove dead skin and improve texture without irritation or over-drying.
- Styrax Japonicus Leaf Extract: A skin-conditioning plant extract.
Pros and Cons: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Pros
- Provides incredibly mild exfoliation, but won’t ever strip.
- Keeps a low pH (approximately 5.0-6.0.) for the best skin health.
- Leaves the skin feeling refreshed and balanced.
Cons
- Has a little odor of tea tree but I don’t mind it at all.
- May be too harshly exfoliating on very sensitive or extremely dry skin that’s compromised daily.
7. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

An Overview:
With its smooth jelly texture, this cleansing agent is nothing if not indulging, perfect for those of us who want a gentle, warmed It is a non-foaming wash that doubles as a makeup remover. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is one of the best face washes for dry skin if you value a good sensorial experience in your skincare.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Poloxamer 184: This super mild cleaning agent is found in many contact lens solutions, making sure lenses are feeling good.
- Rosewater: Used for its calming and toning properties.
- Comfrey Root Extract (Allantoin): Botanical that helps to soothe irritation.
- Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Moisturizes and nourishes skin.
Pros and Cons: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Pros
- Unique, enjoyable jelly texture.
- Leaves skin soft and supple.
- Efficiently cleanses light makeup and impurities.
Cons
- Can be pricey for the amount.
- May not thoroughly take off heavy waterproof makeup.
8. Prequel Glycerin Cleanser

An Overview:
Courtesy of household name chemist Michelle Wong, the Prequel Glycerin Cleanser is a hydrating powerhouse. Add that to the formula’s high levels of glycerin and its position as one of the best cleansers for dry skin in its pursuit of plumpness and moisture retention. This is an extremely hydrating face wash for dry skin.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- High Glycerin: Draws and binds water to the skin for intense hydration.
- Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: A mild amino acid-derived surfactant – cleanses gently, without stripping.
Pros and Cons: Prequel Glycerin Cleanser
Pros
- Delivers great hydration and the skin feels bouncy after.
- Cheaper, for its degree of quality and performance.
- Minimal formula, lessening the chances of irritation.
Cons
- Not as commonplace as popular brands.
- May not suit people who like a foamy lather.
9. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

An Overview:
First Aid Beauty is great at formulating products for sensitive and troubled skin, and that film is Pure Skin Face Cleanser is no different. The formula is great for dry skin types (especially if you’re sensitive to redness or irritation) with a gentle, soothing, and moisturizing texture that makes this fragrance-free cream a serious contender among other cleansers for dry skin. It’s an excellent face wash for dry skin that’s in need of nurturing.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Glycerin: It’s a moisturizing classic humectant for hydration.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Known for its calming and hydrating benefits.
- Allantoin: To reduce irritation and redness of skin.
- Oatmeal: An effective anti-inflammatory and skin protectant, ideal for calming itching and irritation.
Pros and Cons: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
Pros
- Very soft and calming to sensitive or red or irritated dry skin.
- Dermatologist-tested and allergy-tested.
- Removes impurities without stripping.
Cons
- More expensive than some drugstore options.
- It maymakeup not be enough for heavy-duty make up removal.
10. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

An Overview:
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is a mild cleanser that is perfect for all skin types, including those that are sensitive or dry. It’s also celebrated for how it cleans without leaving your face feeling stripped or overly tight, another solid option for any collection of the best cleansers for dry skin and a great everyday face wash for dry skin.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Squalane: An ultra-refined moisturizing oil derived from olives that restores the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Apricot Kernel Oil: A emollient that is non-comedogenic and hydrates and softens the skin.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that shields the skin from environmental elements.
Pros and Cons: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
Pros
- Cleans well without making skin plaza or stripped.
- Skin is left feeling balanced and comfortable.
- Suitable for all skin types with dry skin problems.
Cons
- Includes some fragrance, a potential issue for some truly sensitive folks.
- Higher price point.
Bottom Line: Dermatologist-Recommended Cleanser
It doesn’t have to be a fight trying to get a handle on the world of cleansers when you have a dry skin type. With a focus on mild, moisturizing ingredients, you can change that dry skin routine to one that has you looking and feeling good. Keep in mind when looking for the best face wash for dry skin: You want the gentle cleanser that leaves your skin feeling cared for versus dry and stripped.
Having looked into all of these great products above, these are our best 3 picks for a cleanser for dry skin, based on performance, ingredients and user experience:
Top Picks You’ll Love:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Cheap, it works, and it’s loaded with ceramides
La Roche-Posay Toleriane: Calms redness & supports your microbiome.
Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash: Exclusive and Minimalist formula.
Prequel Glycerin Cleanser: Simple goodness, with serious moisture.
Glossier Milky Jelly: Two in one- makeup remover and cleanser.
FAQs
What should I not have in a cleanser for dry skin?
Stay away from sulfates (SLS), alcohols,, denatured alcohol and synthetic fragrances. These can wash away your skin’s natural oils and compromise your moisture barrier. When looking to buy the best face wash for dry skin, focus on hydrating and gentle formulas.
Am I able to double cleanse when my skin is dry?
Yes, but carefully. Cleanse with an oil-based balm to remove makeup or sunscreen, then cleanse again with a dermatologist-recommended option like CeraVe or La Roche-Posay. It prevents stripping so that way you end up with a blank slate in your dry skin skincare routine.
What is the ideal pH for a cleanser for dry skin?
Seek those in the range of a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. This range maintains your skin’s acid mantle and helps to preserve the moisture barrier—crucial forces to consider when determining the ideal face wash for dry skin.