The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin
Clean skin doesn't mean dry skin.
After a long day of wearing makeup, sweating, or simply being out in the (often polluted) world, washing your face can feel like a sigh of relief. However, if you're struggling with dry skin or irritation, the routine can be a source of anxiety, dread, and even physical pain. Thus, it's important to keep the best face washes for dry skin by your side. After all, cleansing is a crucial part of daily hygiene, no matter your skin type.
"Regardless of whether you have dry skin or not, you should always remove makeup before going to bed," agrees Brendan Camp, M.D. and double board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology. He admits that while those with dry skin may not need to cleanse first thing in the morning, they should always do so at night before lathering on their go-to moisturizer. Lauren Penzi, M.D. and fellow board-certified dermatologist at MCDS adds that it's important for those with dry skin to use a hydrating face wash made with dry skin in mind.
With so many cleansers on the market promising to perform skincare miracles, it can be difficult to uncover which face washes can truly cleanse dry skin types without causing flaking or irritation. So, I asked Dr. Camp and Dr. Penzi to list the hydrating cleansers they recommend to their patients, along with advice on how to shop for them.
What to Look for in a Face Wash for Dry Skin
Ingredients
It can seem like every five minutes, the beauty industry is pushing a new miracle ingredient, from hyaluronic acid to retinol to salicylic acid. But once you learn what these ingredients do, skincare becomes far more comprehensible and you'll be able to tailor a routine that works for you. In particular, Dr. Camp and Dr. Penzi recommend ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin for dry skin, explaining that these ingredients hydrate and rebuild damaged skin barriers. Dr. Penzi also says to look for squalene, "a natural compound found in the skin's oil that is used for its moisturizing and emollient capabilities," as well as niacinamide (AKA Vitamin B3), which she calls "a jack-of-all-trades ingredient that reduces inflammation, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier."
Niacinamide is especially helpful if you're suffering from the double nightmare of dry skin and acne, as are low-dose AHAs such as lactic acid and mandelic acid, according to Dr. Penzi. The latter "allow for gentle exfoliation while providing hydration."
Meanwhile, both doctors suggest avoiding ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, fragrances, and dyes, which can worsen already-dry skin. Dr. Penzi adds that high-dose AHAs along with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may be too harsh for dry skin.
Consistency
There are many formulations of face washes, from oils to gels to foams to creams. The option that's best for you may come down to personal preference, but if you have especially dry skin. Doctors Camp and Penzi recommend opting for a cream cleanser rather than a foam or gel. "Gel- and foam-based cleansers usually have more surfactant, which can strip skin's natural oils," Dr. Penzi explains.
Best Face Washes for Dry Skin
- Best Face Wash for Dry Skin Overall: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Ap+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
- Best Cream Face Wash for Dry Skin: Ferver Fermented Chamomile Cleansing Balm
- Best Lightweight Wash for Dry Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Best Luxury Face Wash for Dry Skin: Albion Excia Embeage Cleansing Cream
- Best Affordable Face Wash for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Lightweight Hydrating Facial Gel Cleanser
In my experience, cleansing oils do an incredible job of removing makeup, sweat, dirt, and even excess oil without stripping skin. Dr. Penzi calls this one from La Roche-Posay "a great choice for those with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin." She explains, "It gently removes dirt and debris from the skin while providing intense moisture. It contains thermal spring water, niacinamide, and shea butter to nourish skin deeply." It even has approval from the National Eczema Association.
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Approved by the National Eczema Association; Removes makeup and impurities; Provides lasting moisture; Suitable for chemotherapy patients
Cons: None found
I started using this cleansing balm during a bout of dryness after I vacationed in a desert climate. It always removed my makeup completely (including stubborn eye makeup!), but without irritating my painfully chapped skin. I also loved the way it melted in my hands, allowing for easy application. The jar may be small, but rest assured that a little goes a long way.
Pros: Editor-approved; Soothing ingredients (chamomile); A little goes a long way; Affordable
Cons: Have to dip your hand in the jar to get the formula (squeeze or pump packaging is easier and more sanitary)
If you ask me and my personal dermatologist, Cetaphil is the holy grail of cleansers. It works well on the face and body (great news for those who break out on the neck, chest, or back), and it softens skin while effectively banishing makeup and grime. It's wiped away my breakouts, banished flakiness, and evened my skin tone, and it works surprisingly quickly.
Pros: Editor-approved; Free of fragrance and dye; Affordable; Suitable for all skin types
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Once I started using retinol regularly, my face became drier than ever before. In addition to maintaining a religious routine of hydrating moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and facial oils, I came to rely on this cleansing cream. It's unbelievably soft to the touch, smells amazing, and hydrates my skin without making it feel oily afterward. It works especially well as part of a double-cleansing routine.
Pros: Editor-approved; Creamy texture; Subtle, pleasant smell
Cons: Expensive; Have to dip your hand in the jar to get the formula (squeeze or pump packaging is easier and more sanitary)
Neutrogena will always have a special place in my heart—its popular products were the first to clear my skin during breakouts and to get me hooked on a consistent skincare routine. Dr. Penzi stands by the brand's offerings too, explaining that this cleanser is "a gel-based, oil-free, and fragrance-free formula that has hyaluronic acid as its key ingredient, which helps retain moisture in the skin." It's also affordable.
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Editor-approved brand; Lightweight; Affordable; Fragrance-free
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Also Recommended
This cleanser from dermatologist-favorite brand CeraVe has an ideal ingredient list, according to Dr. Camp. He explains, "Ceramides and hyaluronic acid help keep skin hydrated in this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser." Ceramides are fatty molecules that comprise about half of the skin's lipids, ensuring your face looks moisturized, feels soft, and isn't flaking off. Hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, is a compound that helps with moisture retention, as it can hold about 1,000 times its weight in water. With such an all-star ingredient combination, this cleanser is made to help you look (and feel) your most hydrated yet.
fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser.
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Fragrance-free; Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores); Restores skin barrier; Affordable
Cons: Not cruelty-free
This is the only cleanser that works for both my combination skin and my mom's oily skin. Its lightweight gel formula hydrates and brightens skin using ingredients like Vitamin C, but it also minimizes the appearance of pores through the use of niacinamide. It leaves skin feeling clean but not stripped, and it effectively removes makeup, sweat, and oil after a long day.
Pros: Editor-approved; Works on all skin types; Vegan; Gluten-free
Cons: Has a natural scent that's slightly chemical-like
Yet another option from CeraVe, though this option is formulated for those who prefer a foamy texture. "I love this," gushes Dr. Penzi. "It starts as a rich, creamy texture and transforms into a gentle foam when mixed with water. This makes it effective at removing makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping the skin."
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Free of fragrance, parabens, and soap; Vegan
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Vanicream is another no-nonsense brand that carries a seal of approval from dermatologists like Dr. Camp. He says, "This soap-free cleanser is specifically formulated for dry skin and is made without dyes, fragrances, parabens, botanicals, and sulfates." Therefore, it's perfect for anyone struggling with flaking or broken skin, as it's less likely to sting or cause further irritation.
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Free of fragrances, parabens, gluten, and sulfates
Cons: Is not cruelty-free
Glycerin is a popular, hydrating ingredient found in most moisturizers, and it also plays a key role in this hydrating leave-on cleanser from Avène. "Thermal spring water and glycerin are featured in this non-greasy, no-rinse cleanser that hydrates and soothes dry and sensitive skin," attests Dr. Camp. He adds that it also effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil. Plus, it promises not to irritate sensitive skin or eyes.
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Suitable for sensitive skin; Packaging is made from recycled plastic
Cons: Some users may not be used to the no-rinse formula
According to Dr. Penzi, this cleanser's formula of glycerin, ceramides, and natural spring water "help keep skin moist all day long." Furthermore, she says it's "a mild and hydrating cleanser designed for sensitive skin." It also contains niacinamide, which soothes skin and reduces the appearance of pores.
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Reduces the appearance of pores; Made with sensitive skin in mind; Fragrance-free
Cons: Some reviewers say this is great for double-cleansing, but not as great on its own
Cleansing milks like this one are great options for those who want a lightweight face wash that still leaves them feeling hydrated. Of the many options on the market, Dr. Camp recommends this one, explaining, "Seaweed, safflower seed oil, and glycerin are included in this fragrance-free, nourishing cleanser that gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier."
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Lightweight; Fragrance-free; Cruelty-free; Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons: High price for a relatively small container
Polyhodrozy Acids, or PHAs, are exfoliants similar to AHAs, but their molecules are larger. This means that they don't penetrate skin as deeply and are therefore gentler options more suitable for those with dry or sensitive skin. PHA is the active ingredient in this cleanser, which Dr. Penzi recommends. She says, "This contains 2 percent Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), which is a gentle liquid exfoliant and humectant that decongests down to the pores. It is designed for those with sensitive skin, and it is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, soap, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, and dyes."
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Gentle exfoliant
Cons: Because it's an exfoliant, it's not suitable for daily use
Skinceuticals is one of my all-time favorite brands, with its hyper-effective products featuring powerful active ingredients. For dry skin in need of exfoliation, Dr. Penzi recommends this powerful face wash. She explains that it's "a micro-exfoliating scrub appropriate for use even by those with dry or sensitive skin. This product is gentle enough for daily use and creates a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture while softening and hydrating skin." Its formula also features hydrating glycerin and soothing aloe vera extract, which provide a boost of moisture.
Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Gentle exfoliator; Contains hydrating ingredients; Can be used daily; Free of parabens, sulfates, soap, fragrance, and dye
Cons: Some reviewers dislike the gritty texture
This lightweight cleanser was made for all skin types, but it's especially effective at fighting acne and preventing breakouts. Unlike most acne-fighting cleansers, however, it's hydrating and promises not to dry out skin. This is because it contains nourishing ingredients like aloe vera extract, chamomile, and Vitamin E, all of which support a healthy skin barrier and soothe irritation.
Pros: Award-winning; Clean; Suitable for all skin types; Reduces the appearance of pores; Award-winning; Free of sulfates
Cons: Contains fragrance
Meet the Experts
Brendan Camp, M.D., is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology Cosmetic Surgery. Hie expertise is in managing medical conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, warts, psoriasis, moles, and skin cancer, as well as cosmetic concerns and treatments with Botox, fillers, lasers, and other skin rejuvenation devices.
Dr. Camp graduated with honors from Cornell University, earning a degree in biochemistry. As a medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, he participated in a one-year epidemiology fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, where he participated in viral outbreak investigations. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Chicago and later completed additional residency training in dermatology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Dr. Camp is the author of several scientific articles that have been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. He has also presented at meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatopathology, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology.
Dr. Lauren Penzi, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York state. A graduate of Loyola University Maryland and New York Medical College, she specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, the American Society for Laser Medicine Surgery, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
