Best Overall: Cerave Hydrating Cream
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Has not been tested in sensitive eye area
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Does not treat acne
Even though this cream-to-foam cleanser is new for CeraVe, a drugstore cult-favorite brand, its already racked up thousands of rave reviews. Great for all skin types, the wash starts as a cream to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, then turns into a foam as you wash. In short, it’s a one-step makeup remover and face wash that is effective, affordable, and wont dry out delicate skin.
The cleansers active ingredients include hyaluronic acid for hydration, plus ceramides and amino acids complex to protect your skins moisture barrier and pH balance. It doesnt contain soap or fragrance and is non-comedogenic. Teens, tweens, and adults alike will love it.
Cleansers For Mature Skin
The most common signs of aging are fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. To combat these, use a cream or oil cleanser to deeply moisturize your skin well-hydrated skin appears plumper and more youthful.
When it comes to active ingredients, choose a cleanser containing retinol. This powerful ingredient improves the appearance of various signs of aging, including lines, wrinkles and an uneven complexion. It does this by increasing collagen production and thickening your skin.
Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser
- Price: $$$
This face wash is fragrance-free, and it foams up when you use it. Its also loaded with emollient ingredients, including apricot kernel oil, glycerin, and squalane. Glycerin acts as a humectant and helps bind water to the skin, which increases hydration and helps the skin retain that moisture.
This cleanser contains vitamin E, which has a number of benefits for healthy skin.
Keep in mind that Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser is advertised as being for all skin types, so its not specially made for dry skin. It also contains alcohol, which may strip or irritate skin.
You May Like: Bumble And Bumble Cleansing Conditioner
Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Credit: COSRX Official Store
With Korean skincare taking the world by storm, surely youve heard of COSRX! The most popular product from COSRX is the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, which is also a great facial cleanser for sensitive skin. As its name suggests, this cleanser has a lower pH which will help your skin restore its optimal pH level. Doing so will protect your skin from pollution and other irritants while keeping your skin healthy! Its extremely gentle and moisturizing, which your skin will surely love!
Best For Makeup Removal: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil

If the primary goal of incorporating a cleansing oil is to remove makeup, look no further than the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil. Dr. Rodney says the paraben-free pick is on her radar because its gentle yet powerful enough to break down makeup and dirt. Plus, it contains hydrating ingredients, like glycerin, that prevent skin from drying out.
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The Benefits Of Face Exfoliators
Exfoliators play an important role in helping to slough away dirt and dead skin cells, which helps promote cell turnover . Because of this, exfoliators help unclog pores and prevent breakouts, even out skin tone, and transform dull skin. Exfoliating regularly can also help prevent fine lines and make it easier for other skin-care products to penetrate the surface of your skin. Avoiding exfoliation can cause clogged pores and decrease the efficiency of your other facial products.
As SELF previously reported, exfoliants can be broken down into two categories: Physical ones that physically remove dead skin cells and dirt from your face) and chemical ones that work by dissolving bonds between skin cells. Some products, like many containing salicylic acid, can combine both physical and chemical exfoliants.
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
Credit: Unilever
A bar soap as a facial cleanser? Yes, thats possible! Dove is one of the most famous brands out there that people will never tire of. With great products made of quality ingredients, Dove continues to deliver on its promises. If youve been looking for Dove facial cleansers for sensitive skin, try out the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. This is unscented, hypoallergenic, and can cleanse the skin while leaving it nourished and hydrated. Your skin deserves some tender, loving care so treat yourself to this beauty bar! Just make sure to put this in a soap container to keep it away from dirt.
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Why Trust Verywell Family
Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer & creative consultant based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She regularly works with skincare and beauty brands and was a commerce review for skincare at Bustle for 2 years. Along with her experience in the beauty industry, she spends much of her own time researching and testing the latest and greatest skin care products, formulas, and ingredients.
Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey
Best Korean Beauty: Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells making them plump.
Packed with antioxidant-rich blueberry extract, hyaluronic acid, and a blend of lactic and glycolic acids, this lightweight gel wash is the key to gently yet effectively removing surface dirt and makeup. The result is skin that looks clear and radiant and pores that are visibly minimized, thanks to a mild exfoliating action.
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Lavo Glycolic Acid Face Wash
Lavo Glycolic acid face wash is formulated to be a gentle face cleanser with natural exfoliators, unlike other scrubs that have plastic microbeads. Lavo face wash nourishes and hydrates your skin with vitamins and antioxidants.
The cream has glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. In combination, these ingredients penetrate the pores and dissolve dead skin cells to open up clogged pores and remove acne-causing bacteria.
Pineapple and papaya extract in the face wash act as natural exfoliators to reveal fresh skin. Lavender and vitamin B extracts regulate sebum production thereby maintaining oil production.
Lavo glycolic acid is effective on both men and womens skin. The cream is irritation-free and can be used on sensitive skin.
- Exfoliates skin and opens up pores
- Removes excess oil by dissolving it
- Irritation free can be used on sensitive skin
Cons:
- Some users have complained about leaving the skin dry
- Lavo face wash does not lather well
Best Organic: Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser
Key Ingredients
Green tea is a botanical derived from the leaves and buds of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. The active components of green tea are polyphenols that are believed to benefit the skin due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Supermodel Miranda Kerr started her beauty line Kora Organics to give people luxe organic beauty products that are effective and clean. Her foaming cleanser was designed specifically with combination skin in mind. It treats oiliness, enlarged pores, and an uneven skin tone without leaving the skin feeling stripped. Its formulated with nourishing, all-natural ingredients, like noni fruit, green tea extract, sandalwood oil, and aloe vera.
It Cosmetics created this makeup-removing balm to put all others to shame. Most makeup removers can dry or irritate the skin, especially skin thats more sensitive, but this formula tackles stubborn makeup without any unwanted side effects.
This balm is infused with an anti-aging serum, so it can reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles while it cleanses the skin. To top it all off: Its cruelty-free and made without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
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Cleansers For Combination Skin
Combination skin is identified as patches of both dry and oily skin on your face. As a result, youll need a gentle cleanser that balances these areas.
Gel cleansers have a lightweight consistency and typically provide hydrating benefits. They can be used to hydrate dry areas, while also controlling sebum on the oilier areas of your face. Look for cleansers containing lactic acid, which has been found to exfoliate your skin and act as a humectant, helping to lock in moisture.
Best Face Washes For Sensitive Skin

Anyone with sensitive skin knows that finding the right face wash can be a challenge. Cleansing skin means stripping it of dirt and debris but can often cause redness, itchiness, or discomfort for those with sensitive skin.
The solution? Use a gentle face wash without harsh chemicals, extra additives, or strong fragrances. This is often easier said than done, especially for anyone facing additional skin issues such as dryness, acne, hyperpigmentation, or wrinkles. But generally speaking, its best to look for hydrating face washes made specifically for sensitive skin that can gently remove oil and impurities from skin without stripping away natural moisture.
When it comes to sensitive skin face wash, whats not in the product is almost more important than what is. Wondering what to steer clear of? It can be best to avoid strong scents and strong chemicals such as parabens or sulfates. Soap-free cleansers are always a good idea, and skip harsh exfoliating products unless you have acne-prone skin.
Sometimes, trial and error is the best way to find the best face wash for sensitive skin. Luckily, many skincare brands are making options for sensitive skin for all skin types and budgets. Here are some of the best face washes for sensitive skin you can find for a healthy complexion free of irritation and redness.
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Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
- Price: $
This drugstore favorite gets the green light from the National Eczema Association for being super gentle on skin. This cleanser simply does what its supposed to: cleanses skin gently, without drying out skin.
Its easy to get off and doesnt have any essential oils that can be a trigger for some skin types.
Reviews: This really is a no-frills product. There isnt much by way of fragrance, and theres no lather when you apply it.
Cleansers For Normal Skin
Most cleanser formulations and ingredients are well-tolerated by normal skin.
For added benefit, choose a cleanser with added antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E. Antioxidants help to protect your skin from sun exposure and pollution both of which are responsible for causing signs of premature aging.
Don’t Miss: Olay Regenerist Luminous Brightening Cream Cleanser
How To Know If You Have Sensitive Skin
Before diving into what to do if you have sensitive skin, or which products to use, its important to get the deets on this skin type. How can you tell if you have sensitive skin? The best thing you can do to help determine whether or not you have sensitive skin is to pay attention to how your skin responds to the skin care products in your skin care routine. For example, does your skin look red and feel irritated after using a skin care product formulated with fragrance, alcohol, or soap? Over-cleansing can also cause your skin to look red, so keep that in mind as you work your way through your skin care routine.
Benefits Of A Good Facial Cleanser
Facial cleansers are designed to be used at the start of your routine, to lift away oils and impurities from your skin. This leaves it clean, refreshed and prepared for the rest of your routine, allowing for better absorption of products.
Cleansers developed for oily and acne-prone skin provide oil-controlling benefits, while mild, hydrating cleansers help to moisturize dry and sensitive skin. Anti-aging cleansers contain active ingredients, such as retinol, to combat visible signs of aging.
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Algenist Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser
Another best facial cleanser for sensitive skin is this lathering goody from Algenist. If you tend to break out, you should consider this smart formula that fights against acne without drying out your already-unpredictable pores. Thanks to witch hazel, oat amino acids, and alguronic acid, you can easily wash away your makeup and buildup, leaving your skin refreshed and protected.
To buy: $28
Curel Foaming Face Wash
Best Foaming Face Wash For Dry Skin
The Curel foaming face wash is so gentle, its perfect for even the most sensitive skin. Youll find it will remove debris without stripping the skin of any natural oil. It contains ceramides and glycerin to lock moisture in and soothe any irritation so that your skin is kept super soft. Its also pH balanced and fragrance- and colorant-free.
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Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam
Sebamed is known for the gentle formulation that is helpful if you have very sensitive acne prone African American skin.
Sebamed foam is a soap-free formula that cleanses dirt off of your skin while maintaining the pH of the skin from 4.5 to 5.5. This will help in fighting against bacterial infections that are the main cause of acne breakouts.
The foam has panthenol as the moisturizer that is gentle yet thoroughly cleanses your skin. Sebamed foam helps in the healing of irritated skin and regeneration of skin cells making your skin soft and supple.
- Deep cleanses the skin without dryness
- Removes oil from the skin and prevents excess oil production
- Compared to other foam Sebamed is easy to wash off and does not leave any residue.
Cons:
- Need more quantity to lather up.
If You Have Oily Skin And Think Applying A Liquid Would Be The Next Worst Thing Farmacy’s Whipped Greens Foaming Cleanser Is Just The Right Product That’s Oil

Key ingredients: Beta hydroxy, glycerin, moringa seed extract, moringa water, papaya enzyme, green clay, sodium PCA
The Farmacy Whipped Greens Foaming Cleanser is wonderful for oily skin and not just because it’s oil-free â it’s also soap-free, super creamy, and uniquely contains moringa seed extract and moringa water to purify and refresh the skin from debris.
Aside from moringa, you’ll notice the papaya enzyme and green clay ingredients that help detox, absorb surface oil, exfoliate, clean pores, and remove buildup. Sodium PCA also aids in maintaining skin hydration.
“For oily skin, I recommend using a face wash with beta hydroxy acid because they reduce oil production by working on the skin’s surface to penetrate deep into pores,” Dr. Peredo said. “You can also use exfoliating cleansers to reduce oil.”
Even if you don’t have oily skin, this cleanser is great to use after a long day outside. It’s also cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
Read Also: Dr Gross Alpha Beta Cleanser
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
If youve ever visited your derm to complain about breakouts, theyve probably given you a sample of Cetaphil. Its recommended by experts because its incredibly gentle and versatile, and appropriate for your face or body. As Dr. Engleman explains, it works by one molecule binding to the oil and the other binding to the water, so it removes impurities but does not strip your skin of oils. As a bonus? Its also lipid-, soap-, and fragrance-free.
To buy: $9 target.com
A Closer Look At Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is characterized by an increased tendency to react to environmental factors, and it can be due to genetic factors2 or a variety of skin conditions. Sensitive skin symptoms can also be triggered by contact with specific products or ingredients.1 A common underlying factor in most sensitive skin can be a weakened skin barrier.
If you experience skin redness, itching, burning and stingingespecially when you apply skincare productsits possible you have sensitive skin. Other sensitive skin symptoms include frequent rashes, itching, dry patches, facial redness, reactions to extreme weather conditions and more.1
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S To Cleansing Your Aging Skin
First, we all agree we should be washing our faces twice a day, right? If not, repeat after me, I will cleanse my face when I wake up and before I go to bed every evening. Here are some steps for cleansing your face properly.
1. In the evening remove all your makeup before you cleanse. It doesnt matter if you use makeup remover or a facial wipe, but get that foundation, eye makeup and lipstick off your face before you cleanse your face. Be gentle and no tugging.
2. Wash your face with a cleanser specifically for your aging skin. Washing your skin too vigorously is the worst thing you can do. In fact you should take the word wash out of your vocabulary and replace it with cleanse. The word wash makes me think of harsh cleansers that strip your skin of moisture and you want to avoid that. A squeaky clean face means a dry face which means fine lines and wrinkles. Gently wash your entire face and then splash off the cleanser with warm or cool water. Hot water is very drying and does not belong on your face or your body for that matter.
3. Pat your face dry with a soft cotton towel. That will press some of the moisture into your skin. Immediately follow with a toner and a facial oil and/or cream. But be careful not to use too many products which can cause clogged pores and breakouts.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
Credit: O& A Shop
Dont want to choose between having facial cleansers for sensitive skin that can thoroughly clean your face or one thats gentle? Fret not, the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is the perfect solution. Without making you choose one over the other, this facial cleanser can cleanse away all sorts of impurities and dirt without stripping your skin from the hydration that it needs! Plus, it is hypoallergenic and extremely gentle that it can even be used for those with eczema, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea!
Read Also: Gel Cleanser For Sensitive Skin