Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Best Budget Face Wash for Dry Skin
The best cleansers can also be wallet-friendly. Dr. Engelmans best budget cleanser pick for dry skin is the Cetaphil gentle cleanser. This creamy formula held up against five different tests of skin dryness and sensitivity, she says. It hydrates as it cleanses and helps soothe sensitive and/or irritated skin. Priced at under $12, this drugstore-favorite cleanser is a steal.
Cerave Acne Foaming Cleanser
Dr. Garshick likes the CeraVe Acne Foaming cleanser for those with both dry and oily, acne-prone skin, because it contains all the ingredients to treat both skin concerns. In addition to 4% benzoyl peroxide, which helps to reduce acne-causing bacteria without leading to antibiotic resistance, it also contains hyaluronic acid to help draw in moisture, she says. ceramides to help support the natural skin barrier as well as niacinamide to soothe the skin. As an added bonus, she says this product wont leave skin feeling irritated or dry.
Get To Know Retinoids
Studies suggest that retinoids are one of the most effective acne treatments out there. Retinoids are basically a really strong version of vitamin A that exfoliate skin and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
You can find retinoids in topical treatments like creams, gels, or masks or in oral form. Some retinoid products are available over the counter, and a dermatologist can prescribe something stronger if necessary.
As effective as retinoids are, they can also be a bit harsh. Be sure to wear extra sun protection when using one, since they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Start with a small amount of retinoids and slowly increase the amount as your skin adjusts.
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Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser 766 For 200ml
A cleanser that makes for a gentler alternative for skin thats so dry that its borderline sore, expect your complexion to feel noticeably cooler, calmer and more collected after use. With a moisturising feel to its silky texture that ensures skin doesnt feel stripped, it swaps post-cleanse tightness and dryness for softness and suppleness instead.
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Glo Skin Beautys Gentle Cream Cleanser

Best Facial Cleanser for Dry, Sensitive Skin
If your skin is dry and prone to sensitivity, then its important to find a cleanser thats extra gentle and wont compromise the skin barrier in any way. Thats where Glo Skin Beautys gentle cream cleanser comes in. a great choice for those with sensitive skin because it has a creamy consistency that conditions and revives skin while cleansing, Dr. Engelman says. Free of fragrance and dyes, its specially formulated to respect the skins natural moisture balance and provide a refreshed face without any irritation.
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Why Is My Skin So Dry Even When I Moisturize And Drink Water
The surface of your skin contains oil and a group of molecules called natural moisturizing factors that help protect your skins natural moisture barrier. Overwashing your skin can lead to dryness by removing these molecules. If your skin feels tight or irritated after bathing, it may be a sign that youre overwashing.
Avoid Potentially Drying Or Irritating Ingredients
Dr. King also recommends avoiding any potentially irritating or drying ingredients, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid. If youre looking for a cleanser that contains an exfoliating hydroxy acid, she recommends instead reaching for lactic acid, which has humectant properties. Or seek out a PHA like gluconolactone, which doesnt penetrate the skin as deeply, thus reducing the risk of dryness or irritation. Also, added fragrance is usually best avoided as it can cause irritation, especially when the skin is already dry.
- How often should you wash your face with dry skin?
How often you wash your face will largely depend on your skin’s needs and your lifestyle. It’s common for people with dry skin to prefer cleansing once a day to prevent stripping their skin. However, if you work out in the morning and build up a sweat, it’s best to wash your face twice a day.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
While you might enjoy the clean and fresh scents that derive from the ingredients of your cleanser, dermatologists recommend avoiding products with added perfumes that irritate dry skin.
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Why Cleansing Can Be A Hassle For Dry Skin
Dry skin is a result of low sebum in your skin. When the skins sebaceous glands are underactive, they produce very less oil making the skin dry. Dry skin may also be a result of an existing skin condition like rosacea.
Most cleansers in the market are created to remove all the oil and dirt from your skin. But in this process, they can strip off your skins natural oils too, making it extremely dry, tight and flaky. Even cleansers designed for oily skin contain ingredients that can make it very dry.
So it is important to understand what kind of a cleanser you need to look for.
Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser
Best Cleansing Gel for Dry Skin
Crafted with ingredients like shea butter and grapeseed oil, the Eve Lom Gel Balm cleanser moisturizes skin for up to 12 hours. It also contains chamomile oil and eucalyptus to help dissolve makeup and debris. Plus, its gel texture feels so cooling against the skin, making the cleansing step of your skin-care routine a true sensory experience. Not to mention, it has the most lovely scent.
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Peptides Are The Power Players In Your Skin Cells
Peptides, sometimes called polypeptides, are naturally occurring amino acids. They make up the proteins that play a critical role in cellular behavior. They are often included in face cleansers.
Collagen consists of three polypeptide chains, so including peptides in your face wash and other skin care products can stimulate collagen production. As youve likely read in other posts, collagen and elastin are responsible for your skins strength and suppleness.
Cleansers that contain peptides can minimize those fine lines on your face and helps fade scars and other imperfections. They really work to revitalize and rejuvenate the skin.
How To Choose A Face Wash For Dry Skin
With so many cleansing products on the market, its easy to feel overwhelmed. Heres how to narrow down which cleanser to select:
- Check the ingredients. Is it important to you that a product is cruelty-free or vegan? Are you concerned about certain ingredients, like parabens or phthalates? Answering these questions will narrow your options considerably.
- See if the product treats your condition. Are you concerned about skin thats overly dry? Are you looking to prevent acne outbreaks? Most products excel in one or two areas, so be realistic about your expectations, and find a product marketed toward your number one skin issue.
- Avoid harsh additives. Alcohols, fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients can be harmful to dry skin and cause further dryness. Products with fragrance or parfum can lead to irritation, redness, allergic reactions, rashes, and dermatitis. Look for products that are creamy and have hydrating ingredients, like aloe and hyaluronic acid.
- Check the formula. There are so many formulations and textures when it comes to facial cleansers. Do you want something that foams? Do you prefer a gel consistency or a creamy consistency? While some of it depends on skin type , a lot of it comes down to personal preference.
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Doctors Pick: Best Moisturizer
According to Dr. Mauricio, Cerave Moisturizing Cream is a dermatologists favorite for dry and itchy skin because it contains proven ingredients, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which replenish essential barrier components. CeraVe is highly recommended for those with very dry and eczema-prone skin because it hydrates and restores the skins protective barrier function. Naturally, then, this affordable cream is an excellent choice for dehydrated skin, with its fragrance-free formula that can be used on both the face and body. It even has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, meaning its gentle enough for just about everyone.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser $14

Truthfully, Banila Cos Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser is a hidden treasure in the skincare department. I was pleasantly surprised with its delicate foaming on my dry and sensitive skin and loved the subtle floral scent for waking me up in the morning.
For causing no breakouts or irritation and, because of its ultra-hydrating feel, its undoubtedly one of the best cleansers on this list, especially if youre on a budget.
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The Best Cleansers For Dry Skin
SKIN CARE REVIEWS
Our favorite is Carrot & Stick The Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
Facial cleansing is an integral part of any skincare routine. Its necessary for sweeping away dirt, oil, bacteria, makeup, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants. Skipping this vital first step can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, dull skin, and accelerated aging. Equally important is choosing the right cleanser for your skin type and washing correctly.
Even so, a survey conducted by 1,000 adult men and women in the United States revealed that 60 percent of consumers report they feel uninformed about proper skin cleansing methods. Additionally, 52 percent of consumers use bath wash or hand soap to cleanse their face. In contrast, more than one-third only use water. Additionally, 65 percent have no idea what ingredients to look for when purchasing a facial cleanser, and 63 percent dont understand the purpose of those ingredients.
What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2022?
If you have a dry skin type, harsh soaps or the wrong cleanser will only dry your skin out further possibly leading to a more severe condition such as dermatitis. Still, no matter how dehydrated or flaky your skin may be, its vital that youre washing it. The key is using the best cleanser for dry skin. Here are 16 of our favorites.
Prove Age Is Just A Number With Aveeno
Remove 99% of skin-aging impurities like dirt, oil, and makeup with every wash. Just cleanse with the antioxidant-rich nourishing cleanser from our Absolutely Ageless collection. |
Lock in moisture on cleansed skin with an exclusive Blackberry Complex and vitamins C and E. Plus, broad spectrum sunscreen helps protect your skin from sun damage. |
Our gentle, anti-aging eye cream is clinically proven to nourish the under-eye area, while our hydrating night cream reveals younger and healthier-looking skin by morning. |
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How Many Competitors Does It Have
Many different factors go into answering this question. The number of competitors can vary greatly depending on the best cleanser for oily dehydrated skin you are dealing with and the scope of your business model. Knowing how these factors can affect your market share is important when deciding whether or not you should enter a new market.
Eminence Organic Skincare Stone Crop Cleansing Oil
A true cocktail with mostly organic ingredients that melts makeup without any leftover residue makes this one of the best cleansers for dry skin. It is made on a sunflower seed oil base, which is rich in vitamin E, a potent emollient and humectant imagine how good it is at baby-softening your skin. A special treat for dry complexions.
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What Is Double Cleansing
Double cleansing is no rocket science. It is simply washing your face twice – first with an oil-based face wash followed with a gentle cleanser.
Face washes for dry skin contain ingredients like coconut oil or olive oil, which can be used to remove makeup. This step can be followed up with a mild cleanser for dry skin.
Double cleansing is suited for dry skin type too as long as you use a moisturizing cleanser.
Dermatologists recommend double cleansing for the following reasons:
- The makeup residue from the first wash can be removed.
- It is easy to remove the dead skin cells buildup.
- Dirt, pollutants and excess oil get washed away.
Why Should You Cleanse Your Face Regularly
Regular face cleansing is important, as it provides a number of benefits, such as:
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Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
As one of the most suitable oil cleansers for dry skin, Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil reaches down into pores to clear away dirt and makeup, yet the best part is about to come. The formula boasts a slew of emollients, like mineral oil, isodecane, and tocopherol, ensuring skin is left velvety soft, moisturized, and with a dewy finish definitely a winner!
Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser

CeraVe Face Wash for Daily Cleansing
CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser
This hydrating cleanser has the benefits of both a cream cleanser and a foaming face wash. It adequately hydrates the skin while also effectively cleansing away dirt, makeup, and excess debris for a fresh and soft complexion.
This affordable face wash transforms from a cream formula to a foaming formula as it lathers, and is excellent for those with dry or sensitive skin looking for an effective yet gentle and hydrating cleanser. It contains ceramides, which maintain the skins natural barrier, as well as hyaluronic acid, which attracts and locks in moisture. A mild amino acid-based surfactant helps turn the cream face wash into a gentle foam that works to remove debris from the skin.
- Some reviewers dislike the smell of the cleanser
This gentle cleanser is sensitive skin friendly, and free of common irritants that can aggravate this skin type. It also contains CeraVes MVE technology, which continually releases moisturizing ingredients over time.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. “Hyaluronic Acid”
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.
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Kate Somerville Delikate Soothing Cleanser 33 For 120ml
Not just a fun name, this cleanser works wonders for dry skin that feels like it’s been in the wars. Non-stripping it helps to boost hydration, support a healthy skin barrier and leaves skin soft and smooth with ingredients including ginger root extract to reduce redness and cucumber seed oil to calm and soothe the skin. Kate herself uses this on clients post-peel, so you just know it’s going to take redness and irritation down.
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Best Cleanser For Dry Skin
SkinKraft Moisturizing Face Cleanser is a gentle cleanser designed for dry skin. It is made of mild surfactants to remove dirt, makeup and excess oils from your skin.
One of the key ingredients in this cleanser is colloidal oatmeal that has moisturizing properties. The propanediol in it replenishes the skins lost moisture content. It is mildly foaming and fragrance free.
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Make Washing Your Face A Daily Routine
Seriously, stop falling asleep in a full face of makeup. A 2006 study backs up the idea that washing your face twice daily is the perfect amount of cleansing to prevent and treat whiteheads.
You dont need a fancy cleaner to get the job done. Use a mild, gentle cleanser to wash away excess oil and bacteria that can clog your pores and lead to those little white bumps.
Wash using lukewarm water and avoid harsh scrubbing cleansers, which can do more harm than good. Twice daily seems to be the magic number, but it doesnt hurt to wash away sweat and grime after a tough workout either.
How To Use A Cleanser
- Wet your hands and face before you apply the cleanser
- Squeeze a pump of cleanser into your palms and apply it on your face.
- Gently massage it into your skin using circular motions. Do not scrub.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry your face with a clean, soft towel.
- Follow it up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
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