Skinmedica Aha/bha Exfoliating Cleanser
It is my absolute favorite. It contains salicylic acid as well as a blend of fruit extracts, jojoba oil, and citric acid, says Viscusi. It works as a light exfoliant to improve the skins overall tone and texture without being overly drying or irritating. I recommend using it a couple of times a week, especially in the summer as skin often is oilier during this time.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Best Overall Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin
Dr. Engelmas says that oil-based cleansers are great for dry skin, as theyre able to cleanse without stripping it of its natural oils. Her pick for the best overall cleanser for dry skin is Elizabeth Ardens Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil. This oil has milky lather when worked into the skin and is packed with the right ingredients to soothe any dryness. It nourishes the skin with nutrient-rich oils such as safflower, olive and apricot to dissolve impurities and leave behind a clean, soft complexion, she says.
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.
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How Often Should You Wash Dry Skin
If your cleanser is gentle and moisturizing, it wont be harmful to cleanse both in the morning and at night, but cleansing twice a day with a foaming cleanser could wreak havoc on your dry skin.
Our general recommendation is to only wash the face with your evening skincare routine, no matter your skin type, but this advice is particularly useful for dry skin. Chances are your skin is still mostly clean when you wake up in the morning, and you dont even have to remove an abundance of sebum like your oily-skinned friends.
Best For Very Sensitive Skin

For people with the most delicate, reaction-prone skin â think conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema â there’s this ultra gentle cleanser from Vanicream. It contains just a handful of ingredients altogether, so you won’t find any of the most common chemical irritants here: no sulfates, fragrance, propylene glycol, soap, masking fragrance, lanolin, formaldehyde, or even gluten . I really like this cleanser â I use it when my skin is feeling particularly irritable â but I will say it’s not as moisturizing as some of the others on this list, so you’ll want to follow up with a nice, rich serum and cream.
Relevant review: âThis was recommended to me as a solution for dry & sensitive skin. Most facial cleansing products are too harsh and leave my skin irritated and dry, but this is very gentle and not overdrying at all. It’s also an effective cleanser, I use a witch hazel toner after cleansing and very minimal makeup ends up on the cotton pad. I will definitely be repurchasing this.â
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How Do You Wash Your Face If You Have Sensitive Skin
In addition to picking a face wash formulated for sensitive skin that fits your budget and needs, there are some additional things you can do while washing your face to ensure youre being gentle on the skin. First, make sure youre using lukewarm water. Water that is too hot or too cold can irritate the skin. You should also avoid using a cleansing brush, wet face towel, or any other tools to wash your face. Instead, simply stick with gently massaging the cleanser into your skin with your fingers.
How We Chose The Best Face Masks For Dry Skin
Heres how we determined our top face masks for dry skin:
- Positive reviews. We looked for masks that are well-liked by reviewers and have consistently high ratings from customers.
- Hydrating ingredients. The masks listed below all contain some form of hydrating or moisturizing ingredient, whether thats glycerin, honey, aloe, hyaluronic acid, or oils and butters.
- Natural components. We prioritized masks that contain natural ingredients over those with long lists of synthetic components.
- Cruelty-free. Whenever possible, we opted for masks that arent tested on animals.
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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.
Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
- Price: $
This product line is extremely popular in Japan and for good reason. Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is alcohol-free and paraben-free.
Its also packed with hyaluronic acid that seals moisture into your skin, and it uses derivatives of coconut oil for an extra moisture-sealing barrier.
Reviewers love that one bottle lasts a long time, as you only need a pea-size amount to get a good clean.
Also, while some people arent affected by using coconut oil on their face, others find that it clogs their pores. If youve noticed that coconut oil clogged your pores in the past, you might not like this product.
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How To Choose The Best Cleanser For Dry Skin
Before getting into what you should look for in a cleanser for dry skin, lets talk about what it means to have dry skin. Dry skin is a skin type that doesnt produce a lot of sebum, which is the technical term for the oil that human skin generates.
Those with dry skin, especially in their youth, will have smaller pores , so thats the first thing to look at when trying to consider if you have dry or oily skin.
Otherwise, its a simple question of how shiny your skin becomes throughout the day. If your skin never gets shiny, greasy, or dewy on its own, then thats a sign of dryness. There are also some unpleasant symptoms that can occur with dry skin, like tightness, flakiness, dullness, a higher tendency to turn red or irritated, and increased likelihood of getting dehydrated .
By the way, if your skin gets shiny and greasy, but youre also dealing with flakiness or that uncomfortable tight feeling, then you probably have dehydrated oily or combination skin.
Weleda Iris Hydrating Day Cream
Best natural moisturizer for dry skin
Featuring replenishing natural extracts, Weleda offers a rebalancing solution for very dry skin. Iris root extract and jojoba seed oil coupled with witch hazel to refresh, hydrate and protect at the same time, maintaining the skins optimal moisture balance. Certified natural by NATRUE, this day cream provides long-lasting moisture and leaves no room for burning nor red and dry skin.
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Alastin Skincare Gentle Cleanser
Best Splurge Cleanser for Dry Skin
If youre looking to treat yourself and invest in a higher-end cleanser, Dr. Engelman recommends the Alastin Skincare gentle cleanser. Sometimes, splurging on a good cleanser is worth it for reliable results, she says. is actually part of my personal skin-care routine, because its just so effective and nourishing. The foaming formula is packed with hydrating ingredients and antioxidants, and effectively removes excess oil, pollutants, makeup and dirt.
Best For Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream makes another of the best dermatologist-recommended face washes for sensitive skin. You may acknowledge it under the brand name Free & Clear and is gentle enough to be utilized.
The list of harsh substances they leave out of the bottle is longer than the precise elements inside.
For instance, the cleanser has no dangerous substances like sulfates, gluten, betaine, formaldehyde, perfume, parabens, masking fragrance, artificial color, preservatives, or lanolin.
The simple formula wont clog pores, and but it might probably remove makeup and proves it is best face wash and cleanser for mature skin.
Its ideal for people dealing with psoriasis, eczema, winter itch, and other sensitive skin situations. We really feel these are the most effective face washes out there.
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The Best Cleansers For Dry Skin
If you’ve heard about the new cleansing-oil craze, dive in. Cleansing oils are great for dry skin. Unlike traditional cleansers, they dissolve makeup and dirt without stripping your skin.
Cleansing oils also restore your skin’s moisture balance by adding natural oils such as jojoba. Try L’Occitane Shea Cleansing Oil for a gentle introduction to the world of oil-based cleansers.
If you’re not ready to try cleansing oils, your skin is only moderately dry, or you have combination skin, try a moisturising cleanser instead. These products are like a shampoo and conditioner in one, but for your face. Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser is a great skin-friendly option.
Clarins Soothing Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Best face wash for very dry skin
This facial cleanser is comfortable, refreshing as well as soothing! It feels very rich on the skin, and still, somehow, leaves the skin feeling incredibly clean after each application. Ingredients such as organic alpine plant extract and shea butter are essential for a complete result, as they manage to soothe and nourish the skin all the while cleansing without stripping natural skin oils.
If your skin of the body is just as dry as the skin of the face, you may find our tips useful. Comfort and healthy-looking skin is only one right product away!
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Jan Marini Clean Zyme
For your more intensive cleanse or morning refreshing cleanse, Jan Marini Clean Zyme is my all-time favorite, says SkinSpirit lead aesthetician Karen Fernandez. The enzyme melts away dead skin, and the citric acid brightens and deep-cleans. This is my go-to for travel, as it will perk up post-flight or hotel skin that gets oxygen-deprived and dry!
Pevonia Botanica Power Repair Hydrating Cleanser
Mature skin can benefit from exfoliating cleansers to help encourage faster cell renewal to minimize signs of aging as well as hydrating cleansers, Riyaz says. Pevonias hydrating cleanser with glycerin helps preserve the skins vital moisture while preventing and reducing visible signs of aging.
Also Check: When To Use Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Shop Kate Spade Sale Styles With An Extra 40% Off Now
As we welcome winter, we also welcome dry skin.
Though some may experience dull and cracked skin all year round , there hasnt been a better time to invest in a new skincare routine.
For one, youll have a regimented ritual set in place just before the new year. Not to mention, the 55 products in this list have been thoroughly tested and are miracle formulas for my dry skin.
Ive been testing products for years and, truth be told, theres an entire product cart in my bathroom dedicated to face cleansers, serums, moisturizers and more.
Essentially, Ive put nearly every top brand from Alpyn Beauty to Youth to the People on a calendar-driven cycle, much thanks due to my color-coded Google Calendars and notes app.
Ive had dry skin for as long as I can remember, have made several visits to the dermatologist to try to cure it and, until using these products on a regular basis, Ive seen a major improvement to the flakiness on my skin.
That said, youll rest assured that all the top picks are actually worth the buy. We know skincare can be pricey at times. But hey, even if you want to start with a quality cleanser and a cloud-like moisturizer, your skin will still thank you.
Below, find our 55 best skincare products for dry skin we reviewed. They sure made my skin bounce and glow and have since erased the itchy, thirsty skin I used to have.
Best Facial Cleanser For Dry Skin: The Final Word
Dry skin also referred to as Xerosis is a common skin type that accounts for nearly half of all dermatologist visits. Its determined by genetics, age, dry air, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. The dryness level is influenced by sebum production, natural moisturizing factors, sensitivity, and predisposition to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Women are more prone to dry skin than men, and all skin, regardless of type or ethnicity, gets drier as it ages.
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.
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.
Sources:Dry Skin, American Skin Association.
OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
THIS SITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ADVICE OR TREATMENT FROM A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.
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Lotus Herbals Whiteglow 3 In 1 Deep Cleansing Skin Whitening Facial Foam Face Wash
This face wash is made up of minerals, milk enzymes and aloe vera which nourishes and soothes your skin. If you are looking for the best fairness face wash for dry skin in india, then this is a great choice.
This face wash for dry skin provides deep cleansing and also makes the skin brighter and more radiant. It does this by preventing melanin production that can make the skin dark. if you are looking for a skin whitening face wash for dry skin, then Lotus face wash is a very good option. One of the issues with this face wash for dry skin is that it does contain parabens so if you are looking for a chemical free face wash then this might not be the best choice.
Pros
A Closer Look At Dry Skin

Anyone can experience dry skin at any age, and it is often caused by the skin losing too much water or its natural oils. Causes of dry skin include a lack of available moisture in the surrounding air, harsh soaps and other skincare products, a genetic predisposition that results in the skin producing less sebum , certain medications 1 and chronic conditions like eczema, psoriasis and diabetes.
Regardless of the specific root cause, most dry skin has one thing in common: A compromised skin barrier. The skins barrier is designed to keep moisture in and irritants out, but when it doesnt perform as it should its easier for moisture to evaporate and potential irritants to enter.
Also Check: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Ingredients
What Causes Dry Skin
Skin type aside, dry skin can be caused by harsh soaps or detergents, long and hot showers or baths, excessive sun exposure, itchy clothing, certain medications, metabolic changes, fluctuating hormones, and extreme temperatures. Research suggests that six in ten Americans are affected by winter skin syndrome, a temporary condition characterized by dry, flaky, itchy, sensitized skin. Along with deliberately changing their skincare routine , they potentially seek professional help from a dermatologist.
Bioderma Hydrabio Crme Rich Moisturising Care
Best moisturizer for dry & dehydrated skin
When you have a dry skin type, your skin is constantly lacking in lipids this is why your daily skincare routine should incorporate plenty of nourishing, oil-rich products. However, dry skin can coexist with dehydration, a state where your skin is also lacking in water. If this is your case, you need to provide your skin not only with nutrition but also with serious moisture. This moisturizer offers it all! Featuring Aquagenium Complex, this moisturizer enhances skin hydration levels and locks everything in with a rich texture.
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How To Find The Best Face Wash For Dry Skin
When shopping for the best face cleansers for dry skin, including sensitive skin, choose a formula by looking for the same hydrating ingredients you’d find in moisturizers, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical oils and butters. On product packaging, seek out key words such as moisturizing, moisture, hydrating, hydration, nourishing, softening, and for dry or dehydrated skin to find formulas that are tailored to dry skin types. And don’t stop at face wash: “Dry facial skin will really require a moisturizer, since cleanser alone is not usually enough,” Dr. McMichael explains.
Whether you prefer a liquid, gel, foam, cream, or balm formula , we’ve got an option for you. These best face washes for dry skin tested by the scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab and recommended by dermatologists and shoppers will help hydrate, smooth, and nourish your complexion in no time through any season, from winter and beyond.
Made with high levels of heavy-duty moisturizers like sweet almond oil, shea butter, and honey, this rich Naturopathica balm cleanser relieves dehydrated skin as it gently cleanses. “My inflamed face actually felt better and the jar lasts,” a GH Beauty Lab tester said.