Your cleanser is designed to remove the daily makeup and impurities and keep your face clean.
However, many cleansers are often packed with surfactants and soaps that remove the oil and moisture from your skin and cause uncomfortable dry patches that can lead to irritation, sensitivities, as well as premature lines and wrinkles.
Therefore, if you are looking for a cleanser that will effectively dissolve impurities that have latched onto your skin without leaving it dry, parched, and uncomfortable, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I will share the ten best cleansers for dry skin, along with some information on how to keep your skin hydrated, comfortable, and healthy.
Krave Beauty – Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Best cleanser for normal to dry skin.
The main ingredients in the Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser by Krave Beauty are matcha, which is one of the most antioxidant-dense sources you could wish for, hemp seed oil, which is high in essential amino acids and extremely hydrating and vitamin B5, which strengthens the skin barrier and replenish lost hydration.
The light gel texture is also easy to work with and doesn’t leave a sticky layer that’s hard to wash off once you’re done cleansing.
Fantastic for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, the Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser is definitely one to keep in mind when choosing your next face wash.
The Ordinary – Squalene Cleanser
Best gentle cleanser for dry skin.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is the best gentle cleanser for dry skin, as the formula incorporates squalene alongside other lipophilic esters that are gentle, moisturizing, and efficient in dissolving makeup and impurities lingering on the skin.
It has a balm-like consistency that turns into a clear oil-like consistency as soon as it’s warmed up between the palms of your hands, which allows the emulsifying agents in the formula to trap and blend the dissolved makeup and impurities with water before rinsing it off.
It is also free of soap, fragrance, and drying alcohol, so it is perfect for day-to-day use to deliver that much-needed hydration to dry sensitive skin.
Paula’s Choice – Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Best cleanser for dry mature skin.
The Paula’s Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser is the best cleanser for dry mature skin due to the gentle, silky consistency that allows it to be used even around the eyes as it is 100% fragrance and colorant-free.
This luxurious cleanser has a smooth, milky texture to soften the skin and replenish lost moisture due to containing components such as soothing green tea and hydrating chamomile.
It is exceptionally gentle and formulated to fight the signs of aging by soothing, preserving, and reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier during the cleansing process while rinsing all residues of impurities on the skin.
Elemis – Superfood Cleansing Wash
Best cleanser for very dry skin.
The Elemis Superfood Cleansing Wash is the best cleanser for very dry skin as it provides nourishment and hydration while cleansing.
The formula is infused with a cocktail of green superfoods, including wheatgrass, kale, and nettle, to gently lift impurities and feed the skin with essential nutrients.
In addition, broccoli seed, avocado, and pumpkin seed oils are combined with a natural sugar derivative prebiotic to ensure your skin feels healthy, clean, and balanced.
Finally, the gentle gel texture has a minimal foaming action, making it perfect for dry skin that requires extra hydration and moisture during cleansing.
SkinCeuticals – Replenishing Cleanser
Best gentle cleanser for dry skin.
The SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser is a hydrating cleanser formulated without irritating sulfates, fragrances, synthetic colorants and drying alcohol.
It gently lifts away dirt and impurities without stripping away natural oils due to being formulated with a rich, amino acid-based surfactant and a 15% concentration of hydrating ceramides, glycerin, and barrier-replenishing oils.
The texture transforms from a gel to a gentle foam to perform a deeper cleanse while maintaining moisture and leaving your complexion fresh, hydrated, and prepared for all the next steps in your skincare regimen.
Vivant Skin Care Cleansing Milk
Best cleanser for dry sensitive skin.
The Vivant Skin Care Cleansing Milk is a gentle and nourishing cleanser specifically designed for dry, sensitive skin.
Enriched with the hydrating benefits of glycerin and skin-softening antioxidants such as grapeseed oil, this lightweight, non-foaming emulsion helps replenish moisture in the skin while soothing irritation and redness.
Efficient in removing makeup, grime, and impurities that have latched onto the skin’s surface throughout the day, the gentle milk cleanser is a perfect addition to any dry, sensitive skincare routine.
One Love Organics – Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
Best cleanser for textured skin.
The One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil is a multitasking cleanser that not only removes makeup and impurities but also gently buffs away dead skin cells and nourishes the skin.
Infused with papain enzymes derived from papaya, this oil-based cleanser helps to gently slough away dead skin cells, revealing smoother and softer skin underneath.
It also contains hydrating ingredients such as sunflower oil and vitamin E, making it perfect for dry, textured skin that needs a gentle exfoliation, nourishment, and refinement.
La Roche-Posay – Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Best cleanser for dry aging skin.
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is the best cleanser for dry aging skin, as it offers a gentle cleansing experience without accelerating the skin’s natural aging process.
Its milky consistency allows for smooth application and cleansing without the need for unnecessary pulling and tugging, which can lead to further skin sensitivity and wrinkles.
It boasts a blend of prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide as its core ingredients, which nourish the skin while maintaining its natural pH balance.
This cleanser is particularly favorited for its ability to effectively cleanse while retaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it a highly recommended product for those with dry and aging skin.
Dermalogica – UltraCalming Cleanser
Best cleanser for dehydrated skin.
The Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser is the best cleanser for dehydrated skin, largely due to its gentle and soothing ingredients.
This cleanser has a creamy, lightweight consistency that deeply cleanses without causing further dehydration or irritation to the skin.
It also contains a blend of skin-soothing ingredients such as cucumber, lavender, and raspberry extracts that work to calm redness and relieve sensitivity.
These properties make this cleanser an ideal choice for skin that is both dehydrated and sensitive, as it ensures balance in oil and moisture levels to keep skin healthy and feeling comfortable.
iS CLINICAL – Warming Honey Cleanser
Best cleanser for rough skin.
The iS CLINICAL Warming Honey Cleanser is the best cleanser for rough skin due to its unique blend of ingredients and consistency.
This facial cleanser has a luxurious honey-like texture that provides a warming sensation when applied, enhancing the cleansing experience.
It is formulated with a blend of honey, green tea, and papaya enzymes, which work synergistically to gently exfoliate and refine skin texture while soothing sensitivities and reducing the appearance of redness.
As such, it is highly recommended for rough skin that needs gentle exfoliation and a softer, smoother finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is a skin type characterized by a lack of the appropriate amount of sebum and is marked by flaking, dullness, rough texture, irritation, and discomfort.
Dry skin can occur for a variety of reasons with the most common ones being genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and cosmetics.
Dry skin may also be a side effect of some medications as well as a byproduct of certain skin diseases, such as dermatitis or psoriasis.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Let’s take a look at some common causes of dry skin:
Seasonal Shifts and Weather Conditions: The skin tends to be driest in winter when temperatures and humidity levels drop. However, skin dryness isn’t a seasonal issue alone. Excessive sun exposure during summer can also dehydrate your skin, leading to a tight and uncomfortable feeling.
Indoor Heating Systems: Central heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces all contribute to reducing indoor humidity. With the surrounding air being dry, your skin can’t draw in moisture from the environment, resulting in a sense of discomfort and tightness.
Use of Harsh Soaps and Cleansers: Overuse of harsh soaps and cleansers is another common cause of dry skin. Most soaps are alkaline, which means they can strip your skin’s natural oils over time, while some cleansers also contain drying ingredients.
Medication-Induced Dryness: Certain medications, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acne, can lead to dry skin as a side effect.
Underlying Skin Conditions: Persistent dry skin can sometimes indicate an internal medical condition like eczema or psoriasis.
Aging: As we age, our skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases, and the production of natural oils slows down. This leads to dryness and a loss of elasticity in the skin.
Genetics: Our genes play a significant role in determining our skin type. If dry skin runs in your family, you’re more likely to have dry skin too.
How to Prevent Dry Skin?
Finding the harsh ingredient or product that is the main cause of your dry skin and eliminating it from your use is the best way to treat your skin condition.
However, here are some useful tips to get rid of dry skin:
Identify and Avoid Harsh Ingredients: The first step in addressing dry skin is identifying and removing any harsh products or ingredients that might be causing it.
Use Hydrating Serums: Serums are lightweight and often packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. They’re easily absorbed and deliver hydration directly to the skin, making them a valuable addition to any skincare regimen.
Moisturize Regularly: A high-quality moisturizer can create a barrier that locks in moisture and prevents evaporation. Look for products containing humectants like glycerin and barrier-repairing components such as ceramides.
Choose Gentle Cleansers: Swap out drying soaps and harsh cleansers for cleansing balms, creams, or gels that contain gentle, moisturizing ingredients. These will cleanse your skin without stripping away its natural oils.
Limit Exposure to Hot Water: Try to keep your bath and shower time brief and use warm water instead of hot, which can further dry out your skin.
Protect Your Skin in Cold Weather: Cold, windy weather can exacerbate dryness. When venturing outside in such conditions, cover as much skin as possible with a scarf, hat, and gloves to protect it.
Guard Against Detergents: Household chores like washing dishes or cleaning bathrooms often involve contact with harsh detergents. To protect your skin, wear rubber gloves when performing these tasks to avoid direct contact with drying ingredients.
What Kind of Cleanser Is Best for Dry Skin?
When it comes to choosing a cleanser for dry skin, it is important to opt for a gentle and hydrating formula that will not strip the skin or cause further dehydration.
Creamy cleansers, milk cleansers, and cleansing oils are all great options for those with dry skin, as they provide a gentle yet effective cleanse while keeping the skin hydrated.
It is also important to note that different types of dry skin may benefit from specific types of cleansers; for example, textured or aging dry skin may benefit from gentle exfoliation, while sensitive dry skin may require a more calming and soothing formula.
How to Choose The Best Cleanser for Dry Skin?
When choosing a cleanser for dry skin, you should consider its ingredients and consistency.
Look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and natural plant oils to nourish the skin while cleansing.
On the other hand, avoid harsh surfactants like sulfates, fragrances, and synthetic colorants that can be drying and irritating to dry skin.
Additionally, consider your specific skin concerns, such as aging or sensitivity, and look for cleansers that cater to those needs.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix and match different cleansers depending on the current state of your skin – you may find that using different types of cleansers at different times can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy balance in your skin.
My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.
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