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We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team (and that of our sister team at the Good Housekeeping Institute).
Amid all the focus on
face serums, moisturizers for dry skin, and
anti-aging creams, you may forget about an important piece of the skincare puzzle: a good face wash—especially as dry skin becomes more prevalent as the weather changes. That’s where the best face wash for dry skin comes into play.
“Cleanser is a really big deal, especially during the extreme times of year, like winter,” says Tina Alster, M.D., director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and a clinical professor at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Why? Changes in temperature can zap moisture from your skin—so adding a harsh cleanser into the mix can spell trouble for your complexion. Your face wash is designed to clean the skin, so many are often packed with surfactants: soaps that draw dirt, oil, and grime from pores. This can strip even more moisture from the skin and lead to dry, flaky patches. It’s not just a matter of flakiness or that uncomfortable tight feeling—dry skin looks sallow, dull, and highlights lines and wrinkles.
Even if you’re dealing with acne, be careful about drying out your skin. “This causes micro-injuries to skin in which bacteria can enter and worsen acne. Even those with acne-prone skin need to be aware of how the dry, cold winter air impacts their complexion,” says Dr. Alster.
That’s where a gentle, hydrating face wash can work in your favor. “Cleansers are an incredibly powerful tool when
dealing with dry skin,” adds Deirdre Hooper, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. But how do you choose when there are dozens of options on the market? Here, dermatologists explain what to look for in an effective face wash for sensitive skin.
How we chose the best face wash for dry skin
We consulted skin professionals, the Good Housekeeping Institute, which tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item, and reviewers who have shared some of their own insights.
Our top picks
1
Best Overall
Hydrating Face Wash CeraVe
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2
Most Gentle
Gentle Skin Cleanser Cetaphil
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3
Best for Soothing Irritation
Face Cleanser First Aid Beauty
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4
Most Popular
Soy Face Cleanser Fresh
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5
Best Value
Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin Dove
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1
Best Overall
CeraVe
Hydrating Face Wash
2
Most Gentle
Cetaphil
Gentle Skin Cleanser
3
Best for Soothing Irritation
First Aid Beauty
Face Cleanser
4
Most Popular
Fresh
Soy Face Cleanser
5
Best Value
Dove
Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin
6
Best Makeup-Removing
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
7
Best Gel
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel
8
Best for Eczema
Neutrogena
Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser
9
Best Redness-Relief
Avène
Antirougeurs CLEAN Redness-Relief Refreshing Cleansing Lotion
10
Best for Combination Skin
Mario Badescu
Acne Facial Cleanser
11
Best Luxe Option
SkinCeuticals
Gentle Cleanser
12
Best Scent
Dermalogica
Special Cleansing Gel
13
How to choose the best face wash for dry, sensitive skin
✔️ Go creamy: Many people switch to a gel cleanser in the summer months to help get oily skin under control and rein in shine in the humidity. But a creamy face wash is more beneficial if you have dry skin, says Dr. Alster. Look for labels that say “creamy” or “lotion,” appear white out of the bottle, or feel like a moisturizer when applied.
✔️ Avoid fragrances: It’s especially important to choose unscented products, as fragrances can spur irritation, says Dr. Hooper. Look for unscented or fragrance-free on the label. Sensitive skin products are another good go-to.
✔️ Look for moisturizing ingredients: Hyaluronic acid is a top-notch moisturizer because it attracts water to skin, says Dr. Alster. Glycerin and ceramides also deliver an extra boost of moisture, while aloe vera and soy can feel soothing.
✔️ Watch the anti-agers: Ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acids may help fight the signs of aging (and keep pesky blackheads at bay), but they will strip dry skin of the oil it needs. Keep these ingredients out of your face wash.Once you find a face wash you like, be sure to cleanse only once a day before bed if you’re feeling extra dry, says Dr. Hooper. (You can supplement with a micellar water or hydrating toner for your face in the morning.) Immediately after when skin is still damp, lock in hydration with a moisturizer for sensitive skin, she says.
Jessica Migala Jessica Migala is a health writer specializing in general wellness, fitness, nutrition, and skincare, with work published in Women’s Health, Glamour, Health, Men’s Health, and more.
Shannen Zitz Freelance Editorial Assistant Shannen Zitz is a Freelance Editorial Assistant at Prevention who recently graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with an English degree.