Dermatologist recommended face wash for sensitive skin

Dermatologist recommended face wash for sensitive skin

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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

    Dermatologist recommended face wash for sensitive skin

    Best Overall

    Hydrating Face Wash CeraVe

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  • 2

    Dermatologist recommended face wash for sensitive skin

    Most Gentle

    Gentle Skin Cleanser Cetaphil

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  • 3

    Dermatologist recommended face wash for sensitive skin

    Best for Soothing Irritation

    Face Cleanser First Aid Beauty

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  • 4

    Dermatologist recommended face wash for sensitive skin

    Most Popular

    Soy Face Cleanser Fresh

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  • 5

    Dermatologist recommended face wash for sensitive skin

    Best Value

    Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin Dove

    Read More

      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.

      Which is best face wash for sensitive skin?

      Top 5 Face Washes for Sensitive Skin Type.
      Nivea Face Wash Milk Delights With Caring Rosewater Sensitive Skin..
      Good Vibes Honey Moisturising Face Wash..
      WOW Skin Science Green Tea Foaming Face Wash With Built-in Face Brush..
      Alps Goodness Purifying Face Wash - Neem & Tulsi..
      Simple Refreshing Face Wash..
      Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. ... .
      La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. ... .
      Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne-Fighting Facial Cleanser With Salicylic Acid. ... .
      Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser. ... .
      iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. ... .
      Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. ... .
      Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser..

      Which face wash is best for sensitive acne prone skin?

      Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic-Acid Acne-Fighting Face Wash. ... .
      EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser. ... .
      Cetaphil Acne Gentle Clear Face Wash. ... .
      La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep-Cleansing Foaming-Cream Cleanser. ... .
      Derma E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. ... .
      La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser..

      How often do dermatologists recommend washing your face?

      In an ideal world, you should wash your face twice a day. Experts agree that two is the magic number: wash once in the morning, and once at night.