Experts Recommend the Best Cleansers for Dry Skin

Foaming cleansers are best for those with acne-prone or oily skin types, while cream cleansers are best for those with sensitive and dry skin, according to experts.

Washing your face is an essential step in any skincare routine, but for many people with dry skin, it can be one you may not look forward to. If you’re constantly feeling like your skin is stripped of its natural oils, dry or flaky post-washing, chances are you’re using the wrong cleanser for your skin type.

“Those with dry skin need to strike a balance between cleansing and hydration,” says Dr. Lela Lankerani, a board-certified dermatologist at Texas Dermatology Associates.

Wondering how to choose a facial cleanser that’ll be suitable for your dry skin? We spoke to experts about the best cleansers for dry skin and what to look for when shopping for one. We also put together a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance.

A face cleanser for dry skin should introduce ample hydration while preventing moisture loss and protecting the skin’s barrier, according to our experts. When shopping they recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

– Look for cleansers that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.

– Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients that can strip the skin, like fragrances and alcohols.

– Opt for creamy or gel-based cleansers, as they are more likely to provide hydration compared to foaming cleansers.

We spoke to dermatologists about their favorite cleansers compatible for dry skin types and compiled their recommendations below. We also included a few products NBC Select staff love that are in line with expert guidance.

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle CleanserThis fragrance-free cleanser from La Roche-Posay is excellent for cleansing dry skin while also keeping the skin hydrated and retaining moisture. It has glycerin that pulls moisture to the skin along with ceramide-3 and prebiotic thermal water to repair and maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

2. Cerave Acne Foaming Cream CleanserGreen recommends this foaming cream cleanser from Cerave for those with dry skin who are struggling with acne. It’s made with 4% benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient that clears acne and prevents new pimples from forming. Typically, benzoyl peroxide can lead to increased dryness for those with already-dry skin, but this cleanser is also formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and three essential ceramides to help the skin retain moisture.

3. Eucerin Gentle Hydrating CleanserWhile Eucerin recommends this cleansing gel for all skin types (even oily, since it’s noncomedogenic), it’s especially great for those with dry, sensitive skin types. It doesn’t have any fragrance, alcohols, or soaps that would otherwise dry the skin out — instead, it’s made with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help keep the deep layers of the skin moisturized.

4. Fresh Soy Face CleanserThis cleanser is packed with antioxidants like blueberry, raspberry, and apple extract, so your skin doesn’t just feel clean after washing, it feels soothes and hydrated. It’s a favorite of NBC Select associate updates editor who says it doesn’t strip her skin and feels super gentle even on days her skin is feeling sensitive.

5. Fig 1 Oil CleanserTo deep clean a day’s worth of sunscreen and heavy makeup, this oil cleanser from Fig 1 is up for the task. With antioxidant-rich grapeseed oil and hydrating squalane, it’s especially good for those with sensitive skin.

6. SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal CleanserThis mild cleanser from SkinCeuticals is great for those who need to slough away dead skin cells. It has glycolic acid, an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s considered milder than a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) since it works more on the surface of the skin and is less likely to be drying. Aside from this, the cleanser has a creamy formula that soothes irritated skin with orange oil.

7. Cerave Hydrating Facial CleanserLankerani recommends this cleanser from Cerave, saying that its hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin help increase hydration in the skin.

8. Cerave Eczema Creamy OilLankerani recommends this mild cleanser for extremely dry, sensitive skin types and even those with eczema since it has the stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association. It’s made without common irritants like fragrance and harsh cleansing agents (like sulfates), and because it’s oil-free, you shouldn’t run the risk of clogged pores.

Now that you know what to look for in a cleanser for dry skin and have a list of dermatologist-recommended options, it’s time to find the best one for you. Remember to consider your individual skin needs and preferences and test out different cleansers until you find the one that works best for your dry skin.