These Gentle Facial Cleansers Will Never Leave Sensitive Skin Feeling Dry or Tight (2024)

Tara Rao, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City often recommends this fragrance-free, non comedogenic face wash to patients who are susceptible to dry, sensitive skin. The superstar ingredients in this cleanser offer hydration and prevent water loss.

Skin-soothing ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid | Size: 16 fl. Oz., 19 fl. Oz.

This face wash wins for how gentle it is while still being effective, according to Dr. Rao. The low suds formula washes away impurities without stripping moisture. It’s also unscented and non comedogenic (so it won’t clog your pores)—making this an especially great face wash for acne-prone skin, too.

Skin-soothing ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol | Size: 16 fl. Oz.

While this fragrance-free face wash has a whipped texture out of the tube, it transforms into cream once it is massaged into your skin with water. As it lifts away grime, it also hydrates and soothes irritation, thanks to a pro blend of calming ingredients.

Skin-soothing ingredients: glycerin, aloe, licorice root, and white tea extracts | Size: 2 fl. Oz.. 5 fl. Oz., 11 fl. Oz.

This face wash from Fresh has somewhat of a cult following. Those with dry, sensitive skin will benefit from its list of A+ ingredients that reduce redness, soothe, hydrate, and prevent that tight feeling. Free of fragrances and soaps, this makeup-melting cleanser kind of does it all.

Skin-soothing ingredients: soy, aloe, aloe vera, cucumber, glycerin, and sunflower and borage seed oils | Size: 1.7 fl. Oz., 5 fl. Oz., 8.5 fl. Oz., 13.5 fl. Oz.

Most bar soaps are a disaster for dry skin, but this one from Dove will leave your dry face feeling soft and supple. In fact, one quarter of this unscented, hypoallergenic bar is packed with moisturizing cream. “It won’t strip skin of the oil it needs,” says Dr. Alster. Considering one pack contains six bars, this is also one of the most inexpensive ways to cleanse.

Skin-soothing ingredients: glycerin | Size: 3.75 oz.

Free of soaps, parabens, oils, and fragrances, this creamy face wash from La-Roche-Posay gently buffs away makeup—even eye makeup!—and dirt while offering a boost of moisture.

Skin-soothing ingredients: glycerin, thermal water, and ceramides | Size: 13.5 fl. Oz.

People rave about the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream—but the cleansing gel in this line should get just as much love. Packed with hydrating ingredients, just a little bit of this lightweight, soap-free face wash goes a long way. The gel turns into a smooth, creamy lather, easily washes off, and doesn’t leave the skin feeling tight.

Skin-soothing ingredients: hyaluronic acid | Size: 6 fl. Oz.

Made especially for sensitive complexions, this creamy, soap-free formula washes away impurities without stripping skin of its natural moisture. It's a great pick for those with eczema or rosacea.

Skin-soothing ingredients: glycerin | Size: 12 fl. Oz., 16 fl. Oz.

“This is one of the gentlest cleansers,” says Dr. Hooper. This cleanser calms any redness or tightness, while the soap-, fragrance-, and paraben-free formula cleans without irritating the skin or clogging pores.

Skin-soothing ingredients: thermal spring water | Size: 13.5 fl. Oz.

Though this face wash is best left for those with combination skin—and those that can tolerate some scent—this face wash is a favorite among everyone from Martha Stewart to Amazon shoppers. “After two months my face has cleared up, redness gone. It also has prevented me from breakouts four months into using this product. It is the real Mario Badescu! Definitely recommend if you have problem skin with breakouts, redness, and my skin is dry,” wrote one satisfied customer.

Skin-soothing ingredients: salicylic acid, aloe vera, chamomile, and thyme | Size: 6 fl. Oz.

Bring the spa home with this luxurious, gentle cleanser that nourishes and moisturizes the skin after lifting away dirt and oil. It's fragrance-, dye-, and sulfate-free, checking all of the required boxes for sensitive skin.

Skin-soothing ingredients: allantoin, glycerin and orange oil | Size: 6.8 fl. Oz.

Another gentle option, Dermalogica’s Special Cleansing Gel never leaves skin feeling dry or oily. Simply pump a small amount onto your hand and massage onto the skin, working into a soft, creamy lather. The result? A refreshed, hydrated complexion that’s perfectly prepared for a great moisturizer.

Skin-soothing ingredients: mint, lavender, and glycerin | Size: 8.4 fl. Oz., 16.9 fl. Oz.

✔️ 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.