If you’ve been battling the woes of parched, flaky skin, you know the struggle is real. Dry skin can make you feel uncomfortable and less confident. That said, it is so important to find the best face wash for dry skin so that you can shine on the inside and out.
It’s not just about quenching your skin’s thirst – it’s also about pampering it. These face washes are like a spa day for your face, all from the comfort of your own home. They’re gentle, soothing, and oh-so-nourishing. You’ll be treated to a luxurious, creamy lather that cleanses without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
While many consumers think they need an aggressive face wash to clean away the day’s dirt and debris, that is not the case for those with dry skin. Some products can be too abrasive or contain drying chemicals that will only dehydrate your skin more. Using a gentle, hydrating wash is the way to go for combatting flakes and moisturizing skin.
You won’t want to stay in this weekend when you realize how radiantly your face is glowing. Check out our list of the best face washes for dry skin. Got a skincare secret you’re willing to spill? Comment below and let’s spread the skincare love.
The List: Best Face Wash for Dry skin, Per Beauty Pros
1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Number one in the list of expert recommendations for the best face wash for dry skin is CeraVe Hydrating facial cleanser. “If you scroll through BeautyToK, chances are you’re familiar with CeraVe products and how great they are—and this one is no exception. In addition to being affordable and accessible, it does a great job at doing exactly what it was designed to do: effectively cleanse the skin. It’s not super fancy, and it doesn’t offer ‘extras’ like exfoliation or antioxidant protection, but it’s fantastic at cleansing the skin without stripping it or creating that tight feeling that many cleansers do,” writes Byrdie.
This brand has a special method for trapping moisture. “CeraVe often boasts that the brand’s formulas are developed with the help of dermatologists, making the products exceptionally gentle. This cleanser is packed with hyaluronic acid to seal moisture into your skin. It’s also fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. This formula does contain alcohols and parabens,” says Healthline.
Sensitive skin isn’t an issue with this top-rated face wash. “With mild and skin-friendly ingredients, this CeraVe cleanser is one of the best face washes for dry skin. It has hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin cells retain moisture and look firmer, plumper, and younger (3). Ceramides, which refresh the skin and lock in its water content, are also present in the cleanser. Its MVE technology offers a regulated release of moisture, keeping your face hydrated all day. A good product for sensitive skin, its sulfate-free solution doesn’t dry out your skin or mess with its pH levels,” adds Pinkvilla.
2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Number two on the expert’s list of the best face washes for dry skin is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. “This incredibly popular cleanser has been a drugstore staple for decades, and given how simple and effective the formula is, its popularity is justified. It’s free from common irritating ingredients, has a lightweight, creamy texture, and contains glycerin and niacinamide for hydration and skin barrier support. In terms of how it felt on the skin, our tester said he really enjoyed that the consistency wasn’t overly thick or runny, making it easy and comfortable to apply on the face,” writes Byrdie.
So, if you’ve been battling the Sahara Desert on your face lately, worry not. “Cetaphil offers a holy grail of skincare products, and this gentle cleanser is no exception. Fortified with vitamin B3 and pro-vitamin B5, the product moisturizes the skin and makes it soft and plump. This mollifies the cleansing action and ensures the product doesn’t dehydrate your skin. After cleansing your face with this lotion-like product, you can simply wipe it off with a clean towel/tissue and call it a day when you don’t have time to wash it off. This feature makes the product a good dry skin cleanser to travel with,” says Pinkvilla.
Imagine a tropical drink for your skin. “Dr. Lamm says, ‘Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse and hydrate the skin.’ It contains hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide and vitamin B5,” adds Esquire.
3. Paula’s Choice Hydrating Gel to Cream Cleanser
Number three on the expert’s list is Paula’s Choice Hydrating Gel to Cream Cleanser. “If you’re seeking a great, budget-friendly face wash to deal with your dry skin concerns, this might just be the product for you. Paula’s Choice Hydrating Gel-to-cream Cleanser is super hydrating and moisturizing without breaking the bank. Specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin, this face wash has won a SELF Healthy Beauty Award for the best cleanser for sensitive skin, so you know that it’s not just us who recommend this product,” says U.S. Magazine.
Think of the next face wash as a little wrapped gift for your skin – no occasion needed. “This formulation gently cleanses the skin while soothing the skin with green tea and chamomile,’” writes Esquire.
Flowers need water to bloom, and so does our skin. “If you have dry skin, then you can probably identify with the tight, uncomfortable feeling that some cleansers leave you with. That’s why we love this creamy, hydrating face wash for people with dry skin—it doesn’t do that. The lotion-like texture is formulated with glycerin to hydrate the skin, as well as chamomile extract to soothe it,” shares Byrdie.
4. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
On number on the expert’s list for best face wash for dry skin is Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. “This drugstore favorite gets the green light from the National Eczema Association for being super gentle on skin. This cleanser simply does what it’s supposed to: cleanses skin gently, without drying out skin. It’s easy to get off and has no essential oils that may trigger sensitivity for some skin types,” adds Healthline.
It’s a hydration celebration. “This creamy fragrance-free, glycerin-based Neutrogena face wash is a dermatologist favorite…While it does cleanse, it does not strip away the skin’s natural oils…It also contains very few of the ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions, such as fragrance additives, which is important for those with dry, sensitive skin,” notes Good House Keeping
Take a juicy bite out of dryness with this refreshing pick. “Face wash is an essential, basic product so, understandably, not everyone wants to spend a small fortune. Beloved by dermatologists, Neutrogena is generally a safe bet when you’re looking to pick up a more affordable option that still works really well. This gentle cleanser is a favorite for people with sensitive or dry skin because it doesn’t foam, which can strip the skin…Since it doesn’t have a scent and is so gentle, it can be used on eczema, rosacea, and other types of sensitive skin,’” adds InStyle.
5. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
Finally, number five on the expert’s recommendation of best face wash for dry skin is First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser. “This product was developed with calming aloe, soothing allantoin and hydrating glycerin. The formula also skips artificial colorants or fragrance, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and many more irritating ingredients, as well as without common allergens such as gluten, nuts, and soy. It’s clean, vegan and cruelty-free,” writes InStyle.
Bathe your skin in luxury. Healthline says, “This face wash has a creamy, moisturizing consistency when mixed with lukewarm water. The whipped texture locks in moisture while it cleanses. The product is free from alcohol, as the American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) suggests cleansers should be. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from phthalates, parabens, and oxybenzone.”
And it’s not just us singing its praises. Prevention dubs this one a dry skin superstar by writing, “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.”
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.