18 Best Face Washes for Dry Skin Dermatologists and Editors Love
Combat dryness with these gentle, hydrating face washes recommended by dermatologists, editors, and real users so your skin stays soft and comfortable.
18 Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to Experts and Editors
If you have dry skin, you know the struggle: finding a cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving your face feeling tight or flaky. The wrong face wash can strip away natural oils and exacerbate irritation, while the right formula delivers necessary hydration and respects your delicate skin barrier. To help, we’ve rounded up the latest best face washes for dry skin in 2025, with advice from beauty editors, dermatologist recommendations, and plenty of real-life user experience.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin can be a result of genetics, climate, aging, or harsh skincare routines. Inadequate hydration, over-cleansing, and ingredients like sulfates or alcohol can make things worse. When choosing a cleanser, look for formulas that:
- Are labeled gentle, hydrating, or moisturizing
- Skip harsh surfactants
- Contain nourishing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin
- Respect the natural skin barrier
Key Ingredients to Look For
Dermatologists and editors agree these ingredients are essential in a face wash for dry skin:
- Ceramides: Help restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture
- Hyaluronic Acid: Draws moisture into the skin without clogging pores
- Glycerin: A powerful humectant that hydrates and soothes
- Oils and Emollients (squalane, almond oil, oat extract): Nourish and soften
- Gentle Surfactants: Clean without stripping
How We Chose the Best Face Washes
This list combines:
- Recommendations from leading dermatologists
- Editor favorites and long-term holy grails
- Positive feedback from users with dry and sensitive skin
- Products awarded for innovation and outstanding performance in beauty awards
The 18 Best Face Washes for Dry Skin in 2025
Each face wash below is lauded for being gentle, non-stripping, and packed with skin barrier-friendly ingredients.
1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Why Editors Love It: Leaves skin soft and balanced, never squeaky or tight. Editors report using it for years with consistently great results.
- Who It’s For: Dry, irritated, or eczema-prone skin looking to replenish moisture daily.
2. Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Flaxseed oil, pentavitin
- Why Editors Love It: Oil-to-foam texture gently dissolves makeup and sunscreen. Great for tired nights and double-cleansing without dryness.
- Who It’s For: Sensitive, dry, and combo skin needing a thorough yet non-stripping cleanse.
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, ceramides
- Why Editors Love It: Calms redness, supports weakened moisture barriers, and works for all skin—including acne-prone dry faces.
- Who It’s For: Dehydrated, inflamed, or reactive skin.
4. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Soy proteins, cucumber extract, rosewater
- Why Editors Love It: Balances, soothes, and effectively removes makeup without the fuss.
- Who It’s For: All skin types, especially those looking for a gentle, refreshing cleanse.
5. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, mild surfactants
- Why Editors Love It: No fragrances or sulfates makes this ideal for ultra-sensitive or allergy-prone skin types.
- Who It’s For: Those reacting to most drugstore cleansers.
What others are reading
6. Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Oat extract, feverfew
- Why Editors Love It: Relieves itching and flakiness while washing away grime.
- Who It’s For: Stressed, redness-prone dry skin.
7. Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Marula oil, baobab, fruit extracts
- Why Editors Love It: Has a balm-to-oil transformation for melting off waterproof makeup and delivering deep moisture. Includes bamboo exfoliant booster for occasional extra polish.
- Who It’s For: Dry skin in need of a nourishing reset or heavy makeup wearers.
8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
- Why Editors Love It: Lightweight foam without the typical drying. Leaves a fresh, soft finish.
- Who It’s For: Mildly dry or combination skin that prefers a gel texture.
9. Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
- Key Ingredients: Cer-omega, Avene thermal spring water
- Why Editors Love It: Ultra-soothing for eczema and intense dryness. Leaves a comforting, hydrated finish even after rinsing.
- Who It’s For: Severely dry or atopic skin, sensitive enough for both babies and adults.
10. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Aloe, glycerin, allantoin
- Why Editors Love It: Creamy texture, fragrance-free, and calms irritation as it cleanses.
- Who It’s For: All sensitive and dry complexions needing non-stripping formulas.
11. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
- Key Ingredients: Oat kernel oil, colloidal oatmeal
- Why Editors Love It: Melts away heavy makeup and pollution, restoring the skin’s softness. Great as a first step in double cleansing.
- Who It’s For: Flaky, textured, barrier-impaired skin.
12. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, chamomile, eucalyptus
- Why Editors Love It: Rich, creamy, and leaves the skin feeling nourished and glowy.
- Who It’s For: Dull, dry skin needing a pampering daily ritual.
13. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
- Key Ingredients: Micelles, glycerin
- Why Editors Love It: Gently removes makeup and debris without any need for rinsing or stripping feeling.
- Who It’s For: All skin, but especially sensitive or quick-morning cleanses for dry skin.
14. Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
- Key Ingredients: Sugarcane-derived squalane, antioxidant oils
- Why Editors Love It: Removes stubborn makeup and leaves the skin cushiony, not greasy or dry. No harsh surfactants.
- Who It’s For: Dry, flaky, or mature skin.
15. Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Wash
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, glycerin
- Why Editors Love It: Fragrance-free and extra gentle, it soothes even the most reactive skin and works for face and body.
- Who It’s For: Anyone with extremely dry and sensitive skin everywhere.
16. Olay Gentle Foaming Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Aloe, glycerin
- Why Editors Love It: Creates a light lather that cleans but doesn’t leave skin parched.
- Who It’s For: Mildly dry or combo skin.
17. Vanicream Z-Bar (for Body & Face)
- Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, glycerin
- Why Editors Love It: Calm and relieves itching from dryness while remaining fragrance-free.
- Who It’s For: Eczema-prone, extremely dry, or sensitive skin types.
18. Dove Beauty Bar (Sensitive Skin)
- Key Ingredients: 1/4 moisturizing cream
- Why Editors Love It: Classic, affordable, ultra-mild. Leaves skin soft, not squeaky.
- Who It’s For: Dry, sensitive, or reactive skin who wants simplicity.
Tips for Cleansing Dry Skin
- Use lukewarm water: Hot water can worsen dryness by stripping natural oils.
- Cleanse once per evening if possible, use minimal cleansing in the morning or simply rinse with water to avoid overwashing.
- Immediately follow with a moisturizer while skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
- Consider using a micellar water or cleansing balm first if you wear makeup, followed by a hydrating cleanser (“double cleanse” method).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my face wash is too harsh for my dry skin?
After cleansing, your skin should feel soft and comfortable, not tight, burning, or itchy. If you routinely experience flaking, irritation, or redness, try switching to a fragrance-free, creamy, or oil-based cleanser specifically designed for dry skin.
Can oily skin ever be dry?
Yes, you can have dehydrated skin that still produces oil. This is called combination skin, which benefits from gentle cleansers that address dryness without stripping natural oils.
Should I use a foaming cleanser if my skin is dry?
Most foaming cleansers have the potential to be drying, but some modern formulas use mild surfactants and add hydrators like glycerin. If trying a foaming face wash for dry skin, look for one labeled “hydrating” or “gentle.” Creamy or balm cleansers are the safest starting place for very dry skin.
Is it okay to exfoliate if I have dry skin?
Gentle exfoliation can help remove flaky skin and promote smoothness, but overdoing it increases dryness and irritation. Use a gentle chemical or physical exfoliant once a week and monitor your skin’s response.
Comparison Table: Best Face Washes for Dry Skin
| Product | Key Ingredients | Texture | Suitable For | Fragrance-Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Cream-Gel | Dry, sensitive | Yes |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane | Niacinamide, Ceramides | Creamy | Very dry, reactive | Yes |
| Cetaphil Hydrating Oil Cleanser | Flaxseed oil, pentavitin | Oil-to-Foam | Dry, combo | Yes |
| Drunk Elephant Slaai Butter | Marula oil, Baobab oil | Butter/Balm | Dry, heavy makeup | Yes |
| Fresh Soy Cleanser | Soy Protein, Cucumber | Gel | Sensitive, normal-dry | No |
| Avene XeraCalm Oil | Cer-omega, Spring Water | Oil-Gel | Eczema-prone | Yes |
Pro Editor Tips
- Choose fragrance-free options if you have allergy-prone or eczema-prone skin.
- Patch test any new product if your skin is very reactive.
- Layer a hydrating serum under your moisturizer after cleansing for extra nourishment.
- Always remove heavy makeup and SPF before using a gentle cleanser for best results.
Summary: Choosing the Right Cleanser for Dry Skin
Every face wash on this list offers gentle and hydrating cleansing appropriate for those battling chronic dryness, seasonal irritation, or a compromised barrier. Whether you love gels, creams, foams, or balms, prioritize ingredients that nourish, textures that don’t strip, and always follow up with a rich moisturizer to keep your complexion smooth, radiant, and comfortable year-round.
References
- https://hannahcaddo.com/cosmo-approved-18-drugstore-skincare-products-our-editors-actually-use-and-love/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/skincare/g4852/best-cleansers-skin-type/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/what-type-of-cleanser-is-best-for-you
- https://www.cosmopolitan.in/beauty/features/story/meet-best-face-cleansers-world-luxury-skincare-665477-2022-03-25
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