The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin

In my experience, cleansing oils do an incredible job of removing makeup, sweat, dirt, and even excess oil without stripping skin. Dr. Penzi calls this one from La Roche-Posay "a great choice for those with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin." She explains, "It gently removes dirt and debris from the skin while providing intense moisture. It contains thermal spring water, niacinamide, and shea butter to nourish skin deeply." It even has approval from the National Eczema Association.

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Approved by the National Eczema Association; Removes makeup and impurities; Provides lasting moisture; Suitable for chemotherapy patients

Cons: None found

I started using this cleansing balm during a bout of dryness after I vacationed in a desert climate. It always removed my makeup completely (including stubborn eye makeup!), but without irritating my painfully chapped skin. I also loved the way it melted in my hands, allowing for easy application. The jar may be small, but rest assured that a little goes a long way.

Pros: Editor-approved; Soothing ingredients (chamomile); A little goes a long way; Affordable

Cons: Have to dip your hand in the jar to get the formula (squeeze or pump packaging is easier and more sanitary)

If you ask me and my personal dermatologist, Cetaphil is the holy grail of cleansers. It works well on the face and body (great news for those who break out on the neck, chest, or back), and it softens skin while effectively banishing makeup and grime. It's wiped away my breakouts, banished flakiness, and evened my skin tone, and it works surprisingly quickly.

Pros: Editor-approved; Free of fragrance and dye; Affordable; Suitable for all skin types

Cons: Not cruelty-free

Once I started using retinol regularly, my face became drier than ever before. In addition to maintaining a religious routine of hydrating moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and facial oils, I came to rely on this cleansing cream. It's unbelievably soft to the touch, smells amazing, and hydrates my skin without making it feel oily afterward. It works especially well as part of a double-cleansing routine.

Pros: Editor-approved; Creamy texture; Subtle, pleasant smell

Cons: Expensive; Have to dip your hand in the jar to get the formula (squeeze or pump packaging is easier and more sanitary)

Neutrogena will always have a special place in my heart—its popular products were the first to clear my skin during breakouts and to get me hooked on a consistent skincare routine. Dr. Penzi stands by the brand's offerings too, explaining that this cleanser is "a gel-based, oil-free, and fragrance-free formula that has hyaluronic acid as its key ingredient, which helps retain moisture in the skin." It's also affordable.

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Editor-approved brand; Lightweight; Affordable; Fragrance-free

Cons: Not cruelty-free

This cleanser from dermatologist-favorite brand CeraVe has an ideal ingredient list, according to Dr. Camp. He explains, "Ceramides and hyaluronic acid help keep skin hydrated in this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser." Ceramides are fatty molecules that comprise about half of the skin's lipids, ensuring your face looks moisturized, feels soft, and isn't flaking off. Hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, is a compound that helps with moisture retention, as it can hold about 1,000 times its weight in water. With such an all-star ingredient combination, this cleanser is made to help you look (and feel) your most hydrated yet.

fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser.

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Fragrance-free; Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores); Restores skin barrier; Affordable

Cons: Not cruelty-free

This is the only cleanser that works for both my combination skin and my mom's oily skin. Its lightweight gel formula hydrates and brightens skin using ingredients like Vitamin C, but it also minimizes the appearance of pores through the use of niacinamide. It leaves skin feeling clean but not stripped, and it effectively removes makeup, sweat, and oil after a long day.

Pros: Editor-approved; Works on all skin types; Vegan; Gluten-free

Cons: Has a natural scent that's slightly chemical-like

Yet another option from CeraVe, though this option is formulated for those who prefer a foamy texture. "I love this," gushes Dr. Penzi. "It starts as a rich, creamy texture and transforms into a gentle foam when mixed with water. This makes it effective at removing makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping the skin."

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Free of fragrance, parabens, and soap; Vegan

Cons: Not cruelty-free

Vanicream is another no-nonsense brand that carries a seal of approval from dermatologists like Dr. Camp. He says, "This soap-free cleanser is specifically formulated for dry skin and is made without dyes, fragrances, parabens, botanicals, and sulfates." Therefore, it's perfect for anyone struggling with flaking or broken skin, as it's less likely to sting or cause further irritation.

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Free of fragrances, parabens, gluten, and sulfates

Cons: Is not cruelty-free

Glycerin is a popular, hydrating ingredient found in most moisturizers, and it also plays a key role in this hydrating leave-on cleanser from Avène. "Thermal spring water and glycerin are featured in this non-greasy, no-rinse cleanser that hydrates and soothes dry and sensitive skin," attests Dr. Camp. He adds that it also effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil. Plus, it promises not to irritate sensitive skin or eyes.

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Suitable for sensitive skin; Packaging is made from recycled plastic

Cons: Some users may not be used to the no-rinse formula

According to Dr. Penzi, this cleanser's formula of glycerin, ceramides, and natural spring water "help keep skin moist all day long." Furthermore, she says it's "a mild and hydrating cleanser designed for sensitive skin." It also contains niacinamide, which soothes skin and reduces the appearance of pores.

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Reduces the appearance of pores; Made with sensitive skin in mind; Fragrance-free

Cons: Some reviewers say this is great for double-cleansing, but not as great on its own

Cleansing milks like this one are great options for those who want a lightweight face wash that still leaves them feeling hydrated. Of the many options on the market, Dr. Camp recommends this one, explaining, "Seaweed, safflower seed oil, and glycerin are included in this fragrance-free, nourishing cleanser that gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier."

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Lightweight; Fragrance-free; Cruelty-free; Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons: High price for a relatively small container

Polyhodrozy Acids, or PHAs, are exfoliants similar to AHAs, but their molecules are larger. This means that they don't penetrate skin as deeply and are therefore gentler options more suitable for those with dry or sensitive skin. PHA is the active ingredient in this cleanser, which Dr. Penzi recommends. She says, "This contains 2 percent Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), which is a gentle liquid exfoliant and humectant that decongests down to the pores. It is designed for those with sensitive skin, and it is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, soap, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, and dyes."

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Gentle exfoliant

Cons: Because it's an exfoliant, it's not suitable for daily use

Skinceuticals is one of my all-time favorite brands, with its hyper-effective products featuring powerful active ingredients. For dry skin in need of exfoliation, Dr. Penzi recommends this powerful face wash. She explains that it's "a micro-exfoliating scrub appropriate for use even by those with dry or sensitive skin. This product is gentle enough for daily use and creates a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture while softening and hydrating skin." Its formula also features hydrating glycerin and soothing aloe vera extract, which provide a boost of moisture.

Pros: Dermatologist-approved; Gentle exfoliator; Contains hydrating ingredients; Can be used daily; Free of parabens, sulfates, soap, fragrance, and dye

Cons: Some reviewers dislike the gritty texture

This lightweight cleanser was made for all skin types, but it's especially effective at fighting acne and preventing breakouts. Unlike most acne-fighting cleansers, however, it's hydrating and promises not to dry out skin. This is because it contains nourishing ingredients like aloe vera extract, chamomile, and Vitamin E, all of which support a healthy skin barrier and soothe irritation.

Pros: Award-winning; Clean; Suitable for all skin types; Reduces the appearance of pores; Award-winning; Free of sulfates

Cons: Contains fragrance