Best face washes for dry sensitive skin proven to gently cleanse reactive skin without drying or irritating it.
I talk a lot about combination to dry sensitive skin here on my beauty blog. As I deal with it daily. My previous post on dry, sensitive skin covered some of the best body lotions for sensitive skin where I shared my favorites.
Speaking of my skin, I would describe it as having a bit of everything. Which, when it comes to trying out skincare products, is great because I can try and experiment with a wide range of formulas that target combination, dry or sensitive skin. However, dealing with it day-by-day all at once can be challenging at times.
When it comes to face washes for dry sensitive skin, I prefer something gentle, but not too gentle (as I have a bit of oil on my T-zone) with some foam going on and lots of dry sensitive skin-friendly ingredients.
In the past months, I’ve discovered some unexpectedly good face washes for dry sensitive skin. From cleansers that do not foam at all and feel super gentle on the skin, to face washes that do foam while remaining gentle and non-irritating on the skin.
If you are looking for a face wash for dry sensitive skin, I have a list of ten products that work best. Some of these face washes have proven to be effective on my skin, while others are options with a great feedback from people with dry sensitive skin.
How Did I Select The Products?
A part of the products listed below are my personal tried-and-tested options. Face washes for dry sensitive skin that worked best for me and my combination to dry sensitive skin. While others are options with excellent feedback from people with dry, sensitive skin found by me through my research.
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20 – $50
- $$$ = over $50
Best Face Washes For Dry Sensitive Skin Shortcut
- La Roche Posay AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash – Best For Combo Dry, Sensitive Skin, Hydrating, Light Foaming
- Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser – Hydrating, Soothing, Anti-Irritant, Extremely Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleanser – Light Foaming, Removing Makeup, Hydrating, Non-Drying
- Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser – Light Foaming, For Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin, Reducing Redness
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – Hydrating, Barrier Repairing, Dry and Very Dry Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming.
- Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm – Cleansing Balm, Removing Makeup, Soothing, Korean, Vegan
- Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser – Soothing, For Dullness, Dryness, Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming
- Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil – Micellar Cleansing Oil, Removing Makeup, Hydrating
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – Hydrating, With Niacinamide, Non-Foaming
- Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser – For Combo Dry Sensitive Skin, Rich Lather, Gentle Yet Deep Cleansing, Highly Cost-Effective
- Best Face Washes For Dry Sensitive Skin Comparison Table
- Double Cleanse Face Wash Pairing Ideas for Dry Sensitive Skin
DISCLAIMER At El Beauty Finder, I strive to feature products that I personally test and recommend. However, I am not a licensed professional and cannot guarantee specific results nor the prevention or cure of any condition or disease. The information provided on www (dot) elbeautyfinder (dot) com is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Prices, availability, and product formulations may change over time, so it's advisable to verify product details and conduct your own research before making any purchasing decision or using any highlighted product, as well as look for professional guidance for personalized advice whenever needed.
1. La Roche Posay AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Price: $ | Size: / fL. oZ/ 200 mL tube | Best: For Combo Dry, Sensitive Skin, Hydrating, Light Foaming.
Key Ingredients: glycerin, sodium saureth sulfate (cleansing agent), niacinamide, shea butter, vitreoscilla ferment (probiotic); fragrance-free.
La Roche Posay AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash is one of the first and best face washes I’ve discovered for combination dry sensitive skin.
It’s a gentle cleanser that foams a little. Feels hydrating. It does remove normal, non resistant makeup and cleans up the skin beautifully without drying it out. A little goes long way. Also effective in calming irritation. Zero fragrance.
To gently hydrate while washing the skin, the formula contains glycerin, sodium saureth sulfate (surfactant/ cleansing agent), niacinamide, shea butter and vitreoscilla ferment (probiotic). It feels creamy and non-drying.
Having combination skin, I found this cleanser to be the perfect balance of foaming and hydration to cleanse the skin. Without feeling overly hydrating or stripping on the skin.
If you have combination to dry sensitive skin and are looking for something gentle yet effective in removing dirt and oil from your face, you will find this product lovely. It’s affordable and you get a nice amount for the money. Available in two sizes: 200 mL and 400 mL, depending on where you buy it.
I talk more on La Roche Posay skincare products on my La Roche Posay review here.
CHECK on La Roche Posay
2. Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
Price: $ | Size: 7.8 fL. oZ/ 232 mL | Best: Hydrating, Soothing, Anti-Irritant, Extremely Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming.
Key Ingredients: oat flour, feverfew flower/leaf/stem juice, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, poloxamer 188 (mild cleansing agent); Fragrance-Free.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser comes in second on my list of the best face washes for dry sensitive skin. A gentle, non-foaming cleanser with oat flour, feverfew flower/leaf/stem juice, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, poloxamer 188 (mild cleansing agent).
Oat flour and feverfew flower/leaf/stem juice are two skincare ingredients that have been demonstrated in research to have anti-inflammatory, soothing and calming properties. (Oat Source) (Feverfew Source)
The cleanser also contains glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to leave the skin hydrated while cleansing. In addition, poloxamer 188 acts as a gentle cleansing agent for the skin, helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that it can be rinsed away. (Source)
With a creamy texture, it’s a great everyday cleanser for sensitive or extremely sensitive skin that can help reduce inflammation, redness and dryness while leaving no residue on the skin. It may work best as a second cleanser as it does not really remove all makeup alone. Completely fragrance-free.
CHECK on Aveeno
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleanser
Price: $ | Size: 7.8 fL. oZ/ 230 mL | Best: Light Foaming, Removing Makeup, Hydrating, Non-Drying.
Key Ingredients: glycerin, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine + sodium cocoyl isethionate + sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (cleansing agents), hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid; fragrance-free.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleanser is another great fragrance-free face wash for normal dry sensitive skin. With glycerin, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
Glycerin and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid are two humectants that have been shown to hydrate the skin. (Source)
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is considered to have a lower molecular weight than regular hyaluronic acid and penetrate the skin more deeply. Although we still need more data to verify its true benefits, for the time being, it can act as a hydrator regardless of its molecular weight.
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate work together to enhance foaming and cleansing properties, and they are considered milder versions of surfactant/ foaming boosters. (Source)
The face wash is a gel that lathers up very well to effectively remove normal makeup without drying out the skin. If you are looking for a gentle, foamy cleanser to remove dirt, oils and even makeup, this is a great option to consider.
CHECK on Neutrogena
4. Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser
Price: $ | Size: 6.7 fL. oZ/ 198 mL | Best: Light Foaming, For Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin, Reducing Redness.
Key Ingredients: glycerin, cocamidopropyl betaine (cleansing agent), inulin; fragrance-Free.
Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser is a super simple face wash with glycerin, cocamidopropyl betaine and inulin.
Glycerin and inulin are humectants that moisturize the skin, while cocamidopropyl betaine is a gentle cleansing agent that helps wash away oil and dirt.
It lathers easily, has a creamy, foamy texture and is non-drying. It’s also fragrance-free. A great option for anyone looking for something simple yet efficient for normal to dry sensitive skin.
CHECK on Paula’s Choice
5. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Price: $ | Size: 8 fL. oZ/ 236 mL | Best: Hydrating, Barrier Repairing, Dry and Very Dry Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming.
Key Ingredients: glycerin, 3 types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid; fragrance-free.
Although CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser feels like a lightweight body lotion on my combination skin, I must give credit where credit is due.
It’s a gentle, non-foaming, fragrance-free, thin in texture with minimal ingredients face wash. It contains glycerin, 3 types of ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin while washing. If you have dry or extremely dry and sensitive skin, this product can be a good fit for you. It delivers.
I talk more on CeraVe skincare products on my CeraVe review here.
CHECK on CeraVe
6. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Price: $ | Size: 3.38 fL. oZ/ 100 mL | Best: Cleansing Balm, Removing Makeup, Soothing, Korean, Vegan.
Key Ingredients: rice bran oil, oat extract, rice extract, glycerin; fragrance-free.
My list of best face washes for dry sensitive skin would be incomplete without a cleansing balm. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is a Korean cleansing balm with rice bran oil, oat extract, rice extract, and glycerin to gently melt eye, lip, base makeup and sebum without stripping the skin.
Rice bran is a skincare ingredient known for its calming, anti-irritant and moisturizing properties. (Source) The formula also contains glycerin and oat extract to help hydrate and soothe the skin while washing.
Thick but creamy when scooped out, it quickly melts into an oil in contact with the warmth of the hands, with no particular scent. It’s mild and moisturizing, yet excellent at removing makeup and dirt without leaving the skin feeling dry, stripped or irritated.
If you are looking for a vegan cleansing balm for sensitive dry skin, this is perfect as it’s fragrance-free and includes excellent soothing and hydrating ingredients.
CHECK on Beauty of Joseon
7. Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser
Price: $$$ | Size: 8.4 fL. oZ/ 250 mL | Best: Soothing, For Dullness, Dryness, Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming.
Key Ingredients: bisabolol, ginger extract, radish root extract, willow bark extract, glycerin, oat extract, cucumber extract, panthenol; fragrance is not listed, but it contains citrus lemon extract.
The next face wash I have for dry sensitive skin is Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser. It’s an expensive cleanser but it comes with some excellent soothing and hydrating ingredients like bisabolol, ginger extract, radish root extract, willow bark extract, glycerin, oat extract, cucumber extract and panthenol to help address various skin concerns from redness, dullness and dryness.
Bisabolol, ginger extract, radish root extract, willow bark extract, oat extract, cucumber extract, and panthenol are all soothing/ anti-inflammatory ingredients to help calm sensitive, irritated skin. Bisabolol may also offer some brightening benefits.
It’s a non-foaming cleanser with a creamy texture that goes on smoothly without feeling drying on the skin. Perfect for anyone willing to spend a little more for its calming benefits and hyaluronic acid free formula.
CHECK on Dermalogica
8. Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
Price: $$ | Size: 5 fL. oZ/ 150 mL | Best: Micellar Cleansing Oil, Removing Makeup, Hydrating.
Key Ingredients: rapeseed oil, sodium pca, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil; fragrance-free.
The following product on my list of the best face washes for dry sensitive skin is Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil. It’s a special cleansing oil with micellar technology specially formulated for sensitive skin.
Meaning,
The double action MICELLAR TECHNOLOGY: first inverted micelles open up and release a biomimetic amino acid, interacting with the skin’s natural mechanisms (stimulation of lipid synthesis) to nourish it. When adding a bit of tepid water, the surfactants reorganise to capture oil and impurities in new large filled micelles, creating an emulsion. The oil texture is transformed into a milk one, easing its removal when rinsing-off and completing the cleansing already supported by the oily phase. The skin is left clean, nourished and soothed with no residual greasy film.
Source: Bioderma
An oil that does not foam but emulsifies with water to cleanse, calm and hydrate sensitive dry skin. It dissolves all traces of makeup, impurities and sunscreen without drying out the skin. Plus, it does not irritate the eyes while emulsifies.
If you love using micellar water, you will love this micellar cleansing oil too. It’s gentle and effective.
CHECK on Bioderma
9. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Price: $ | Size: 16 fL. oZ/ 473 mL | Best: Hydrating, With Niacinamide, Non-Foaming.
Key Ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide, sodium cocoyl isethionate (mild cleansing agent); fragrance-free.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is another great option for dry sensitive skin that needs gentle cleansing. This easy to use cleanser includes glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide and sodium cocoyl isethionate (mild cleansing agent) to hydrate and soothe the skin while cleansing.
It’s an extremely simple face wash with only ten ingredients. A reformulated version with one surfactant, making it even gentler on the face than its old formulation.
A great option for dry sensitive skin. It’s minimally formulated, does not foam much and is fragrance-free.
I must point out, however, that it may exist in different formulas with more or less ingredients listed on the label, so always read the label for the most updated version before buying.
CHECK on Cetaphil
10. Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser
Price: $ | Size: 5.07 fL. oZ/ 150 mL | Best: For Combo Dry Sensitive Skin, Rich Lather, Gentle Yet Deep Cleansing, Highly Cost-Effective.
Key Ingredients: sodium cocoyl isethionate (coconut-derived surfactant), glycerin, coco-betaine (naturally derived surfactant), centella extract, green tea extract, licorice root extract; fragrance-free.
Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser is another great face wash for combo dry sensitive skin. I discovered it last year and am currently on my second bottle, as it’s that good.
It’s a creamy, relatively thick in texture face wash, formulated with sodium cocoyl isethionate (coconut-derived surfactant), glycerin, coco-betaine (naturally derived surfactant), centella extract, green tea extract and licorice root extract to remove impurities from the pores and strengthen the skin barrier.
Centella extract is hydrating and soothing, and is one of the ingredients for which we have studies showing its benefits. (Source) The same goes for licorice root extract, which has been shown to have antioxidant properties. (Source)
A little goes a very long way. I’ve managed to use one tube for 8 months straight with 1 use per day to completely finish it. Its lather is extremely rich, feels moisturizing on the skin, and never dries the skin out. It also removes any normal makeup + sunscreen. Zero fragrance.
If you are looking for a highly cost-effective face wash for combination dry sensitive skin, you should look no further than this one.
CHECK on Purito
Best Face Washes For Dry Sensitive Skin Comparison Table
| Product Name | Key Ingredients | Fragrance-Free | Size | Best |
| La Roche Posay AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash | glycerin, sodium saureth sulfate (cleansing agent), niacinamide, shea butter, vitreoscilla ferment (probiotic) | Yes | 200 mL tube/ 400 mL pump | For Combo Dry, Sensitive Skin, Hydrating, Light Foaming |
| Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser | oat flour, feverfew flower/leaf/stem juice, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, poloxamer 188 (mild cleansing agent) | Yes | 7.8 fL. oZ/ 232 mL | Hydrating, Soothing, Anti-Irritant, Extremely Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleanser | glycerin, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine + sodium cocoyl isethionate + sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (cleansing agents), hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid | Yes | 7.8 fL. oZ/ 230 mL | Light Foaming, Removing Makeup, Hydrating, Non-Drying |
| Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser | Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser | Yes | 6.7 fL. oZ/ 198 mL | Light Foaming, For Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin, Reducing Redness |
| CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | glycerin, 3 types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Yes | 8 fL. oZ/ 236 mL | Hydrating, Barrier Repairing, Dry and Very Dry Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming |
| Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm | rice bran oil, oat extract, rice extract, glycerin | Yes | 3.38 fL. oZ/ 100 mL | Cleansing Balm, Removing Makeup, Soothing, Korean, Vegan |
| Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser | bisabolol, ginger extract, radish root extract, willow bark extract, glycerin, oat extract, cucumber extract, panthenol | fragrance is not listed, but it contains citrus lemon extract | 8.4 fL. oZ/ 250 mL | Soothing, For Dullness, Dryness, Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming |
| Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil | rapeseed oil, sodium pca, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil | Yes | 5 fL. oZ/ 150 mL | Micellar Cleansing Oil, Removing Makeup, Hydrating |
| Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide, sodium cocoyl isethionate (mild cleansing agent) | Yes | 16 fL. oZ/ 473 mL | Hydrating, With Niacinamide, Non-Foaming |
| Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser | sodium cocoyl isethionate (coconut-derived surfactant), glycerin, coco-betaine (naturally derived surfactant), centella extract, green tea extract, licorice root extract | Yes | 5.07 fL. oZ/ 150 mL | For Combo Dry Sensitive Skin, Rich Lather, Gentle Yet Deep Cleansing, Highly Cost-Effective |
Double Cleanse Face Wash Pairing Ideas for Dry Sensitive Skin
If you want to double cleanse but don’t know what to pair with what for dry sensitive skin, I’ve included some pairing ideas for all of the face washes listed in this post so you can easily choose what works best for you.
Take note, however, that these are general ideas offered solely for informational purposes. In practice, you can pair products based on what you have available and what works best for your skin.
For combination to dry sensitive skin: Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser + CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
Purito is a high-lathering cleanser that can remove makeup, sunscreen and impurities, while CeraVe is a non-foaming, super-hydrating cleanser that can also help replenish some moisture while cleansing.
For dry and very dry extremely sensitive skin: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil + Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser.
Bioderma is an oil that can remove makeup, dirt and sunscreen, while Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser can help soothe irritations while cleansing the skin.
For dry sensitive skin prone to irritations with no foam at all: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm + Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser.
Both are super gentle, non-foaming cleansers to gently cleanse and soothes the skin.
Only Korean face washes for heavy makeup: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm + Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser.
The balm is non foaming, helping melt all the makeup and wash impurities, while Purito is highly lathering to help in getting rid of everything.
Light foaming for dry sensitive skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleanser + Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser.
Dermatologica does not foam at all, while Neutrogena foams a little. As their ingredients complement each other, they can deliver a gentle yet deep cleaning when used together.
For redness, dry sensitive skin: Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser + Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
Paula’s do foam a little, while Cetaphil does not foam at all. Both complement each other in ingredients to help with inflammation and reduce redness.
My favorite combination for heavy makeup: Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser + La Roche Posay AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash.
The first is more lathering than the second, but both work together to gently remove everything on the face, especially when I’m wearing heavy makeup like BB cream/ foundation + eyeshadow + lipstick + blush + powder, and so on.
My favorite combination for regular use (tretinoin skincare routine with or without makeup): Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser and a little more Purito if needed.
You may absolutely use the same face wash to double cleanse. You don’t need to pay extra for two face cleansers. Double cleansing with separate face cleansers is more helpful when using sunscreen and a lot of makeup, as they can target differently and be more efficient.
That’s said,
What’s your favorite best face wash for dry sensitive skin? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.