7 Face Washes to Use on Dry Skin This Winter

If you have dry skin, the mere thought of winter air can send your skin into a frantic, flaky state. One day of frigid temperatures will have you on a downward slope of flaking and itchiness. Add wind to the mix and it may seem like all hope is lost. Thankfully, a stocked supply of hydrating skin care, meaning moisturizers, hyaluronic acid and hydrating toners to boot, can help soothe dry, sensitive skin. That being said, setting your skin up for success starts with your cleanser. Using the wrong face wash can strip your skin of essential oils and moisture, so finding a product fit for even the driest, most sensitive skin is key. To help you sort through the surplus and give your skin some much-needed hydration, we’ve rounded up our favorite face washes and cleansers for dry skin, below. 

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 

When you have dry skin, it’s important to keep your skin’s moisture barrier in tact. This CeraVe pick does just that. Plus, it’s packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help attract moisture and keep skin hydrated throughout the day. 

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream 

If you’re on the hunt for a new face wash, scan the ingredients before adding to cart. Signs of alcohol could mean the product is drying and a no-go for dry skin, but ingredients like glycerin indicate that the wash is moisturizing. This SkinCeuticals pick is a non-foaming, gentle cleanser packed with glycerin and orange oil, making it a great option for anyone with dry, sensitive or easily irritated skin. 

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser 

Start your skin-care routine off right by cleansing with this gentle non-foaming wash from La Roche-Posay. It has a milky texture and a powerhouse combo of hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin and ceramides to help lessen any feelings of tightness or discomfort. The best part is that it’s available at the drugstore.

Elemis Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser 

The winter already adds to dryness. Don’t make matters worse by adding a harsh makeup remover into the mix. Instead, opt for this Elemis Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser. The face wash takes off all signs of makeup. (Pro tip: If you have stubborn eye makeup, put some cleanser on a cotton round and hold it over your shut eye for a few seconds before trying to remove.) Key ingredients like vitamin E and rose petal flower water hydrate the skin and leave your complexion looking radiant. 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser 

This gentle foaming cleanser is great for washing away daily grime without over-drying or irritating your skin. Squalane, vitamin E and apricot oil are just a few of the ingredients that help moisturize and leave your complexion feeling supple post-use. 

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm 

Prefer a balm-based cleanser? Add this Sunday Riley Cleansing Balm to your routine. It’s a sugar-based cleanser that removes makeup and even leaves behind a nice glow. It’s formulated with essential oils to help calm irritated, dry and flaky skin. 

AcneFree Convenience Kit 

If you’re looking to revamp your skin-care routine, pick up this AcneFree Kit to get you started. With the skin balancing hydrating system made up of the Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and the Oil-Free Hydrating Moisturizer, you’ll be well on your way to nourished and hydrated skin. Plus, if acne or anti-aging is a concern, you can also make use of the Adapalene Gel, which is a topical retinoid intended to help with both. 

Read More:

These DIY Face Masks Have Us Mesmerized 

Dermatologist-Approved Winter Skin-Care Tips 

Derm DMs: What Is CoQ10?