17 Hydrating Face Washes to Use if You Have Dry Skin
January 26, 2023
Developing the right skincare routine when you have dry skin starts with your cleanser. If you use the wrong face wash, you risk stripping your skin of necessary oils and moisture. That means using a gentle formula with hydrating ingredients is key. From a hyaluronic acid-infused foam to a soothing formula with coconut oil, we’ve rounded up the best face wash for dry skin — 17 of them, to be exact. Keep scrolling for the formulas that’ll get you through winter and beyond — flake-free.
How Often Should You Wash Your Face?
Before we get into our favorite cleansers for dry skin, allow us to give you a little refresher on the right way to wash your face. First things first, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper frequency down. According to Dr. Brooke Jackson, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology, “You should wash your face at a minimum once a day, ideally twice daily — regardless of skin type.”
You may find yourself washing your face more often on some days depending on what your day entails. For example, if you work out, Dr. Jackson recommends washing your face afterwards to get rid of any sweat. Or maybe you have an event and put on more makeup than you usually would. You’ll want to make sure you thoroughly cleanse all of the makeup from your face after the event.
How to Wash Your Face the Right Way
Washing your face will typically be the first step in any morning or evening skincare routine. Opt for a mild cleanser if you have a dry skin type, and apply it to your face with your hands. Follow the instructions on the package, but generally, you’ll want to gently massage the cleanser into your skin using your hands. Then, Dr. Jackson says to rinse with warm water and towel dry, taking care to pat the towel rather than rub it.
For those with dry skin, she warns against using overly abrasive cleansers. Instead, “look for ceramides, niacinamide and aloe to soothe, calm and boost barrier repair function,” she advises.
The 17 Best Face Washes for Dry Skin
Garnier Green Labs Hyalu-Melon Smoothing Milky Wash
This vegan cleanser helps you achieve a bouncy, healthy complexion with watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid. The milky texture and natural watermelon scent solidify it as a winner in our book.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Facial Cleanser
CeraVe moisturizers are known for being sensitive skin-friendly and for strengthening the skin's moisture barrier. The brand’s cleansers are no different. Our current fave is this formula, which contains ceramides, amino acids and hyaluronic acid, and transforms from a nourishing cream to a light foam with water.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
Squalane, vitamin E and apricot oil are just a few of the ingredients in this gentle yet effective cleanser that helps moisturize and leave your complexion feeling supple post-use.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
Start your skincare routine off right by cleansing with this non-foaming wash from La Roche-Posay. It has a milky texture and a combination of hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin and ceramides to help prevent feelings of tightness or discomfort.
Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
Made with antioxidant-rich spinach, kale and green tea, the Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser is like a refreshing green juice for your skin. It removes makeup and build-up from your pores while also balancing the pH of your skin.
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
This unbelievably gentle cleanser from SkinCeuticals softens your skin with allantoin, glycerin and orange oil while cleansing. The mild cream texture feels soothing and calming on dry and sensitive skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Toner
Toners sometimes get a bad rap for being overly drying, but this one from CeraVe is formulated without alcohol (a notorious ingredient in some toners) and actually helps to hydrate your skin. The ceramides in the formula help maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Vichy Puréte Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser
The Vichy Puréte Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser is a milky face wash that acts as a cleanser, toner and makeup remover all in one handy product. It’s lightweight and has a non-oily feel.
Lancôme Crème Mousse Confort Foaming Cleanser
The Lancôme Crème Mousse Confort Foaming Cleanser is all about luxury and indulgence. The cream-to-foam formula practically melts into your skin to wash away makeup and impurities. You’ll fall in love with how soft your skin feels after washing with this cleanser.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser
IT Cosmetics is known for its range of multitasking skincare products that combine a variety of different skincare benefits. This cleanser, for example, doubles as a hydrating serum to deliver immediate and lasting moisture — perfect for dry skin.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser
Not only does the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser remove makeup, dirt and oil from your skin, it also exfoliates dead skin cells to improve your skin’s smoothness. Follow it up with your favorite moisturizer for smoother, brighter skin.
SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser
This mild, soap-free cleanser is specifically formulated with botanical extracts to soothe sensitive skin. It starts out as a cleansing foam and on contact with your skin, transforms into a comforting emulsion.
True Botanicals Organic Clear Nourishing Cleanser
The True Botanicals Organic Clear Nourishing Cleanser is a non-drying, hypoallergenic face wash. Our favorite thing about this cleanser option is the lovely natural scent created by a combination of lavender, helichrysum and carrot seed.
SkinFix Barrier+ Foaming Oil Cleanser
The SkinFix Barrier+ Foaming Oil Cleanser removes dirt, makeup and impurities without stripping lipids from your skin’s moisture barrier. It addresses skincare concerns including uneven texture, redness and blotchiness.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Milky cleansers, like this one from Glossier, feel especially soft and soothing on dry skin thanks to their creamy consistency. Allantoin and vitamin B5 act as skin conditioners, so you won’t feel like your skin is screaming for moisturizer after using this cleanser.
Buttah Cleanser
With coconut oil and lavender extract, this cleanser helps condition and soothe as it washes away impurities. It’s formulated to maintain the skin’s natural pH balance, so your skin won’t feel dry or uncomfortable after use.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser
Prep your skin for moisturizer or serum with the Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser. This gentle foaming cleanser will not disrupt your skin’s pH balance or moisture barrier. Pro tip: rinse with lukewarm, never hot, water to minimize dryness.
Design: Juliana Campisi
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