beauty
Options for every budget
By Jenny Jin
•
Published Apr 24, 2024
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Paula Boudes for PureWow
Cleansers are the foundation of any skincare routine. As Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York explains, “The goal of a cleanser is to remove dirt and soiling of the skin, while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. The compounds used in cleansers to remove the dirt are known as surfactants. While effective, some surfactants can have damaging effects to the skin barrier. This is especially problematic in people with sensitive skin, which is why it is important to choose the right cleanser for your needs.”
If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Zeichner suggests looking for cleansers that contain gentle surfactants (like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser; $12) along with barrier repairing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, natural oils or ceramides. His pick? RoC Barrier Renew Gentle Cleanser; $17, which checks all of the boxes.
Ahead, I’ve pulled together a list of the 14 best face cleansers for sensitive skin that will hopefully take the sting out of washing your face every day.
The Best Face Cleansers for Sensitive Skin at a Glance
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Meet the Expert
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and an associate professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Dr. Zeichner is considered one of the country's key leaders in treating acne and rosacea and is an expert in cosmeceuticals, skin care and cosmetic dermatology.
How I Chose the Best Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
I spoke with dermatologists and editors for their recommendations. I also looked for top rated and highly reviewed face cleansers across major retailers like QVC, Amazon, Sephora and Ulta Beauty to round out this list. All of the face cleansers featured had to meet specific criteria, including skin barrier-friendly ingredients, pricing and availability.
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Best Overall
1. RoC Barrier Renew Gentle Cleanser
What I Like:
- has a light gel-to-foam texture
- non-comedogenic
- fragrance-free
What I Don't Like:
- some reviewers report that the pump can be finicky
RoC
Dr. Zeichner is a fan of RoC’s Barrier Renew Gentle Cleanser. He says, “The light gel formula delivers that nice lather that consumers are often looking for, but because the surfactants used in the formula are advanced, it’s highly effective, but still gentle on the skin.Plus, it features a barrier repairing complex of ceramides, glycerin and green tea that soothe, hydrate and protect the outer skin layer.”
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: ceramides, glycerin and green tea
Editor's Pick
2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
What I Like:
- affordable
- easy to find at any drugstore
- has a lotion-y texture to it that's very hydrating
What I Don't Like:
- might not remove stubborn/waterproof makeup as well
Cetaphil
There’s a reason why I'm on my umpteenth bottle of this stuff: It works (and it's affordable). Cetaphil’s gentle facial cleanser was first recommended to me a few summers ago, when I was going through an eczema flareup and I haven't stopped using it since. The non-lathering formula leaves your skin feeling clean without drying it out or irritating it in the slightest. Formulated with a blend of vitamins B3 and B5 and hydrating glycerin, it helps defend against the most common signs of skin sensitivity like a weakened skin barrier, roughness and tightness.
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: vitamins B3 and B5, glycerin
Best Micellar Water
3. La Roche-Posay Ultra Micellar Cleansing Water Ultra
What I Like:
- good for removing eye makeup
- no rinsing required
What I Don't Like:
- need cotton rounds to use
- has a light fragrance to it
La Roche-Posay
Do makeup removers labeled as “sensitive” still sting the delicate skin around your eyes? This micellar water will be your saving grace. Thanks to little molecules called micelles that attract dirt, oil and makeup so they can easily be wiped away, it’s the perfect first step in a double-cleanse routine because it gently removes any residue from your face without stinging or stripping the skin. That said, it can just as easily be used on its own, as the French do.
"I have rosacea so my skin is very sensitive and reactive. This was recommended to me by my pharmacist in France. I was hesitant to use it at first just because other micellar waters didn't work for me, but I'm so glad I did. I either use it on its own or as the first step of a double cleanse on days that I wear extra sunscreen and/or tinted moisturizer. In any case, it's amazing stuff. It cleans well and feels wonderful!" shares one Ulta reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: micelles, poloxamer, glycerin
Best Fragrance-Free
4. Yes to Cucumbers Fragrance-Free Daily Cream Cleanser
What I Like:
- fragrance-free
- feels rich and creamy on skin
What I Don't Like:
- little to no lather to it
Yes To
With an avocado oil base, this creamy wash cleanses, moisturizes and soothes dry skin. Massage it in, rinse and you’ll be left with a smoother complexion that feels fresh, never tight. Reviewers say it’s gentle enough to use around the eyes to remove eye makeup, too. As one shares, “I have very sensitive skin and have tried many products. All burn my skin. This cleanser is so gentle and doesn't strip your skin and leaves [it feeling] soft and luxurious.”
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: avocado oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin
Best Luxury
5. Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel
What I Like:
- has a light gel texture that turns into a hydrating milk
- free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents and phthalates
What I Don't Like:
- is very pricey
Augustinus Bader
If you’re looking to coddle your skin, you may want to try Augustinus Bader’s silky cleanser. The unique formula starts off as a gel that morphs into a lightweight milky lather when you add water. As is the case with all of the brand’s products, the cleanser features TFC8® technology (a proprietary ingredient that nourishes skin, while supporting cellular renewal) and a blend of botanicals that cleanse your complexion.
One Sephora reviewer calls it "the biggest shopping mistake of [her] life" because its pricey, but "absolutely amazing." She adds, "[This] never left my skin dry, kept my oily forehead and chin perfectly balanced, prevented future breakouts, boosted my skin’s healing of pimple scars and left my face looking and feeling plump and cleansed everyday. It lasted me five months. Yeah. So, if you’re ready to be unsatisfied with possibly all future purchases of cleansers in your life, then buy this."
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: TFC9, rose flower water, aloe leaf juice
Best Drugstore
6. Olay Sensitive Calming Liquid Cleanser
What I Like:
- fragrance-free
- is soap- and dye-free
What I Don't Like:
- some reviewers report that it felt a bit heavy on skin
Olay
If you prefer a slightly sudsier cleansing experience, this pick is the way to go. While it definitely foams, Olay’s Sensitive Calming Liquid Cleanser is soap-free, which, as Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, and associate clinical professor at Yale University explained in a previous story, means it has a healthy pH level for your skin. It’s also infused with aloe and cucumber essences, which work with Olay’s gentle formula to help fight dry skin at the source.
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: glyceryl oleate
Best pH Balanced Cleanser
7. Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
What I Like:
- mild formula
- has an non-stripping pH level of 5.5
What I Don't Like:
- some reviewers report that it can be drying
Drunk Elephant
Not only is this cleanser effective at quelling excess oil, it’s also tough enough to remove eye makeup without stinging or burning, thanks to a blend of mild surfactants and emollients. It goes on like a gel, but lathers into a nice foam that clings to oil, makeup and grime and washes them down the drain. As one reviewer shares, "I have extremely sensitive skin. And that is not an exaggeration. One wrong ingredient and I’m breaking out, burning or red as a tomato. I was desperately searching for a new facial cleanser to clear up my skin when I got a sample of this from my local makeup store. After finishing the sample I immediately bought more and I will never go back."
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients:coconut-based surfactants, glycerin, cantaloupe fruit extract
The Cult Favorite
8. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
What I Like:
- pH balanced
- feels lightweight
What I Don't Like:
- bottle is a little small compared to the price
Glossier
This is one of Glossier’s most popular skincare products for a reason: It doesn’t leave your skin feeling irritated or dry like some other cleansers. The pH-balanced combination of rose water, comfrey root extract, pro vitamin B5 and poloxamer, a cleaning agent used in contact solution, is designed to be soothing, mild and refreshing. And according to the over 4,000 reviews, it’s that and much more. "I am in love with this cleanser. I don’t see myself ever switching to anything else. It does an amazing job of getting all the dirt and makeup off of my skin while also being so gentle. I’m not kidding when I say you can apply the product to wash off your eye makeup then open your eyes to see if you’ve removed it all and won’t feel a thing!," says one enamored user.
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: rose water, comfrey root extract, pro vitamin B5 and poloxamer
Best Smelling
9. Andalou Naturals Creamy Meyer Lemon Cleanser
What I Like:
- has a velvety lather to it
- cruelty-free
- made with 99 percent naturally derived ingredients
What I Don't Like:
- some reviewers report that it doesn't remove waterproof makeup
Andalou Naturals
This creamy, natural cleanser is so popular, it’s often sold out on the brand’s site. (Luckily, we were able to find it at Ulta and Amazon.) The mixture of fruit stem cell complex, vitamin C and manuka honey sloughs away dull, dead skin to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion underneath. Plus, the light citrus scent smells uplifting, which is especially nice when we’re feeling groggy in the morning. (In fact, more than one reviewer noted that the cleanser smells so good they want to eat it.)
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: Meyer lemon, vitamin E, vitamin B5, apple fruit stem cells
Best for Oily Skin
10. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser With Red Clay
What I Like:
- gives a deeper clean for oily skin
What I Don't Like:
- might be too drying for some
First Aid Beauty
There’s a reason clay masks are so popular: They absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. But they can sometimes cause skin to feel tight and dry. Not this clay cleanser. It’s actually a gel infused with red clay and rosemary leaf oil, which work to clear skin and balance sebum production without causing any harsh side effects. Bonus: It’s ideal for sensitive skin, because it’s free of alcohols, parabens, sulfates and artificial fragrances, all of which can cause irritation. "I’ve bought this twice now. It’s one of the best cleansers for us oily/combo girls. [It's] helped with decreasing my oil production but at the same time not dry out my skin," says one Sephora reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: red clay, rosemary leaf oil, glycerin
The Longtime Favorite
What I Like:
- has a mild, milky texture
- feels refreshing after you rinse
What I Don't Like:
- has a light cucumber scent to it that some people may not enjoy
Fresh
This best-selling cleanser is pH-balanced and suitable for all skin types, which definitely caught our attention. The gentle gel melts away makeup (yes, even mascara) without leaving your face feeling dry or tight. In fact, the results are just the opposite. Reviewers say their skin feels soft and refreshed after use. And they point out that it’s especially great for sensitive skin. With that info, we aren’t surprised it has over 8,000 five-star reviews on Sephora’s site, including this one: "I’ve been using this facial cleanser off and on for 6 years. Then though I’ve tried plenty of face washes I always come back to this one. I have very sensitive skin and this product is gentle."
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: soy proteins, cucumber extract, aloe vera
Best Cleansing Oil
12. Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
What I Like:
- you can use it on your face, body or scalp
What I Don't Like:
- some reviewers report that the packaging is finicky
Avène
- Main Ingredients: Avene thermal spring water, evening primose, jojoba seed oil
Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil was made for the most delicate of complexions—even eczema- and dermatitis-prone skin (it can also be used on newborns). Its hydrating, oil-based formula transforms into a gentle lather, and since it’s soap-free, it won’t strip your skin’s moisture barrier. Don't just take our word for it though, as one reviewer shares, "I cannot recommend this enough if you have sensitive skin. [It] can be used as face wash, body wash [and] even shampoo! I have really sensitive skin [and] everything else breaks me out. Since using this, my skin is incredibly calm. No more redness, itching or blemishes."
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
13. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
What I Like:
- good for treating and preventing breakouts
What I Don't Like:
- pricey
- might not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin
iS Clinical
A harsh cleanser is the last thing you need when you’re dealing with blemishes. The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex is gentle, but still chock-full of inflammation-fighting ingredients. Salicylic acid—in the form of white willow bark—exfoliates and whisks away excess oil, while centella asiatica (aka tiger grass) soothes redness and irritation.
Still, we can't deny that it's expensive, but as this reviewer on Amazon assures: "I know the price seems steep, but you really do only need a pea size amount. It lasts a long time if you only use what's necessary per wash and I promise you, you don't need more than the recommended amount for this cleanser to work its magic. It cleans my skin thoroughly without making it feel dry or stripped. It's also kept my skin the most balanced it's ever been in terms of dryness or oiliness. I was experiencing breakouts due to hormonal imbalance and as soon as I started using this cleanser it nearly halted the blemishes altogether. I will never buy another cleanser now, as far as I'm concerned."
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: white willow bark, centella asiatica
Best Gentle Exfoliator
14. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
What I Like:
- it's a non-scratchy or harsh exfoliant
- good for travel
What I Don't Like:
- on the pricier side
Dermalogica
This rice-based enzyme powder activates upon contact with water and almost feels creamy versus granular. But what makes the formula stand out is a blend of salicylic acid (most commonly seen in acne products) and soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea and colloidal oatmeal. "I deal with sensitive, dry, flaky skin and it hasn't been as bad recently while using this. My skin looks and feels smoother immediately after use, with no irritation or scratches on my skin. What I also love is you can control how gritty you want it to be for a simple wash or a deep exfoliation," shares one reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Main Ingredients: rice-enzymes, green tea, colloidal oatmeal
What to Consider When Looking for a Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
- Check that the cleanser includes gentle surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), especially in combination with cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) sodium cocoyl isethionate.
- Make sure the formula has hydrating ingredients (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) as well as skin barrier repairing ingredients (like ceramides and oils).
- A cleanser for sensitive skin should also have ingredients that soothe like vitamin E (tocopherol), allantoin, bisabolol, panthenol, centella asiatica, oats and niacinamide.
- The product shouldn’t leave leave your skin feeling tight after you rinse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can YouTell If YouHave Sensitive Skin?
“Skin sensitivity is basically an intolerance to the use of personal care products,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “Because of genetics, some people are more reactive to products that are applied to the skin. As a result, the skin may turn red and become dry and itchy in reaction to a variety of different ingredients ranging from fragrances to harsh actives,” he adds.
What Type of Face Wash Formula Is Best for Sensitive Skin?
“The squeaky-clean feeling that many people look for after face washing is actually a sign of post-wash dryness and can be damaging to the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “After cleansing you want your face to feel soft and fresh, but also hydrated.”
If you have sensitive skin, look for cleansers that contain gentle surfactants and hydrators like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, natural oils or ceramides.
What Ingredients Should People with Sensitive Skin Avoid?
“Traditional foaming cleansers are perhaps the most effective in removing oil and dirt from the skin but they tend to be the most drying. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can address blemishes but may irritate the skin if you have sensitive or easily reactive skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. Other common culprits of irritation include fragrance, drying alcohols and exfoliating acids.
How Often Should You Wash Your Face?
According to Dr. Zeichner, make sure to limit washing to twice per day, plus an additional wash after heavy sweating or a day where you’ve worn a full-face of makeup. Overwashing, even with the gentlest products, can still be damaging to the skin.
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Jenny Jin
Beauty Director
- Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
- Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
- Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond
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