The 13 best cleansers and face washes for dry skin, per thorough testing (2024)

If you’re struggling with dry skin, we don’t have to tell you twice: the best cleansers can make a difference.

It’s not just about removing impurities, either. Of course, we all want that fresh-and-clean feeling, but we also need a formula that won’t strip our skin in the process. It has to be gentle, and it has to be hydrating.

Take it from me, someone who has been combatting dry skin for years. After plenty of visits with my dermatologist saying I have contact dermatitis, we talked through how imperative it is to use a hydrating, nurturing cleanser. Add sensitive skin or acne to the mix, and the ingredients matter more than ever.

RELATED: Best niacinamide serums we reviewed

“Cleansers for dry skin should generally focus on preserving and enhancing the skin’s moisture levels,” Jeremy Brauer, MD, board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser. “When picking the right cleanser for dry skin, the ingredients are very important as they should be working to repair the skin barrier’s function rather than stripping the skin. Using a good cleanser on dry skin can work to alleviate discomfort, minimize the look of flaking and peeling, and help the skin feel balanced.”

After reviewing nearly every skincare product sold on the Sephora shelves (and elsewhere), I’ve corralled more than 4 years of experience swapping out brands and formulations to put together this review of the very best cleansers for dry skin.

All of our shopping guides are important here at Post Wanted, but this one rings close to home. As always, consult with a board-certified dermatologist to find the best routine for you. Below, you’ll find the cleansers that I’d use every day because they help nurture and hydrate at a high level.

Additionally, check out the in-depth FAQ section following each review for the 411 from derms.

Best Cleansers

Product Spotlight

Spongelle Hogwarts Gift Set Harry Potter Collection

The Spongelle Hogwarts Gift Set from the Harry Potter Collection offers a magical bathing experience for fans of the wizarding world. This enchanting set features four Body Wash Infused Buffers, each inspired by a Hogwarts house: Gryffindor’s Godric’s Courage, Hufflepuff’s Helga’s Loyalty, Ravenclaw’s Rowena’s Wisdom, and Slytherin’s Salazar’s Ambition.Each buffer is infused with a unique fragrance that captures the essence of its corresponding house, from Gryffindor’s red rose and musk to Slytherin’s emerald ivy and amber notes.

These innovative cleansing buffers combine the benefits of a body wash, exfoliator, and aromatherapy treatment in one convenient product. Made with non-toxic, paraben-free, and vegan-friendly ingredients, they’re suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.The patented technology ensures each buffer lasts for at least 7 washes, releasing cloud-like suds and a soothing fragrance when activated with water.

SPONGELLE $45.00

Best Overall: Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

After testing the Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser for two years straight, it’s always the formulation I return to when I desire a trusty and nourishing face wash. The best part? It’s budget-friendly, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. So, instead of being solely geared toward dry skin, it’s just as phenomenal on my sensitive skin.

More than 8,000 shoppers purchase it each month on Amazon alone, though this rockstar cleanser is available elsewhere, too. Because of its cream-to-foam feel, I always notice it effectively washes away impurities but then lathers beautifully onto the skin. It’s like using a cleanser-moisturizer hybrid. Plus, it hails from a dermatologist-loved brand.

Key ingredients: Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Prebiotic Aloe | Size:16 fluid ounces

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

If you’ve ever perused the Target beauty aisles or have seen dermatologist-recommended products on advertisements, you’re likely familiar with CeraVe. Its Foaming Facial Cleanser is top-notch, especially if you’re looking for a cleanser that’s “safe.” It has never led to breakouts and it certainly is one I reach for if I’m looking to add a new product to my skincare routine, say a new vitamin C serum or a face mask.

While it’s marketed for normal to oily skin, I find it works best for dry skin. It doesn’t leave that filmy texture that’s so common with drugstore cleansers (spoiler alert: we don’t want them, and never did). It doesn’t disrupt the skin barrier, making it ideal for dry and even flaky areas of the face, like I’ve found around my jawline.

Additionally, it’s packed with three essential ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, so it’s bringing you a dermatologist-approved trifecta that has fared well for my skin in the long haul. If you want to avoid a pricier cleanser, this drugstore hero is the way to go.

Key ingredients: Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II; Hyaluronic Acid | Size: 0.97 fluid ounces

Best Cleansing Balm for Flaky Skin: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Another cleansing balm so good for extremely dry skin that it deserved a full review, too. The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is your best hydrant for unwanted, pesky flakes you may have, with a melted chocolate consistency that’s like no other. Not only does it nourish the skin but it almost provides it with a second coating to lock in moisture. No stripping the skin here.

In my standalone review, I dubbed it a “whipped smoothie when you brush your fingers through it,” and still stand behind that description. Its deep nourishment and calming properties make it worth every penny.

Key ingredients: Lavender, Chamomile, and Eucalyptus with Elderberry, Starflower, and Optimega Oils | Size: 19.60 fluid ounces

Best Cleansing Balm: Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm

The Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm is foamy upon use, so it’s a bit more effective at removingallof your makeup — for less than $20! It’s one of the best cleansing balms I used for dry skin that doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

A nickel-size amount is all you need, or else it may make your skin shiny. I noticed a subtle shine at the center of my forehead but, once I added more water, the cleansing balm immediately foamed up and resolved that issue. It’s also so good, that I wrote an entire review on it.

Key ingredients: n/a | Size: 2.20 fluid ounces

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a sensitive- and dry-skin-approved option that’s worth grabbing. Take it from me, someone who has reviewed nearly the entire brand.

It’s fragrance-free, contains niacinamide and doesn’t strip the epidermis of my skin. Instead, it’s hydrating, effectively removes impurities — especially at the end of the day — and is formulated with the brand’s signature thermal spring water that hails from France. Feel-good cleansing, secured.

Key ingredients: Ceramide-3, Niacinamide | Size: 13.52 fluid ounces

Best Oil: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

I was extremely impressed the first time I tried the ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. Ever since, it has been a Korean skincare essential that truly mitigates the appearance of pores, especially on the nose.

As a No. 1 Amazon best-seller with more than 10,000 glistening reviews, it lends itself to that glass-skin look, similar to nearly *every* product from COSRX that I reviewed. It’s also hypoallergenic, gentle on the skin and even gentler on the eyes. After using it, it feels like I used a cleanser and an eye cream. For the price, it’s spectacular.

Key ingredients: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil | Size: 6.78 fluid ounces

Best Cream:

Doused with hydration and a creaminess like no other, the Alpyn Beauty Juneberry & Collagen Hydrating Cream Cleanser is a dreamboat to use in the winter months or if you have extremely, extremely dry skin. I reviewed the entirety of Alpyn Beauty and swear by it; it’s the first skincare brand I used consistently that made a noticeable difference to my skin.

It gently exfoliates dry skin thanks to its micro-beads that melt away once it hits the skin. So, it’s non-irritating, leaves my skin soft and smooth every time and contains plant-based collagen for a dreamy finish.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin C | Size: n/a

Best Gel: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Sometimes, a gel cleanser is preferred. Its consistency is one of the most beneficial for a deep cleanse, helping to reverse the effect of dry skin that has minor oily spots. Options like the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel offer a refreshing and cooling sensation as well.

This particular cleanser is offered in three different size options to accommodate different budgets. More than 2,000 shoppers purchased it this month on Amazon alone, thanks to its effective cleanse and fragrance-free formulation. Plus, it’s an option that’s wholly recommended by dermatologists.

Key ingredients: n/a | Size: 16.9 fluid ounces

Best Korean: COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser

The COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser has a tacky, bubble-forming consistency that instantly nourishes my skin whenever I use it. It’s one of those cleansers that feels like it’s instantly working, leaving my skin ultra-clean and hydrated, too.

The brand has hit peak popularity status, with more than 10,000 shoppers purchasing it on Amazon alone. It’s paraben-free and feels refreshing whenever it’s used. As a whole, it’s one I love to use in the mornings.

Key ingredients: Snail Secretion Filtrate | Size: 5.07 fluid ounces

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser

The Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser feels like a dream. If your dry skin is prone to hormonal acne like mine at times, this face wash is the one I reach for.

Specifically, it contains salicylic to help keep blackheads at bay while maintaining its nourishing texture. It’s ultra-light but nourishing at the same time, helping to remove pores but keeping that dry skin feeling at a minimum. For less than $25, it’s one of my favorites to use.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 6 fluid ounces

Best with Vitamin C: 111skin Black Diamond Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser

Though I haven’t been using the 111skin Black Diamond Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser for a long time, it’s been a good time. It’s one of the nicest to apply and lather.

It does a fantastic job at washing away impurities and visibly brightens, thanks to its vitamin C ingredient. It’s pretty phenomenal, though a splurge, and I love how it’s a two-in-one face wash and brightener.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Glucoside complex | Size: 8 fluid ounces

Best Soothing: Versed Soft Launch Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

The Versed Soft Launch Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a winner for how it nourishes the skin into baby- soft smoothness. For less than $15, it’s incredible how effective and hydrating this new formulation is on my skin whenever I use it.

Not only is it the ideal budget-friendly product to layer serums and creams on top of but it contains hyaluronic acid to add some bounce to your skin.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera juice, Vitamin B5 | Size: 8 fluid ounces

An FAQ on Cleansers for Dry Skin

Ahead, Post Wanted consulted three board-certified dermatologists to weigh in on what to look for in a quality face cleanser.

What are some attributes of dry skin?

First things first — let’s define what dry skin feels like. Of course, if you have dry skin, you’ll likely know, but it’s normal for your skin’s texture to change every so often, which is why the particular cleanser you choose is important.

“Dry skin tends to have a tight sensation, can be itchy, flaky or scaly,” Mina Amin, MD, board-certified dermatologist, shared with The Post. ”A great way to know if you have dry skin is to wash your skin and wait one hour. If your skin is dry and tight, you likely have dry skin.”

What makes a cleanser good for dry skin?

For dry skin, look for gentle, pH-balanced, fragrance-free hydrating cleansers that will not strip and irritate skin, according to Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

What ingredients should one look for in a cleanser for dry skin?

For dry skin, look for glycerin or ceramides to boost your skin barrier. Glycerin is an important ingredient as it cleanses the skin without stripping away its natural moisture.

“Ceramides are also a great ingredient as they help improve the skin’s barrier function,” Dr. Brauer added. “This barrier helps to prevent moisture loss, keep the skin hydrated, and protect it from environmental irritants.”How often should one use a cleanser for dry skin?

What ingredients should one avoid in a cleanser for dry skin?

It’s important to avoid harsh soaps, fragrances, or chemicals that can be drying when picking the right cleanser.

“Fragrances are crucial to avoid because most perfumes contain alcohol, which can strip away natural oils and leave your skin feeling dry and tight,” Brauer noted. “Fragrances can also be irritating and cause your skin to flake off.”

Parabens should also be avoided in dry skin cleansers. “While they help to prolong the shelf life of products, they can also have a drying effect on your skin,” he added.

How often should I use a cleanser for dry skin?

According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, cleanse nightly. “Most individuals with dry skin can skip a morning cleanse,” she advised. “If your skin feels dry upon waking, skip the cleanse or just splash with water and pat dry.”

How we tested

After rotating face cleansers for my dry skin for four years, here’s what I’ve been keeping in mind for each product:

• Formulation: Is it hydrating? Is it effective at cleansing away impurities? These factors were majorly taken into account.
• Irritation levels: I have incredibly dry skin that’s also sensitive, so I made a note if any product broke me out in any way (spoiler alert: thankfully, they didn’t).
• Versatility: Depending on the consistency, some are better to layer serums and moisturizers on top of, while others feel like a cleanser-moisturizer hybrid. This was taken into account for each cleanser tested.

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.