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16 Best Face Washes for Dry Skin to Cleanse And Hydrate Your Skin
Most drugstore cleansers are too harsh on dry and sensitive skin. Shop for the best face washes for dry skin as listed, to cleanse, hydrate, and pamper it.
Finding the right cleanser for dry skin can be quite tricky. Most drugstore face washes strip your skin of its natural moisture, making the skin dehydrated, tight, and dull. Hence, to ensure your skin’s needs are met, it is important to get your hands on the best dry-skin face washes to hydrate and mollycoddle it.
“For dry and sensitive skin, you want to look for more creamy, non-foaming cleansers”, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu. Such products give a rich, creamy lather and are gentler, and help maintain your skin’s pH levels while also cleansing it adequately. There are two types of moisturizing agents you need to look for in a dry skin face wash — a humectant that boosts your skin’s water content, and an occlusive to prevent trans-epidermal water loss. And, a good cleanser will provide these benefits without leaving a sticky residue on your skin. Besides, it is best to look for facial cleansers with a soap-free formula to protect your skin’s lipid barrier.
Our contributor Bart Nanka, Executive at Mudbrick Herb Cottage - a herbal brand, says, “People with dry skin should avoid harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and alcohol in face washes. They tend to strip natural oils from the skin, causing dryness to worsen. This is a unique case for those with acne, as many acne medications contain those ingredients. Instead, opt for gentle, natural cleansers with soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera.” 
To help you shop for the right facial cleanser, we have curated a list of our favorite product picks. Keep reading to learn more!
Our Top Picks:
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - Best Overall
2. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser - Best Non-comedogenic Formula
3. Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash - Best for pH Balance
4. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser - Best Exfoliating Face Wash
5. PAULA'S CHOICE RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser - Best to Protect the Moisture Barrier
6. GARNIER SKINACTIVE REFRESHING FACIAL CLEANSER- Best No-pore Clogging Formula
7. Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser- Best for Acne-prone Skin
8. AVEENO Daily Moisturizing FACIAL CLEANSER- Best for Sensitive Skin
9. NEOSTRATA RESURFACE Foaming Glycolic Wash- Best Soap-free Formula
10. Blue Nectar SHUBHR HONEY Face Cleanser- Best Antioxidant-rich Formula
16 Best Face Washes for Dry Skin with Moisture-rich Formulas
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil offers a holy grail of skincare products, and this gentle cleanser is no exception. Fortified with vitamin B3 and pro-vitamin B5, the product moisturizes the skin and makes it soft and plump (1) (2). This mollifies the cleansing action and ensures the product doesn’t dehydrate your skin. After cleansing your face with this lotion-like product, you can simply wipe it off with a clean towel/tissue and call it a day when you don’t have time to wash it off. This feature makes the product a good dry skin cleanser to travel with.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, and cetearyl alcohol
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Maintains skin’s pH balance
- No soap or sulfates
- Suits sensitive skin
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Replenishes the moisture barrier
Cons:
- Gives no luxurious, aromatic experience
2. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
With mild and skin-friendly ingredients, this CeraVe cleanser is one of the best face washes for dry skin. It has hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin cells retain moisture and look firmer, plumper, and younger (3). Ceramides, which refresh the skin and lock in its water content, are also present in the cleanser. Its MVE technology offers a regulated release of moisture, keeping your face hydrated all day. A good product for sensitive skin, its sulfate-free solution doesn't dry out your skin or mess with its pH levels.
Key Ingredients: 3 essential ceramides, and hyaluronic acid
Pros:
- Paraben-free
- Rich in vitamin E
- Great for all skin types
- Non-comedogenic
- Efficient pump dispenser
- Contains no fragrance
- Suitable for daily, frequent use
Cons:
- Doesn’t give a foamy feel
3. Simple KIND TO SKIN moisturising facial wash
As the name suggests, this moisturizing face wash for dry and sensitive skin is kind to the skin as it has a very gentle formulation. Specifically made for sensitive skin, this cleanser generously replenishes the epidermal layer and protects its natural moisture barrier — great to boost your skin’s overall health. Besides, the pH level of this product is similar to that of your skin, so you don’t have to worry about your skin getting irritated or inflamed.
Key Ingredients: ⍺-bisabolol, and vitamin E
Pros:
- Mild formulation
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Makes skin smooth
- Plush, translucent lather
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
- No artificial perfume
- Free from harsh chemicals
Cons:
- Contains SLES
4. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
As it caters to dry skin types that often experience dullness and flakiness, this face wash by Murad is a great investment for gentle exfoliation. Formulated with glycolic acid and salicylic acid, this product helps resurface new skin cells, thereby clarifying and brightening your complexion. Plus, it contains rich moisturizing ingredients such as trehalose, urea, and jojoba esters that alleviate the abrasion and replenish your skin. This is the kind of face wash you can count on after exposure to the sun and environmental stressors, and trust it to restore your skin’s lost glow!
Pros:
- Fights free radicals
- Helps with oil control
- Unscented
- Lean formulation
- Suits almost all skin types
- Prevents whiteheads/blackheads
- A little goes a long way
Cons:
- Contains sulfate
5. Nivea Milk Delights Face Wash
This gentle yet effective face wash is specially formulated to nourish and hydrate your skin, giving you a fresh and radiant complexion. Enriched with the goodness of honey, this face wash provides deep moisturization, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple. The creamy texture gently cleanses your skin, removing impurities and excess oil without stripping away its natural moisture. With its mild formula, it helps maintain the skin's natural pH balance, keeping it healthy and balanced.
Key Ingredients: Honey, and milk
Pros:
- Climate pledge-friendly
- No skin irritation
- No dryness
- Gives instant moisturization
Cons:
- Poor packaging
6. PAULA'S CHOICE Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
This foaming cleanser by Paula’s Choice has a luxurious texture and is very gentle on sensitive skin hence, it does not strip off your skin’s natural moisture. Additionally, it is formulated with humectants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and ceramides that deeply hydrate your skin, soothe inflammation, and provide a moisture barrier. This dry skin face wash not only purifies the skin’s pores but also tightens it for a plump and youthful look. It is incredible for skin of all ages as it tackles many problems from breakouts to wrinkles. If you double-cleanse your skin at night time, then this is a good product to use followed by an oil-based cleanser.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and essential ceramides
Pros:
- No parabens
- No fragrance
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight formula
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Alleviates inflammation
Cons:
- Inefficient container
7. GARNIER SKINACTIVE REFRESHING FACIAL CLEANSER
This refreshing facial cleanser is designed to deeply cleanse and purify your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Formulated with natural ingredients, this facial cleanser effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin without stripping away its natural moisture. The gentle yet powerful formula works to unclog pores and remove excess sebum, promoting a clearer and healthier complexion. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this cleanser will leave your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and ready to take on the day.
Key Ingredients: Aloe juice
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- No sulfates
- No pore-clogging residue
Cons:
- Poor packaging
8. Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser
This facial cleanser by Obagi contains pro-vitamin B5 — a powerful skin conditioner that replenishes dry skin and reduces irritation (2). The formula also leverages the power of botanically-sourced amino acids and hydrating ingredients that resurface the skin’s natural barrier and prevent moisture loss due to cleansing. It does not tamper with the pH of your skin and is relatively safe for sensitive skin. Nonetheless, the formula is soap-based, so don’t use it twice a day as recommended on the packaging.
Key Ingredients: Oat amino acids, aloe vera, apricot oil, and sage leaf extracts
Pros:
- Very soothing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Luxury beauty product
- A little goes a long way
- Good for acne-prone skin, and teenager
Cons:
- Contains sulfate
9. AVEENO Daily Moisturizing FACIAL CLEANSER
Aveeno’s plant-based cleanser is not only gentle on your skin but also on the environment as it is non-GMO and biodegradable. Formulated with oat flour, this dry skin face wash helps get rid of excess sebum, dirt, and pollution from your skin while also moisturizing it (5). Plus, the product contains other gentle ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier and pamper it. What we and other users of this product love is that it is free from unnecessary filler ingredients that often cause side effects.
Key Ingredients: Oat flour, and coco-glucoside
Pros:
- Soap-free formula
- No added fragrance
- Makes skin soft and supple
- Suits sensitive skin types
- Gives a rich lather
- Cleanses well
Cons:
- Oat flour smell is off-putting
10. NEOSTRATA RESURFACE Foaming Glycolic Wash
With the power of glycolic acid, this face wash exfoliates dead skin cells to counter dull-looking skin — something that people with dry skin often struggle with. The formula works wonders in improving your skin’s radiance and doubles up as a makeshift toner. You will thoroughly enjoy the luscious foam the formula produces, which reassures you of its cleansing action. Plus, with this cleanser, you can get rid of problems such as clogged pores and sebum plugs.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, and grapefruit peel oil
Pros:
- Retexturizes your skin
- Soap-free formula
- Diminishes dark spots
- Smoothes skin’s surface
- Prevents comedo-induced acne
Cons:
- Not for sensitive skin
- Denat alcohol can be too harsh
11. Blue Nectar SHUBHR HONEY Face Cleanser
Plush with invigorating botanical extracts, this dry skin face cleanser by Blue Nectar provides your skin with the nourishment it deserves. It contains emollient ingredients such as raw honey that soften your skin’s texture — excellent to relieve that uncomfortable scaly, grimy feel on your face. The product is perfect if you’re looking for a very mild cleanser that has some enriching properties to indulge your senses.
Key Ingredients: Raw honey, aloe vera, rose extracts, and glycerin
Pros:
- Pleasant and mild scent
- Suits most skin types
- Makes skin plumper
- Prevents breakouts
- Rich in antioxidants
- Works as a makeshift toner
Cons:
- Inefficient dispenser for the thick formula
12. plum hello aloe Skin-loving Face Wash
This refreshing face wash for dry skin is both skin and environmentally friendly. The product is rich in hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera and olive oil, so the cleansing action does not strip your skin of its natural moisture. Besides, a very small quantity of the product gives a rich, foamy lather and goes a long way in making your skin squeaky clean.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, and olive oil
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Soothing benefits
- Very refreshing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Safe for frequent use
- Clean formulation
Cons:
- Contains SLES
13. AROMATICA REVIVING ROSE INFUSION CREAM CLEANSER
Indulge in the goodness of this creamy dry skin face wash by Aromatica to rejuvenate your senses with rose extracts. Formulated with invigorating botanicals, the cleanser nourishes your skin and fortifies it with antioxidants. The product has a sublime texture and a little amount goes a long way in giving you a rich, foamy lather. Besides, your skin will love the moisturizing effects of this refreshing formula.
Key Ingredients: Damask rose, and marigold flower extracts
Pros:
- Safe for frequent use
- Cruelty-free
- Naturally-derived
- Certified organic ingredients
- Luxuriously hydrating
Cons:
- Leaves a thin residue
14. Curél Foaming Facial Wash
This foaming face wash for dry skin is moisturizing enough to meet your skin’s needs. It has a pH-balanced formula that won’t tamper with your skin barrier or cause irritation. The product thoroughly cleanses your face of dirt, pollution, and impurities and regulates its sebum production. For the best results, use this product once every day or every two days.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Suits sensitive skin
- Protects skin’s lipid barrier
- Removes makeup traces
- Efficient pump dispenser
Cons:
- Contains parabens
15. THAYERS HYDRATING MILKY CLEANSER
Crafted with a blend of natural ingredients, including snow mushroom and hyaluronic acid, this face cleanser is specifically formulated to hydrate and replenish your skin. Snow mushroom extract helps to lock in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and revitalized. Hyaluronic acid, known for its excellent hydrating properties, helps to plump and smooth the skin for a youthful and radiant complexion. Adding on, the milky consistency of this cleanser creates a luxuriously creamy lather, making it a pleasure to use.
Key Ingredients: Snow mushroom, hyaluronic acid, and elderflower water
Pros:
-Dermatologist-tested
-Cruelty-free
-Paraben-free
-No gluten
-Non-comedogenic
Cons:
- A little sticky texture
16. Biore HYDRATE & GLOW GENTLE CLEANSER
Designed to provide you with a deep and thorough cleanse, this premium product will leave your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, and glowing. Infused with the brand's unique formula, this gentle cleanser effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin, unclogging pores and preventing breakouts. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it maintains the skin's natural moisture barrier, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and nourished. Furthermore, skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts added in the cleanser work together to deliver intense hydration, making skin healthy and plump.
Key Ingredients: Coconut water and prebiotics
Pros:
-Dermatologist-tested
-Cruelty-free
-No parabens
-Fragrance-free
-Gentle on the skin
Cons:
- Does not lather well
Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best face washes for dry skin, let us go through the following buying guide to make the best of it.
How to Pick the Best Face Washes for Dry Skin?
Moisturizing Properties: Dry skin types are prone to dehydration caused by cleansing action or trans-epidermal water loss. Hence, your dry skin face wash must be rich in humectants, emollients, and occlusives — to boost hydration, seal in natural moisture, and soften the skin’s texture.
Our contributor Bart Nanka, says, “One must look for products with humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera, which draw moisture into the skin. Occlusives like shea butter and jojoba oil also help lock in moisture, providing a protective barrier between your skin & your environment.”
Texture: Texture also plays a crucial role in selecting the best face wash for dry skin. Look for creamy or gel cleansers rather than foam-based ones. Foaming cleansers tend to be more drying and can strip away the natural oils from your skin, leaving it feeling even dry and tight. Creamy or gel cleansers, on the other hand, are gentle and provide a more moisturizing effect, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.
Gentle Exfoliants Go a Long Way: People with dry and sensitive skin types often skip exfoliating their faces as the abrasive action can be too harsh for them. Hence, it always helps if their face wash contains chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid or lactic acid to gently get rid of dead skin cells and sebum plugs from the skin. Also, these ingredients give an even tone to the skin and reveal your radiant complexion.
Soap-free Formulation: Soap-based products often contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) that give a cleansing “sensation” to your skin. However, these products are harsh for dry and sensitive skin types if used in excess amounts. While it is best to look for sulfate-free formulations in your cleansers, even if you’re using such products, ensure you don’t apply it to your face more than once in two days for the best results.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it! The above-mentioned products are some of the best face washes for dry skin types. These products are highly and positively reviewed by their users and are anecdotally proven to nourish, moisturize and pamper dry and sensitive skin. Ensure you refer to our buying guide and read the ingredients list of the products before investing. Happy shopping!
Contributor: Bart Nanka, Executive at Mudbrick Herb Cottage
Why Trust Pinkvilla?
Our in-house skincare aficionado Anoushka believes that people with dry and dehydrated skin require a face wash that caters to their needs. They should contain natural oils, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling clean and moisturized. After testing the listed products, she fell in love with Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser. It made her skin soft, plump, and moisturized. It is also hypoallergic and non-comedogenic, putting it at the top of the list.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Sources
1. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/
2. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/
3. Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8347214/
4. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
5. Prebiotic Colloidal Oat Supports the Growth of Cutaneous Commensal Bacteria Including S. epidermidis and Enhances the Production of Lactic Acid
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