Properly cleansing your skin is essential for maintaining healthy skin, but it’s hard to find the right product when you have dry, sensitive skin. It seems as though so many cleansers unfortunately make my skin even drier, leaving flaky patches or, on the other hand, a layer of residue leftover that makes my skin feel dirtier than it did to start with. I’ve tried lots of cleansers over the years, and while none have “cured” my sensitive skin, I’ve finally found the right products that remove makeup without stripping my skin, help protect my skin barrier, and leave me with clean yet hydrated skin.

best face wash for dry, sensitive skin

face reality barrier balance creamy cleanser

I was introduced to this cleanser by an esthetician, and while I’m always intrigued by professional recommendations, I’m typically a little skeptical of anything recommended after a facial because your skin is naturally going to feel and look good after 45+ minutes of treatment and love, but it doesn’t mean the products will feel as effective when you incorporate them at home. This is probably the only cleanser I’ve been recommended that I’m actually impressed with, and it’s the #1 cleanser I use daily (morning and night).

What surprised me about this cleanser is what while it has a creamy texture and feels like its cleansing your skin as you use it, it doesn’t really lather or foam up. Still, it’s one of the few cleansers that leaves my skin feeling soothed and hydrated - not dry or tight - after I use it, and you can’t beat the price for the quality you’re getting. I’m sure there are cheaper drugstore options out there, but this cleanser in particular makes me feel like I’m properly prepping my skin for the rest of my skincare routine, allowing those products to be as effective as possible.

I use this morning and night; you can use it twice if you double cleanse.

onelove organics botanical b enzyme cleansing oil

If you love to double cleanse your skin and want an oil-based cleanser that will get ALL makeup and residue off, this cleanser is incredible. It’s definitely an oil consistency but doesn’t feel greasy; it also doesn’t goop up your eyes like a lot of makeup removing balms do. The scent is incredible and reminiscent of a tropical vacation, but it’s not overpowering and it’s not artificial fragrance; the papaya enzyme will also gently exfoliate your skin without stripping natural oils.

One note: you can use two pumps. Sometimes I worry that I overdo it with cleansers and too much product isn’t the best for your skin, but I’ve consulted with a few estheticians who agree that two pumps is perfectly fine.

I order this on Amazon and have never had an issue with quality control or damaged shipments; it’s one of the few skincare products I trust ordering on Amazon.

face reality ultra gentle gel cleanser

If you prefer gel formulations over creams, you’ll love this cleanser. It’s sulfate-free, and I feel like it really gets all of the dirt/ luckiness off my face without drying my skin out. I love using it after a workout, outdoor walk, or heavy makeup day. You can use it twice if you double cleanse, too. I personally prefer a creamy cleanser more, which is why that’s ranked first, but this is another great option. It’s acne safe, and has green tea, which will reduce inflammation as well as redness; it soothes the skin and gently brightens, too. One bottle will last you around 6 months, and is $35; I think Face Reality is one probably the best affordable skincare lines out there and definitely worth trying.

alastin skincare gentle cleanser

This cleanser is more expensive, but it’s easier to order (you don’t need to link to an esthetician or rep, even if you’re ordering online). I used this on and off for a few years before being introduced to the Face Reality cleansers, and I’d almost describe it as a hybrid between Barrier Balance and the Ultra Gentle Gel Cleansers. It’s a thicker gel consistency that lathers really well; you only need the smallest amount, so one bottle will last you around 6 months. I don’t find it to be as nourishing or soothing as Barrier Balance, but it keeps my skin hydrated year-round and in all climates - no dry patches during the dry winter months felt like a miracle and made me a true fan of this cleanser.

skinmedica AHA/BHA exfoliating face wash

Typically, an exfoliating face wash isn’t ideal for those with dry skin. While it sounds like it will help buff away the dead cells and flakiness, you run the risk of over-exfoliating your face and drying your skin out even more.

There was a time (like 2 years total) when I used this face wash daily, and I will say that it’s gentle enough for daily use, but it didn’t take my skin to the next level. My skin didn’t feel dry or tight after using it, but I wasn’t all that hydrated, either, and relied on a heavier moisturizer to balance out my skin.

That being said, I do like to use this cleanser once a week to every 10 days, or after traveling when I want a deeper clean. This cleanser is one of the few exfoliating face washes that is safe for dry, sensitive skin, and does an incredible job of gently buffing away dry skin cells without stripping your natural oils. It’s a gel texture that lathers into a light foam, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry afterwards. I also find the AHA/ BHA combination in this cleanser to be much more mild than other cleansers out there; my sensitive skin never struggled with this. That being said, be sure to use sunscreen if you aren’t already, as AHA/ BHA does make you more sensitive to the sun.

It is a little pricey at $48 per bottle, but you can typically find this on sale at Dermstore; they also have a really great loyalty program, in my opinion. I personally subscribe on Amazon (1 bottle per year, but you can adjust the timeline or skip without penalty) and that saves me 10% without having to deal with another online retailer, as I already have Amazon Prime and all of that set up.