Best face wash for mature dry skin

Every morning, more or less, I brush my teeth and then hit the shower. I use regular soap, usually something fragrant from Dove, for my body, and a creamy shampoo for my hair. My face, however, gets special treatment. About every two to three days, or if I’m feeling extra greasy, I reach for a face wash, specifically Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser. I don’t have problematic skin, but I have learned that repeated washing with something generic can strip away essential natural oils. And this is even more damaging for those with dry skin.

“Regular face washes are focused on removing dirt and grease, so they will function as detergents to remove as much oil as possible,” explains Dr. James Y. Wang, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, and founder of Metropolis Dermatology. “However, this often backfires because it forces the skin to make even more oil to compensate.”

According to Dr. Wang, the best facial wash for dry skin will contain hydrators like oatmeal, humectants, and ceramides in the product. “They will also often lack salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and other ingredients that will cause tears on the surface of the skin,” he adds.

It is also important to consider the type of formula you plan to use. “Foaming cleansers, in general, tend to be better for oily skin, but there are exceptions,” says Dr. Muneeb Shah, dermatology resident at Campbell University in North Carolina. Dr. Joel Lamm, a board-certified dermatologist and Ever/Body’s supervising physician, also recommends creams, because they help “avoid drying out skin.”

So, if you are plagued by dry skin and need a facial wash that is up to snuff, we asked all three of these dermatologists to give their recommendations on the products you need to give your face the smooth, dewy finish that it deserves.

Cleansing probably isn’t the sexiest step in your skincare routine; however, it is the most vital. A deep cleanse every morning and night will not only leave your skin barrier feeling calm and hydrated, but it will also rid your skin of excess oils, makeup and dirt that set up camp on your face throughout the day (lovely, we know). What's more, washing your face will allow your skin to properly soak up the array of skincare goodies you layer on afterwards – think, serums, toners and moisturisers.

According to Dr. Sam Bunting, founder of Dr. Sam’s Skincare, the right face wash can help to alleviate a number of concerns – from a damaged barrier to acne – but if you’re working with a particularly dry complexion, it’s important to choose a hydrating formula. 'All cleansing has an impact on the skin’s barrier function – even the simple interaction with water depletes skin lipids and moisturising factors,' she explains. 'This is potentially troublesome for those with dry skin who have less barrier reserve.' And as we all know, the onset of freezing temperatures can take dryness and irritation even further, so it's more important than ever right now to find a face wash that's designed to hydrate as well as it cleans.

Which face wash is best for dry skin?

Cleansers and face washes can come in a variety of textures – from oils to gels, milks and balms. While most are fine for dry skin, Dr Bunting’s preference is a gel cleanser. 'The best ones have ultra-gentle surfactants that remove make-up, oil and grime with minimal disturbance of the skin’s lipid barrier.'

As well as the texture, you should also pay attention to what’s inside the formula to soothe dry skin. Dr Bunting suggests it’s about finding something that isn’t packed full of ingredients, but rather boasts a simple and effective formula. 'I recommend avoiding cleansers with fragrance, foaming agents and essential oils which can all trigger irritation and sensitivity in those with dry skin.'

Instead, look out for hydrators like humectants (that's your hyaluronic acid), ceramides, and conditioning ingredients like oatmeal as these will help to soothe and moisturise a parched complexion. Dr Bunting adds that it’s also important to cleanse with lukewarm water rather than hot as this can also leach away skin lipids. 'Pat skin gently, dry with a towel and avoid rubbing,' she says.

The best face washes for dry skin, according to the experts

Now the real question is: which one to go for? With such an array of products out there, finding your Holy Grail can be a lengthy (and pricy) process. So to save you the hard work, I've whittled down the overflowing shelves: here are the best face washes for dry skin that genuinely are worth adding to your skincare lineup.

We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team (and that of our sister team at the Good Housekeeping Institute).

Amid all the focus on face serums, moisturizers for dry skin, and anti-aging creams, you may forget about an important piece of the skincare puzzle: a good face wash—especially as dry skin becomes more prevalent as the weather changes. That’s where the best face wash for dry skin comes into play.

“Cleanser is a really big deal, especially during the extreme times of year, like winter,” says Tina Alster, M.D., director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and a clinical professor at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Why? Changes in temperature can zap moisture from your skin—so adding a harsh cleanser into the mix can spell trouble for your complexion. Your face wash is designed to clean the skin, so many are often packed with surfactants: soaps that draw dirt, oil, and grime from pores. This can strip even more moisture from the skin and lead to dry, flaky patches. It’s not just a matter of flakiness or that uncomfortable tight feeling—dry skin looks sallow, dull, and highlights lines and wrinkles.

Even if you’re dealing with acne, be careful about drying out your skin. “This causes micro-injuries to skin in which bacteria can enter and worsen acne. Even those with acne-prone skin need to be aware of how the dry, cold winter air impacts their complexion,” says Dr. Alster.

That’s where a gentle, hydrating face wash can work in your favor. “Cleansers are an incredibly powerful tool when dealing with dry skin,” adds Deirdre Hooper, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. But how do you choose when there are dozens of options on the market? Here, dermatologists explain what to look for in an effective face wash for sensitive skin.

How we chose the best face wash for dry skin

We consulted skin professionals, the Good Housekeeping Institute, which tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item, and reviewers who have shared some of their own insights.

Our top picks

• Best for Soothing Irritation

  Face Cleanser First Aid Beauty Read More

• Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser La Roche-Posay Read More

• Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel Neutrogena Read More

• Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser Neutrogena Read More

• Antirougeurs CLEAN Redness-Relief Refreshing Cleansing Lotion Avène Read More

• Best for Combination Skin

  Acne Facial Cleanser Mario Badescu Read More

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Best for Soothing Irritation

5 Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin

6 Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

7 Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel

8 Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser

9 Antirougeurs CLEAN Redness-Relief Refreshing Cleansing Lotion

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Best for Combination Skin

13 How to choose the best face wash for dry, sensitive skin

✔️ Go creamy: Many people switch to a gel cleanser in the summer months to help get oily skin under control and rein in shine in the humidity. But a creamy face wash is more beneficial if you have dry skin, says Dr. Alster. Look for labels that say “creamy” or “lotion,” appear white out of the bottle, or feel like a moisturizer when applied.

✔️ Avoid fragrances: It’s especially important to choose unscented products, as fragrances can spur irritation, says Dr. Hooper. Look for unscented or fragrance-free on the label. Sensitive skin products are another good go-to.

✔️ Look for moisturizing ingredients: Hyaluronic acid is a top-notch moisturizer because it attracts water to skin, says Dr. Alster. Glycerin and ceramides also deliver an extra boost of moisture, while aloe vera and soy can feel soothing.

✔️ Watch the anti-agers: Ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acids may help fight the signs of aging (and keep pesky blackheads at bay), but they will strip dry skin of the oil it needs. Keep these ingredients out of your face wash.Once you find a face wash you like, be sure to cleanse only once a day before bed if you’re feeling extra dry, says Dr. Hooper. (You can supplement with a micellar water or hydrating toner for your face in the morning.) Immediately after when skin is still damp, lock in hydration with a moisturizer for sensitive skin, she says.

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