SkinCare

best Face Wash

Finding a suitable best face wash for sensitive skin can be difficult, as many products may cause irritation, dryness, or tightness. The ideal cleanser should effectively remove impurities without compromising the skin’s natural moisture. It’s essential to choose gentle formulas free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, focusing on hydration and balance. Recommended options include La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser for overall use, Skinfix Barrier+ for flaky skin, and Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser for redness, among others. Always opt for alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and sulfate-free products to avoid irritation.

Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Understanding Sensitive Skin

To further aid in selecting the right face wash, it’s important to understand typical ingredients that cater specifically to sensitive and dry skin. For instance, aloe vera is known for its soothing properties, while chamomile can reduce inflammation. Look for products with these ingredients to enhance your cleansing routine.

Key Ingredients to Look For

When searching for the best face wash for sensitive skin, consider the following beneficial ingredients:

• Ceramides: Essential for restoring the skin barrier and retaining moisture.
• Niacinamide: Provides anti-inflammatory benefits that can help reduce redness.
• Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.
• Prebiotic Thermal Water: Helps soothe and balance the skin microbiome.

Understanding La Roche-Posay’s Philosophy

Application Tips for Sensitive Skin

To maximize the effectiveness of your best face wash, consider the following application tips:

1. Use lukewarm water instead of hot or cold, as extreme temperatures can irritate your skin.
2. Massage the cleanser gently into your skin for about 30 seconds to allow the ingredients to work effectively.
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleanser residue, which can lead to irritation if left on the skin.

La Roche-Posay’s commitment to sensitive skin is rooted in dermatology and clinical research. The brand collaborates with dermatologists to formulate products with high-tolerance formulas, ensuring they are suitable for even the most reactive skin types. Their dedication to quality is evident in their rigorous testing processes and use of thermal spring water, known for its skin-soothing qualities.

Sensitive skin can be a complex condition that requires careful attention. It reacts more quickly to environmental factors, skincare products, and even dietary changes. Many people with sensitive skin experience redness, burning, or itchiness. To better understand your skin type, consider keeping a skincare diary, noting reactions to products and environmental changes. This can help identify triggers and suitable products.

Why it’s worth it: We love the ultra-sudsy, cushiony feel of the Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser, but there’s so much more to this formula than its texture alone. Available in two options (Fragrance-Free and Fragranced), both formulations of this facial cleanser feature a skin-coddling mix of glycerin and betaine, a moisturizing amino acid. Dieux’s Gentle Cleansing Complex, a proprietary blend of coconut-based surfactants, provides a deep cleanse that won’t irritate sensitive, redness-prone complexions because the two ingredients soothe and soften the skin.

Testimonials include Sarah Hoffmann, a commerce producer, who states, “My skin is very sensitive, so I try to keep my regimen pretty gentle across the board with the exception of one active per routine (vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening).” Cleansers should only serve one purpose in my opinion: to cleanse my skin. This water-based cleanser effectively removes grime and excess oil without stripping the skin, which is exactly what I need to keep my reactive skin at bay.”
Key ingredients: glycerin, betaine, Gentle Cleansing Complex (coconut-based surfactants) | Fragrance-free: yes

Best face wash Travel-Friendly: Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic

Why it’s worth it: Innovation is at the heart of Olay’s Cleansing Melts, which is of course, why we gave it a 2024 Best of Beauty Award. The small squares quickly melt upon contact with water—and because there’s no liquid involved in the packaging, there’s no guesswork about whether or not you can bring them on your travels. We recommend the hyaluronic acid-infused melts, which are the only fragrance-free option, for sensitive and/or dry skin, even though it comes in two other versions: +Retinol and +Vitamin C. To activate the microbubble lather, rub your palms together until the Cleansing Melt fully breaks down and begins to build suds.
Tester feedback: “The disc gets nice and sudsy, and that’s when the magic starts,” says shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. “You can immediately feel your skin start to become clean. It is potent enough to remove all of my day’s makeup and other debris without drying my skin out. Additionally, it is travel-friendly and prevents TSA interrogations! Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes

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Best for Redness: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario, is a big fan of anything that contains oat and cucumber—and the Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser fits the bill. According to Dr., “These are gentle, calming ingredients that soothe the skin, restore moisture, and reduce inflammation.” Yadav. In addition, this gel cleanser is free of alcohol, sulfates, and other potentially irritating irritants, and it contains calming lavender to reduce rednessBest Micellar Cleanser: Bioderma Sensibio Mi

Best face wash Micellar Cleanser: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil

Why it’s worth it: The beauty of micellar-based cleansers, like the Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil, is in their gentle, watery texture that cleanses without irritating skin. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas, calls this her favorite cleanser for reactive skin types due to its calming oil-to-milk formula and ability to deep-cleanse without causing any irritation on all of her sensitive-skinned patients. “The price is right, it works well to remove waterproof makeup, and it leaves your skin silky smooth,” she says.

Best face wash No-Rinse: Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser

For those with skin so sensitive that even warm water can cause discomfort, Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Englewood, New Jersey, suggests using the Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser. While soothing and reassuring the skin, this non-foaming, rinse-free formula effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and makeup. Dr. According to Garshick, the primary component, Avène Thermal Spring Water, aids in the immediate relief of irritation and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, making it an excellent option for individuals whose skin is prone to irritation or is in the process of recovery.

Best face wash for Oily Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser, a foaming face wash made with cucumber extract and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate irritated skin, is recommended by Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Seattle, Washington. “I especially love using this face wash when I travel because it helps a lot with the irritation that inevitably occurs after a flight,” Dr. Park says. Plus, it’s infused with nourishing rosewater, also known for its calming properties. It thoroughly cleanses pores and reduces congestion, making it a solid pick for oily or combination skin types.

Best face wash for Acne-Prone Skin: Tata Harper Superkind Softening Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Tata Harper’s Superkind Fragrance-Free Softening Cleanser has one of the shortest ingredient lists available on the market—which, when it comes to sensitive skin, is very good thing. Dr. says, “[Tata Harper] ensures that its Superkind line is free of fragrances and parabens, and that it is also hypoallergenic.” Yadav elaborates. “It’s very moisturizing, which is essential for sensitive skin that experiences general discomfort due to a weakened moisture barrier,” It is essential to nurture the skin barrier because it can make the skin more susceptible to certain triggers, such as allergic reactions, as well as skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. This foaming face wash will produce more suds if you apply it with slightly damp hands.

Best for Removing Makeup: EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: The Best of Beauty-winning EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser starts as a cleansing oil (which is why it should be applied to dry skin) before quickly transforming into a gel as you massage. It finishes its transformation into a light, milky emulsion, similar to your favorite cream cleanser. We love the pumpkin enzymes, which provide ultra-gentle exfoliation, as well as the addition of conditioning meadowfoam seed oil and vitamin E. This mildly foaming cleanser treats pores and brightens and evens out skin tones with turmeric extract. Han shared feedback from testers, which included the following: “It’s really gentle, doesn’t sting my eyes, and has a pleasing consistency that melts away all of my makeup.” Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E, turmeric extract | Fragrance-free: yes

Best face wash for Rosacea: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: First Aid Beauty’s Pure Skin best Face wash does not contain any dyes, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, or other potentially harmful ingredients. Aloe vera and allantoin, two calming ingredients that deeply hydrate the skin and prevent inflammation, are also abundant in it. Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says that the cleanser’s antioxidant-rich ingredients can “protect the skin from environmental stressors,” making it impossible for oil and dirt to penetrate the skin after you’ve rinsed it off.

Best face wash Drugstore Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Do you want another cleanser that dermatologists recommend for sensitive skin? The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is here. “This fragrance-free, non-comedogenic face wash is super gentle, and you can use it with or without water,” says Dr. Park. She is not the only one who appreciates how cleansing alone leaves skin feeling incredibly supple and moist. Dr. Geddes-Bruce also gives this cleanser her seal of approval for sensitive skin types: “You get a gigantic stock for a reasonable price and can be confident that it will never irritate your skin,” she says. Further proof that it’s worth a buy? Over the years, it has received three Readers’ Choice Awards in addition to three Best of Beauty Awards. Tester feedback: “When I had an unfortunate incident with retinol (sensitivity, redness, burning), the Gentle Skin Cleanser was the only best face wash I could tolerate,” says one Allure tester. “It actually felt calming to apply the lotion-like formula to my skin.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sensitive skin and how do I know if I have it?
“Sensitive skin is skin that is more reactive than usual,” Illinois board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, previously told Allure. This means your skin can be easily irritated by the elements, air pollution, hormones, or, you guessed it, topical skin care products. Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Illinois, adds, “If you find yourself being cautious with trying new skin products or find that you’re frequently battling red, flaky, itchy, or bumpy skin, then you probably have sensitive skin.” It can be challenging to determine whether you have sensitive skin because “sensitive skin” is not a medical condition but rather a complaint or finding. Ask your dermatologist for tailored skin care advice if you suspect you might.
How should I choose a face wash for sensitive skin?
Adam Friedman, MD, a dermatologist in Washington, D.C., says, “You want to use gentle, hydrating cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin barrier of all its natural moisturizing factors.” He advises sudsing up with a cleanser that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, “which help keep water in the skin.” Tennessee-based board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, previously recommended using formulas that include soothing ingredients like licorice, rosehip oil, algae, and colloidal oatmeal.So before you wash your face, seek out products with as short an ingredient list as possible, says Dr. Irwin. “You want products that are free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates, especially for sensitive skin.” What ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure that people with sensitive skin should avoid sulfates, exfoliants, retinoids, isopropyl alcohol, glycolic, and salicylic acids—to name a few. “Some patients think they’re sensitive because they’re red and dry, but really they’re vaping, or smoking cigarettes or weed—so their skin isn’t as resilient as it used to be,” Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, previously told Allure. Topicals will not address your skin issues if they are caused by smoking or sun damage (please remember to wear sunscreen). Because sensitive skin is not a one-size-fits-all problem, your triggers might defy conventional wisdom. Therefore, pay close attention to your skin after using any new products and talk to your dermatologist for more information.
Meet the experts
New York City dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD is board-certified. Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario
Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas
Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist with board certification who practices in Englewood, New Jersey and New York City. Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington
Melissa Levin MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Illinois
Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Montclair, New Jersey
Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tennessee
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. For our list of the best face washes for sensitive skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, fragrance, texture, and product wear. In addition to testing each and every product that is included in each review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas. Our editorial team, which includes contributors and in-house writers and editors, determined that each product excelled in each category, with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. Read our complete reviews process and methodology page for additional information on our testing and reporting procedures. Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be looking for a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine or a face cream to address persistent dryness; you might also be looking for the most recent hair product launches. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, how can we really say that a skin care product is the “best” for people over 50 if we have only asked testers who haven’t turned 30 yet to give their opinions? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.