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The best face washes for sensitive skin, according to dermatologists
As a makeup-loving gym-goer who has dealt with eczema, rosacea and a whole host of skin flare-ups, my quest to find the best face washes for sensitive skin has been long and winding. But I've learned a lot along the way: what skin care is worth investing in and what you can skip, the importance of a skin care routine that's catered to your specific skin type and why protecting your skin barrier is actually really important.
Ahead, I've consulted six dermatologists on everything you need to know about finding the right face wash for your sensitive skin, whether it's dry, oily, combination or acne-prone, along with their top picks. And if you're looking for the best moisturizers for dry skin or sunscreens for sensitive skin, we (and a whole range of skin experts) have got you covered there too.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
An extremely popular recommendation selected by nearly all the dermatologists we spoke with, this gentle cleanser boasts a 'no-frills formula, free from fragrance, dyes, parabens and sulfates,' said Dr. Hallie McDonald, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Erly. 'It's a top choice for ultra-sensitive or allergy-prone skin, and well suited for conditions like eczema and rosacea.' The cleanser also contains glycerin, making it both gentle and hydrating for the skin, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Kim.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Dr. Edward Chen, a board-certified dermatologist and GoPure dermatology advisor, called this gentle and popular pick an 'excellent, nonirritating cleanser for eczema-prone skin.' Dr. Tiffany Libby, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, also said it's a great choice for sensitive or dry skin and is formulated to remove dirt, makeup and impurities 'while maintaining the skin's natural pH balance.' It even works without water, McDonald said, 'making it a versatile and calming option, particularly for dry or normal skin in colder months."
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Another derm-favorite, this cleanser features niacinamide and ceramides to keep skin hydrated and soothed. Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, said its creamy texture is ideal for sensitive skin. While it's free from parabens, fragrances and sulfates, it does include the brand's proprietary thermal spring water, which Dr. Maxine Warren, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology of the Rockies, said boasts antioxidant and soothing properties ideal for rosacea-prone skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
'This pH-balanced cleanser contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help restore and maintain the skin's protective barrier while hydrating,' Westbay said. Also recommended by Warren and McDonald, ceramides are a popular ingredient that work to hydrate your skin while cleansing it and without compromising your natural skin barrier. The creamy, foaming texture of the cleanser doesn't lather, which reduces the potential for irritation, according to Westbay.
Aestura Atobarrier365 Foaming Cleanser
After cleansing, 'your skin should feel fresh and refreshed without feeling overly dry or squeaky,' Kim said. One of his favorite options is this gentle, pH-balancing foaming cleanser from Aestura. 'It's packed with glycerin to lightly cleanse the skin without damaging the skin barrier,' he said and 'has a mildly acidic pH to keep the skin barrier intact.'
Derma E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
According to Libby, this cleanser is 'the perfect choice for keeping sensitive skin hydrated and comfortable.' Specifically, the formulation includes hyaluronic acid, a popular humectant found in tons of skin care. "[Hyaluronic acid] attracts and retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water, ensuring deep hydration while helping to calm and soothe, alongside chamomile, throughout the cleaning process," Libby said.
Alastin Skincare Gentle Cleanser
Warren recommends this luxurious foaming gel face wash, which thoroughly cleanses your skin while keeping it soft and hydrated. In addition to being noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, the formulation includes oat kernel extract, which aims to soothe irritated skin.
GoPure Gentle Gel Cleanser
Chen recommends this gel cleanser, which is formulated with niacinamide, a popular skin care ingredient that boasts a host of benefits from improving skin barrier function to reducing inflammation and boosting skin elasticity. It also features vitamin C, which is particularly beneficial for those with hyperpigmentation.
Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
This cleanser is 'specifically formulated for hypersensitive and irritable skin, offering an ultra-gentle cleansing solution that effectively removes impurities without causing irritation,' Libby said. 'Its minimalist formula ensures skin comfort and preserves the integrity of even the most sensitive skin types.'
Aveeno Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
'This cleanser is packed with oat extracts for a calming effect and will lightly cleanse your skin without irritating it," Kim said. The hypoallergenic formula is made with oat to soothe and nourish.
Skinfix Barrier+ Foaming Oil Cleanser
'I am quite literally obsessed with this cleanser,' Westbay said. According to the dermatologist, it boasts a hydrating triple-lipid complex, which restores ceramide and fatty acid levels, as well as aloe, which supports water retention and is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and amino acids. 'Despite being so luscious, it's oil-free and does not cause breakouts,' she said. It can even help remove stubborn makeup.
Erly Face Foam
McDonald describes this face wash from her skin care line as a 'hypoallergenic, fragrance-free foaming cleanser designed for all skin types,' including those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. 'It cleans without disrupting the barrier, making it a particularly good option for those with combination or oily sensitive skin," she said.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
'This no-rinse, cult-favorite cleanser uses micellar technology to gently remove dirt, makeup and impurities without irritating the skin,' Westbay said. 'It's alcohol-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it an ideal option for those with sensitive skin."
Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser
'This cleanser is formulated to remove makeup and mineral sunscreen in a single step with no need to double cleanse,' Westbay said. 'It's a multibenefit, skin barrier-boosting solution that's pH balancing and supports the skin's microbiome, as well as promotes gentle exfoliation.'
Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide and Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser
For those with dry skin, Warren suggests a cleanser with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides. This gentle option, one of her top picks, is all about protecting your skin's barrier and natural lipids while thoroughly cleansing your skin of makeup, pollutants and more. 'When choosing a face wash for sensitive skin, it's important to keep the formula simple and soothing,' McDonald said. Our experts recommend opting for cleansers that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and pH balanced, all of which work to reduce the likelihood of irritation.
Libby recommends considering your specific type of sensitive skin. 'For dry and sensitive skin, opt for creamy, non-foaming cleansers that don't remove essential oils from your skin,' she said. 'For oily and sensitive skin, you may prefer foaming or gel-based cleansers that are gentle yet effective in removing excess sebum without drying out the skin.'
Some ingredients to look for? Humectants like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin work to retain moisture and support your skin's barrier, Westbay said. Emollients like ceramides, petrolatum, lanolin, squalane and mineral oil can help reduce water loss, she added, which is particularly helpful for those with dry skin. Ingredients like licorice, rosehip oil, algae, aloe, chamomile and colloidal oatmeal are popular for calming and soothing sensitive skin.
'Avoid sulfates that can be drying and irritating, alcohols that can dehydrate and irritate the skin, fragrance (a common irritant) and harsh exfoliants,' Westbay said. This also applies to common skin care ingredients like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide — which McDonald said you should avoid unless prescribed — as well as alpha and beta hydroxy acids or witch hazel that 'can excessively exfoliate and dry the skin, especially if you're eczema or rosacea prone,' Chen said.
'When trying a new cleanser, give it at least a week to see how your skin responds,' McDonald said. 'If you experience stinging, redness or peeling, it may not be the right fit.' And if you have particularly reactive skin, she recommends patch testing the cleanser before applying it to your entire face. 'Use lukewarm water — never hot — apply with clean fingertips rather than a washcloth or cleansing tool and limit washing to once or twice daily to avoid overcleansing,' she said.
The following FAQs have been answered by dermatologists Dr. Edward Chen, Dr. Tiffany Libby, Dr. Hallie McDonald, Dr. Maxine Warren and Dr. Rachel Westbay.
Is Cetaphil or CeraVe cleanser better for sensitive skin?
Is Cetaphil or CeraVe cleanser better for sensitive skin?
'Both Cetaphil and CeraVe are excellent options for sensitive skin, and which one is better may depend on individual skin needs,' McDonald said. 'CeraVe tends to offer more in terms of barrier support because it contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help hydrate and protect the skin.' Because of this, she often recommends it to those with extremely dry skin and patients with eczema.
'Cetaphil has a simpler formula, and it is often better tolerated better by those with extremely reactive skin or allergies,' McDonald said. 'It's also very lightweight and noncomedogenic,' she added, making it a great option for people with both sensitive and acne-prone skin.
What is the gentlest face wash?
What is the gentlest face wash?
'The gentlest types of face washes are typically those that are formulated to maintain the skin's natural balance while effectively cleansing without causing irritation,' Libby said. These are commonly 'non-foaming, cream- or lotion-based cleansers that are fragrance-free, sulfate-free and pH balanced,' McDonald said.
Other popular formulations include micellar waters and milk cleansers, which Westbay said tend to be more nourishing and less likely to strip the skin's natural oils. Things to avoid? Fragrances, harsh scrubs and chemical exfoliants like retinol, AHAs and BHAs, Warren said.
What face wash do dermatologists suggest for sensitive skin?
What face wash do dermatologists suggest for sensitive skin?
'We generally recommend gentle, non-stripping cleansers that are free from fragrance and harsh detergents,' McDonald said. 'For those with dry or reactive skin, cream-based cleansers are often preferred for their hydrating properties,' she said. 'For those with oily but sensitive skin, a mild foaming cleanser can be appropriate as long as it doesn't contain irritants or drying agents.'
Warren suggests checking the labels for terms like 'soap-free' or 'non-foaming,' as foaming formulations often include sulfates, which can strip your skin barrier. She also recommends looking for cleansers labeled as 'fragrance-free' as opposed to 'unscented,' which can still contain fragrance.
'I typically suggest noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic cleansers,' Libby said. 'Certifications to look for on labels might include 'dermatologist-recommended' or 'suitable for sensitive skin,' which can be helpful indicators of a product's gentleness and suitability for sensitive skin types,' she said. 'Always prioritize gentle, simple formulations that maintain skin balance and prevent irritation.' Chen recommends looking for the National Eczema Association stamp to ensure your cleanser of choice is an appropriate option for sensitive skin.
For this article, we consulted the following skin experts to gain their professional insights.
Dr. Edward Chen, board-certified dermatologist and GoPure dermatology advisor
Dr. David Kim, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist
Dr. Tiffany Libby, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist
Dr. Hallie McDonald, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Erly
Dr. Maxine Warren, board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology of the Rockies
Dr. Rachel Westbay, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, contributing writer Noelle Ike talked to dermatologists about the best face washes for sensitive skin.
