The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (2024)

Skincare is tricky enough as it is, and it gets even trickier when you have a specific skin type you need to keep in mind. You don't want to get the wrong thing—especially when it comes to face wash. This is, after all, the money-maker that we're talking about. If you have dry skin, you know the struggle of finding the perfect daily cleanser—one that doesn't strip away your natural oils and cause your skin to be even more dry, even as it strips away the day's dirt and pollutants from your face.

“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.

best overall dry skin cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (7)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (8)Great price
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (9)Over 80,000 5-star reviews
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (10)Gentle formula that doesn't strip the skin
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (11)Very thick, lotion-like texture

This facial wash get the seal of approval from Dr. Lamm because it is "a gentle hydrating formula that contains hydrating ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid."

Key IngredientsHyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin
ScentNone

best gentle dry skin cleanser

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (12)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (13)Very mild formula
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (14)Good for sensitive, acne-prone, and blemished skin types
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (15)Developed by dermatologists to be hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (16)Some buyers report irritation
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (17)Very oily formula

According to Dr. Wang, "this cleanser is soap-free, gentle on the skin, and does not contain fragrances or oils."

Key IngredientsPolyglycerin
ScentNone

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best moisturizing dry skin cleanser

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (18)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (19)Works on eczema and acne
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (20)Very gentle formula
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (21)Might be too drying for some skin stypes

This foaming formula, recommended by Dr. Shah, sreduces drying effects of water, leaving your skin smooth and soft.

Key IngredientsShea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water
ScentNone
Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (23)Effective at preparing skin for other products
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (24)Soothing and rejuvenating properties
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (25)Pricey

With aloe vera and soothing purslane, this cleanser targets impurities and dirt, while leaving your natural skin barrier and oils intact.

Key IngredientsAloe vera, purslane
ScentNone

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best travel-size dry skin cleanser

Tatcha Mini Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (26)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (27)pH-neutral formula
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (28)Rice water has vitamins that make skin more luminous
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (29)Expensive for small quantity

A creamy formula with hyaluronic acid, a gentle, soothing ingredient that delivers hydration to this skin, makes it a top contender for those with dry skin.

Key IngredientsJapanese algae, hyaluronic acid
ScentNone

best moisturizing dry skin cleanser

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (30)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (31)Treats discoloration and signs of aging
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (32)Softens skin while cleansing it
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (33)Higher price point for how much you get

"Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser is a creamy non-foaming hydrating cleanser designed for dry skin types," says Dr. Lamm.

Key IngredientsAllantoin, Glycerin, Orange Oil
ScentNone

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best creamy dry skin cleanser

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (34)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (35)Treats redness and dark circles
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (36)Lightweight, creamy formula
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (37)Some buyers dislike the natural scent

For those with extremely dry skin and redness, this fragrance-free, creamy cleanser has aloe, allantoin, and glycerin to help soothe and hydrate.

Key IngredientsAllantoin, glycerin, aloe
ScentNone

best extra moisturizing dry skin cleanser

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (38)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (39)Vegan formula
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (40)Feels lightweight
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (41)Treats dullness and uneven texture
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (42)Higher price point for how much you get

"This product uses phytoactives to nourish the skin as it cleans away the grease," says Dr. Wang.

Key IngredientsExtracts of citrus, palmarosa, and jasmine, phytoactives from coconut and murumuru seed butter
ScentNone

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best sensitive and dry skin cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (43)

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (44)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (45)Formulated for sensitive skin
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (46)Non-comedogenic
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (47)Each batch may have a slightly different aroma

According to Dr. Shah, this cleanser is tops because it is "fragrance-free with gentle surfactants."

Key IngredientsGlycerin
ScentNone

best lightweight dry skin cleanser

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (48)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (49)Buyers report it feels great on the face
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (50)Good for sensitive skin
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (51)Some buyers dislike the scent

"This is a very light foam that can gently degrease the skin without removing moisture," says Dr. Wang. "Its formulation is perfect for those with dry, irritated skin."

Key IngredientsBromelain enzymes
ScentCucumber

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best antioxidant dry skin cleanser

Youth To The People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (52)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (53)Vegan formula
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (54)Removes SPF and excess oils
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (55)Tightens pores and reduces acne
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (56)Some report it leaves skin feeling tight
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (57)Some dislike the scent

For dry skin and combination skin, this antioxidant-packed cleanser is a happy medium between something that'll effectively cleanse your face and something that won't be too harsh. The clean, vegan formula has ingredients like kale, spinach, and green tea, which are lightweight yet effective, leaving your skin healthy and glowy.

Key IngredientsKale, spinach, green tea
ScentFresh

best softening dry skin cleanser

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (58)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (59)Suitable for sensitive skin
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (60)Soothing for post-procedure skin
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (61)Some buyers report their skin still doesn't feel clean after use

Dr. Lamm recommends Skinceuticals Soothing Cleanser because it "is a soap-free formula that contains hydrating and soothing ingredients ideal for dry and sensitive skin."

Key IngredientsSorbitol, glycerin, orchid extract, cucumber extract
ScentNone

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best nourishing dry skin cleanser

Glossier Milky Jelly Gentle Gel Face Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (62)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (63)Very lightweight and gentle
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (64)pH-balanced to be nourishing
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (65)Some buyers report it isn't hydrating enough

With a pH-balanced formula that's meant to be used twice per day without drying your skin out, Glossier's jelly-like cleanser with rose water is all about leaving your skin feeling freshly conditioned and soft as ever.

Key IngredientsAllantoin, rose water
ScentRose

best soothing dry skin cleanser

Paula's Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (66)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (67)Formulated to replenish moisture
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (68)Restores youthful appearance
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (69)Packaging prone to breaking

"This formulation gently cleanses the skin while soothing the skin with green tea and chamomile." says Dr. Wang.

Key IngredientsGreen tea, chamomile
ScentNone

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best hydrating dry skin cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (70)

Pros
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (71)Hypoallergenic
Cons
  • The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (72)Some find it too drying

"Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse and hydrate the skin," says Dr. Lamm. "It contains hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide and vitamin B5."

Key IngredientsGlycerin
ScentNone

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (73)

What ingredients are best for dry skin?

To soothe and nourish dry skin, it's all about hydration, hydration, hydration. Even if your skin is only dry seasonally, you want to look for cleansers that remove the dirt and oils from your skin, but not the natural barrier of the skin itself—that's what leaves you red, rough, and dry.

Ingredients known to sooth and replenish moisture include aloe vera, ceramides, glycerin, and various vitamins. Hyaluronic acid is also great at restoring plumpness and locking in hydration, and gentle ceramides and enzymes are effective, too.

What kind of formula is best for dry skin?

So long as your skin isn't very sensitive, most formula types should be good for you. If your skin is super dry, a lotion-like cream or lather might feel like it's doing a better job than, say, a foam or a gel.

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Why You Can Trust Esquire

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (74)

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our grooming and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to dry skin face washes, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these options are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of testing different products, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, According to the Experts (2024)
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