12 Best Hydrating Face Washes To Use For Dry Skin – 2023
Restore the natural moisture of your skin within seconds with a moisturizing facial cleanser.
Diane HowardCertified Cosmetic Nurse
Expertise: Esthetics
Experience: 9 years
Diane Howard, RN, is a certified cosmetic nurse and the founder of Esthetic Finesse. She has received extensive training under esteemed physicians and nurses in the valley. After recognizing that esthetic medicine demands a creative mastery... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Image: Shutterstock
A regular face wash on dry skin is a real punishment, and we are sure that you don’t want it. So, here you’ll find the best face washes for dry skin that’ll help restore the natural moisture level of your skin. After carefully analyzing reviews and ratings, we’ve curated a list of 12 face washes that can help you get rid of bacteria, dirt and leave your skin soft and glowing. Now go ahead and check out these soap-free, hypoallergenic face washes that’ll seal the moisture of your skin.
In This Article
12 Best Face Washes For Dry Skin – Reviews
1. Best Hypoallergenic: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Image: Cerave The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a gentle hyaluronic acid-infused cleansing lotion, which also contains ceramides and glycerin that hydrate your skin without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. The product deep cleanses the skin and removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil. It is developed by dermatologists. This moisturizing facial cleanser has a lotion-like consistency. It is suitable for sensitive, dry skin. It is paraben-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, soap-free, non-drying, and non-irritating. It is certified by the National Eczema Association and provides 24-hour hydration. It leaves the skin moisturized with a non-greasy feel. You can use it in the morning and at night. This video review of the tester’s experience will help you learn more about the product.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Soap-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
- Non-drying
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May not remove heavy makeup
Pro Tip2. Best pH-Balanced: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Image: Cetaphil The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a pH-balanced, fragrance-free formula that is hydrating, gentle, and hypoallergenic. This clinically-tested hydrating cleanser seals moisture and cleanses excess oil and dirt. It does not clog the pores. It is non-irritating to the skin and is suitable for dry, sensitive skin. It leaves the skin feeling fresh, clean, soft, and smooth. Its texture is rich and creamy and does not foam. It does not aggravate eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, or acne. It also helps alleviate the dryness associated with acne treatments.
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Soap-free
- Fragrance-free
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Gentle
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Alleviates dryness associated with acne treatments
Cons
None
3. Best Non-Comedogenic: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser
Image: Neutrogena
The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser is a mild product that works on dry and sensitive skin. It thoroughly removes excess oil, dirt, bacteria, and makeup. It is suitable for people with skin conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea. This dermatologist-formulated face wash contains minimal ingredients and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It cleans the skin without stripping the natural skin moisture. This video of the reviewer’s experience will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Gentle
- Non-comedogenic
- Soap-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
- Makes skin soft and supple
- Affordable
Cons
- May not suit extremely sensitive skin
4. Best Lightweight: THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Foam Cleanser
Image: Thefaceshop
THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Foam Cleanser is infused with the moisturizing ingredients glycerine and rice water (the Korean Royal beauty secret). The cleanser also contains minerals, vitamins A, B, and E, and ceramide that brighten and nourish dry skin. The creamy foam of the cleanser effectively removes dirt and excess oil. The rice bran oil helps seal moisture into the deepest layers of the skin. It leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and even-toned.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Foaming cleanser
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Pro Tip5. Best For Reducing Inflammation: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
Image: First Aid Beauty
The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser is infused with a powerful botanical antioxidant blend that helps protect dry and sensitive skin. It also reduces irritation and inflammation. It maintains the skin’s natural acidity and helps reduce skin dryness, itchiness, and roughness.
This is a sulfate-free and fragrance-free cleanser for dry skin that removes makeup, dirt, oil, and grime. It is free from drying and harsh chemicals like alcohol, parabens, sulfates, talc, artificial fragrances, mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, and triclocarban. It is dermatologist-tested, vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, nut-free, and soy-free.
Pros
- Reduces inflammation
- Maintains skin’s natural pH
- Protects skin barrier
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Nut-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan
- No artificial fragrances
- No formaldehyde
Cons
- Expensive
6. Best Oil-Free: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Image: La Roche-posay
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a cream-based face wash. It helps retain the skin’s essential moisture while cleansing dirt, oil, and grime. It works gently to remove the face and eye makeup while maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier and pH. It is infused with prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, ceramide-3, and glycerin.
It reduces skin dryness and roughness and leaves skin soft and smooth. It is soap-free, sulfate-free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free. It is dermatologist-tested and is developed using a strict formulation charter and clinical testing for efficacy and safety.
Pros
- Maintains skin’s natural pH
- Soothes skin
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Soap-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
7. Best Vegan: ACURE Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream
Image: Acure
The ACURE Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream is formulated with coconut oil, glycerine, jojoba esters, chamomile flower extract, blackberry fruit extract, and rooibos tea extract. It also contains soothing organic argan oil, peony extract, and sunflower amino acids. This gentle creamy cleanser leaves your face feeling calm, clean, and moisturized. It is vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, petrolatum-free, and formaldehyde-free.
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Affordable
Cons
None
8. Best Dermatologist-Recommended: Tree To Tub Ultra Hydrating Gentle Face Wash
Image: Tree To Tub
The Tree To Tub Ultra Hydrating Gentle Face Wash removes all traces of makeup, dirt, and grime without stripping the natural skin oils. The wild soapberry cleansing foam and organic deep moisture botanicals in this lavender face wash help deep cleanse the skin. The coconut cleansers, shea butter, aloe vera, acai berry, and chamomile help soothe eczema, winter dryness, acne, and redness.
The pH-balancing formula in this facial cleansing wash is naturally therapeutic for dry and itchy skin. It is free from sulfates, parabens, silicone, DEA/MEA, gluten, and artificial fragrances. It is dermatologist-recommended, vegan, gentle, and safe for children too. You can use it in the day and night.
Pros
- pH-balancing formula
- Makes skin soft and smooth
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- DEA/MEA-free
- Gluten-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Vegan
- Gentle
- Safe for children
Cons
- Expensive
Remember9. Best Vitamin-Enriched Formula: Avene Xeracalm Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Image: Eau Thermale Avene
Avene Xeracalm Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil contains thermal water, vegetable extracts, and Vitamin E. This calming cleanser targets the source of dry and itchy skin. The pH-balanced formula allows gentle cleansing without stripping the natural oils. It is vitamin-infused, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, steroid-free, and does not contain preservatives.
Pros
- Maintains skin pH
- Maintains natural skin microbiome
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Steroid-free
- No preservatives
Cons
- Very expensive
10. Best For Sensitive Skin: Olay Sensitive Facial Cleanser
Image: Olay
The Olay Sensitive Facial Cleanser is a feather-light formula that is dermatologically tested. It is gentle on the skin and washes away toxins and pollutants. The aloe and cucumber essence helps soothe dry and inflamed skin. This Hungarian Water Essence-inspired cleanser is soap-free and dye-free. It is perfect for sensitive skin and can be used during the day and night.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Water-based
- Dermatologically-tested
- Soap-free
- Dye-free
- Soothes inflamed skin
- Can be used in the day and night
Cons
- Contains sulfates
11. Best Skin Revitalizing Cleanser: Garnier Clean+ Smoothing Cream Cleanser
Image: Garnier Usa
The Garnier Clean+ Smoothing Cream Cleanser is a drugstore face wash that is hydrating and deeply moisturizing. This skin cleanser is infused with nourishing jojoba and macadamia oils. Its glycerine also helps seal the moisture. This soap-free face wash washes off dirt and pollutants from the skin. It makes skin supple, soft, and smooth.
Pros
- Makes skin soft and smooth
- Revitalizes skin
- Soap-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains parabens
- Contains artificial fragrances
12. Best Non-Irritating Formula: Dove DermaSeries Fragrance-Free Face Wash
Image: Dove
The Dove DermaSeries Fragrance-Free Face Wash is a creamy and gentle formula. This dermatologist-tested face wash for dry skin visibly improves skin texture by sealing skin moisture. It also makes skin supple and smooth. It is hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and fragrance-free. It is also suitable for acne, psoriasis, and eczema-prone skin. It is non-foaming and can be used daily.
Pros
- Dermatologist recommended
- Soap-free face wash
- Gentle
- Suits acne-, psoriasis-, and eczema-prone skin
- Evens out skin tone
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable
Cons
- May not remove makeup.
These are the 12 best moisturizing face washes of 2023 for dry skin you can buy online. But before you make a final choice, here are some factors you may want to keep in mind.
What To Check Before Buying A Face Wash For Dry Skin
- Ingredients: Alcohol and salicylic acid tend to dry the skin out. Hence, opt for a face wash that is soap-free, alcohol-free, and free of harmful parabens, sulfates, SLS, salicylic acid, etc. Soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerine are best. Also, look for antioxidants, vitamins, botanical extracts, and minerals to rejuvenate your skin, reduce itchiness, and provide visible results.
- Cleansing Properties: The face wash must offer a professional-grade cleansing action to remove dirt, pollutants, and bacteria. Most dry skin-friendly face washes are not well-equipped to remove makeup completely. Use a scientifically formulated oil-based makeup remover to clean all traces of waterproof makeup.
- Price: Buy a good, dermatologist-recommended face wash for dry skin. Choose a trusted brand and always look at the ingredients. A face wash that is vegan, hypoallergenic, and free of harsh chemicals could be priced a little higher. However, there are drugstore options too work well.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Face Wash For Dry Skin
Face washes for dry skin are packed with skin conditioning ingredients that strengthen the its moisture barrier and reverse dullness. You can incorporate them into your skin care routine to avoid stripping its natural oils. The infographic below lists a few potent ingredients that you should look for on the label when buying a face wash for dry skin. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Though moisturizers are a rescue for dry skin, you also need to invest in a good face wash for hydrating dry skin. Many face washes are enriched with powerful hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide. The results-driven face washes reviewed in the curated list will help you get rid of bacteria, dirt, impurities, and leave your skin soft, nourished, and glowing. The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser gently cleanses the skin while providing essential hydration, the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser has a soap-free, non-comedogenic formula that does not dry the skin, and the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance. In addition, these products have a clinically proven hypoallergenic formula and are devoid of harmful preservatives. While buying a face wash for dry skin, consider the ingredients, cleansing properties, and of course, the price! Diane Howard, a certified cosmetic nurse, says, “If you have dry skin, it’s important to select a face cleanser that is gentle, nourishing, and hydrating. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, and avoid fragrances or harsh detergents that can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to further dryness or irritation. A good cleanser can help to replenish and moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.”
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skincare coach who knows what’s best for your skin and the products suitable for your skin type! No wonder then, that she has scoured the various health and beauty forums and extensively reviewed customers’ feedback and concerns before curating this list of the best face washes suitable for dry skin. These face washes are specially formulated with nourishing ingredients that help cleanse your skin gently without stripping it off its natural oil and moisture balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best face wash for dry, mature skin?
Dry, mature skin needs more nourishment and skin-plumping ingredients. You may try the Dove face wash for dry skin or Avene Xeracalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil.
What is the best whitening face wash for dry skin?
Most face washes for dry skin are soap-free and gentle. These cleanse dirt, pollution, and bacteria to make your skin appear cleaner and smoother. You can use THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Foam Cleanser to get the desired results.
What is the best drugstore face wash for dry skin?
The Dove DermaSeries Fragrance-Free Face Wash is the best drugstore face wash for dry skin. It is gentle, soothing, hypoallergenic, and reduces acne.
Which face wash works best for dry, acne-prone skin?
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a good face wash for dry, acne-prone skin. It is tested and suitable for sensitive skin.
What are the best face washes for dry skin with rosacea?
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser are good face washes for dry skin with rosacea. They hydrate, clean, and make the skin smoother and less inflamed.
What are the best face washes for dry skin and blackheads?
The ACURE Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser are great face washes for dry skin. You can use these scrubs to get rid of blackheads.
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