The 15 best cleansers and face washes for dry skin, tested through the winter

If you’re struggling with dry skin, we don’t have to tell you twice: the best cleansers can make a difference.

It’s not just about removing impurities, either. Of course, we all want that fresh-and-clean feeling, but we also need a formula that won’t strip our skin in the process. It has to be gentle, and it has to be hydrating.

Take it from me, someone who has been combatting dry skin for years. After plenty of visits with my dermatologist saying I have contact dermatitis, we talked through how imperative it is to use a hydrating, nurturing cleanser. Add sensitive skin or acne to the mix, and the ingredients matter more than ever.

“Cleansers for dry skin should generally focus on preserving and enhancing the skin’s moisture levels,” Jeremy Brauer, MD, board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser, told Post Wanted. “When picking the right cleanser for dry skin, the ingredients are very important as they should be working to repair the skin barrier’s function rather than stripping the skin. Using a good cleanser on dry skin can work to alleviate discomfort, minimize the look of flaking and peeling, and help the skin feel balanced.”

After reviewing nearly every skincare product sold on the Sephora shelves (and elsewhere), I’ve corralled more than 4 years of experience swapping out brands and formulations to put together this review of the very best cleansers for dry skin.

All of our shopping guides are important here at Post Wanted, but this one rings close to home. As always, consult with a board-certified dermatologist to find the best routine for you. Below, you’ll find the cleansers that I’d use every day because they help nurture and hydrate at a high level.

Additionally, check out the in-depth FAQ section following each review for the 411 from derms.

Best Overall: Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

After testing the Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser for two years straight, it’s always the formulation I return to when I desire a trusty and nourishing face wash. The best part? It’s budget-friendly, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. So, instead of being solely geared toward dry skin, it’s just as phenomenal on my sensitive skin.

More than 8,000 shoppers purchase it each month on Amazon alone, though this rockstar cleanser is available elsewhere, too. Because of its cream-to-foam feel, I always notice it effectively washes away impurities but then lathers beautifully onto the skin. It’s like using a cleanser-moisturizer hybrid. Plus, it hails from a dermatologist-loved brand.

Key ingredients: Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Prebiotic Aloe | Size:16 fluid ounces

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Best Drugstore: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

If you’ve ever perused the Target beauty aisles or have seen dermatologist-recommended products on advertisements, you’re likely familiar with CeraVe. Its Foaming Facial Cleanser is top-notch, especially if you’re looking for a cleanser that’s “safe.” It has never led to breakouts and it certainly is one I reach for if I’m looking to add a new product to my skincare routine, say a new vitamin C serum or a face mask.

While it’s marketed for normal to oily skin, I find it works best for dry skin. It doesn’t leave that filmy texture that’s so common with drugstore cleansers (spoiler alert: we don’t want them, and never did). It doesn’t disrupt the skin barrier, making it ideal for dry and even flaky areas of the face, like I’ve found around my jawline.

Additionally, it’s packed with three essential ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, so it’s bringing you a dermatologist-approved trifecta that has fared well for my skin in the long haul. If you want to avoid a pricier cleanser, this drugstore hero is the way to go.

Key ingredients: Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II; Hyaluronic Acid | Size: 0.97 fluid ounces

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Most Gentle: fresh Soy Face Cleanser

The fresh Soy Face Cleanser stands out as one of the most gentle face washes for dry skin — and I keep coming back to it. You won’t believe how nourishing and skin-loving its formula is, and my dry skin drinks it up.

What I love most about the fresh Soy Face Cleanser is its mild soy protein base that effectively removes dirt, makeup and impurities without over-drying my skin. This gentle formula helps maintain my skin’s natural moisture balance, so my dry, sensitive skin remains hydrated and soft after each wash.

One of the key ingredients in the Soy Face Cleanser is soy proteins, which are known for their moisturizing properties. These proteins help to restore the skin’s natural barrier, making it an ideal choice for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin like me. The cleanser also contains rosewater, which typically breaks me out, but not this formula. It boasts anti-inflammatory properties and helps to rebalance any redness on my skin. The end result is refreshed, nourished skin each time.

More brownie points for this cleanser: it’s void of harsh chemicals, sulfates and parabens, which can be particularly damaging to dry skin. With its balanced blend of hydration, calming ingredients and non-stripping properties, the fresh Soy Face Cleanser is one to add to the top of your list.

Key ingredients: Soy Proteins; Aloe Vera | Size: 5.0 fluid ounces

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Best Korean: COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser

The COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser has a tacky, bubble-forming consistency that instantly nourishes my skin whenever I use it. It’s one of those cleansers that feels like it’s instantly working, leaving my skin ultra-clean and hydrated, too.

The brand has hit peak popularity status, with more than 10,000 shoppers purchasing it on Amazon alone. It’s paraben-free and feels refreshing whenever it’s used. As a whole, it’s one I love to use in the mornings.

Key ingredients: Snail Secretion Filtrate | Size: 5.07 fluid ounces

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Best Oil: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

I was extremely impressed the first time I tried the ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. Ever since, it has been a Korean skincare essential that truly mitigates the appearance of pores, especially on the nose.

As a No. 1 Amazon best-seller with more than 10,000 glistening reviews, it lends itself to that glass-skin look, similar to nearly *every* product from COSRX that I reviewed. It’s also hypoallergenic, gentle on the skin and even gentler on the eyes. After using it, it feels like I used a cleanser and an eye cream. For the price, it’s spectacular.

Key ingredients: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil | Size: 6.78 fluid ounces

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Best Cream: Alpyn Beauty Juneberry & Collagen Hydrating Cream Cleanser

Doused with hydration and a creaminess like no other, the Alpyn Beauty Juneberry & Collagen Hydrating Cream Cleanser is a dreamboat to use in the winter months or if you have extremely, extremely dry skin. I reviewed the entirety of Alpyn Beauty and swear by it; it’s the first skincare brand I used consistently that made a noticeable difference to my skin.

It gently exfoliates dry skin thanks to its micro-beads that melt away once it hits the skin. So, it’s non-irritating, leaves my skin soft and smooth every time and contains plant-based collagen for a dreamy finish.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin C | Size: 3.9 ounces

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Best Foaming: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Pretty-in-pink packaging aside, The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is heaven-sent for my combination skin. Specifically, conquering and remedying the oilier zones on my face.

With oily skin, it’s sometimes a mystery to rid yourself of that unwanted, greasy finish that tends to creep up on your face throughout the day. I’ve found myself using foaming cleansers on repeat to tackle the excess oil, and this one delivered. It’s the best foaming cleanser I’ve used.

As soon as this formulation is mixed with water, you’ll be amazed at its lathering power. It not only hydrated and rinsed away impurities but it completely allowed my skin to feel matte-clean. Best of all, my complexion still looked radiant (think: glass skin, without the excess “dewy” finish), so you’re receiving the best of both worlds.

While it proves to work incredibly on my sensitive skin, it has a subtle rice and floral scent, which may be undesirable for those with extremely sensitive skin. However, I’ve seen no adverse effects; it’s just food for thought.

I’m lost for words at how this cleanser is less than $20. It’s not only the price that makes more than 5,000 beauty shoppers flock to it each month on Amazon, it’s its efficacy. The formulation is 100% vegan and leaves my skin refreshingly radiant — all without the unwanted oily feel.

Key ingredients: Ceramides; Vitamins A, B and E | Size: 10.1 fluid ounces

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Best Cleansing Balm for Flaky Skin: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Another cleansing balm so good for extremely dry skin that it deserved a full review, too. The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is your best hydrant for unwanted, pesky flakes you may have, with a melted chocolate consistency that’s like no other. Not only does it nourish the skin but it almost provides it with a second coating to lock in moisture. No stripping the skin here.

In my standalone review, I dubbed it a “whipped smoothie when you brush your fingers through it,” and still stand behind that description. Its deep nourishment and calming properties make it worth every penny.

Key ingredients: Lavender, Chamomile, and Eucalyptus with Elderberry, Starflower, and Optimega Oils | Size: 19.60 fluid ounces

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Best Cleansing Balm: Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm

The Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm is foamy upon use, so it’s a bit more effective at removing all of your makeup — for less than $20! It’s one of the best cleansing balms I used for dry skin that doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

A nickel-size amount is all you need, or else it may make your skin shiny. I noticed a subtle shine at the center of my forehead but, once I added more water, the cleansing balm immediately foamed up and resolved that issue. It’s also so good, that I wrote an entire review on it.

Key ingredients: n/a | Size: 2.20 fluid ounces

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Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a sensitive- and dry-skin-approved option that’s worth grabbing. Take it from me, someone who has reviewed nearly the entire brand.

It’s fragrance-free, contains niacinamide and doesn’t strip the epidermis of my skin. Instead, it’s hydrating, effectively removes impurities — especially at the end of the day — and is formulated with the brand’s signature thermal spring water that hails from France. Feel-good cleansing, secured.

Key ingredients: Ceramide-3, Niacinamide | Size: 13.52 fluid ounces

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Best Gel: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Sometimes, a gel cleanser is preferred. Its consistency is one of the most beneficial for a deep cleanse, helping to reverse the effect of dry skin that has minor oily spots. Options like the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel offer a refreshing and cooling sensation as well.

This particular cleanser is offered in three different size options to accommodate different budgets. More than 2,000 shoppers purchased it this month on Amazon alone, thanks to its effective cleanse and fragrance-free formulation. Plus, it’s an option that’s wholly recommended by dermatologists.

Key ingredients: n/a | Size: 16.9 fluid ounces

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Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser

The Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser feels like a dream. If your dry skin is prone to hormonal acne like mine at times, this face wash is the one I reach for.

Specifically, it contains salicylic to help keep blackheads at bay while maintaining its nourishing texture. It’s ultra-light but nourishing at the same time, helping to remove pores but keeping that dry skin feeling at a minimum. For less than $25, it’s one of my favorites to use.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 6 fluid ounces

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Best for Brightening: Vintner’s Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser

I know $105 is a pretty penny to drop on a cleanser, but this one is worth raving about.

The Vintner’s Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser is packed with nourishing botanical ingredients like jasmine, rose, and sandalwood, which help to gently cleanse without causing dryness or irritation. These natural extracts work in harmony to restore balance to the skin, leaving mine feeling hydrated and visibly more radiant. The mild exfoliating properties of the cleanser also help to slough off dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and more even complexion over time. It’s *amazing.*

Its ability to brighten without compromising the skin’s moisture barrier is second to none. Many face washes can leave dry skin feeling tight or dull, but this luxurious, glow-from-within formula uses a combination of essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants to infuse the skin with hydration while promoting a luminous radiance.

Additionally, the cleanser’s unique formulation helps to improve skin texture, boosting its ability to retain moisture and improving overall radiance. I had the opportunity to speak with the brand’s founder, and she has one of those humble, passionate stories that made me love the product even more. The brand has a limited product suite — and that’s because every formulation is intentional and designed for a minimalist skincare routine. For its replenishing nature and undeniable glow, it’s worth it.

Since using this cleanser, I’ve noticed a mitigation of my pores and a rebalance of my skin’s texture. It’s multi-faceted, simply impressive and makes my skin both eye-catching in the mirror and youthful. I can’t recommend this enough. If you can afford a sweet splurge, this is my top choice for brightening your dry skin.

Key ingredients: Proprietary Phyto Radiance Infusion Technology, Plant Extracts, Minerals, Antioxidants, Nutrients | Size: 3.9 fluid ounces

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Best for Texture: Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Hydrating Gel-Balm Cleanser

Sunday Riley’s Aquamarine Melt Hydrating Gel-Balm Cleanser is my go-to cleanser that my dry, sensitive skin loves. It has helped even out and replenish my skin tone *so* much, as its glossy gel-balm swiftly transforms into a silky oil upon application. This allows it to effectively dissolve my makeup and impurities without stripping my skin.

Its formulation includes a blend of nourishing ingredients such as evening primrose oil, cocoa butter and a hyaluronic acid derivative (hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate), which adhere to the skin to provide lasting hydration and a plump, dewy appearance.

The cleanser’s inclusion of malachite and cornflower extract offers additional benefits for dry skin. Malachite, a gemstone rich in copper after I researched it, is known for its detoxifying properties, helping to balance the skin and protect it from environmental stressors. Cornflower extract has soothing and calming effects as well, reducing redness and irritation, which are common concerns for those with dry, textured skin.

The Aquamarine Melt Cleanser’s gentle, sugar-based cleansing agents visibly help nurture my natural moisture barrier, ensuring that my skin remains hydrated and smooth after cleansing. Regular use of this cleanser has certainly led to a more even skin tone and improved texture, and I can’t help but recommend this to anyone with dry skin who wants it to be a notch smoother.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Cocoa Butter, Malachite, Cornflower Extract | Size: 4.7 fluid ounces

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Best for Redness: Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser

The Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser is my new favorite cleanser from Drunk Elephant — even more than its cult-favorite Jelly No. 9.

It’s particularly effective at reducing redness, soothing my skin and rebalancing my skin barrier. The key ingredient in this cleanser, marula oil, is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, making it an ideal moisturizer that helps replenish and soothe my skin. This oil works to hydrate dry, irritated skin while also improving its elasticity, helping to combat redness that often accompanies skin dehydration.

Its gentle, creamy and dreamy formula ensures that my skin is cleansed without stripping away natural oils, making it a perfect solution for anyone struggling with the discomfort of dry, red skin.

In addition to marula oil, the Mello Marula Cream Cleanser includes colloidal oatmeal that, like any good oat cleanser, soothes the skin like no tomorrow. The non-foaming, soap-free formula is one I love for a gentle cleanse void of irritation, which is essential for anyone with sensitive or redness-prone skin.

Listen, I reviewed nearly all of Drunk Elephant, and this falls into my top 5 products, easily (the Babyfacial is what to buy with this, BTW). For a fair price compared to most high-end cleansers, this launch from the brand is worth the buy.

Key ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Marula Seed Oil | Size: 5.0 fluid ounces

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How I tested

After rotating face cleansers for my dry skin for four years, here’s what I’ve been keeping in mind for each product:

• Formulation: Is it hydrating? Is it effective at cleansing away impurities? These factors were majorly taken into account.
• Irritation levels: I have incredibly dry skin that’s also sensitive, so I made a note if any product broke me out in any way (spoiler alert: thankfully, they didn’t).
• Versatility: Depending on the consistency, some are better to layer serums and moisturizers on top of, while others feel like a cleanser-moisturizer hybrid. This was taken into account for each cleanser tested.

An FAQ on Cleansers for Dry Skin

Ahead, Post Wanted consulted three board-certified dermatologists to weigh in on what to look for in a quality face cleanser.

What are some attributes of dry skin?

First things first — let’s define what dry skin feels like. Of course, if you have dry skin, you’ll likely know, but it’s normal for your skin’s texture to change every so often, which is why the particular cleanser you choose is important.

“Dry skin tends to have a tight sensation, can be itchy, flaky or scaly,” Mina Amin, MD, board-certified dermatologist, shared with The Post. ” A great way to know if you have dry skin is to wash your skin and wait one hour. If your skin is dry and tight, you likely have dry skin.”

What makes a cleanser good for dry skin?

For dry skin, look for gentle, pH-balanced, fragrance-free hydrating cleansers that will not strip and irritate skin, according to Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

What ingredients should one look for in a cleanser for dry skin?

For dry skin, look for glycerin or ceramides to boost your skin barrier. Glycerin is an important ingredient as it cleanses the skin without stripping away its natural moisture.

“Ceramides are also a great ingredient as they help improve the skin’s barrier function,” Dr. Brauer added. “This barrier helps to prevent moisture loss, keep the skin hydrated, and protect it from environmental irritants.”How often should one use a cleanser for dry skin?

What ingredients should one avoid in a cleanser for dry skin?

It’s important to avoid harsh soaps, fragrances, or chemicals that can be drying when picking the right cleanser.

“Fragrances are crucial to avoid because most perfumes contain alcohol, which can strip away natural oils and leave your skin feeling dry and tight,” Brauer noted. “Fragrances can also be irritating and cause your skin to flake off.”

Parabens should also be avoided in dry skin cleansers. “While they help to prolong the shelf life of products, they can also have a drying effect on your skin,” he added.

How often should I use a cleanser for dry skin?

According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, cleanse nightly. “Most individuals with dry skin can skip a morning cleanse,” she advised. “If your skin feels dry upon waking, skip the cleanse or just splash with water and pat dry.”

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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