Skincare these days has a strong and finely honed focus on anti-aging serums and other magic-bullet products. But don’t underestimate the power and effectiveness of a genuinely good face wash; in fact, a face wash is just about as important as a moisturizer, especially if you have dry skin. But finding a great cleanser that’ll wash your face well without stripping your skin can be tricky, especially in a dry climate or season. In fact, during the winter, indoor dry heat when compounded with outdoor dry cold can wreak havoc on dry or sensitive skin.
A lot of face washes are packed with ingredients that zap clogged pores, but they can also make skin flaky and even dryer, emphasizing fine lines and causing even more blemishes. If you have dry skin, you’ll want a gentle, hydrating face wash with moisturizing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, all of which soothe dry skin while fighting the visible signs of aging.
So now that you know what you need to up the ante on your skincare routine and lock in hydration, check out our roundup of the best face cleansers for dry skin—and take note that our top four picks are Ipster faves!
1. IT COSMETICS Confidence In A Cleanser
There’s a reason they call it “Confidence in a Cleanser.” Get clean, not squeaky, skin with this sulfate-free, soap-free facial cleanser, which skillfully removes all makeup without stripping your skin of moisture. It’s awesome for both dry and sensitive complexions, but it’s packed with ingredients that all skin types will love, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and a ceramide complex that soothes skin back to optimal health over time. One Ipster calls this “a perfect cleanser when your skin feels dry. It cleans your face perfectly, but it still feels moisturized. Perfect for my night routine,” while another Ipster says it’s the “best thing to ever happen to my face.”
2. FIRST AID BEAUTY Pure Skin Face Cleanser
Say buh-bye to breakouts with this fragrance-free gentle cleanser, which lifts away dirt and makeup while leaving you with baby-soft skin. The whipped texture turns into a luscious cream when you mix it with water. The formula is packed with soothing aloe vera and a special botanical antioxidant blend that protects skin from environmental damage, works to maintain your skin’s protective mantle, and reduces the likelihood of pimples and blemishes. One Ipster says they “love love love this face wash!! Light and fresh feel after using.” Another Ipster has been “using a high-end facial cleanser for years, and then discovered this one. It is 1/4 of the price and 100% of the efficacy. That math is EASY!!”
3. SKYN ICELAND Glacial Face Wash
Opt for a creamy foaming cleanser when you want stressed skin to chill out. If you have acne-prone dry skin, pamper it with this face wash’s delicious lather, which is formulated with the purest Icelandic glacial waters and botanicals. It includes white willow bark, a naturally occurring form of salicylic acid that soothes inflamed and congested skin, as well as cylindrica seed oil, a natural antioxidant that repairs your skin’s lipid barrier. Pure molecular oxygen sends energy into your skin’s deepest layers and makes you glow. One Ipster says, “This is my new favorite exfoliator. This stuff made my skin look like a million dollars. I skipped foundation for a week and still looked flawless. There is a reason this is spendy but worth it.”
4. YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Superfood Cleanser
Don’t just eat your greens—put ‘em on your face! This vitamin-rich face wash is packed with leafy greens that help to calm redness, suck out toxins, and make your skin glow without stripping it of moisture. Spinach, kale, and green tea are like a smoothie for your skin, and the gel texture cools and refreshes inflammation. Ipster @kjk92 says the face wash “smells amazing and left my face feeling baby soft!!” and @amieet agrees, “I absolutely love this product! Cleans really well without drying my skin out.”
5. H20+ Elements Keep It Fresh Face Cleanser
Check out this luxurious daily facial cleanser, which includes water lily extract to smooth lines and quench thirsty skin, all while gently lifting away dirt, oil, and makeup. Apple amino acids and sunflower seed oil work to soften the appearance of fine lines and prime your skin for either makeup or beauty sleep.
6. HUANGJISOO Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser – Moisturizing
A good cleanser really is one of the most important skincare products you can have, and this dermatologist-tested facial wash is awesome if you want your skin feeling smooth, supple, and hydrated. Powerful ingredients like white mulberry extract, chamomile extract, wheat seed extract, and grape seed extract join forces to brighten your skin and keep it hydrated from the inside out.
7. PIXI BY PETRA Hydrating Milky Cleanser
Treat yourself in the winter season with this gentle hydrating cleanser, which contains soothing coconut, probiotics, and willow bark extract. It’s especially effective if you have both dry and acne-prone skin, as you’ll condition your complexion while treating flare-ups and redness.
8. ORIGINS PureCream™
Dry and dehydrated skin will love this soap-free hydrating cleanser. It’s formulated with carrot oil and glycerin to sud away dirt and makeup while sealing in moisture and protecting parched skin from further damage. It’s a must-have for your winter routine, and beyond.
9. JUICE BEAUTY Ylang Ylang Spa Wash
Refresh your senses and complexion with this aloe and coconut infused face wash, which is also packed with moisturizing jojoba and linseed. It’s great for all skin types, and it’s especially effective on dry and mature skin. A blend of botanicals, vitamins, and proteins will go the extra mile to even out your skin texture and leave you positively radiant.
10. RED EARTH HYDRATE Refreshing Cleanser with Tasmanian Sea Kelp
Check out this strong yet delicate cream cleanser. The formula is sulfate and paraben free, and it’s packed with all the good stuff: shea butter, cucumber extract, and ginkgo biloba leaf extract to soothe your skin; and Tasmanian sea kelp to keep your complexion glowy and gorgeous.