Best Facial Cleansers for Dry Skin of 2025

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Facial cleansers specifically designed for dry skin are a boon for those looking to nourish and hydrate their complexion. These gentle cleansers are formulated with ingredients that aim to replenish moisture levels and soothe any discomfort caused by dryness. Packed with hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, these cleansers effectively remove impurities while keeping the skin's natural moisture barrier intact. With regular use, facial cleansers for dry skin can help restore a supple and radiant complexion, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Facial Cleansers for Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser is a daily facial cleanser designed for normal to dry, sensitive skin. It cleanses the skin of dirt, makeup, and impurities while keeping skin's natural moisture barrier and pH. The gentle cream formula restores skin comfort and maintains essential moisture, leaving the skin feeling comfortable and hydrated. It is soap-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and paraben-free. It is formulated with niacinamide and ceramide-3 to soothe and visibly fade skin discolorations and restore moisture and a healthy skin barrier.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a gentle, non-foaming daily face wash that uses hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to hydrate skin without stripping moisture. It removes face makeup, dirt, and excess oil, while providing 24-hour hydration and leaving a moisturized, non-greasy feel. This fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic cleanser can be used on face, body, and even as a hand wash. It is suitable for normal to dry skin and is certified by the National Eczema Association. All CeraVe products, formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), help maintain the skin's natural barrier. Developed with dermatologists, it is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil Cleanser is a dermatologist-recommended facial cleansing wash that is clinically proven to hydrate and cleanse the skin while preserving its moisture barrier. It is ideal for those with dry to normal, sensitive skin, as it contains a new and improved ingredient blend that includes hydrating glycerin and skin essential vitamins B5 and B3. The hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula is free of fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. With its gentle and non-foaming formula, Cetaphil Cleanser provides 48 hours of hydration when wiped off versus rinsing. This makes it convenient for daily use, even after repeat washes.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cleanser with Soothing Oat, Fragrance-Free, 12 fl. oz
Aveeno Moisturizing Face Wash is a fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended facial cleanser that comes in a 12-fluid ounce bottle. Formulated with prebiotic oat, it moisturizes skin for a softer, smoother, and healthier-looking complexion. The easy-to-rinse formula removes dirt, oil, and other impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it hydrated and looking healthy. The gentle, sulfate-free, soap-free, paraben-free, and dye-free formula makes it a great addition to any skincare routine. Plus, its biodegradable and recyclable packaging makes it an eco-friendly choice.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is an all-in-one facial cleanser for daily use, face and eye makeup removal that provides long-lasting hydration. With a non-drying formula, it thoroughly cleanses without stripping skin of moisture or leaving a tight, dry feeling. This dry skin face wash is formulated with hyaluronic acid and amino acids to support the skin's natural moisturizing factors, making it suitable for normal to dry skin. Additionally, it is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and pH balanced. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Skincare has products suitable for various skin types.
Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser is a gentle, yet powerful facial cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without drying the skin. Its hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula is developed for even the most sensitive skin. This cleanser transforms into a foamy texture and is formulated with soothing prebiotic aloe vera, hydrating glycerin, and skin essential vitamins B5 and B3. It leaves your skin feeling soothed, hydrated, and maintains its natural pH level.
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser is a daily cleanser that provides lasting hydration without stripping moisture. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and triglycerides, which help to cleanse, hydrate, and leave the skin feeling comfortable and non-greasy. This one-step oil cleanser transforms from an oil into a soft lathering foam, effectively removing face makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Suitable for both face and body, this fragrance-free and non-comedogenic cleanser is perfect for dry to very dry skin, sensitive skin, as well as atopic-prone and baby skin. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser is a skincare essential for maintaining the skin's natural barrier.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser is a gentle and effective daily face wash that is perfect for normal to oily, sensitive skin. Formulated with prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3, this fragrance-free cleanser gently removes dirt, makeup, and impurities without drying out the skin. It maintains the natural moisture barrier and pH of the skin, leaving it feeling fresh, clean, and comfortable with no pore-clogging residue. This soap-free, oil-free, and paraben-free cleanser is also allergy tested and non-comedogenic.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a daily face wash suitable for normal to oily skin. It cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight, dry, or stripped. The fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-irritating formula effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup. This multi-use cleanser can be used for face, body, and hands. Infused with 3 essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), it helps maintain the skin's natural barrier. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand.
Curel Japanese Skin Care Foaming Daily Face Wash
Curel Japanese Skin Care Foaming Daily Face Wash is a gentle, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced cleanser that is specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin. The water-based blackhead face wash formula gently washes away impurities with a foaming cleanse, which is an ideal anti-aging face wash that protects dry, sensitive skin with advanced ceramide skin care that preserves the skin's natural hydration barrier. It is the second of two steps in the Japanese double cleansing process for dry, sensitive skin. For best results, pair this facial wash with Curel Makeup Cleansing Gel in your skincare routine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is dry cleansing your face good?
PROs of Dry Washing the Face or Skin Dry washing is literally the best way to deep cleanse the skin. The ingredients in the cleanser are able to work on the skin in the form they are intended to. This method deep cleanses the pores and does not let dirt and oils accumulate in the pores.
2. Should you cleanse your face dry or wet?
Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy.
3. What face wash do dermatologists recommend for dry skin?
Best face wash for dry skin Dermatologists seemed to like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and this La Roche-Posay pick equally for dry skin. The CeraVe face wash has hyaluronic acid, which the La Roche-Posay cleanser doesn't include.
During our facial cleanser for dry skin research, we found 48 facial cleanser for dry skin products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,328,069 customer reviews through our big data system to write the facial cleansers for dry skin list. We found that most customers choose facial cleansers for dry skin with an average price of $16.33.
The facial cleansers for dry skin are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of facial cleansers for dry skin, including La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Cetaphil, Aveeno, Curel. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.