For so long, face wash has been such an "unsexy" portion of an overall skincare routine. A necessary step to create a clean canvas for all that follows (a high-tech serum, a firming cream, etc.), but a simple one—a boring one, even—that often gets overlooked. And if you have sensitive skin? It's likely been a step you dread.
Allow me to present the gentle-cleanser dilemma: too stripping and squeaky or too thick and emollient to actually feel, well, clean. "Many effective cleansers can strip the skin of natural moisture, leading to irritation, while others may be so mild that they leave a film, causing one to feel unclean and sometimes left with a residue," agrees dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar. This residue can create a film over your pores, preventing other skincare products from actually penetrating and working their magic. Not cute!
All of that is about to change. This year, we've seen a smattering of gentle, actually effective cleansers well-suited for sensitive skin. "Cleansing used to be seen as the least important step in your routine. Most derms just told our patients to look for a basic gentle cleanser that didn’t strip the skin," recounts board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD. Now? Face washes for sensitive skin boast skin barrier–strengthening actives, glorious lathers, and even a healthy, clinically backed dose of actives to treat concerns like acne, dark spots, and fine lines without any irritation.
"I think the sexiest part of a skincare routine is your cleanser, as it sets the mood for everything that follows," declares Aguilar. Here, find eight alluring formulas—editor tested, derm approved!—that are sure to become the main characters of your beauty routine.
The Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin, Listed
- Best Overall: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Bowe Glowe Cleanser
- Best Gel: Tower 28 SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser + Makeup Remover
- Best Foam: Skinbetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser
- Best Exfoliating: Youth to the People Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
- Best Milk: Oak Essentials Nourishing Cleansing Milk
- Best Micellar: Bubble Magic Melt Micellar Milk
- Best Scent: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
- Best Cleansing Balm: Eadem Dew Dream
The 8 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin
Best Overall: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Bowe Glowe Cleanser
Pros: One of the only cleansers with clinically backed claims, the best cream cleanser I've tried that doesn't leave behind residue, fragrance-free
Cons: It's a good size at 3.9 ounces, but still, I'm flying through my bottle!
Type: Cream
Key Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, marshmallow extract
I've been using this cream cleanser every single morning since receiving a pre-launch sample, and I am so thoroughly impressed by its efficacy. (I shouldn't be; Bowe is a highly sought-out dermatologist, after all!) Many face washes make my skin feel tight post-rinse or leave behind an oily, pore-clogging film (the classic gentle cleanser dilemma I mentioned above), but this one provides the perfect middle ground. I can even wait a few minutes before layering on my serums without my skin screaming for moisture. Bowe's formula is also clinically proven to remove 100% of foundation, sunscreen, and pollution—very impressive, since cleansers don't typically come with clinical claims.
Customer review: "So many great things to love about this cleanser! It’s so smooth and feels great going on my skin. I love that it effectively takes off all my makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin. I never have that too tight and dry feeling like I did with other balms and cleansers. This will be a staple in my skincare routine along with all her other products!"
Best Gel: Tower 28 SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser + Makeup Remover
Pros: Big size at 5 ounces, great for nighttime double cleansing, fragrance-free
Cons: Reviewers note the pump can get stuck often
Type: Gel
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, oat, zinc, copper, magnesium, panthenol
Gel cleaners are notoriously stripping due to their bubbly lathers, but not this Tower 28 pick. It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you know it coddles even the most sensitive of skin types. Associate beauty editor Shawna Hudson considers it one of her favorites. "It's a really low-foaming gel cleanser that can even be used around the eyes to remove makeup. It's soothing, calming, and perfect for barrier recovery, as it reduces redness and doesn't leave that tight feeling," she writes in a review. "It took me a long time to realize that the key to clearing my acne was taking a gentle approach, and if you've also tried everything before realizing this, give this cleanser a go."
Customer review: "This face wash is everything! As someone with extremely sensitive skin, I’ve tried almost every gentle cleanser on the market and they’ve all left me with little red bumps all over my face. Not only did this not give me a reaction, but it made my skin feel clean and hydrated- I will 1000% restock—my new holy grail!"
Best Foam: Skinbetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser
Pros: Great for someone with sensitive and acne-prone skin, fragrance-free
Cons: Has some potent acids, if you're super sensitive to exfoliants
Type: Foam
Key Ingredients: AHA blend, salicylic acid, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, beta-glucan
Foam cleansers are neat in that they deliver similar benefits to a gel cleanser without being nearly as drying on the skin. Because you don't need to work them up into a lather (they're already quite foamy!), that usually results in less of a tight, squeaky feeling after the fact. We love this option from Skinbetter Science, as it features AHAs and BHAs to gently exfoliate the skin while you cleanse. Many individuals with sensitive skin flock to exfoliating cleansers, as serums tend to be way too concentrated, and this formula is a great one to get.
Customer review: "I have been waiting for this to come back in stock! I absolutely love using this as a first wash to remove my makeup at the end of the day. I have very sensitive skin and this is gentle on my face."
Best Exfoliating: Youth to the People Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
Pros: Brightens skin tone, fades dark spots gently
Cons: Contains fragrance, if you're sensitive to scent
Type: Gel
Key Ingredients: AHA and BHA complex, ginger root and papaya enzymes, vitamin C, yerba mate
Who says those with sensitive skin can't exfoliate? You'll just want to be very gentle with the acids you use, which is why experts typically recommend fruit enzymes over harsh acids to softly buff surface cells. This cleanser contains a powerful yet gentle combination that helps rejuvenate skin, fade dark spots, and offer an overall glow.
Customer review: "Whenever I see a product that says “lactic acid” I get a little nervous because I have somewhat sensitive skin and don’t want anything to sting or be too drying. This did NOT bother my skin at all! If you do have more sensitive skin, I’d recommend maybe a couple times a week to start with. I did have a tiny bit of dryness, but nothing too crazy."
Best Milk: Oak Essentials Nourishing Cleansing Milk
Pros: Can use multiple times without stripping the skin, luxurious and spa-grade experience
Cons: Contains essential oils, if you're sensitive to fragrance
Type: Milk
Key Ingredients: Oat amino acids, L-glutamic acid, rice bran and rosemary extracts
I tested a lab sample of this cleanser a few months before it launched, and let me just say that I absolutely flew through the tiny vial. I've been waiting with bated breath for it to drop so I could finally cop a full-size bottle, and now that it's here, I don't plan on swapping it out anytime soon. It's the perfect milky cleanser—soft, lightweight, and so luxurious. If you're wearing makeup you might want to use an oil or balm beforehand (or just do two rounds of this milk), but it's fabulous on its own for a gentle morning cleanse.
Customer review: N/A
Best Micellar: Bubble Magic Melt Micellar Milk
Pros: A great, gentle eye makeup remover, can use multiple times per day, great as an all-over cleanser or soaked on a cotton pad for precise areas, fragrance-free
Cons: Not the best for removing heavy makeup or sunscreen on its own (it's more of a first step to a double cleanse)
Type: Milk
Key Ingredients: Oat extract, raspberry seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil,
Micellar water is lauded by derms for gently (and effectively!) removing makeup, and Bubble's Micellar Milk definitely delivers. I like to use it as a pre-cleanse before grabbing another gentle wash from this list, especially if I'm wearing mascara. Soak a cotton pad with the solution, press it onto closed eyes for a beat, and watch the pigment immediately dissolve. My eyes often look red and bleary after removing makeup, but not with this Magic Melt.
Customer review: "I had a hard time figuring out if this or the other pre cleanse was best. But magic melt is the start to soft, smooth, clean skin. The ingredients are amazing and so hydrating. This does not dry your skin, it does the complete opposite. This is now my holy grail product in my skincare routine. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!"
Best Scent: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
Pros: Super hydrating with 10% glycerin, gel formula lathers into a hydrating, creamy foam
Cons: Those with hypersensitive skin should opt for the fragrance-free version
Type: Gel
Key Ingredients: 10% glycerin, 2% betaine, gentle cleansing complex
As a general rule, those with sensitive skin should steer clear of fragrance. But unless your skin is hypersensitive, you might be able to get away with some subtle scent in your wash-off products, like cleansers or masks. Enter Dieux's (first-ever!) cleanser, which comes with a beautiful, calming aroma of juniper, citrus, pear, and amber. (Note, the brand also offers a fragrance-free version for those who run super sensitive.) It's a gel formula that evolves into a milky lather upon contact with water, so it's wonderful for dissolving makeup and daily grime. Ophthalmologist-tested, it's also safe for sensitive eyes.
Customer review: "Baptism [is] a fantastic addition to my skincare routine! It gently cleanses without stripping my skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. The formula is soothing and perfect for sensitive skin, with a light, refreshing feel after every wash. My face feels clean and balanced—definitely a must-try for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser!"
Best Cleansing Balm: Eadem Dew Dream
Pros: Doesn't leave your skin feeling too oily, helps simultaneously brighten skin and fade dark spots
Cons: Contains essential oils, if you're super sensitive to fragrance
Type: Balm
Key Ingredients: Tiger grass, allantoin, glycerin, kalahari melon and moringa oils
I never thought cleansing my skin could make my skin feel even more hydrated, but then I tried Eadem's cleansing balm. It somehow infuses my pores with moisture without leaving behind an oily film. It's my number one pick on days I'm wearing heavier makeup; I've completely emptied two bottles already!
Customer review: "This is my holy grail product! I bring this everywhere! It gets all the makeup, sunscreen and oil off without stripping your skin or being abrasive. My skin texture improved and it got so much softer!"
What to Look for in a Gentle Face Wash
If you have sensitive skin, you know the deal. Even if a face wash is marketed for easily irritated skin types, you'll still want to patch test before applying it to your entire face just in case you react.
That doesn't mean you must avoid actives entirely! Bowe loves cleansers with niacinamide (aka vitamin B3), which simultaneously strengthens the skin barrier, provides antioxidant protection, and balances oil production. Peptides are wonderful to target aging concerns as well without being too harsh on the skin. Of course, she also calls out gentle, soothing players like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and marshmallow root extract.
"Look for gentle ingredients like coconut oil, chamomile, aloe vera, and glycerin, which provide hydration and soothe the skin," adds Aguilar. "Milk or oil cleansers are often ideal, as they cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier."
What to Avoid
On the flip side, both Bowe and Aguilar recommend steering clear of cleansers with harsh surfactants. These may bubble up nicely, but they also strip your skin barrier of its precious oils. "[I] also try to avoid unnecessary allergens or irritants, including essential oils, in cleansers for my patients with sensitive skin," Bowe adds. Some people do totally fine with fragrance (again, always patch test!), but if you know you're particularly sensitive to scent, you should probably stick with a fragrance-free option.
How to Wash Your Face Correctly
Yes, there is a correct way to wash your face! This is especially important when it comes to cleansers for sensitive skin, as they don't typically lather and may require more attention. Plus, those with sensitive skin will want to be extra careful not to unconsciously strip their moisture barrier. Below, find Bowe and Aguilar's cleansing crash course.
- Mind the water temperature: "When using sensitive skin-approved cleansers, there are several key tips to keep in mind. First, always use room temperature water—not too hot or too cold—to avoid irritation," Aguilar says.
- Use an oil or balm to dissolve makeup: Bowe recommends a double cleanse if you've been wearing heavier makeup or layers upon layers of sunscreen. (For light, everyday makeup, she says a single cleanse is just fine.) "Use a cleansing balm or a cleansing oil—massage onto dry skin—to break up that heavy makeup," she says.
- Follow up with a water-based formula: Splash your face with warm (not hot!) water, then grab a water-based face wash (either a cream cleanser or a gentle gel cleanser). "You want to take about a nickel-size amount of that cleanser and massage that onto damp skin for about 30 seconds. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft, clean towel," Bowe explains. Be sure to rub the cleanser gently with your fingertips, Aguilar warns, as opposed to scrubbing with rough fabrics or tools.
- Don't overdo it: "It’s important not to over-cleanse; once or twice a day is typically sufficient, as excessive cleansing can strip your skin of natural oils," Aguilar adds.
- Follow up with serums and/or moisturizer: "Don’t wait too long between washing your face and applying your skincare. You really want to trap that moisture in your skin, especially at this time of year," Bowe shares. Actives like retinol or vitamin C should always go on dry skin, but if you're sticking to hydrators (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, nourishing oils, etc.), then go ahead and apply when your skin is still slightly damp.
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