27 Best face washes for sensitive skin to buy

Cleansing your face is a pretty essential part of the daily routine: it clears away the sweat and grime that builds up over the course of a day, hydrates and fortifies the skin, removes and prevents blemishes, and leaves you with a radiant and healthy complexion. At least, that’s what it’s supposed to do. If you’re someone with sensitive skin, though, your experience of facial cleansers may be far from this ideal picture.

The more likely scenario might involve angry and reddened skin, a burning or stinging feeling, even more blemishes than before, and an overall worse complexion. This is because the wrong skincare products can easily disrupt the skin barrier in people with sensitive skin, leading to microscopic cracks, loss of hydration, and inflammation, ouch!

When you have sensitive skin it can be a real struggle finding skincare products that, well, actually care for your skin. Effective products may only leave you with irritation, while gentle products can often have underwhelming results. The supermarket aisle can feel like a minefield, with experts recommending that you avoid soaps, exfoliators, scented products, anything that claims it is “brightening”, or contains nasties like parabens and sulfates, or has active ingredients like glycolic acid.

We don’t blame you if you’d rather not bother at all! But rest assured, once you’ve found a product that works for you - that truly cares for your skin and doesn’t dry it out (and trust us, it exists out there!) - you’ll stick with it.

The effort doesn’t quite stop there, but at least now you can start seeing some results! It’s important to keep a consistent and effective skincare routine in your day-to-day life. Start by prepping your skin with warm-to-hot water - this opens up your pores, allowing your cleanser to more effectively remove impurities.

With damp skin, gently rub your new face wash onto your skin in small circles. Depending on the product you may need to leave it on for a few minutes, or you may be able to wash it off straight away. Pat your skin dry, then be sure to follow with a gentle moisturizer to lock in hydration. Carry out your new skincare ritual every evening (and morning if you choose, though there is a school of thought that because your skin doesn’t get dirty overnight, there’s no need to cleanse it in the morning), and you’ll quickly start to see improvements.

Ready for a smoother, more radiant complexion, and happier, healthier, hydrated skin? Luckily for you, we’ve done all the research. Read on to discover the 27 best face washes for sensitive skin out there right now.

1. Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser

When it comes to sensitive skincare, Blu Atlas consistently blows all other brands out of the water in every regard. Quality, effectiveness, ingredients, affordability, and even customer service are all top of the range. Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser is no exception - suitable for all types of sensitive skin, from oily to dry, this miracle worker detoxifies, exfoliates, removes grime, and balances skin pH for a deep yet gentle, satisfying clean.

Two star ingredients make up the foundation of this formula: volcanic ash (bentonite) has fine particles that help remove excess oil and impurities from the skin, making pores look and feel tighter, while lactobacillus ferment filtrate has a potent soothing effect that in turn supports the skin’s microbiome and strengthens its ability to defend itself from aggressors.

What’s more, this cleanser is made from all-natural ingredients that are certified vegan, cruelty free, and are dermatologically tested for efficacy and safety on sensitive skin. It contains zero parabens, sulfates, or phthalates - just 100% gentle goodness to wash away impurities and leave you feeling fresh and healthy.

2. Tula Skincare Super Calm Gentle Milk Cleanser

If our first choice won’t work for you, don’t despair! Tula Skincare offers an excellent choice in the form of their super calm gentle milk cleanser, which removes makeup and purifies skin without stripping it. This product will cleanse and soothe even the most distressed and irritated skin, leaving you feeling soft and conditioned - never tight or dry.

This cleanser is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t block your pores). It’s also free of all the nasties, including fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and alcohol, as well as potential allergy triggers of gluten and dairy. It’s formulated from probiotic extracts which improve skin smoothness and balance, colloidal oatmeal and aloe which soothe and calm, and cucumber and ginger which leave your skin feeling new and refreshed.

3. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

If you’re looking for a product that’s more clinical than brand-name, CeraVe may be the right choice for you. Their hydrating facial cleanser gently removes dirt, makeup, and other debris without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier, or stripping it of its moisture. This is a non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free - yet very effective - cleanser, accepted by the National Eczema Association as suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin.

A formulation of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides work together to lock in moisture and ensure that healing ingredients are efficiently delivered and released slowly over time within the skin’s barrier. This means that CeraVe’s hydrating facial cleanser will support the protection of your skin long after you’ve finished applying it, making this product an excellent way to start off any skincare regimen.

4. First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

You know a product is bound to be good for you when it’s by First Aid Beauty. This gentle cleanser, suitable for all types of sensitive skin from oily to dry, effectively removes makeup, dirt, and grime, at the same time as targeting dryness and redness. The non-stripping, pH-balanced formula works to maintain the skin’s natural acidity and helps reduce flare ups, all while never leaving skin feeling tight or dry.

Its whipped texture transforms into a sumptuous cream when blended with water, infusing hydrating and nourishing aloe vera, calming allantoin, and complexion-smoothing glycerin into your skin. Its FAB Antioxidant Booster also helps stave off environmental aggressors with Licorice Root, Feverfew and White Tea extracts. Like our other choices, this cleanser is also dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty free, and has safe, clean ingredients to leave you with happy, healthy skin.

5. Lumin Charcoal Cleanser

Lumin has jumped on the charcoal bandwagon with their cleanser, perfect as a daily detox for your face. It’s suitable for all skin types, especially acne-prone and sensitive, and though it’s designed for men, it can of course be used by women as well. This product provides a deep and satisfying clean that removes grime, balances pH, and gently exfoliates to uncover a clearer, smoother, more youthful glow with consistent use.

Charcoal, rose flower oil, and centella asiatica are the star ingredients of this cleanser. Charcoal serves to attract impurities, making it extremely efficient at removing dirt and oil build up deep in your pores. Rose flower oil calms irritated skin and reduces redness and puffiness, while centella asiatica soothes sun damage and helps to revitalise and hydrate the skin’s protective barrier.

6. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehl’s is a long-trusted household name brand, and for a reason, their products never fail to impress. Their ultra face cleanser is no exception, being specially formulated to gently remove dirt and debris without over-drying or stripping the skin, it’s a long-time favorite among Kiehl’s loyal customers.

A powerful blend of naturally derived ingredients make up the core of this cleanser. Squalene is a highly-refined botanical lipid derived from olives with exceptional affinity to skin, it absorbs easily and is known to replenish the skin’s protective barrier. Apricot kernels, derived from crushed apricot seeds, act as a gentle exfoliant, while avocado oil contains a balance of lipids including omega essential fatty acids that serve to moisturise, nourish, and soften skin.

7. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser is an oil-free makeup remover and cleanser with hyaluronic acid that boosts hydration for soft and supple skin. The lightweight gel formula transforms into a silky lather when combined with water on your skin, effectively removing makeup and impurities.

This cleanser is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free of soap, oil, and parabens. Its core ingredient - hyaluronic acid - is clinically proven to increase skin hydration, and keep it hydrated, leaving skin feeling clean and supple every time you cleanse.

8. Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash

This best-selling three-in-one soy-based cleanser gently melts away makeup and mascara without the sting of regular makeup removers. It removes impurities, balances pH, and tones pores for clean, balanced skin every time.

Borage seed oil nourishes and softens, while rosewater and cucumber extract help to cool, calm, and soothe. The star ingredient - soy proteins - are rich in the amino acid hydroxyproline, which is known to improve elasticity and smooth skin to promote a healthy-looking complexion. The soy proteins in Fresh’s soy face cleanser are upcycled, meaning they’re repurposed from the food industry - kind to your skin and to the environment!

9. Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser

This is a face cleanser that’s ideal for any type of sensitive skin, but particularly targets the acne-prone. It’s a daily wash that serves to break down excess oil and impurities on the skin, reducing congestion and leaving skin feeling refreshed and purified.

Salicylic acid (BHA) is the main star ingredient, a formula that gently exfoliates and deeply cleanses pores. Thyme extract comes through to provide clarity to the skin, while aloe vera and chamomile extract soothe and hydrate. You can also use this product with peace of mind, knowing that it is 100% vegan, cruelty free, and has fully recyclable packaging.

10. Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

Drunk Elephant is a brand striving to break the bounds of skincare, bringing you fashionable products that don’t compromise when it comes to effectiveness and healthy ingredients for your skin. This innovative jelly cleanser effortlessly removes makeup, excess oil, and pollutants without residue, leaving skin feeling smooth and clean. It is formulated at a non-stripping pH of 5.5, and is 100% free of nasties like SLS, essential oils, silicones, and fragrance.

This vegan and cruelty free product uses a powerful blend of mild surfactants, glycerin, and virgin marula oil, which serve together to create a gentle lather that effectively dissolves even stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and oils while supporting a healthy and hydrated skin barrier.

11. Farmacy Whipped Greens Foaming Cleanser

Farmacy’s Whipped Greens Foaming Cleanser is a soap-free, pH-balanced and oil-free foaming cleanser suitable for combination-to-oily skin, that cleans pores and draws out dirt, oil, and impurities without over-stripping. Made of naturally-derived ingredients and entirely free from parabens, synthetic fragrance, mineral oils, formaldehyde, and phthalates, this cleanser is ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Moringa seed extract and moringa water, sourced from a farm in Coachella Valley, CA, purifies and refreshes the skin by removing the impurities caused by pollution. Papaya enzyme then gently exfoliates to clean pores of dirt and impurities, revealing a fresh-looking complexion. Green clay from the Auvergne region of France helps to absorb oil, detoxify the skin, and remove buildup without ridding skin of its natural moisture. Finally sodium PCA maintains skin hydration to promote a supple, healthy-looking appearance.

12. Dior Capture Totale Cell Energy High-Performance Gentle Cleanser

Dior’s Capture Totale Cell Energy High-Performance Gentle Cleanser is the culmination of 20 years of in-house research on mother cells - rare and powerful stem cells that make up 0.2% of all skin cells and are responsible for generating all new cells. The result is an age-defying, gentle cleanser that instantly hydrates and frees the skin of impurities, restoring youthful radiance day after day as it is used.

At the heart of the formula is a flower called Longoza. Grown in the Dior gardens in Madagascar, this flower displays exceptional revitalizing power, so called the “eternal plant” because it is capable of regenerating itself and growing even on burnt earth. This longoza extract, harnessed by Dior science, allows this cleanser to infuse the skin with energy, regenerating mother cells and reinvigorating the skin.

13. Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3%

Naturium’s Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% is an innovative, essence-like cleanser, formulated with a clinical level of niacinamide that gently dissolves makeup, oil, and other impurities while targeting the look of dark spots and uneven texture on the skin. Niacinamide is an ingredient that helps to restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of sun-induced UV rays.

This cleansing gel is made in the USA, dermatologically tested, certified vegan, and free from cruelty, parabens, gluten, and fragrance. Naturium’s formulas are also developed to be pH appropriate to ensure optimal potency and support skin health, making them suitable for all types of skin, including sensitive and acne-prone.

14. It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser

If your confidence is taking a hit from blemishes or fine lines on your face, It Cosmetics has the sensitive-skin-friendly solution for you. Confidence in a Cleanser is a skin-loving cleanser that combines the cleansing power of a foam wash with the hydration of a serum. Developed alongside plastic surgeons and dermatologists, this product gently removes makeup, oil, SPF and traces of pollution while supporting and revitalising your skin’s protective barrier.

Ceramides and hyaluronic acid form the foundation of this cleanser, helping to attract and retain moisture, support skin elasticity, reinforce the skin barrier, and plump out the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It is gentle enough for twice daily use without drying or stripping your skin and delivers immediate and lasting hydration, making it the perfect facial cleanser for even the most sensitive skin types.

15. Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

Youth to the People’s Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser is an Allure Best of Beauty 2021 reader’s choice award winner, a powerful but gentle daily face wash formulated with superfood antioxidants to give your skin the ultimate cleanse. This gel-textured cleanser works just as well as a makeup remover as a face wash, and its ingredients and manufacturing process are just as kind to the environment as they are to your skin.

Superfoods kale, spinach, and green tea offer their anti-inflammatory properties and provide essential fatty acids, skin-loving phytonutrients, and vitamins C and E while hydrating and cooling the skin. A fresh and clean, herbaceous scent remains after every wash, topping off the healing process.

16. Avène Antirougeurs Refreshing Cleansing Lotion

Avène’s Antirougeurs Refreshing Cleansing Lotion is a unique product in its field: it’s a no-rinse cleanser that should be gently removed with a tissue (without rubbing) after it’s been applied. Formulated to respect the sensitivity of redness-prone skin, it soothes the skin as it gently cleanses and removes impurities, resulting in unmatched softness day after day.

Avène Thermal Spring Water naturally cools and relieves irritation, while TRP-Regulin reduces sensations of discomfort and the tolerance of sensitive skin. Finally, pongamia oil helps to maintain proper balance in the skin’s ecosystem, making for all-round healthier and stronger skin that is less prone to breakouts.

17. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

This Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser from La Roche-Posay is a daily face wash designed for normal to dry sensitive skin that gently cleanses the skin of dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining its natural moisture barrier and pH level. It comes in the form of a gentle cream formula that leaves the skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.

Core to this product are some ingredients that will be familiar to us by now. Ceramides play an essential role in helping retain moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier, while glycerin hydrates, and niacinamide soothes and fades skin discolorations. In addition to these three star ingredients is La-Roche-Posay’s signature prebiotic thermal water. This water, sourced in La Roche-Posay, France, contains a combination of minerals, trace elements and high concentrations of selenium, a natural antioxidant that soothes the skin.

18. Dove Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin

You might be thinking “no soap! what’s that doing here?” but Dove’s beauty bars aren’t soap. This one particularly is a fragrance free, hypoallergenic formula that’s dermatologically tested to be perfect for sensitive skin routines. Unlike many face cleansers, this bar is suitable for daily use not just on the face, but also on your hands and body, making for an excellent all-round wash.

The formula of this beauty bar contains ¼ moisturising cream and mild cleansers to help protect skin’s moisture, as dirt and impurities are gently washed away. Skin is not dried out like you might expect from a bar, instead it is left softer, smoother, and healthier than before.

19. Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Tatcha’s The Deep Cleanse gentle exfoliating cleanser is inspired by the Japanese concept of kiyome, which translates to purification. A thorough yet mild exfoliating cleanser lifts dirt, minimizes excess oil, and unclogs and tightens pores, leaving skin soft and hydrated. It is especially recommended for those with oily skin, uneven-textured skin, or large pores.

Natural Japanese ingredients build the foundation for this award-winning cleanser. Ground fibres from the Japanese luffa fruit exfoliate, helping to turn over dead skin cells and decongest pores, beautifying and conditioning skin. Wild rose, revered in Eastern medicine for improving circulation and calming the spirit, serves to balance the skin and diminish the look of pores. Finally, Japanese leopard lily helps to minimize excess oil production, calm skin, and promote surface skin turnover.

20. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Dermalogica is a well-known name in the world of sensitive skincare, and for good reason. Their special cleansing gel is a cruelty-free and vegan foaming gel that cleanses all skin conditions. It is free of parabens, microplastics, and artificial fragrances or colors. Its lightweight formula is mild enough to use every day, helping to clear toxins and debris away, leaving skin feeling smooth and clean.

Naturally-derived ingredients make up this healing gel: quillaja saponaria gently foams and rinses away toxins while lavender and balm mint calm and soothe skin, resulting in a fresh, calming, effective cleanse that is kind and gentle on your skin, no matter how delicate.

21. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser

It isn’t surprising that Neutrogena has made more than one appearance on our list of 27 best face washes for sensitive skin - they’re a prolific brand in the world of gentle, good-for-you skincare. This Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser is designed specifically for dry sensitive skin, and effectively cleanses by gently removing excess oil, dirt and makeup, so your skin feels clean and moisturized every day.

It is free of soap and fragrance, and has no added parabens or dyes. It’s uniquely formulated with minimal ingredients that are specially chosen to hydrate and protect. This cleanser was developed alongside dermatologists and is so gentle that even those with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea can use it.

22. SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

SkinCeuticals’ Gentle Cleanser is a mild cream cleanser designed for dry to oily skin that is sensitized, dehydrated, blotchy, discolored, or aging. It removes impurities and excess oil, while soothing and calming the skin, leaving it feeling soft, moisturized, and primed for both in-office treatments and at-home cosmeceutical use.

This gentle cleanser is formulated with an emollient-rich surfactant and 3% concentration of key ingredients combining allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil to calm irritated skin while softening and restoring the skin’s surface. It is non-foaming, non-comedogenic, and free from parabens, sulfates, soaps, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and alcohol.

23. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

Aveeno is another well-established and long-trusted brand in the field of sensitive skincare that you will no doubt recognize. Their Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser is a gentle cleanser, mild enough to use every day, helping to clear away dirt, oil, and makeup, without drying out or aggravating sensitive skin. It is kind to your skin, being fragrance and soap free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic.

The core ingredient used in this cleanser is calming feverfew - a natural ingredient related to chamomile, it can be used topically to help in calming sensitive skin and reducing the appearance of irritated, red, and dry skin.

24. Sisley Paris Cleansing Milk with White Lily

Sisley Paris’ Cleansing Milk with White Lily is a creamy cleansing milk that effectively dissolves makeup while maintaining skin balance in all skin types. It creates an immediate sensation of comfort, leaving the skin feeling luminous, supple, and soft between every use.

A veritable cocktail of naturally-derived ingredients form the foundation of this healing cleanser: white lily and woodmallow hydrate and soften, while linden soothes, sunflower oil nourishes and revitalises, orange blossom tones, and vitamin E acetate lends its antioxidant properties to the blend. Be sure of quality and efficacy when you pick up this 2019 Town & Country Luxury Beauty award winning product.

25. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil’s creamy Gentle Skin Cleanser is formulated with micellar technology that gently yet effectively removes dirt, makeup and impurities, and is clinically proven to provide continuous hydration to protect against dryness. This cleanser is pure good for your skin: free of parabens, oils, and fragrance, it’s non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, while also being kind on your wallet!

Designed with a dermatologist-backed blend of niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5) and hydrating glycerin to improve the resilience of sensitive skin, this 2021 Allure Best of Beauty award winning is guaranteed to get the job done with no fuss and no frills.

26. Simple Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar Cleansing Water from Simple is their most advanced yet gentle facial cleanser to date. It helps remove the contaminants known to irritate skin and leaves it clean and fresh, instantly boosting skin hydration by 90%. Dermatologically tested and approved for all sensitive skin types, this cleanser is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, and contains no artificial perfumes, no color or dye, and no harsh chemicals that can upset your skin.

The powerful foundation of this cleanser is the Micellar Technology triple purified water that contains vitamin B3, vitamin C, and hexylene glycol, which work together to unclog pores and tone skin, leaving you with a thorough clean without the irritation.

27. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

The final recommendation on our list of 27 best face washes for sensitive skin, is Vanicream’s Gentle Face Cleanser. This is Vanicream’s mildest cleanser, specially formulated for daily facial use by those with sensitive skin. It helps remove makeup and excess skin oils without drying, and leaves the skin feeling clean and soft.

This cream contains no harsh cleansing agents - no soap, dyes, fragrance, lanolin, paraben, formaldehyde, cocamidopropyl betaine, botanical extract, sulfates, or gluten - is dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic, and pH balanced. Furthermore, it’s been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so is ideal for use by even those with the most sensitive of skin.