10 Best face washes for dry skin in 2023

Anyone who suffers from chronically dry skin knows how hard it is to find skincare products that don’t make things worse. Everything seems either too drying, too harsh, or even too heavy. Cleanser, in particular, can be the most difficult step to get right because of the way it can end up stripping dry skin of the much-needed moisture it does have. The key to breaking this painful cycle? Choose a face wash that is specifically formulated to suit dry skin. If you’re in need of a little more info on what exactly that means, we’re here to help.

The best face washes for dry skin will include high-quality ingredients that effectively hydrate and nourish the skin while also cleansing away a day’s worth of dirt and grime. Unfortunately, many of the cleansers on the market skip the vital step of maintaining your skin’s moisture, leaving you feeling dry and parched every time you wash your face.

Even if you follow up with a moisturizer, attacking your skin with a cocktail of chemical soaps and solvents each morning and evening is standing in the way of making your skin’s happy, hydrated dreams come true. Although you may want to prioritize getting your skin as clean as possible, it’s even more important to make sure that your skin isn’t losing all of its essential moisture in the meantime.

So, what kind of cleanser should you look for? Go for the labels that include natural ingredients like nourishing plant oils, healthy probiotic cultures, and potent botanical extracts. Pick up formulas featuring moisture-boosting compounds like hyaluronic acid and squalane, both intelligent ingredients that complement the make-up of your skin’s natural environment. Or, if you just can’t shake the dryness, maybe give an oil cleanser a try—these emollient and hydrating formulas condition the skin and remove surface impurities without the need for soap of any kind.

If you feel like you can’t wash your face without needing to use three different moisturizers and a hydrating face mask every single evening, you’re probably using the wrong kind of cleanser. Ready to simplify your routine and kiss dryness goodbye? Keep reading to check out our list of the best face washes for dry skin in 2023.

1. Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser

Products that prioritize natural ingredients are always great for dry skin, and Blu Atlas’s Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser is a prime example. Engineered to clean without stripping your dry skin of moisture, using this cleanser will incorporate a mix of amazing natural ingredients into your skincare routine.

Powdered volcanic ash is the title ingredient in this all-powerful formula from Blu Atlas. Though it might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, this earthly ingredient actually has well-known skincare benefits.

The superfine particles of volcanic ash will quickly absorb excess oil and other grime that can cause congestion on the skin’s surface. Because of its absorbency, volcanic ash is naturally effective at relieving clogged pores and extracting impurities from your skin. It’s like doing a clay face mask, but way faster—it’ll have your skin feeling firmer, tighter, and 100% cleaner after just one wash.

The other superstar of Blu Atlas’s cleanser formula is lactobacillus fermented filtrate. Despite the long, scientific name, the benefits of this powerful component are simple and effective. A probiotic ingredient, lactobacillus ferment filtrate has been shown to soothe the skin when topically applied, which is great for irritation caused by excess dryness. Long term, this probiotic holds the potential to strengthen the skin and protect it from external, environmental damage.

Harnessing the power of organic ingredients, Blu Atlas’s Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser gently exfoliates the skin as it cleanses, which is vital for removing surface dryness and dead skin cells. If the healthy pH level of your skin becomes disrupted, it can become more vulnerable to issues like eczema, breakouts, and sensitivity.

Mindful of this common issue, this cleanser works all of its magic without messing with the natural pH balance of your skin. In short, it’s no surprise why this is one of the best face washes for dry skin on the market right now. If these sound like the skincare benefits you’ve been longing for, go get your hands on a bottle—or five—A.S.A.P.

2. Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser

Endlessly clever and sophisticated, Aesop’s skincare is beloved for good reason. If you’re someone who struggles with keeping your dry skin happy, their Fabulous Face Cleanser comes highly recommended. This botanical-infused face wash is great for getting your skin nice and clean without ridding it of essential moisture.

When using the Fabulous Face Cleanser, your skin’s hydration is enhanced by the expertly crafted, olive-derived formula. Designed to gently wash your skin without tipping anything out of balance, this cleanser from Aesop boasts a range of herbal ingredients to condition and nourish your skin.

Adding a boatload of antioxidants to the mix is green tea, which is one of the components that makes Aesop’s formula so hydrating. An ingredient with potent anti-inflammatory benefits, green tea is great for soothing and brightening the skin.

Calming everything down is rosemary leaf extract, a botanical ingredient with an abundance of benefits. Amazing for anti-aging, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nature of rosemary leaf is beneficial for increasing circulation and strengthening capillaries in the skin. It’s also great for any kind of irritation that involves chronic dryness including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Chamomile bud extract, known for its calming properties, is a floral addition included to boost skin immunity and add a youthful glow. Bergamot rind stimulates and awakens the complexion while contributing to the cleanser’s fresh, herbal aroma. Rounding out this fantastic list is aloe vera leaf, known for its ability to cool and soothe the skin while healing any inflammation.

Aptly named, Aesop’s Fabulous Face Cleanser is a go-to for many with dry and sensitive skin, especially if you tend towards irritation. Thanks to its innovative use of natural ingredients, this intelligent formula works wonders at keeping your skin moisturized and squeaky clean at the same time.

3. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

The skincare wizards at The Ordinary definitely know how to get your skin looking amazing, and their Squalane Cleanser is no exception. A cult favorite for achieving a hydrating clean, this product’s balmy, power-packed formula is a dream to apply.

This ultra-moisturizing cleanser combats dry skin from all sides. The gentle formula is actually soap-free, which might come as a surprise if you’re used to using traditional face washes. Instead, the Squalane Cleanser uses a blend of hydrating lipophilic esters to remove surface dirt and excess oil more gently. If you have sensitive skin, you know how difficult (and, at times, painful) it can be trying to find a cleanser that doesn’t irritate your skin with harsh ingredients.

Designed to work with your skin’s natural environment—which is much more complex than just dry, oily, dirty, or clean—this cleanser from The Ordinary boosts hydration and soothes inflammation with a clever cocktail of ingredients that your skin will love.

Naturally found in your skin, squalane helps to maintain health by building a protective barrier. In this cleanser, the added squalane works with the natural substance in your skin to reinforce protection, hydration, and balance.

Basically, this technique keeps the good in and the bad out, an important step that is missed by chemical soaps and solvents that simply strip away all of your skin’s natural moisture as they clean.

The emollient, gel-to-oil texture of the Squalane Cleanser is a miracle worker for dry skin, using plant-derived hydrators to mimic your skin’s natural moisture. In fact, this silky face wash actually feels more like a moisturizer than it does your average soap. Once lathered up and rinsed away, it still leaves your skin feeling fresh and renewed without any dryness.

If you’re sick of sacrificing dry skin for clean skin, this nourishing cleanser from The Ordinary might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. Grab a tube for yourself and get ready to give your skin a whole new glow.

4. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

Loved by all skin types, the Ultra Facial Cleanser from Kiehl’s has been on the fan-favorite list for a while. A mild face wash containing a mixture of moisturizing ingredients, it’s not hard to see why this one is such a people pleaser.

The expertly-designed formula features apricot kernel oil, a pure and natural ingredient that works wonders for softening the skin. Boasting the benefits of both vitamin E and vitamin C, apricot kernel oil is also great for brightening, clarifying, and can even improve skin texture by softening fine lines. Avocado oil, another star ingredient on the list, is one of the cleanser’s chief hydrators.

While it’s awesome for moisturizing and conditioning the skin, avocado oil also works to cleanse your face—this nourishing oil will effectively break down any dirt or product residue that may be left on the skin. Added to the mix is squalane, the vital ingredient for locking in skin moisture and protecting its natural barrier. Enhancing your skin’s natural plumpness, squalane’s power is in sealing in all that amazing hydration and nourishment.

If you love that squeaky clean feeling you get after giving your face a good scrub, never fear—you don’t have to sacrifice comfort just to retain essential moisture.

Despite the addition of oils in this face wash, your skin will still end up feeling fresh after every use. The Ultra Facial Cleanser gets its luxurious soapy texture from glycoside, a foaming agent naturally sourced from sugar. Supported by gentle oils, this cleansing formula prioritizes maintaining skin moisture while making sure things still feel nice and clean on the daily.

A simple addition to any skincare routine, this popular cleanser from Kiehl’s is a great way to say goodbye to the feeling of dryness that can be caused by washing your face. Instead, your skin will be feeling soft and hydrated after every rejuvenating cleanse.

5. Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser

Tatcha’s skincare products always have a touch of luxury, and this cleanser is no exception. Taking inspiration from centuries-old Japanese tradition, The Rice Wash is formulated with high-quality ingredients to give your skin a youthful, healthy glow from the inside out.

If you’re in search of a face wash that works magic on your skin in the long term as well as the short term, you’ve stumbled upon a superstar.

More than just a cleanser, Tatcha’s The Rice Wash incorporates intelligent anti-aging, nourishing ingredients into its formula, turning every cleanse into a daily spa treatment. An ode to the Japanese custom of using rice water as a beauty enhancer for skin, this cleanser features rice powder in its nourishing formula. Rich in antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids, rice is actually a surprisingly popular skincare ingredient for anti-aging.

Used for boosting collagen production, rice is great for softening the skin and promoting a supple and youthful appearance. Extremely nutrient-rich, Japanese algae is amazing for encouraging a youthful complexion by increasing skin elasticity and reducing inflammation.

Hyaluronic acid also joins the crew, a moisture-loving substance naturally found in the skin. A popular ingredient in skincare, especially for dry skin, hyaluronic acid is known for its effectiveness at increasing skin hydration and improving overall plumpness.

Also on the list of ingredients is Hadasei-3, which is Tatcha’s signature blend of skin-loving superfoods that features in their entire line of goodies. Including twice-fermented Akita rice, green tea, and Okinawa algae, the Hadasei-3 formula is born from Japanese beauty secrets. This super-powered blend boosts the cleanser’s ability to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.

Thanks to age-old wisdom, this silky-soft cleanser will have your skin looking dewier and brighter than ever before. Better yet, The Rice Wash promises all these blissful benefits without relying on any phthalates, parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances to do so.

6. Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil

If nothing seems to make your dry skin happy no matter which cleanser you try, you might want to consider skipping the soaps all together. Oil cleansers, like Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil by Fresh, are a gentler alternative to traditional soap-based cleansers, relying on oil to break down dirt and grime rather than harsher solvents. This one from Fresh is an amazing example thanks to its dreamy blend of moisturizing plant-derived oils.

First up on our all-star ingredient list is seaberry oil, otherwise known as seabuckthorn, a natural ingredient rich in antioxidants and omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9. All of this plant-powered goodness assists skin regeneration and protection, resulting in increased elasticity, a boost in hydration, and an overall softer skin texture. The vitamin-packed cranberry seed oil in this cleanser’s formula is great for calming inflammation.

Very easily absorbed, your skin will drink up the benefits of cranberry seed oil’s naturally occurring omegas and essential fatty acids—instant hydration, coming right up. Next, camellia seed oil rejuvenates the skin with its intensive moisturizing properties. Rich in oleic acid, an ingredient that’s great for replenishing skin moisture, camellia seed oil enlivens dry skin with some serious hydration action.

Also amongst this list of nourishing oils is nigella oil, which is known for soothing any kind of skin irritation or impurity, including chronic dryness. A natural antihistamine and antimicrobial ingredient, this powerful plant extract is commonly used for treating ongoing skin conditions such as eczema.

Capable of removing even waterproof makeup, Fresh’s Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil is a highly effective way to wash away dirt without drying out your skin. Powered by nature’s finest plant oils, this hydrating cleanser will have your dry skin looking and feeling happier than ever.

7. Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser

On the hunt for a 100% natural cleanser for dry skin? The Illuminating Oil Cleanser from Emma Lewishman combines gentle ingredients with stunning results in the very best way. Another amazing option for an oil alternative to soap-based products, Emma Lewishman’s cleanser is perfect for keeping your skin and the earth clean at the same time.

This cleanser’s formula features many of the brand’s ‘Skin Heroes’, A.K.A. some of the most exquisite natural ingredients you’ll find on the market. Working all its magic without the assistance of any artificial additives, the Illuminating Oil Cleanser will have your skin feeling super refreshed and looking better than ever.

Bulgarian Lavender clarifies the complexion, dissolving the dead skin cells that can give your skin a dry texture and appearance. Moisturizing as it gently exfoliates, this neuropeptide also increases the softness and radiance of your skin. This cleanser’s clever formula prioritizes ingredients rich in vitamin E in order to improve the health of the skin and its essential barrier. The oils of organic chia, rosehip, and macadamia are all MVPs here.

These natural ingredients are incredible for protecting the skin cells from air pollutants and environmental harm such as UV rays, thereby decreasing the potential for any long-term damage or exacerbated signs of aging. Neroli absolute, a flower extract, is included to assist with breaking down dirt and excess oil. Meanwhile, the healthy enzymes in papaya are perfect for soothing any inflammation and providing gentle exfoliation.

Despite being entirely oil-based, this cleanser applies like a creamy serum once it meets water—you don’t have to worry about any heavy residue or uncomfortable product build-up with this one. The Illuminating Oil Cleanser’s stellar combination of highly effective, science-backed natural ingredients proves that chemicals aren’t the only way to get the cleansing job done.

8. Korres Greek Yogurt Foaming Cream Cleanser

Harnessing the skincare secrets of the Mediterranean, the Greek Yogurt Foaming Cream Cleanser from Korres is rooted in real results. Perfect for all skin types, this face wash is especially beneficial for dry skin thanks to its soothing ingredients.

The base of the formula and the star of the show is authentic Greek yogurt, sourced all the way from small, family-owned farms in Greece. Despite its more common culinary applications, Greek yogurt actually boasts a range of skincare benefits, too. Using yogurt as a simple remedy for skin inflammation goes back many generations in Greece, a treatment made effective by yogurt’s cooling texture and naturally occurring probiotics.

Especially when produced in the traditional method, yogurt is alive with billions of healthy prebiotic and probiotic cultures that are amazing for your gut and skin alike. As a result of the natural fermentation process, yogurt contains lactic acid—a great exfoliator and all-around skin rejuvenator. By removing the dead skin cells on your skin’s surface, you can finally enjoy the smoother and softer skin that awaits underneath.

Lactic acid’s exfoliating properties can also tighten and tone the skin, reducing visible signs of aging such as fine lines. Combining yogurt with a blend of floral extracts and other quality ingredients, also sourced from Greece, this cleanser is highly effective at keeping the skin soft, bright, and moisturized. Plus, the luxurious, creamy, foaming texture of the Korres formula applies beautifully and leaves the skin feeling immediately refreshed.

Nutrient-packed, this cleanser’s formula nourishes the skin as it reduces irritation and locks in hydration. With all of these time-tested benefits, it’s not hard to see why Greek yogurt is such a staple in Korres’s skincare collection. If these natural benefits sound like something your skin would love, the Foaming Cream Cleanser is a great place to start.

9. Jurlique Replenishing Cleansing Lotion

It’s extra important that dry skin is treated gently, and Jurlique’s Replenishing Cleansing Lotion is designed specifically for that purpose. Featuring a rejuvenating mix of plant extracts and oils, this face wash is amazing for keeping your skin nourished and clean at the same time.

Using nature as its source, this cleanser contains a variety of plant-derived ingredients that are great for rejuvenating dull skin. First in line is rich, hydrating shea butter. This emollient ingredient gives the formula some serious moisture.

Despite the luscious texture, the skin absorbs shea butter easily and happily. The silky consistency and high concentration of fatty acids in this ingredient work wonders on dry skin, leaving you with a smooth and supple complexion. Organic, Australian-grown calendula extract is included to soothe and protect the skin.

Packed with antioxidants, calendula extract is great for healing any surface irritation, as well as strengthening the barrier that protects your skin from long-term damage. Particularly appreciated by dry skin is marshmallow root extract. All natural and instantly hydrating, marshmallow root extract is a humectant plant carbohydrate, A.K.A. a moisture-attracting ingredient similar to the likes of hyaluronic acid. Basically, it’s great for turning pesky dryness into that youthful glow we’re all longing for.

The gentle formula of Jurlique’s Replenishing Cleansing Lotion is non-irritating, making it safe for sensitive skin, as well as the delicate eye area, without risk of discomfort. Thanks to this product’s silky, lotion-like consistency, you’ll immediately feel the way it softens your skin as it lathers up.

Conditioning dry skin with a blend of beautiful botanicals as it gently cleanses, the Replenishing Cleansing Lotion from Jurlique is a one-step way to hydrate and refresh your face. Perfect for both morning and night, you’ll be impressed by the magical effects that switching to a moisturizing face wash can have on dry skin.

10. Trilogy Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream

Working with the best skincare benefits nature has to offer, Trilogy’s Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream is more than your average face wash. Not only does it leave your face feeling renewed after each cleanse, but the formula’s cocktail of potent and effective natural ingredients improves the health of your skin in the long run.

The cleaning agents in Trilogy’s cleansing cream are all naturally derived, using the power of active plant enzymes to refresh and awaken the skin. In this formula, papain, the proteolytic enzyme sourced from raw papaya, is combined with bromelain, the same type of enzyme found in pineapple. In skincare, these fruit enzymes are a highly effective, natural way to gently exfoliate the skin.

By breaking down dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil build-up, papain and bromelain help to clear the skin of congestion and improve texture and tone. Including vitamin E and all of its benefits, this cleanser also contains rich antioxidants which defend the essential skin barrier and increase the overall health of your skin. The added jojoba esters are amazing for nourishing, hydrating, and softening the skin.

A natural moisturizer, jojoba oil is wonderfully lightweight, meaning it leaves no annoying, oily residue behind after it absorbs. Extracts of licorice and mulberry both enhance this cleanser’s formula with brightness, thanks to their natural properties—licorice’s active compound liquiritin is often used for reducing hyperpigmentation, while mulberry can even out the skin tone by reducing the production of excess melanin.

Designed by the skincare experts at Trilogy, the benefits of this intelligent formula are triple-acting. Not to mention, they’re powered by nature.

Try integrating the Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream into your daily routine, and your complexion will be looking enviably youthful and radiant in no time.