An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (2024)

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (1)

Cleansing probably isn’t the sexiest step in your skincare routine; however, it is the most vital. A deep cleanse every morning and night will not only leave your skin barrier feeling calm and hydrated, but it will also rid your pores of excess oils, makeup and dirt.

According to Dr. Sam Bunting, founder of Dr. Sam’s Skincare, the right face wash can help to alleviate a number of concerns – from a damaged barrier to acne – but if you’re working with a particularly dry complexion, it’s important to choose a hydrating formula.

'All cleansing has an impact on the skin’s barrier function – even the simple interaction with water depletes skin lipids and moisturising factors,' she explains. 'This is potentially troublesome for those with dry skin who have less barrier reserve.'

And as we all know, cold temperatures can take dryness and irritation even further, so it's more important than ever right now to find a face wash that's designed to hydrate as well as it cleans.

Which face wash is best for dry skin?

Cleansers and face washes can come in a variety of textures – from oils to gels, milks and balms. While most are fine for dry skin, Dr Bunting’s preference is a gel cleanser. 'The best ones have ultra-gentle surfactants that remove make-up, oil and grime with minimal disturbance of the skin’s lipid barrier.'

As well as the texture, you should also pay attention to what’s inside the formula to soothe dry skin. 'I recommend avoiding cleansers with fragrance, foaming agents and essential oils which can all trigger irritation and sensitivity in those with dry skin.'

Instead, look out for hydrators like humectants (that's your hyaluronic acid), ceramides, and oatmeal as these will help to soothe and moisturise a parched complexion.

Dr Bunting adds that it’s also important to cleanse with lukewarm water rather than hot as this can also leach away skin lipids. 'Pat skin gently, dry with a towel and avoid rubbing,' she says.

The best face washes for dry skin, according to the experts

Now the real question is: which one to go for? To save you the hard work, I've whittled down the overflowing shelves to share the best face washes for dry skin. Happy lathering.

1

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (13)

The Inkey List is a long-time favourite for delivering simple formulas that genuinely work – and if you're dealing with eternally dry skin, sometimes less is more.

This cleanser is led by hyaluronic acid which not only delivers hydration on the surface level, but penetrates deeper too. The effects feel instant but it also has some lasting benefits, helping to keep your skin hydrated for the rest of the day (or night).

2

The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (14)

For when your skin feels particularly tight and dry, The Ordinary’s Glycolipid Cream Cleanser is a reliable, no-frills formula that will nourish and restore harmony. The glycolipid-rich formula is designed to protect your skin’s delicate pH so that it thoroughly removes impurities without stripping or causing upset.

Massage in a small dollop of the milky, non-foaming cream and gently remove with a flannel – your skin feels fresh and moisturised as you watch the day’s makeup melt off.

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3

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (15)

Let's have a quick conversation about lipids. Lipids are fatty compounds that are naturally produced by the skin. They work to bond your skin cells together, thus creating a protective layer, which will hold in moisture. However, this structure starts to deplete with age and can lead to a damaged skin barrier.

This cleansing oil from Medik8 is loaded with omega-6, which is designed to keep lipid levels in check. The hydrating emulsion easily slips over the skin to remove impurities, but also feeds it with essential fatty acids to support the barrier. Even after one use you'll notice a soft and supple bounce to your skin.

4

Elemis Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (16)

What I like to call a makeup melter, a cleansing balm is an oil-based salve that works to remove residue, while also loading your skin with moisture.

There are many great cleansing balms out there, but nothing quite tops Elemis' offering. The Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm is loaded with fatty acids to melt away makeup and cleanse the skin in the short term and will boost its resilience to irritation in the long.

This is also a fragrance-free pot, compared to the original Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, making it an ideal choice for sensitive souls.

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5

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (17)

Yes, you heard right, the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser actually contains goat milk. Why goat milk, you ask? Well, it has the same pH level as the skin so it won't disrupt your microbiome when you cleanse. This is important because a good skin microbiome means you're less likely to experience sensitivity, infection or irritation.

The cleanser is gentle enough to use twice a day, and despite its non-lathering formula, it still effectively melts away makeup and impurities.

6

Garnier Gentle Hydrating Deep Face Cleanser

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (18)

Now 33% Off

Cleansing sensitive skin can be nerve-racking. In fact, it's easy to forgo a face wash altogether for fear of triggering a breakout or rosacea flare-up. If this sounds far too familiar, I'd suggest trying Garnier's Hydrating Deep Cleanser.

The sensorial properties are ideal for temperamental complexions: it lightly lathers into a comforting cream without stripping. It's also bolstered with hyaluronic acid and ceramides which will protect your skin barrier and condition dryness. I think this is one of the most gentle cleansers around — and the cheapest, too.

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7

Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (19)

Look inside the bathroom cabinet of any beauty editor, and you'll likely find a bottle of Caudalie's Vinoclean Foaming Cleanser.

Back in the day, foaming washes were often criticised as many were formulated with drying agents, like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Today, the story is a little different.

This soft base is formulated without soaps or cleaning agents but, instead, uses ingredients like sage and green grape to purify and boost hydration. It gently removes makeup and leaves your skin feeling fresh, not stripped.

8

Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (20)

If you need to press reset on your skincare routine, consider this simple yet effective hydrator from Cetaphil. Vitamin B3 and glycerin help to reinforce and nourish your barrier, while the foaming lather ensures your skin gets a thorough cleanse.

It’s completely fragrance-free, making it a well-considered choice for dry and sensitive complexions.

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9

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (21)

Bioderma's Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil excites me for many reasons — and I rarely say that about a cleanser. Firstly, the formula has enough oomph to remove makeup and cut through mascara (even the waterproof kind).

And secondly, thanks to nourishing omegas and amino acids, it cleanses without stripping so my skin feels supple and hydrated. I have to say, this is one of the only cleansers that I look forward to using.

10

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gel Moussant

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (22)

La Roche-Posay's latest innovation is a unique formula that will have you eagerly awaiting your morning and evening cleanse. As you massage it into your skin, the creamy texture transforms into a cloudy lather which softens dry zones while lifting makeup and oil. Powered by ceramides and glycerin, you can trust it to sweep away every last impurity without inducing irritation.

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11

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (23)

The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a shower-cubby staple: it’s a fuss-free face wash that truly delivers. Hyaluronic acid replenishes hydration, while a triple-ceramide complex cleanses without stripping your skin. It's fragrance free, making it a great all-rounder that everyone can enjoy.

12

Murad Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (24)

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (25)

Finding the perfect skincare routine to combat eczema is tricky business — only a few over-the-counter brands can treat excessive dryness without needing to get a prescription cream involved. The choice is limited, but your battle against sore, dry patches may become easier thanks to Murad’s Exasoothe range.

The daily cleanser contains oat extract, peptides and shea butter to pacify extreme dryness and patches of irritation. It has an intensely creamy, fragrance-free formula that cleanses without foaming and nourishes a broken skin barrier.

An expert explains exactly how you should cleanse dry skin (2024)

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