Finding the right face wash for sensitive skin can be a delicate balancing act. You want a cleanser that deeply cleanses without irritating or drying out your skin. Sensitive skin often reacts negatively to harsh ingredients or fragrances, leaving your skin feeling tight, dry, or even inflamed. Thankfully, more brands are now offering cleansers specifically designed for sensitive skin types that hydrate while cleansing, leaving your complexion feeling refreshed without compromising its natural moisture.
Here are the best face washes for sensitive skin, recommended by Allure editors and dermatologists, that will cleanse your skin gently while keeping it hydrated and balanced.
1. Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Price: $18
La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a top pick for sensitive skin due to its mild formula that doesn’t strip the skin’s natural moisture. It contains soothing ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, making it ideal for those with dry or irritated skin. This product is dermatologist-approved and works well for both sensitive and normal skin types.
2. Best for Flaky Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser
Price: $30
This gel cleanser from Skinfix is specifically designed to tackle dry, flaky skin. It’s packed with ceramides to help rebuild the skin’s natural barrier and Ectoin, which helps protect skin from environmental stressors. Its lightweight formula is gentle enough to cleanse without disturbing the skin’s moisture balance, making it a perfect choice for sensitive skin prone to flaking.
3. Best for Dry Skin: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
Price: $34
Dieux’s Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, making it an excellent choice for those with dry skin. Its gentle foaming action helps to cleanse effectively without drying out the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated.

4. Best Travel-Friendly: Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic (2-Pack)
Price: $20
For a travel-friendly option that’s easy to use on-the-go, Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic is a great choice. This 2-pack of hydrating cleansing melts gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup while replenishing moisture with hyaluronic acid. It’s ideal for sensitive skin that needs both cleansing and hydration.
5. Best for Redness: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser
Price: $45
If you have sensitive skin prone to redness, Dermalogica’s Ultracalming Cleanser is a perfect solution. It’s designed to calm irritation and reduce inflammation, making it great for sensitive, redness-prone skin. It’s free from artificial fragrances and colors, ensuring a gentle cleanse that won’t exacerbate irritation.
6. Best Micellar Cleanser: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
Price: $23
Bioderma’s Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil is perfect for sensitive skin in need of a gentle, effective cleanse. This micellar water-based oil gently removes makeup and impurities while hydrating the skin. It’s especially useful for those with sensitive skin who want to avoid harsh scrubbing or rinsing.
7. Best No-Rinse: Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Price: $24
For those who want the convenience of a no-rinse cleanser, Eau Thermale Avène’s Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser is an excellent choice. This formula is specifically created for ultra-sensitive skin and is designed to cleanse without requiring rinsing. It’s perfect for those who need a quick, effective cleanse without the hassle of water.
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