Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Many of the dermatologists we spoke to recommended Cerave’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser for its skin-quenching superpowers. Formulated with a burst of hyaluronic acid, it goes beyond the basics to remove impurities while replenishing your skin’s moisture with essential ceramides. Designed for dry skin, it delivers a gentle yet effective cleanse, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Best of all, it’s fragrance-free and sensitive-skin friendly, meaning it’s suitable for all skin types.

Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin B3

Cetaphil is another household name in skin care thanks to its affordable, derm-approved products that leave skin happy and healthy. Another highly recommended face wash for dry skin is the brand’s Gentle Skin Cleanser, which nourishes while it cleanses. “This is an easy-to-find cleanser that can even be used without water in a pinch,” says Dr. Galaria. “With moisturizers that include glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide, it will remove impurities without drying.”

Key ingredients: elderberry oil, starflower oil, padina pavonica

If you want to treat yourself, Dr. Yadav recommends Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. “This is a very rich and elegant cleansing balm that is formulated with many different plant oils and waxes to help break down dirt and oil while leaving skin very moisturized after you emulsify the formula and wash it away,” she says.  The luxurious texture and pretty aroma deliver a spa-like indulgence, turning your daily cleansing into a sensorial delight. Bonus: it doubles as a nourishing mask for an added boost of radiance when you need it most.

Key ingredients: oat extract, feverfew extract

If you’re shopping on Amazon, you can’t go wrong with Aveeno, which makes products infused with oat and oat extract. “Oat is very gentle and remarkably nourishing to the skin, leaving it well moisturized and comfortable,” says Dr. Yadav. The Calm + Restore Cleanser is also infused with feverfew extract, which is beloved for its inflammatory and calming properties. And there’s no parabens, no fragrances, no phthalates—just clean goodness for your sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: water, glycerin

Searching for a no-frills, sensitive skin-friendly cleanser? Look no further than the Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser, which comes recommended by medical aesthetician Gendai Echezona, MD, for those with allergies or sensitivities. “It checks many boxes for those with dry skin as is soap-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free and doesn’t contain common skin irritants,” she says. “It provides a clean feel without causing excessive dryness. This makes it a great, affordable choice for dry or sensitive skin.” This versatile cleanser can be used on both the face and body, simplifying your routine and offering a cost-effective solution for an all-in-one cleanser.

Key ingredients: squalane, glycerin

A powerhouse designed to quench your skin’s thirst while refining your pores, this cleanser boasts a luxurious blend of squalane, known for its moisturizing prowess, ensuring your skin is not just cleansed but deeply hydrated. It’s recommended by Austin-based medical aesthetician Kristin Gunn, CLT, LMA, who notes its gentle formula free from parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oils, and more. While known for its effects on moisture retention, squalane also works synergistically to purify pores, reducing their appearance over time. And since it’s noncomedogenic, you won’t have to worry about them getting clogged.

Key ingredients: green tea, chamomile, glycerin

Dealing with dryness and redness? This soothing face wash from Paula’s Choice is made for you. “With a smooth and soft texture, this hydrating cleanser contains green tea and chamomile to reduce redness and calm irritated skin and glycerin to improve moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist, Brendan Camp, MD. 

Each batch is also infused with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides and antioxidants to not only clear away impurities but also replenish your moisture barrier. The gentle, airy foam embraces your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed, balanced, and deeply hydrated.

Key ingredients: pineapple enzyme

While foam cleansers aren’t the first choice for hydration from skincare experts, there are some that are better than others. Enter, EltaMD’s foamy cleanser which—although it’ll get you squeaky clean—won’t strip your skin of its natural oils in the process.

“It is surfactant-free and uses bromelain, an enzyme from pineapples, to create foam without causing dryness,” says Dr. Echezona. “This enzyme and amino acid blend effectively removes makeup and impurities, reduces inflammation, and is gentle enough to be used twice a day.”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin

A milk cleanser, also known as “skin milk”, is a type of facial cleanser that is formulated with a milky, creamy consistency. This type of cleanser is known for its gentle and nourishing properties, making it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.

Neutrogena’s milky Hydro Boost cleanser comes recommended by Dr. Camp, thanks to the mild, fragrance-free formula. Enriched with Neutrogena’s renowned Hydro Boost technology, this milk cleanser quenches your skin’s thirst, infusing it with a surge of hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid. As you cleanse, it effortlessly replenishes moisture, leaving your skin feeling supple and revitalized.

Key ingredients: primrose oil, jojoba seed oil, pear extract

Dr. Yadav loves this cleansing balm which skips the traditional jar for a convenient, travel-friendly tube. “The nourishing formula features moisturizing jojoba and evening primrose oils, and its texture transforms into an oil when massaged into the skin,” she explains. “It then emulsifies into a milk once it’s mixed with water, rinsing away to leave your skin feeling clean but soft.”