Those of us who suffer from oily or dry skin know the struggles of finding a face cleanser that actually soothes the skin instead of stripping it or leaving it feeling greasy and horrible.
It can be tempting to skip using a decent cleanser, but your skin really does need a good clean to remove dirt, excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells.
When looking for a good face wash for dry skin, focus on finding ones with moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Aloe vera is also a great natural ingredient that has soothing properties and helps reinvigorate the skin with moisture.
Look for a formulation that has water as its top ingredient. It might also be worth holding back on fragrances and anti-ageing ingredients, as these are too known to dry the skin out and further exacerbate any problems.
People with extreme dry skin may want to only wash their face once a day with a gentle cleanser at night, and swap the morning cleanse for a micellar water cleanse, which is kinder and more gentle to the skin.
Don't forget to lock in that hydration with a nourishing moisturiser made specifically for dry skin too.
Our picks for the best face washes for dry skin
1. CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash
Best overall
This face wash is regularly recommended by dermatologists and skincare experts for its hydrating qualities and gentle formula.
It's a non foaming gel that contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for an effective cleanse that rids the pores of dirt and grime. This cleanser helps restore your skin's natural protective function while moisturising and gently hydrating the skin.
It's fragrance free too, so great for those of you suffering with sensitive skin that's easily irritated.
2. The Face Shop Rice Water Cleanser
Best cleansing foam
Achieve a clear and even complexion with this cleansing foam from The Face Shop.
It's enriched with a natural rice water solution, moringa oil, and soapwort which is praised for its brightening properties and the luscious creamy texture lathers up very well when mixed with water.
This rice water cleanser is great for dry skin because it isn't harsh and works well on sensitive skin.
3. La Roche-Posay Gentle Cleanser
Best dual action cleanser
A firm favourite among skincare buffs, this formula is soap, paraben, oil and fragrance-free, yet it still manages to remove make up, dirt and oil from the skin.
The thermal water, ceramides and glycerin gives it a super moisturising, hydrating quality which is necessary for those with dry skin.
This is a dual action facial cleanser which also helps maintain the skin's natural pH level.
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser
Best cleansing gel
Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which is clinically proven to help with moisturise levels of the skin, this gel cleanser deserves just as much praise as its Hydro Boost Gel Cream counterpart.
The formula transforms into a foaming cleanser when it comes into contact with water, and gently removes grime and dirt without drying it out.
5. Dermalogica Cleansing Gel
Best for mature skin
Try out this highly concentrated, effective soap-free face cleanser to gently remove dirt and oil from dry skin.
It's designed to work with the skin's natural pH level and the foaming gel formula delivers a highly moisturising cleanse without stripping and drying out your face.
6. Clinique Cleansing Balm
Best cleansing balm for glowing skin
Created to help you relax and remove the day's dirt and toxins, this premium, luxe feeling balm is one you need to add to your collection.
The solid balm transforms into a silky oil upon application to the skin as it helps to remove dirt, toxins, SPF, makeup and pollution from the skin to leave your skin clean and moisturised.
It's a cult favourite among skincare buffs for good reason.
7. Pai Skincare Camellia and Rose Cleanser
Best for removing make-up
This hydrating cream cleanser has been specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin and works as a dual action facial cleanser that also removes make-up.
The added omega 3 and vitamins A, B, C & E nourishes the skin with essential nutrients to combat the damage pollutions, dirt, grime and make up residue can cause.
8. Neutrogena Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser
Best for sensitive skin
An extraordinarily mild and creamy face cleanser, this product is perfect for dry skin that is irritated easily.
Designed to remove excess oil, dirt and make up without upsetting the skin, this is a great everyday cleanser that leaves skin feeling fresh and supple.
The hypoallergenic cleanser is formulated with minimal ingredients to give it a clean, effective wash without upsetting the natural pH balance - making it great for use by those suffering with skin problems such as eczema or rosacea.
9. First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Best for oily skin
This facial cleaner is packed with a powerful blend of botanical antioxidant glycerin, aloe, licorice root and white tea extracts to ensure that your skin stays hydrated, calm, and avoids irritation all day long.
It's non-stripping and pH balanced which is kind and gentle on skin. Straight out of the tube, this cleanser has a whipped texture, which transforms into a thick cream that can be massaged into the face to lift away dirt and excess oil from the skin.
10. Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser
Best for combination skin
The Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser is ideal for people with normal to dry skin. The cleanser deeply purifies the complexion whilst helping to defend against complexion-dulling pollutants.
It's scientifically formulated with a powerful mix of moringa, organic great burdock and acai, leaving the skin looking and feeling balanced, nourished and luminous.
