20 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin: Approved Options with Gentle Formulas

When you have sensitive skin like I do, finding the right product for your skin can be a real chore.

But, if you don’t do your due diligence, you can also create a really itchy situation, if ya catch my drift.

The skin problems you can encounter may range from mild to severe making skin sensitivity a real issue, and ensuring your facial cleanser is not part of that problem can make your life less stressful.

I have had to deal with sensitive skin my whole life, and picking the wrong product can exacerbate the situation and make your skin issues even worse.

Photo by Canva Pro

In This Post:

• Why Sensitive Skin Needs Special Cleansers

• How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Your Sensitive Skin

• 20 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

• Benefits of Using the Right Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

• Tips for Cleansing Sensitive Skin

• Final Thoughts

Why Sensitive Skin Needs Special Cleansers

So what aspects do professionals consider someone’s skin to be “sensitive”? Dr. Ming Jih, a dermatologist at Houston Methodist says that your skin can be “both sensitive and prone to dryness”, but there’s a difference between dry and sensitive skin.

She says dry skin creates a condition called xerosis where the top layers of your skin dry out due to lack of moisture.

Which can be caused by genetics or environmental factors- either extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures.

Soaps that are harsh and can strip your skin can dry out skin as well, and this includes hand washing.

Triggers can include the previously mentioned extreme weather conditions and use of harsh soaps, and repetitive hand washing, but there are also other triggers, and they can include: 

• long hot steamy showers
• certain skincare ingredients like fragrances, preservatives, alcohol-based products
• Clothing materials & fabrics. 

Sometimes our DNA may play a part in these triggering aspects too, for instance: 

• Neurogenic & inflammatory factors
• hormonal fluctuations
• psychological stress

When choosing the right cleanser for my sensitive skin, there are some key features I like to keep in mind.

I like to make sure I see that it has gentle, non-irritating formulas to cleanse my skin without stripping that top layer of skin.

So here’s what to consider when shopping for a sensitive skin cleanser:

• Fragrance-free 
• Hypo-allergenic and Dermatologist-tested 
• pH balanced: 5.5
• Soothing and hydrating ingredients

What to avoid:

• Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
• Alcohol (Sd,Denatured,  Isoporpyl)
• Citrus extracts and essential oils
• Parabens and formaldehyde releasers

Related: Savings in Style: How To Cut Your Own Hair at Home

How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Your Sensitive Skin

As mentioned above by Dr. Jih from the Methodist leading medicine in the article Sensitive Skin: Symptoms, Common Triggers & How It’s Treated, skin can be both sensitive and dry.

However, sensitive skin occurs in some individuals due to a genetic variance in the “normal protective skin barrier or skin irritation becomes so severe it is inflamed.” 

So, let’s take a look at some combinations and formulations to decide how to choose the right product to help you tackle those sensitive skin issues or even avoid an irritating situation.

• Fragrance-free 

Some essential oils and artificial fragrances can trigger irritation, allergic reactions, and redness in sensitive individuals. I would look for products that are labeled “fragrance-free” instead of “unscented” which can still contain some hidden fragrances. 

• Hypo-allergenic and Dermatologist-tested

Cleansers that are hypo-allergenic and tested by dermatologists were created to minimize allergic reactions, so it’s great for someone with sensitive skin. Look for products that say “hypoallergenic”, dermatologists-tested”, or “non-comedogenic”. 

• pH balance: 

Our skin is slightly acidic (4.5-5.5). Using a pH-balanced cleanser will prevent disrupting the skin barrier and reduce irritation. I would look for products that say “p-H balanced” or “soap-free formula” (soaps are alkaline and can be harsh on our skin). 

• Soothing and hydrating ingredients:

I know it’s a pain to have to look at the back of every product you buy, but hey that’s life sometimes my friends. If I didn’t do that, I would be dealing with lots of unwanted stressors and that is something I cannot live with. So WebMD says these are the things we sensitive skin folks should look for to avoid inflammation while getting hydration:

• Aloe Vera which helps to soothe redness and irritation
• Glycerin: a product known to maintain moisture and prevent dryness
• Ceramides can reinforce the skin barrier, so they once again act like a shield
• Hyaluronic acid supplies deep moisture
• Niacinamide (a Vitamin B derivative) helps with redness and boosts skin elasticity
• Colloidal oatmeal decreases itching and inflammation
• Centella Asiatica (Cica) is something used in Traditional Chinese Medicines, it is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. If you have inflamed skin, it can help to calm it by repairing the skin barrier and raising the collagen production which will then help to lock in moisture. 
• Allantoin is a product that provides protection and soothes the skin. It can also reduce irritation and encourage healing. 
• Green tea extracts are another ingredient that soothes and protects sensitive skin. Green tea offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits as well. 
• Bisabolol (Chamomile extract) also has anti-inflammatory and calming properties which makes it incredibly helpful in soothing angry sensitive skin.

So, we’ve covered the ingredients to look for, what should someone with sensitive skin avoid like the plague in order to maintain healthy and happy skin?

• Fragrances: Unfortunately, smelling nice can have a disadvantage for some of us. So, the only choice is to smell clean apparently. Both natural and synthetic fragrances have been known offenders for skin irritation and allergic reactions. So, just don’t do it, you’ll have less misery to deal with. 
• Alcohol-based mixtures: Isopropyl alcohol, SD, alcohol 40, and ethyl alcohol are too harsh and can rob the skin of natural oils leading to dryness and irritation.
• Sulfates which are commonly used in cleansers as the foaming agent, can overly strip the skin’s natural lipids, causing dryness and damaging the skin barrier.  
• Parabens are a preservative that extends the shelf life of your products, but for those of us with sensitive skin it can irritate our skin and create allergic reactions. 
• Essential oils although are a natural product; oils like tea tree and lavender are quite potent which can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. 
• High pH cleansers (Alkaline soaps)
  Soaps contain high alkaline pH and are harsh on the skin, which can disturb the skin’s natural pH balance leading to dryness or irritation.
• Methylisothiazolinone is also another preservative found in common water-based cleansers. It is a strong allergen and can cause itching, burning, or even hives in sensitive individuals. 

To avoid a breakout of skin irritation, spot-test products are recommended so you’ll know which products are compatible with your sensitive skin type.

Just because a product is labeled for sensitive skin, always do your due diligence to ensure it will work for you.

Even sensitive products are not all made equally, just like how we are not all sensitive to the same things. 

Related: 7 Steps for The Perfect DIY Manicure You Can Totally Do at Home

 20 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

It is a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It has skin-loving ingredients like ceramide-3 and niacinamide. Priced at $17.99 for a 13.52 fl oz bottle.

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

This is a product often used in my household. It is Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, Non-drying, gentle, non-irritating, accepted by the National Eczema Association, and suitable for normal to dry skin.

It also contains three types of ceramides (1,3,6-11) and hyaluronic acid to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture. Priced at $15.48 for the value size of a 16 fl oz bottle, is a pretty good price.

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

This mild and non-irritating formula from Cetaphil soothes and cleanses and is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin.

It is a creamy, non-foaming formula that uses micellar technology to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities while keeping the skin pH balanced.

It is formulated with glycerin and panthenol (vitamin B5), and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to help with hydration, soothe and preserve the skin barrier, and help smooth skin texture and retain skin moisture barrier. Priced at $18.97 for a 20 fl oz bottle.

•  Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

This gentle cleanser helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup without drying out the skin; it is ideal for daily use.

It is free of sulfates, dyes, fragrances, masking fragrances, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers. It was also Dermatologist tested:

This non-comedogenic cleanser won’t clog pores; awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

It was formulated to avoid common chemical irritants and harsh cleansing agents; betaine-free, gluten-free, soap-free, and botanical extract-free. Priced at $8.86 for a fl. oz bottle. 

• Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser

 Photo by Lisa Saephan

This product was designed specifically for sensitive skin is gentle and cleanses effectively by removing dirt, oil, and make-up, while decreasing red sensitive skin.

Prebiotic sugars such as inulin along with glucose+ fructose nourish the microbiome and soothe redness and sensitivity whereas capric triglycerides gently soften and restore skin and help prevent moisture loss. Priced at $22.00 for a 6.7 fl oz bottle.

• Avene Milk Cleanser

 Photo by Lisa Saephan

This is a product recommended for all sensitive skin types. It is an extremely gentle cleanser that cleanses and removes makeup.

It helps to restore the skin barrier and protects the skin from dryness.

It immediately calms the skin upon application. It contains postbiotic ingredients extracted from good bacteria only found in Avène Thermal Spring Water.

It is a product recommended by Dermatologists worldwide and is approved by the National Eczema Association. It is even safe for children 2+. It is priced at $27.00 for a 6.7 fl oz bottle. 

• Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel

Photo by Lisa Saephan

This product deep cleanses removing dirt, oil, and impurities, leaving the skin clean and fresh.

Safe for all types of skin. It is formulated with oat amino acids and aloe vera which are both water-binding agents that soothe the skin. Priced at $44.10 for a 6.7 fl oz bottle.

• Native Sensitive Face Wash

Photo by Lisa Saephan

Fragrance-free, hydrating cleanser that’s made with soothing aloe & Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is gentle enough for everyday use and removes dirt, oil, and impurities while improving the overall feel of skin.

It is sulfate and paraben-free, cruelty-free, silicone-free, Synthetic-free, and dye-free. Priced at $19.95 for a 12 fl oz bottle.

• Srripo Gentle Foaming Face Wash

Photo by Lisa Saephan

Low pH gentle cleanser with 13 amino acids and non-comedogenic properties.

Free of sulfates and parabens, it contains hydrophilic amino acids that mimic nourishing raindrops, while the lipophilic part is as light as a feather, effortlessly removing dirt and oil, just like a breeze sweeps away dust.

It also contains plant-based moisturizing ingredients – squalane, dendrobium, aloe vera, and honeysuckle that deliver the perfect blend of soothing and hydration. Priced at $11.99 for a 5.29 oz bottle.

• Beauty by Earth Face Cleansing Gel

Photo by Lisa Saephan

In a travel-friendly size, this is a US-made product created for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.

This cleanser removes dirt, oil, and impurities. It also helps to unclog pores, preventing the accumulation of debris that can lead to breakouts and other skin issues.

It is even vegan and cruelty-free and is powerful enough to clean the skin without parabens, sulfates, harmful chemicals, or artificial fragrances, ensuring pure and gentle care for your skin. Priced at $17.99 for a 2 fl oz tube.

Related: You’re Doing It All Wrong: The Abs Workout You Need, According to a Physical Therapist

• Clean & Clear Essentials Sensitive Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

Clean and clear used to be one of my go-to sensitive skin products. It has gotten harder and harder to locate some of the products from their line in the stores, but it’s good to know this one is still available to purchase in stores and online.

It is a foaming cleanser made for people who have sensitive skin that doesn’t over dry after washing.

It removes dirt, oil, and makeup leaving you with clean and healthier-looking skin.

It is part of their three-step cleaning solution, which is good to look into if you’re looking for a sensitive skin routine that doesn’t break the bank. Priced at $5.78 for an 8 fl oz bottle. 

• Tatcha The Rice Wash

Photo by Lisa Saephan

The cream cleanser by Tatcha is gentle and effective at helping to wash away oil, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural barrier.

Although it is a cream, it foams up into a thick lather which helps to balance the pH of the skin and stay hydrated. Priced at $40 for a 4 oz tube. 

• Naturium Niacinamide Face Cleansing Gelée

Photo by Lisa Saephan

The Gel cleanser by Naturium is clinically shown to effectively remove makeup and provide oil control all day.

It gently dissolves makeup, oil, and impurities while aiding in the look of youthful and healthier skin.

It is pH balanced, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Skin Compatible, & Dermatologist Tested. Priced at $17.99 for a 7.1 fl oz bottle.

• Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

Photo by Lisa Saephan

This one claims to “melt” makeup and is an alternative to disposable makeup wipes. So those of us who want to help save the planet from global warming can feel a little better about not wasting.

Great for when you’re doing a double clean day. It contains eucalyptus oil & vitamin E, avocado, jojoba, and clover leaf oil for a refreshing spa-like cleanse without any artificial fragrances.

It even removes waterproof makeup, so no need to worry about that leftover undereye makeup that sometimes makes up look like critters with masks on. Priced at $17.97 for a 2.3 oz bottle. 

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

From normal to oil, and all the way to sensitive skin this is the cleanser that can do it all.

It removes excess oil while making sure your skin’s natural barrier is not stripped or gets your pH off balance.

It is infused with prebiotic thermal water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide & Glycerin. Priced at $17.99 for a 13.52 fl oz bottle. 

• PanOxyl 4% Creamy Facial Treatment Wash

Photo by Lisa Saephan

A gentle formula containing 4% Benzoyl peroxide that’s a daily anti-microbial cleanser that kills acne-causing bacteria and clears the pores for cleaner and healthier skin.

It is pH balanced with 4 humectants and 3 emollients to help expand hydration. This is even recommended for chest and back acne, as well as preventing future breakouts. Priced at $9.77 for a 6 oz tube. 

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

Neutrogena’s gel cleanser is great for removing dirt, oil, and makeup without reducing or stripping your skin of the natural barrier.

It is a TSA-friendly travel size, so you won’t have to throw it out like the average-sized bottles.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin and is also naturally found in the skin to aid in increasing the skin’s hydration. Priced at $19.67 for a 7.8 oz tube. 

• Avene XeraCalm A.D Cleansing Oil

Photo by Lisa Saephan

The fragrance-free cleansing Oil by Avene helps to calm skin and soothe itching. It seals in moisture and helps restore the skin’s barrier.

Recommended for skin prone to eczema and is approved by the National Eczema Association.

It is even approved for newborns 4 months and up, making it safe for most sensitive skin individuals. Priced at $34 for a 13.5 oz bottle.

• Burt’s Bees Gentle Face Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

This daily cleanser is dermatology-tested, fragrance-free, and is clinically shown to be gentle on even the most sensitive skin.

It is infused with cotton extract, which can soften and help shield skin from possible irritants or allergens. Priced at $7.58 for an 8 fl oz bottle. 

• Saturday Skin Acai Berry + Oats Antioxidant Gel Cleanser

Photo by Lisa Saephan

This is a Korean-branded cleanser. With its beautiful, pink-colored bottle, it features Acai berries, rice, oats, mungbean, and Centella Asiatica (CICA).

These three key ingredients help the skin by protecting the skin against daily skin stressors, gently exfoliating, and can calm and soothing sensitive/ irritated skin, and it can help neutralize redness. Priced at $18.50 for a 5.07 fl oz bottle. 

Related: What You Need To Know Before Investing in Cosmetic Surgery

Benefits of Using the Right Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Photo by Lisa Saephan

Aren’t all sensitive skin products the same though? One would think it is so it’ll make life easier, but again just as we are not made equally, our sensitive skin severity ranges.

I know I know what a headache. Well, if you select the right one, it will help target your personal skin issues and not someone else’s. So that’s what I am here to do.

Let’s help you find the correct cleanser to help whether you’re trying to target redness, burning, or stinging skin. Narrowing down what your skin’s needs are and addressing those concerns will help prevent future breakouts. 

Minimizing irritation:

When someone has sensitive skin, it can be due to a weakened skin barrier, so you don’t want to use a product that could potentially irritate it and cause you more skin issues.

Niacinamide, a derivative of B3, can help soothe and restore the skin barrier, restoring the lost moisture. 

Protection for the skin barrier:

Amino acid complex technology (three types of amino acids) helps to reinforce and protect the skin barrier. It can help defend against five signs of skin sensitivity: dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier.

Improves skin health:

Due to their ability to provide continuous hydration, gentle cleansers can support the overall health and resilience of the skin. Hydration is the key to healthier and youthful-looking skin. 

Tips for Cleansing Sensitive Skin

Photo by Lisa Saephan

A proper routine must be kept up to maintain the health and comfort of sensitive skin. Here are some dermatologist-approved tips:

• Water temperature should be lukewarm, and not hot when cleansing the skin. Hot water can strip natural oils from the skin barrier leading to dry and irritated skin. Choosing lukewarm water will balance the pH levels of the skin and preserve moisture.
• How to dry the skin matters. You should pat gently and not rub your skin when drying with a towel. When you rub your face, it creates unwanted friction and you don’t want that because it can turn into irritation for your skin. 
• Moisturize immediately with a moisturizer made for sensitive skin after cleaning helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier. 
• Last but not least, try to stick to the routine. This is important to maintain balance and comfort for us sensitive skinners. Cleaning your face twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) is a great habit to continue so you won’t have to deal with discomfort from red, itchy, or dry skin. Overwashing will create more problems for sensitive-skinned individuals, so I wouldn’t overdo it. 

Final Thoughts

Now, that we’ve learned why it’s important to choose the right cleanser for your sensitive skin, the amazing benefits it provides to keep our skin happy, and I have included top-rated products for sensitive skin to give you ideas on what is available; I hope you keep these tips and recommendation in mind when looking for a new cleanser for your sensitive skin.

Our skin, especially our face is exposed to everything, every day so why not help to protect it so it can have the best chance at the utmost comfort and health as possible?

I hope these suggestions and tips will help you or someone you know. I appreciate you taking the time to read this article.

Until next time, take care of yourself including your beautiful skin so you can shine bright!

THAT’S A WRAP! THIS ARTICLE WAS ALL ABOUT CLEANSERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN!

WAS THIS POST USEFUL? SHARE THE LOVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

FOLLOW US ON IG, PINTEREST  & FLIPBOARD FOR MORE TIPS & RESOURCES.

PIN FOR LATER!

Other Posts You Might Like

• How To Easily Start Your Makeup Journey: Makeup for Beginners

• What Does Facial Toner Do and Why Your Skin Needs It – The Ultimate Guide

• The Perfect Night Care Routine for Skin – The Ultimate Guide

Lisa Saephan

Aspiring author passionate about creative writing with blog experience in health and wellness, inspiring and informing readers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys music, wine, and close knit family and friends’ company. Her work has been featured in We Rise 4 Wellness’ health and wellness blog Onjeonjem.