Fall is here, which we all know means colder weather and, incidentally, dry skin. Although every skin type is different, most of us could use a little extra hydration during the colder months, especially those of us with dry skin. Skin is a sensitive microbiome – even the smallest changes can dramatically affect the way your skin looks and feels. Although the effects may be gradual at first, the onset of colder weather can seriously dry out your skin, sometimes even to the point of pain (I’ve been there before).
With the onset of cold weather, a much-needed update to our beauty routines is in order. While a great moisturizer is so important, starting with your cleanser is a better way to make sure your skin gets all the moisture it needs. To combat the pesky flaking and itching that comes with plummeting temperatures, treat your skin to a rich, hydrating cleanser this season. Read on for 30 of the best face washes for dry skin.
Cult brand Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser ($19) is formulated with five skin conditioners, including Allantoin and Vitamin B5. After washing, this cleanser leaves your skin feeling baby soft without that dry, tight feeling that can occur before moisturizing.
Created with dermatologists, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15) removes dirt, makeup, and other debris from your skin while providing a powerful boost of hydration. Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid work together to restore the skin’s natural barrier to help skin retain moisture.
This Allure 2020 Best of Beauty winner is a fan favorite for a reason. The INKEY List Oatmeal Cleansing Balm ($11) melts away makeup and absorbs excess oil without drying out your skin. Oat Kernel Oil hydrates and hydrates while Colloidal Oatmeal reduces redness and soothes irritated skin. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free!
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser ($28) is a lightweight gel formula loaded with skin-loving ingredients like apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, glycerin, and squalene to lock in moisture. Its extra gentle formula is also suitable for all skin types, not just dry!
Hyaluronic acid is the star ingredient in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser ($13), helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This hypoallergenic cleanser leaves skin feeling clean, supple and hydrated.
Dermatologist-tested and approved, Byoma’s Creamy Jelly Cleanser ($13) is a 2022 Allure Best of Beauty award winner for best cream face wash. Licorice Root and Green Tea are rich in antioxidants, while the brand’s unique Tri-Ceramide Complex supports skin barrier health.
Skinfix Barrier+ Moisturizing Oil Foaming Cleanser ($30) has a lightly foaming formula that cleanses the skin, without stripping away lipids. Formulated with ingredients like a blend of seaweed hyaluronate and moisturizing aloe barbadensis leaf juice, this antioxidant-rich cleanser leaves skin hydrated, dewy, and glass-like.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Wash ($16) is infused with prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin. It’s gentle enough for everyday use, while maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance. Plus, the brand is recommended and backed by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, so you know it’s legit.
This best-selling face wash is not only great for locking in moisture, it’s also great for acne-prone skin. Origins Checks and Balances™ Foaming Facial Cleanser ($26) contains broadleaf kelp extract, wheat protein and tourmaline, plus mint to invigorate the skin. Dry areas are hydrated and comfortable, while oily areas are refreshed and balanced.
Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser ($38) is inspired by the Japanese ritual of women using leftover milky water from rinsing rice for cooking to use in their beauty routines. Your skin will be healthy, radiant and nourished.
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser ($19) leaves skin soft and dewy!
Hydrating glycerin in Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Enzyme Foam Cleanser ($26) keeps skin soft and hydrated while Dr. Jart+’s signature green repair solution soothes irritated, red skin.
Ideal for dry, acne-prone skin, Versed Gentle Cycle Hydrating Milky Cleanser ($15) contains anti-inflammatory oat milk and antioxidant-rich marula oil.
Hero Cosmetics Milky Mild Cleanser ($15) is a dream for anyone with dry, sensitive skin. Oatmeal, jojoba and ceramides leave skin feeling super soft and soothed.
The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Wash ($24) contains powerful ingredients like glycerin and aloe. This lightweight cleansing cream calms, hydrates and soothes irritated skin.
The innisfree Green Tea Hydrating Foam Cleanser ($10) is loaded with Jeju Green Tea Root Extract, which is a natural surfactant that helps gently cleanse with microbubbles.
This brand is a cult favorite for a reason. The Summer Fridays Super Amino Gel Cleanser ($35) contains 11 select amino acids with unique powers to replenish, protect and support skin’s elasticity.
Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water ($28) gently removes dirt, oil and makeup from the face, while a blend of 3 ceramides and wild melon oil lock in moisture.
Looking for something simple and without irritating ingredients? Look no further than Cetaphil Gentle Skin Face Wash ($10).
Squalane Regular Cleanser ($20) uses the power of squalane, a plant-derived moisturizer, to cleanse skin while keeping it soft and hydrated.
Bar soap might seem like an odd addition here, but the Dove Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin ($16 for a six-pack) is hypoallergenic and recommended as a face wash as well as a body soap. Plus, it’s loaded with moisturizer, so your skin will feel soft and not stripped.
Looking for a dual action cleanser that will hydrate your dry skin and remove makeup? Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($36) effortlessly melts away makeup with a dreamy balm consistency while papaya enzymes naturally exfoliate your skin.
Tatcha The Camellia Oil 2-in-1 Makeup Remover and Cleanser ($50) is a luxurious cleanser loaded with Japanese Camellia Oil to leave skin feeling silky smooth. Enjoy, my beauty!
Korres Greek Yogurt Foaming Cream Cleanser ($28) is a best-selling superfood cleanser formulated with Greek yogurt to leave your skin looking healthy after just one wash. Plus, seawater and antioxidants boost hydration and minimize the appearance of pores.
This low pH cleanser is formulated with milk oil and white tea water to cleanse, moisturize and soothe. The LANEIGE Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser ($34) is truly a must-have for dry skin villains!
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser Hydrating Facial Cleanser Serum ($29) combines the cleansing power of a foam cleanser with the hydration of a serum. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are the star ingredients that really lock in moisture.
Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk ($30) is formulated with nourishing sweet almond oil, soothing blueberry water, and antioxidant polyphenols. Additionally, the new formula also includes castor oil, which is known to promote eyelash growth.
Do you have dry and sensitive skin? This one is for you. Aveeno Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser ($12) is specially formulated for sensitive skin with nourishing oatmeal and soothing feverfew.
Jessica Alba’s Honest Beauty is known for its clean formulas and sustainable packaging, and the Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser with Chamomile + Calendula ($13) is no exception. This cleanser gently removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
The name of this cleanser says it all. The blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom extract in Derma E Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Cloud Cleanser ($16) work together to hydrate and condition skin, leaving it feeling cloud-like softness.