Best Cleansers for Dry Skin

Updated November 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
Philosophy
Purity Made Simple Cleanser
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Bottom Line

For those looking for a high-quality yet simple and straightforward cleanser for dry skin.

Pros

This is an award-winning cleanser that removes makeup, dirt, and cleans out pores to reveal a more even skin tone.

Cons

Not recommended for oily or combination skin types.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Cleanser
Check Price
Bottom Line

This is a foaming cleanser that's suitable for all skin types. Apricot kernal and avocado oils ensure a gentle cleanse without overdrying.

Pros

The texture is a pleasant mix between gel and foam that feels great on skin. A little goes a long way.

Cons

May be a little too strong for ultra-sensitive or severely dry skin types.

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
Clinique
Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
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Bottom Line

An extremely lightweight, odorless mousse that gradually foams as you cleanse.

Pros

Easily rinses off makeup and sunscreen at the end of the day.

Cons

A little goes a long way for especially dryer skin types.

Fresh Rose Cleansing Foam
Fresh
Rose Cleansing Foam
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Bottom Line

A light, rose-scented everyday cleanser that's suitable for all skin types, but works great for dry and sensitive skin.

Pros

Locks in tangible moisture and smoothness for up to six hours after use.

Cons

Some users need to combine with a moisturizing lotion for full hydration.

Kora Organics Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin
Kora Organics
Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin
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Bottom Line

A high-end cream cleanser that's specially designed for dry skin.

Pros

Contains avocado, aloe vera, and macadamia nut oils to replenish skin's moisture.

Cons

May not be able to remove heavy makeup.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

52 Models Considered
24 Hours Researched
2 Experts Interviewed
131 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Cleansing dry skin is a 2-fold process as cleansers should wipe away debris without overstripping skin of the oils that may lend to such build-up. pH-balanced cleansers that lack harsh ingredients known to strip away natural oil, and rather protect natural barriers, are a great place to start for those with dry skin. Cleansers are tailored to counteract the effects of serious skin conditions like eczema as well. Some products will exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells, however such treatments may be too harsh for excessively dry skin. Both adults as well as children can improve overall hydration with the right cleanser.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Aveeno
Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel
First Aid Beauty
Pure Skin Face Cleanser
Cetaphil
Hydrating Gentle Skin Cleanser
InstaNatural
Breakout & Blemish, Wrinkle Reducing, Exfoliating Gel
CeraVe
Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
Paula's Choice
RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Tree to Tub
Ultra Hydrating Gentle Face Wash for Dry Skin
NIVEA Men
Maximum Hydration Moisturizing Face Wash
Natural Outcome
Dry Skin Face Wash & Cleansing Gel
Body Merry
Vitamin C Natural Facial Cleanser for Oily and Dry Skin
LILY SADO
TEA+C Green Tea and Vitamin C Face Cleanser
DERMA E
Sensitive Skin Cleanser – Pycnogenol and Aloe Infused
Belif
Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser
See more
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Clinique

Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

Clinique

Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

An extremely lightweight, odorless mousse that gradually foams as you cleanse.

$27
×

Kiehl's

Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehl's

Ultra Facial Cleanser

This is a foaming cleanser that's suitable for all skin types. Apricot kernal and avocado oils ensure a gentle cleanse without overdrying.

$33
×

Fresh

Rose Cleansing Foam

Fresh

Rose Cleansing Foam

A light, rose-scented everyday cleanser that's suitable for all skin types, but works great for dry and sensitive skin.

$44
×

Kora Organics

Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin

Kora Organics

Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin

A high-end cream cleanser that's specially designed for dry skin.
$39
×

Philosophy

Purity Made Simple Cleanser

Philosophy

Purity Made Simple Cleanser

For those looking for a high-quality yet simple and straightforward cleanser for dry skin.
$38

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Our Top Picks
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
Best of the Best
Philosophy
Purity Made Simple Cleanser
Shop Now
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
Best Bang for the Buck
Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Cleanser
Shop Now
Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
Clinique
Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
Shop Now
Fresh Rose Cleansing Foam
Fresh
Rose Cleansing Foam
Shop Now
Kora Organics Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin
Kora Organics
Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin
Shop Now