8 Best Gentle Cleansers That Are Safe for Sensitive Skin

When you have reactive skin like me, you realize that no face wash is going to work. My safe space is within the range of the best gentle cleansers. While I’d love to experiment with my skin care routine, venturing too far out of my skin tone comfort zone increases my chances of breaking out or having a rosacea flare-up.

However, these simple formulas aren’t safe: While they may eschew trendy ingredients, sensory textures, or powerful exfoliants to buff and polish, they’re the unsung heroes of nourishing your complexion. “Gentle cleansers can remove dirt, oil, and residual sunscreen without damaging the skin barrier,” board-certified dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD, tells us Fashion.“These facial cleansers use mild surfactants, often have a skin-friendly pH, and avoid common irritants.”

fashion magazine Favorite gentle cleanser

Best overall performance

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizing Gentle Cleanser

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Best for post-operative skin

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

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Best soothing

Tower 28 SOS Gel Cleanser

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Now, finding the right recipe can make you feel a little more like Goldie Locks when picking out ingredients, rather than also It’s gentle enough not to completely remove daily grime and product buildup, but not so exfoliating that it causes flaky skin. This is the perfect double cleanse routine when paired with your makeup remover of choice (my top choice is micellar water). Dr. Shokeen notes that one telltale sign that your facial cleanser is meeting your skin’s needs: Your face feels good after you wash it. If you notice any tightness or tingling, you may want to re-evaluate.

Next, discover the best gentle cleansers—available in balms, oils, gels, foams, and face washes—reviewed by top dermatologists and Fashion Editors are the same.

in this story

Best overall performance: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizing Gentle Cleanser

• why we like it: Often recommended by top dermatologists as one of the best cleansers around, this formula checks all the boxes: pH balanced, non-comedogenic, and designed for sensitive and combination skin. Dr. Penzi calls it a solid choice for those dealing with dryness and oiliness in different areas, and even dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD, calls it one of her personal staples. “[It] “It’s creamy, leaving skin feeling hydrated and nourished rather than flaky and tight.” That’s thanks to the brand’s blend of prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide.
• Editing experience: “This La Roche-Posay formula is easily one of the most popular cleansers of all time, and there’s nothing not to love about it. It’s gentle yet cleansing, and leaves skin feeling softer after every use. I would recommend it to anyone.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
• Main ingredients: La Roche-Posay’s prebiotic hot spring water, ceramide, glycerin, nicotinamide
• type: cream
• texture: Milky, gel-cream
• Foam: No
• non-comedogenic: Yes
• More to know: Vegan, Fragrance-Free, Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Soap-Free

Best Value: Vanicream gentle cleanser

• why we like it: When skin is particularly dry or stressed, sometimes it’s best to get back to basics. Take Vanicream, for example; the drugstore brand has been a dermatologist favorite for decades. “Vanicream’s Hydrating Cleanser is great for sensitive skin because it’s free of dyes, fragrances, and harsh surfactants, so the risk of irritation is very low,” says Gretchen W. Frieling, MD. “It’s a simple, no-foam formula that cleans without stripping and is ideal for barrier support.” Dr. Shokeen agrees, adding that it’s perfect for those prone to eczema and rosacea, post-surgery skin, or those who regularly use retinol.
• Editing experience: “A little over a month ago, I suffered from a severe case of perioral dermatitis. Apparently, an acne cream my dermatologist prescribed for closed comedones (which I was actually experiencing) made my skin sensitive. The closed comedons disappeared; however, my entire face felt stinging when I used any of my usual products, and my skin was very dry. I immediately put a halt to my routine and switched to Vanicream of cleanser and within a week, my skin was soft and hydrated. ” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
• Main ingredients: Water, glycerin, cocoyl glucoside (derived from coconut)
• type: cream
• texture: Milky, gel-cream
• Foam: No
• non-comedogenic: Yes
• More to know: Gluten-free, dermatologist-tested, soap-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free