Hydrating Cleansers That Soothe, Protect, and Refresh Your Winter Skin
Winter can be merciless on your skin. When temperatures drop and indoor heating kicks in, even the most balanced complexion can start to feel parched, tight, and irritated. If your daily face wash leaves your skin squeaky clean but stripped of moisture, it’s time to swap it out for something gentler — a cleanser designed to nourish while it cleanses.
The best face washes for dry skin don’t just remove dirt and makeup; they help strengthen your skin’s barrier, lock in hydration, and leave your complexion soft and supple. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal dryness, lifelong dehydration, or simply looking to pamper your skin through the cold months, these dermatologist-approved cleansers deliver comfort and care with every wash.
We’ve tested and researched dozens of formulas, from luxurious creams to gentle foams, and rounded up the top face washes for dry skin — along with expert insights on what makes them work so well.
What Makes a Face Wash Great for Dry Skin
Dry skin needs gentle cleansing that preserves natural oils rather than stripping them away. According to dermatologists, the best cleansers for dry skin are cream-based or oil-based, featuring ingredients like:
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Glycerin: a powerful humectant that draws water into the skin.
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Ceramides: essential lipids that strengthen the skin barrier.
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Hyaluronic acid: a moisture magnet that plumps and hydrates.
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Allantoin & Aloe Vera: soothing agents that calm irritation.
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Emollients (like squalane or shea butter): that seal in moisture.
Avoid harsh sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and high-fragrance cleansers, which can worsen dryness and irritation.
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Price: $39
This cleanser is a cult favorite for a reason. Recommended by dermatologists like Dr. Deanne Mraz, SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is formulated with a creamy base that cleans without compromising hydration. The emollient-rich texture softens dry patches and soothes tightness, while orange oil provides a subtle antioxidant boost that helps brighten dull winter skin.
Why We Love It: It leaves the skin balanced, not tight — a rarity among cleansers. Plus, its pH-balanced formula is gentle enough for daily use, even after professional treatments or retinoid applications.
Best Foaming: Lancôme Crème Mousse Confort
Lancôme Crème Mousse Confort Price: $34
If you crave the satisfying feel of a foamy wash but hate that post-cleanse tightness, Lancôme’s Crème Mousse Confort delivers a happy medium. The formula uses sodium cocoyl glycinate, a mild surfactant derived from coconut, to create a rich, cushiony lather that dissolves makeup and grime without drying the skin.
Infused with rosehip oil and Rose de France extract, this cleanser pampers your skin while the shea butter nourishes and repairs. It’s like washing your face with a cashmere cloud.
Best Travel-Friendly: Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic
Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic Price: $20
For those always on the go, Olay Cleansing Melts are an ingenious innovation. These small, water-activated squares dissolve in your hands to create a hydrating foam. Compact and mess-free, they’re ideal for travel or post-gym touch-ups.
Editor Angela Trakoshis describes them as “a total game-changer — powerful enough to remove makeup but gentle enough to keep my skin hydrated.” The hyaluronic acid ensures your skin feels soft and replenished after every use.
Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Cleanser
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser Price: $24
Sensitive, reactive skin types rejoice. First Aid Beauty’s Pure Skin Cleanser is a dermatologist favorite for its fragrance-free, pH-balanced formula. Aloe and allantoin calm inflammation while glycerin ensures long-lasting moisture.
Dermatologist Dr. Brandith Irwin praises the cleanser’s antioxidant content for protecting against environmental stressors. It’s a perfect balance between effective cleansing and skin barrier support — especially if you use active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids in your routine.
Best for Redness: Alastin Skincare Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream
Alastin Skincare Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream Price: $52
For those dealing with irritation or rosacea, Alastin Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream is a soothing savior. Dr. Deanne Mraz highlights its unique formula featuring oat protein and silver mushroom extract — both known to relieve redness and strengthen the skin barrier.
This luxurious cream removes impurities without foam or friction, leaving the skin soft, cool, and comforted.
Best Fragrance-Free: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser Price: $8
Affordable, effective, and beloved by dermatologists — Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is ideal for ultra-sensitive skin. Free from fragrances, parabens, dyes, and sulfates, it’s as pure as it gets.
Dr. Marisa Garshick says, “It’s great for those who want a simple, non-irritating cleanse that removes dirt and makeup while maintaining the skin’s natural balance.”
Best Exfoliating: EltaMD Foaming Cleanser
EltaMD Foaming Cleanser Price: $35
EltaMD Foaming Cleanser provides gentle exfoliation through natural pineapple enzymes that remove dead skin without harsh scrubbing. Dermatologist Dr. Quynh-Giao Sartor explains that this enzyme-based formula is ideal for dry or sensitive skin types who still need effective cleansing.
It creates a soft, foamy texture that purifies pores and restores your skin’s bounce, leaving it smooth and radiant.
Best for Removing Makeup: Paula’s Choice Resist Hydrating Cleanser
Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser Price: $26
This hydrating cleanser is a double-duty wonder. It removes waterproof makeup while feeding your skin with antioxidants and moisture. Soapberry extract breaks down impurities gently, while chamomile and green tea soothe irritation.
It’s the perfect end-of-day cleanser for dry, tired skin — especially for those who wear long-wear makeup or sunscreen daily.
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser Price: $18
A top recommendation among dermatologists, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser supports the skin barrier with ceramides and niacinamide while locking in hydration with glycerin.
This cleanser has earned multiple seals of approval from the National Eczema Association. The large bottle size also makes it one of the most cost-effective hydrating cleansers available.
Best for Dry, Mature Skin: BeautyStat Microbiome Barrier Repair Cleanser
BeautyStat Microbiome Barrier Repair Purifying Cleanser Price: $29
Mature skin often struggles with barrier damage and reduced oil production. BeautyStat’s Microbiome Barrier Repair Cleanser addresses both issues with an advanced formula packed with hydrating lipids and medical-grade silver for antibacterial protection.
Commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann calls it “a mini facial in a bottle.” Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing for an added hydration boost — perfect for winter skin repair.
Best Post-Procedure Cleanser: Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser Price: $40
After chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling, your skin needs the gentlest touch. Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is formulated for post-procedure care, soothing irritation while restoring moisture.
Editor Jesa Marie Calaor swears by it for daily use, saying it leaves her skin “extra soft and never stripped.” Its jelly-like texture feels refreshing and luxurious — the perfect addition to a winter skincare routine.
Best Budget Pick: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Price: $14
A household staple and dermatologist favorite, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser offers everything your dry skin needs without breaking the bank.
Dr. Teresa Song praises its combination of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide for barrier repair and hydration. This drugstore hero also boasts the National Eczema Association seal, making it a safe, effective choice for everyone.
Expert Tips: How to Shop for Face Washes for Dry Skin
1. Prioritize barrier-repair ingredients.
Look for ceramides, squalane, and niacinamide. These help strengthen your skin’s natural defenses against dryness and environmental damage.
2. Avoid harsh surfactants.
Skip cleansers with sulfates like SLS or SLES. Instead, choose formulas using gentle agents such as cocamidopropyl betaine or sodium cocoyl glycinate.
3. Choose the right texture.
Creamy, milky, and oil-based cleansers are ideal for dry skin. Foaming or gel formulas can work too — as long as they’re sulfate-free and packed with hydrators.
4. Don’t overwash.
Cleansing twice a day can be too much for dry skin. Opt for once daily (preferably at night) to remove dirt, makeup, and sunscreen.
5. Follow with moisturizer immediately.
Within 60 seconds of cleansing, apply a hydrating toner or moisturizer to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.
When winter winds and dry indoor air threaten your glow, your cleanser can make or break your skincare routine. The best face washes for dry skin work like skincare treatments — cleansing gently, hydrating deeply, and preserving your skin’s natural balance.
Whether you splurge on luxury picks like SkinCeuticals or reach for affordable staples like CeraVe, the right cleanser will transform your skin’s texture and comfort. Choose hydrating ingredients, skip harsh foams, and make your cleansing ritual a moment of nourishment rather than depletion.
Your skin deserves that little bit of warmth and care — especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
