Cleansing your skin is the first and most important step of any skincare routine, as it’s when you’re meant to remove all the oil, dirt, and impurities on your face after a long day or night. For those with dry skin, it’s a chance to pack some much-needed moisture on your face, so you can conquer the day or go to sleep with soft and healthy skin.
With the abundance of products in the market, it can be quite difficult to choose the right one. To help you, we will be showing you our top 10 picks for the best cleansers for dry skin that we found online. We also prepared a buying guide with comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang that will teach you all that you need to know before purchasing this skincare item.
Quick List - Top Cleansers for Dry Skin
Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, MD, DPDS is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila, and achieving healthy skin is her goal in every skin journey she has with her patients. She also aims to raise awareness on healthy skin facts and skincare habits. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently offering online consults for any skin, hair, and nail concerns. You can follow her on her Instagram and Facebook page to know more details about her practice!
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
It is essential to choose carefully the cleanser you use every day if you have dry skin. The cleanser must be picked based on different factors, like ingredients and formula. If you are looking for a cleanser that is good for dry skin, consider the factors we outlined in our buying guide below.
The ingredients of your cleanser are the stars of the show, so make sure to take note of what they are. Here are some common ingredients that are great for dry skin.
Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, a sugar that is mainly found in your skin, eyes, and joints. Its primary function is to provide moisture, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s found in many skincare products made for dry skin.
Aside from giving your face much-needed hydration, it also smoothens your skin’s texture, improving its elasticity. It reduces dermatitis and eczema, too, making it an effective all-around ingredient to combat any kind of skin dryness.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant (a type of moisturizing ingredient). It draws water into the skin and lessens evaporation of water. In doing so, it hydrates the skin. It is important to remember that hyaluronic acid, due to its high molecular size, may not penetrate the deeper layer of the skin.
It is also best to apply an occlusive type of moisturizer after applying hyaluronic acid to lock in the moisture. If you live in areas where there's low humidity, limit face cleansing with hyaluronic acid to twice a day. If used too often, this can cause skin dryness.
Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture from the air in your surroundings and keeps your skin hydrated. It also shields your face from environmental irritants and strengthens your skin's moisture barrier so that it can retain hydration.
It works with your body's natural oils and other skincare products to keep your skin soft and supple and prevent it from becoming drier. It's considered non-allergenic and safe for acne-prone skin, so if you have sensitive skin, you probably won't encounter any problems when using this ingredient.
Like glycerin, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is also a versatile ingredient that's suitable for most skin types. It is a good ingredient for dry skin as it hydrates and soothes the skin. Vitamin B5 has an unstable nature, so this is best combined with other ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Glycerin is a type of humectant that's safe for all skin types, making it a crowd-favorite. Like hyaluronic acid, it attracts and pulls in moisture. But compared to hyaluronic acid, glycerin has a low molecular weight and can penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Furthermore, glycerin also protects the skin barrier.
Niacinamide is often referred to as a star ingredient since it offers many benefits, including addressing dry skin. It does this by promoting the production of ceramides, which lock in moisture and protect the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Niacinamide also has calming properties that help improve skin redness and blotching, so if you have acne or other blemishes, this ingredient can help heal them. It also has anti-aging properties, making it a common component in many skincare products.
Facial cleansers contain active ingredients that can address specific concerns such as blemishes or oiliness. An example of an active ingredient is niacinamide, the active form of vitamin B3. It benefits the skin by keeping the skin barrier healthy, and it is also an antioxidant that prevents skin damage from external stressors. Aside from these, niacinamide also helps in oil control and fades away marks.
If you want to opt for a natural moisturizer, then consider getting a cleanser with aloe vera. It’s a humectant like glycerin, so it will improve your skin’s texture and elasticity. Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties, too.
If you’re struggling with redness or irritation, aloe vera can help calm it down. This ingredient also stimulates collagen production, which helps your skin stay soft and healthy. It ensures that you get a bright and smooth complexion without any dryness or dullness.
Aloe vera's soothing effect can help repair a damaged skin barrier.
While these ingredients aren’t bad for the skin per se, they’re used to treat acne by deeply cleansing the face. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin to slough out any dirt that causes blemishes. Meanwhile, benzoyl peroxide aims to clear out your skin by causing it to peel.
These ingredients don’t have any moisturizing properties and will strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving you with redness and irritation. To avoid that, stay away from products that have these ingredients and opt for a different cleanser instead.
Choosing the right cleanser depends on skin type and skin concerns. Some cleansers contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and hydroxy acids, and these are recommended for acne-prone and oily skin.
If your skin is already dry, best to look for hydrating or moisturizing cleansers that contain glycerin or ceramides. However, for people with specific concerns such as acne, it is best to consult skincare experts or board-certified dermatologists to be guided on the type of cleanser to be used.
Having dry skin means that you need to avoid harsh ingredients. Some examples of this are alcohol and fragrances because they can dry out your skin, causing redness and irritation.
Not all alcohols are bad. Alcohol derived from fat or fatty alcohols are safe to use since they’re not irritating and can even help protect your skin by locking in moisture. Common fatty alcohols that you may encounter are cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol.
However, alcohols like ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol can strip your face of its natural oils, drying it out. This makes them an irritant, especially if you already have dry skin in the first place. It would be best to refrain from using products that contain these ingredients.
Alcohols in skincare products are not entirely harmful. There are 2 types of alcohol: simple and fatty. For skincare, we must avoid simple alcohols such as isopropyl, ethyl, and denatured alcohol. They function as preservatives in products but can dehydrate the skin.
The other type is fatty alcohol or the "good" alcohol. Examples of fatty alcohol include cetyl, cetearyl, and stearyl alcohol, and propylene glycol. These alcohols are moisturizing to the skin, so check the ingredients list of your cleanser if they contain these!
While fragrances aren't necessarily bad for the skin, especially in lower concentrations, they may cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin, so it's best to avoid them. They don't provide any benefits for your skin and are more of a personal preference.
For best results, opt for cleansers that don't have unnecessary ingredients or ones that use natural fragrances and additives to their products. This way, you won't likely experience any adverse effects that will cause more harm than good.
Opting for fragrance-free products is a personal choice. But for people with dry and sensitive skin, it is recommended to avoid fragrance to avoid any trigger for allergies or irritation.
Cleansers come in different formulations, and the best one for you depends on your preferences. It’s important to get the texture that you will like the most, so that you won’t have a hard time or be uncomfortable using it daily.
Gel cleansers have a light texture and tend to be mild on the skin, which is great for those with acne or irritated skin. They're also suitable for those with sensitive skin since they can help calm it down. Plus, their texture makes your face feel moisturized and refreshed without any heaviness.
Gel-based cleansers have jelly-like consistency and are lightweight. They are gentle on the skin and are suitable for all skin types. They also help remove excess oil and dirt from the skin. Given their lightweight consistency, they have soothing effect on the skin.
Foam cleansers work up a lather and are often used to deeply cleanse the skin, making them ideal for removing dirt and impurities. However, they tend to strip the skin of its natural oils, so make sure to get one that is gentle or moisturizing. This is so that it won't disrupt your skin's natural moisture balance, but protect its moisture barrier instead.
Foam cleansers work best in removing makeup and unclogging blocked pores. However, it may contain surfactants that may irritate the skin. Hence, foam cleansers are recommended for oily and acne-prone skin. As for people with dry and sensitive skin, best to use this gently and apply moisturizers after.
The texture of cream cleansers is reminiscent of lotion and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. They usually provide intense hydration, which means that they can feel quite heavy on the face, especially if they have a thick consistency. This is recommended, though, for those with sensitive skin because they are gentle on the face.
Cream/milk cleansers have moisturizing effects and don't strip away the skin's natural oils. These are good for normal, dry, and sensitive skin. After cleansing with cream cleansers, they make the skin feel hydrated and plump.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net Weight | Notable Ingredients | Alcohol-Free | Fragrance-Free | Formula | |||||
1 | CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | ![]() | Can Thoroughly Cleanse Without Leaving the Skin Dry | 236ml | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, And Ceramides | unknown | unknown | Liquid | |
2 | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | ![]() | Clinically Proven To Be Safe Even For Sensitive Skin | 250 mL | Glycerin, Niacinamide, And Panthenol | unknown | unknown | Liquid | |
3 | Celeteque DermoScience™ Hydration Facial Wash | ![]() | Retains Moisture on Your Skin While Clearing Acne | 100 mL | Glycerin, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, And Chamomilla Extract | unknown | unknown | Gel To Foam | |
4 | Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser | ![]() | Soap-Free and pH-Balanced for Soft and Smooth Skin | 150ml | Citric Acid | unknown | unknown | Gel | |
5 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser Water Gel | ![]() | Has a Lightweight Formula That Feels Refreshing | 145 mL | Glycerin, Citric Acid, And Hyaluronic Acid | unknown | unknown | Gel | |
6 | COSRX Triple Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cleanser | ![]() | Uses Triple Hyaluronic Acid to Hydrate Your Skin While Cleansing | 150 mL | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, And Panthenol | unknown | unknown | Liquid To Foam | |
7 | Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser | ![]() | A pH-Balanced Cleanser That Is Gentle Yet Effective | 150 mL | Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E And Avocado Oil | unknown | unknown | Liquid To Foam | |
8 | Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Low PH Cleansing Foam | ![]() | Contains 8 Types of Hyaluronic Acid To Keep Skin Moisturized | 150 mL | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Panthenol, Ceramide, Allantoin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, And Citric Acid | unknown | unknown | Liquid To Foam | |
9 | Oxecure pH5.5 Gentle Cleanser | ![]() | Mild and Non-Irritating Cleanser for a Balanced pH Level | 200 mL | Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Garcinia Mangostana (Mangosteen) Peel Extract, And Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | unknown | unknown | Liquid | |
10 | Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser | ![]() | Contains Aloe Vera to Soothe And Moisturize Your Skin While Cleansing | 150 mL | Glycerin And Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract | unknown | unknown | Cream |
With its amazing line-up of ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is truly the best one out there. It can cleanse your skin of impurities without leaving it dry. This product does that through MVE Technology, which releases its moisturizing components to keep your skin hydrated all day.
This cleanser is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and fragrance-free, making it safe to use for those who have sensitive skin. Customers can vouch for this, saying that it works like a charm, even if they have delicate skin. Plus, it's recommended by the National Eczema Association, so you can be assured that it's hypoallergenic.
Net Weight | 236ml |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, And Ceramides |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Liquid |
Cetaphil is a well-known brand that produces gentle skincare products that even those with sensitive skin won't have trouble using. This cleanser is no exception, as it is suitable for both dry and sensitive skin since it actively hydrates your skin while cleansing it. It's non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic as well.
This cleanser provides protection against different skin concerns such as dryness, irritation, and a weakened skin barrier. It's also unscented and baby-safe, so anyone in your household can use it. As it has received thousands of good reviews across different platforms, you won't go wrong with this one!
Net Weight | 250 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Niacinamide, And Panthenol |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Liquid |
Celeteque's Hydration Facial Wash is a gentle yet effective cleanser that is able to clear out dirt and impurities from your skin while still retaining its moisture balance. It uses mild cleansing agents that don't dry out your face. This makes it perfect for those who have acne-prone but dry skin.
This dermatologist-tested cleanser has Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) that ensures your skin stays hydrated. It's non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, too, so it's bound to be gentle on the skin. Users love it since it effectively cleans their face but doesn't leave behind a "stripped" feeling.
Net Weight | 100 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, And Chamomilla Extract |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Gel To Foam |
Physiogel is popular for its gentle products that promote clean and healthy skin without being too harsh. This cleanser is part of that line, using advanced BioMimic Technology™ that cleanses and softens dry and sensitive skin. Additionally, it's soap-free and pH-balanced, so it won't irritate your skin.
You can use this cleanser without any water, so if you really want to cleanse your face on the go, you can do so with this product. A lot of customers have said that their dermatologists recommend this cleanser since it's very effective in addressing dry skin.
Net Weight | 150ml |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Citric Acid |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Gel |
This is for you if you want a moisturizing cleanser that doesn't feel heavy on the skin. With its gel formulation, this cleanser has a lightweight texture and uses Barriercare technology to protect your skin's barrier while cleansing it. It also has hyaluronic acid to boost hydration.
Moreover, this cleanser has no added parabens and is non-comedogenic, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. Many users also like it, saying that they are repeat buyers. Some also said they love its formula since you can work it up to a lather to make your face feel deeply cleansed.
Net Weight | 145 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Citric Acid, And Hyaluronic Acid |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Gel |
If you're looking for the perfect hydrating foaming cleanser, look no further than this product from COSRX. It uses triple hyaluronic acid, coconut-derived surfactants, and vitamin B5 to hydrate your skin as it lifts off excess oil and impurities on your face after a long day or night.
Many reviewers love it because it can dissolve makeup, pollution, and other dirt, leaving your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and deeply cleansed without any dryness or irritation. However, since it's a deep cleansing product, those with very sensitive skin should be careful when using it.
Net Weight | 150 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, And Panthenol |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Liquid To Foam |
Kiehl's is an international brand known for its gentle yet effective products, and this cleanser is no exception. It is formulated to remove dirt and debris without over-drying or stripping the skin. It is pH-balanced and free from paraben, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, and dye, so you're also less likely to experience irritation from it.
Moreover, it is formulated with nourishing ingredients like squalane, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and avocado oil to maintain the skin's moisture balance. It's no wonder many reviewers, even those with sensitive skin, rated this product highly, remarking that it did not make them break out.
Net Weight | 150 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E And Avocado Oil |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Liquid To Foam |
Net Weight | 150 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Panthenol, Ceramide, Allantoin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, And Citric Acid |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Liquid To Foam |
Oxecure's pH5.5 Gentle Cleanser is a dermatologically-tested, hypoallergenic face and body cleanser designed to wash away dirt and skin impurities without disrupting your skin's natural pH balance. Since our skin is naturally acidic, using a low-pH cleanser like this will prevent your skin from drying out.
It is formulated with the Multi Calm Soothing Complex composed of glycerin, squalane, and ceramide. This complex helps soothe and repair the skin barrier, promoting a calm and healthy complexion. Users have also praised its ability to nourish the skin. One user even raved that it left their skin with a refreshing glow after use.
Net Weight | 200 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Garcinia Mangostana (Mangosteen) Peel Extract, And Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Liquid |
Nature Republic was thrust into the limelight due to the popularity of its aloe vera line, which includes this product. The Soothing And Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser is a gentle foaming cleanser designed for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. Since it foams up and lathers well, this product can effectively cleanse the skin from oil, dirt, and impurities.
From its name, this cleanser contains aloe vera extract that is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The aloe vera extract in this product also provides a calming effect while cleansing the skin. Some users have even reported that their skin became smoother with regular use.
Net Weight | 150 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin And Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract |
Alcohol-Free | unknown |
Fragrance-Free | unknown |
Formula | Cream |
For dry skin, it is recommended to practice the following habits:
Below, Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang answers some of the web's most asked questions about how to better handle dry skin.
Washing your face twice a day is enough. It is best to avoid over-cleansing your face as it can dry the skin further. Additionally, avoid scrubbing, and when cleansing, use lukewarm water as hot water can irritate the skin.
The amount depends on the surface of our face. Applying just the right amount to cover your entire face is enough. Putting too much may dry out your skin, while putting too little may not really wash off the impurities from your face.
After cleansing, wait for about 5 minutes or until your face dries out before applying toner or moisturizers. Give ample time before layering products to avoid potential irritation.
Though damp skin allows more penetration of skincare products, it doesn't always mean that more gives better results. If more of the active ingredients in the toner or moisturizer penetrate your skin, especially for the sensitive skin types, there's a possibility of irritation.
Improving dry skin doesn't just stop at getting a hydrating cleanser. To achieve a smoother complexion, you need to build a skincare routine that will benefit your skin type. And to help you with that, check out these articles below for other great skincare products for dry skin.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: CeraVe|Hydrating Facial Cleanser
No. 2: Cetaphil|Gentle Skin Cleanser
No. 3: Celeteque|DermoScience™ Hydration Facial Wash
No. 4: Physiogel|Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser
No. 5: Neutrogena|Hydro Boost Cleanser Water Gel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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