7 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin That Are Gentle Yet Effective

Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas, also recommends this cleanser for sensitive skin types: “You get a gigantic stock for a reasonable price and can be confident that it will never irritate your skin,” she says. Further proof that it’s worth a buy? It’s won three Best of Beauty Awards and three Readers’ Choice Awards over the years.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser

Ourself

Daily Purifying Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Ourself’s Daily Purifying Cleanser is equal parts cleanser and moisturizer, which is exactly what skin needs to steer clear of blemishes, dryness, and irritation alike. This gel-to-foam face wash’s multitasking formula swaps harsh surfactants for a gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acids to gently wash away sweat, oil, and excess sebum. Meanwhile, a conditioning blend of murmuru butter, niacinamide, and saccharide isomerate (a moisturizing compound derived from sugar) leaves skin feeling soft and supple post-rinse. “This gentle daily cleanser uses a blend of hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients to effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin—ideal for sensitive, reactive, or dryness-prone skin,” adds Anna Karp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Best for Redness: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

Dermalogica

Ultracalming Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario, is a big fan of anything that contains oat and cucumber—and the Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser fits the bill. “These are gentle, soothing ingredients that comfort the skin, restore moisture, and reduce inflammation,” says Dr. Yadav. In addition, this gel cleanser also contains calming lavender extract to reduce redness and is free from quite a few potentially troublesome irritants like alcohol, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives.

Best No-Rinse: Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser

Eau Thermale Avène

Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: If your skin is so irritated that it can’t even handle a splash of warm water, Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Englewood, New Jersey, recommends the non-sudsing, no-rinse Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser. “This cleansing gel is gentle and helps to remove makeup, dirt, and oil while also calming the skin,” she says. Dr. Garshick also notes that the key ingredient, thermal spring water, not only provides instant soothing relief but also supports the skin barrier, making it great for those with sensitive skin that’s on the mend.

Best for Oily Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Dr. Park also vouches for Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser, a frothy face wash formulated with cucumber extract and aloe vera to calm and hydrate irritated skin. “I especially love using this face wash when I travel because it helps a lot with the irritation that inevitably occurs after a flight,” Dr. Park says. Plus, it’s infused with nourishing rosewater, also known for its calming properties. It thoroughly cleanses pores and reduces congestion, making it a solid pick for oily or combination skin types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sensitive skin, and how do I know if I have it?

“Sensitive skin is skin that is more reactive than usual,” Illinois board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, previously told Allure. This means your skin can be easily irritated by the elements, air pollution, hormones, or, you guessed it, topical skin care products. “If [you find yourself being] cautious with trying new skin products or find that you’re frequently battling red, flaky, itchy, or bumpy skin, then you probably have sensitive skin,” Dr. Cheung, adds. Because “sensitive skin” isn’t a medical condition but rather a complaint or finding, it can be tricky to know whether you have it. Ask your dermatologist for tailored skin care advice if you suspect you might.

Which facial cleanser ingredients are best for sensitive skin types?

Regarding ingredients, sensitive skin types need to be particularly discerning. Overall, Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, suggests seeking hydrating, soothing, and moisture-sealing ingredients, such as tried-and-true hyaluronic acid, oatmeal, and aloe vera. “Instead of strong, soapy, clean cleansers, look for mild cleansers using emulsifiers,” she says. Dr. Rabach also suggests using a pH-balanced cleanser, which is closer to the natural skin pH of around 5 to 5.5.

What should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?

Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure that people with sensitive skin should avoid sulfates, exfoliants, retinoids, isopropyl alcohol, glycolic, and salicylic acids—to name a few. “Some patients think they’re sensitive because they’re red and dry, but really they’re vaping, or smoking cigarettes or weed—so their skin isn’t as resilient as it used to be,” adds Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey. If smoking or sun damage (don’t forget your sunscreen, please) is behind your sensitive skin, topicals aren’t going to fix or help your skin concerns.

Sensitive skin isn’t a one-size-fits-all concern, so you may find your triggers inconsistent with conventional wisdom. Therefore, pay close attention to your skin after using any new products and talk to your dermatologist for more information.

How should I choose a face wash for sensitive skin?

“You want to use gentle, hydrating cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin barrier of all its natural moisturizing factors,” explains Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD. Before you wash your face, seek out products with as short an ingredient list as possible, adds Dr. Irwin. “For sensitive skin, specifically, you want products that are free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.”

How often should sensitive skin types cleanse?

Even if you have sensitive skin, cleansing morning and night is essential for keeping your pores clean—just make sure the face wash you use is gentle enough for your sensitive skin. That being said, Dr. Karp recommends that severely reactive skin types cleanse with a gentle cleanser at night and simply rinse with lukewarm water in the morning.

What else can I do to minimize sensitivity?

Your cleansing regimen is a key element for minimizing sensitivity. Both Dr. Karp and Dr. Rabach recommend washing with lukewarm water in order to minimize irritation, but there are added steps you can take to create a gentle routine that still provides a deep cleanse. “Only cleanse for half a minute, avoid cloths and textured sponges and exfoliating brushes,” says Dr. Rabach. Then, beyond cleansing, Dr. Karp suggests keeping your skin-care routine short and sweet, using only a moisturizer and sunscreen during daylight hours.

Meet the experts

• Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey
• Anna Karp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario
• Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas
• Marisa Garshick, MD a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Englewood, New Jersey
• Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington
• Morgan Rabach,MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Illinois
• Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
• Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Montclair, New Jersey
• Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tennessee

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