7 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin That Are Gentle Yet Effective
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
The best face washes for sensitive skin can provide a thorough cleanse to your skin-care routine without stripping moisture or irritating your epidermis in the process. Even the most beloved, TikTok-viral cleansers on the market can contain ingredients that can cause adverse reactions in our delicate-faced friends (looking at you, synthetic fragrances). So, if you've struggled with dryness, redness, flakiness, tightness, and/or straight-up pain post-cleansing, it's high time to switch to something more suitable for your skin.
Thankfully, you no longer have to sacrifice efficacy for a gentler formula. Many brands are concocting thoughtfully formulated cleansers that specifically cater to sensitive skin, including formulas that are free of fragrances and harsh active ingredients. Read on for the best face washes for sensitive skin, approved by Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists.
Our Top Face Washes for Sensitive Skin
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, $20
- Best for Flaky Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser, $30
- Best for Dry Skin: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser, $34
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser, $45
- Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $17
- Best for Redness: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser, $72
- Best No-Rinse: Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser, $28
- Best for Oily Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $39
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is sensitive skin, and how do I know if I have it?
- What should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
- How should I choose a face wash for sensitive skin?
- How often should sensitive skin types cleanse?
- What else can I do to minimize sensitivity?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser has long been a favorite for sensitive skin—but don’t just take our word for it. Take the brand's multiple Seals of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association—and Allure Best of Beauty Awards. The creamy, non-drying cleanser gently whisks away makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. How? Through its hydrating, hardworking team of ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and prebiotic thermal water. Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, also vouches for this soap-free, oil-free formula, citing its moisturizing and skin-barrier-restoring properties.
Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai
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“Sorry, but I love to beat up my skin. There's nothing that I won't put on or in it—retinol! Glycolic acid! Botox! And whenever that comes around to bite me—meaning my skin feels tight and raw—I rely on this cleanser, which feels instantly nourishing. It's powerful enough to remove my makeup (although I do tackle waterproof mascara with my micellar water) but always leaves my skin calm, cool, and comfortable.”—Deanna Pai, Allure contributing editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Flaky Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser
Skinfix
Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser
Sephora
Skinfix
Why it's worth it: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser is a gentle gel-to-foam cleanser that features ectoin—a soothing ingredient that’s currently trending on TikTok—to protect and condition your skin barrier as you clear impurities. Among many benefits, "[ectoin] is a natural moisture binder," Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey, explained. "It's great for smoothing rough and scaly skin and can reduce inflammation."
Sensitive-skin-friendly? Check. Just massage it into your skin for 60 seconds, morning and night, and rinse with lukewarm water. Since this cleanser won't wash away waterproof makeup, it's best used as a second step in your double-cleansing routine.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
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"I don’t say this about many cleansers, but this Skinfix gel formula is a dream—if I never had to use or test another (water-based) cleanser again, I wouldn’t be mad. My skin is always calmed, soothed, and soft to the touch—I’m never rushing to my essences to replenish moisture, stat—and the tube-bottom dispenser is a mess-free bonus to me." —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, ectoin, chamomile, oligopeptides, B-L3 Complex
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
Dieux
Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
Sephora
Dieux
Why it's worth it: We love the ultra-sudsy, cushiony feel of the Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser, but there’s so much more to this formula than its texture alone. Available in two options (Fragrance-Free and Fragranced), both formulations of this facial cleanser feature a skin-coddling mix of glycerin and betaine, a moisturizing amino acid. As the two ingredients soothe and soften skin, Dieux’s Gentle Cleansing Complex (a proprietary blend of coconut-based surfactants) provides a deep cleanse that won’t irritate sensitive, redness-prone complexions.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“My skin is very sensitive, so I try to keep my regimen pretty gentle across the board with the exception of one active per routine (vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening). To me, cleanser should do exactly what the name suggests and nothing more: clean my skin. This water-based cleanser effectively removes grime and excess oil without stripping the skin, which is exactly what I need to keep my reactive skin at bay.” —Sarah Hoffmann, Allure commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, betaine, Gentle Cleansing Complex (coconut-based surfactants)
- Fragrance-free: yes
More face washes for sensitive skin we love:
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is one of the most derm-beloved cleansers for finicky complexions. "This fragrance-free, non-comedogenic face wash is super gentle, and you can use it with or without water," says Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington. She loves how it leaves skin feeling super soft and moisturized just from cleansing alone—and she isn't the only expert who gives Cetaphil’s cleanser her seal of approval.
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.
Tester feedback from Allure tester Lexi Novak
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When I had an unfortunate incident with retinol (sensitivity, redness, burning), the Gentle Skin Cleanser was the only face wash I could tolerate. It actually felt soothing to coat my skin in the lotion-y formula." —Lexi Novak, Allure tester
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser
Ourself
Daily Purifying Cleanser
Ourself
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.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing writer Jennifer Hussein
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“My skin is frequently red and sensitive, but as of lately, I’ve been breaking out more than I ever have in my life. Thankfully, this intensive formula has helped minimize both blackheads and painful cystic acne alike, all without stripping my skin. I call it my Goldilocks formula: it’s not too drying, but not so mild that it’s useless for cleansing. ” Jennifer Hussein, Allure contributing writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: cocamidopropyl betaine (coconut fatty acid-derived surfactant), murmuru butter, saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, beet root extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Redness: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser
Dermalogica
Ultracalming Cleanser
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
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.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: oat kernel extract, lavender extract, ginger root extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best No-Rinse: Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Eau Thermale Avène
Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Amazon
Dermstore
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.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Fresh
Soy Face Cleanser
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
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.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: aloe vera, cucumber extract, soy proteins
- Fragrance-free: yes
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
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best face washes for sensitive skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
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