Top 10 Face Cleansers for Sensitive Skin
The Best Cleansers For Sensitive Skin—An Internet-Approved Guide
A reliable facial cleanser is the cornerstone of a good skincare routine. Using a cleanser morning and night rinses away that layer of grime that accumulates in your pores throughout the day—the makeup, sweat, oil, and pollutants that pile up after hours of being out in the world. The best facial cleansers will also help address issues like hyperpigmentation, dryness, and fine lines, as well as prep your skin to take in nourishing products like toners, serums, and moisturizers.
If you have sensitive skin, you know that finding a facial cleanser that can accomplish all of those things is not so simple. With thousands of products on the market to choose from, it’s difficult to sort out which ones will support your skincare goals and which ones will stymie them.
For instance, using a cleanser with the wrong ingredients like soap (yes, really), AHAs, fragrances, dyes, and microbeads can leave your skin feeling stripped, dry, and irritated. On the other hand, using a face wash with a gentle formula that features ceramides, glycerin, and coconut oil will help your complexion stay glowy and hydrated.
TL;DR: the difference between soothing facial cleansers and irritating ones is all in the details on the back of the bottle. However, most of us don’t have time to read through the list of ingredients for every option at the drugstore, which is why we put our data-driven algorithm on the case.
How We Found The Best Facial Cleansers For Sensitive Skin
Our algorithm uses information from reviews, best-seller lists, social media, and editorial recommendations to find and rank the best products in a category. Ahead, see which skincare brands were deemed safe for sensitive skin, with options from familiar names like Cetaphil and CeraVe to niche picks from dermatologist faves like iS Clinical and EltaMD.
December 18, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
Overall Score
4.75
10
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
4.68
1528 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Exfoliating Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
The salicylic acid in Cetaphil's Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser helps break down dirt, oil, and other impurities found in clogged pores. Skin-nourishing additions like niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol (vitamin B5) are also found in its formula.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"It leaves my skin feeling fresh and soft, and it's particularly good for managing oily or acne-prone skin. Perfect if you need something that won't strip your skin."
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Overall Score
4.8
09
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
4.22
7679 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Makeup-Removing Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
Formulated with an ideal pH level (5.5), the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is a great choice for everyday use. Use it to wash away sunscreen, makeup, and oil without leaving your skin feeling dry and tight.
WHO WILL LOVE IT
If redness is something you struggle with, you'll love this soothing face cleanser as it's free of potentially irritating ingredients like silicone, fragrances, and essential oils.
Cruelty Free
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
Overall Score
4.85
08
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
4.67
4167 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clarifying Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
iS Clinical's Cleansing Complex is a multitasker. It can melt away makeup, heal damaged skin, and provide protection from free radicals. It's also said to tighten pores and boost skin cell turnover.
WHO WILL LOVE IT
Although this is one of the pricier options on our list, it's a dermatologist-recommended cleanser that's specifically designed to help with skin texture. Those with oily skin and large pores will find it particularly effective.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
fresh Soy Hydrating Face Wash
Overall Score
4.85
07
fresh Soy Hydrating Face Wash
4.55
22487 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Natural Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
With a range of natural ingredients (including amino acid-rich soy proteins), fresh's Soy Face Cleanser leaves skin feeling fresh, clean, and hydrated. Reviewers say it removes makeup effortlessly and helps clear breakouts with consistent use.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This is the best cleanser I have ever used! If you want a good, basic cleanser, this is your gal! She removes makeup like a charm, cleanses the skin, and tones. It cuts out multiple other products I was using and doesn't irritate my skin or burn my eyes!"
Clean Beauty
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Overall Score
4.9
06
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
4.61
11528 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Anti-Aging Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
The Foaming Facial Cleanser from EltaMD is a pH-balanced face wash with bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapples. Bromelain is known to reduce inflammation and exfoliate away dead skin cells, which is why this cleanser leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
WHO WILL LOVE IT
Because of this cleanser's foaming technology, it's a top choice for those with mature skin. The massaging effect of the bubbles boosts circulation, contributing to a plump, hydrated complexion.
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
Overall Score
4.9
05
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
4.69
15193 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Calming Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
Lavender, balm mint, and quillaja saponaria (soapbark) work together in Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel to create a face wash that's soothing, moisturizing, and mild. Reviewers say a little goes a long way. Also, you can buy a refill to cut down on waste.
WHO WILL LOVE IT
This cleanser conditions skin, so it's ideal for anyone who experiences dryness.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Overall Score
4.9
04
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
4.7
29725 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
This dermatologist-tested facial cleanser is free of dyes, fragrances, lanolin, and parabens. It's also a soap-free option, which means that it won't leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. Use it daily to rinse away makeup, sunscreen, pollutants, and more.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I usually double cleanse with an oil cleanser and then a facial wash. This got all my makeup off in one wash…no double cleanse! My skin did not feel dry or stripped. No makeup residue came off when I put on my toner either. This was the first time I used it and I think I found my new face wash."
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
Overall Score
4.95
03
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
4.58
17709 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hydrating Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
Aloe, allantoin, and glycerin are the secret ingredients behind First Aid Beauty's Pure Skin Face Cleanser. This soothing face wash does two things: first, it helps maintain your skin's natural pH balance, and second, it reduces acne flare-ups.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I've been using this cleanser for a couple of weeks now and my skin feels so hydrated and glowy. It reduced some redness and I love it! This product is a must for daily use!"
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Overall Score
5
02
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
4.68
150683 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
This non-foaming cleanser from CeraVe has a lotion-like consistency. Formulated with three ceramides, it provides up to 24 hours of moisturization through gentle cleansing.
WHO WILL LOVE IT
If you have eczema or dry skin, CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser is ideal for you. Certified by the National Eczema Association, this gentle face wash helps restore hydration to stressed-out skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Overall Score
5
01
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
4.59
40070 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Cleanser For Sensitive Skin Overall
WHAT IT DOES
This soap- and oil-free cleanser is made with La Roche-Posay's famous antioxidant-rich prebiotic thermal water. It also has ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin. Thanks to its creamy texture, it's great at reinforcing the skin's natural moisture barrier through deeply penetrating moisturization.
WHO WILL LOVE IT
If you're prone to allergic reactions, the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a safe choice.
Clean Beauty
The Latest