Do you need a product to effectively clean your skin but find that your face feels tight or dry with most cleansers post-rinse? These 16 best gentle face wash picks will leave you feeling clean as can be without stripping away all the essential moisture.
Foaming vs. Non-Foaming Cleansers
When it comes to choosing a cleanser, most people end up with one that either foams or lathers in some sort. That’s the feature that tends to give us that “squeaky clean” feeling. However, if you have dry skin or are finding that your face is feeling tight after washing, it’s definitely worth it to consider an option geared towards keeping your moisture barrier intact.
Now, that’s not to say that face washes that foam or lather are bad, plenty of people get on wonderfully with them. But, cleansers that are specifically formulated to be gentle and non-stripping tend to suds up a lot less, or not at all. This does not mean that they aren’t working. One more time- this DOES NOT mean that they aren’t working! This just means that they have been crafted without, or with less than, the typical surfactants of a foaming cleanser, therefore making them less sudsy- not less effective at thoroughly cleaning your skin.
What Are The Benefits To Using A Gentle Face Wash?
It’s pretty common action to immediately start applying heavier creams if your skin is feeling drier than you’d like, but simply swapping your cleanser for a more gentle option is a too-often overlooked step that you can take first to help your skin get back on track. Also, people with dry skin aren’t the only ones that can benefit from using a gentle face wash. There’s other reasons to consider including one in your routine.
Personally, I have combination skin but I prefer gentle cleansers that tend to not foam much because they help my skin tolerate stronger treatments better. If you’re just starting a retinoid or upping your exfoliant usage, using a gentle face wash can work wonders when it comes to minimizing any drying effects from those treatments as much as possible.
I’ve tried countless gentle face wash options in all my years of testing skincare, and these are the top picks I’ve found myself repurchasing and recommending over and over again. After reading, you’ll be sure to have several gentle face wash options to keep your skin fresh and clean without over-drying. Happy cleansing!
This post is all about the best gentle face wash options anyone can benefit from.
Best Gentle Face Wash
Starting off with one you’ve probably heard of many times- the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a staple choice for anyone looking into gentle face washes. It’s got the classic pre-biotic thermal water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3 to maintain the skins natural moisture barrier and ph level.
The gel-cream texture slips around your complexion perfectly while cleansing, and rinses without any residue. It’s also serious bang for your buck too at $15.00 for 13.5 oz.
Stratia is famous for their Liquid Gold Moisturizer. Yes, that’s what it’s called, and it does have the color of gold and it lives up to its name, but here we are talking about their Velvet Cleansing Milk! I don’t think this gets enough attention for how fantastic it is.
It’s a creamy and velvety( that really is the perfect word because it quite literally does feel velvety in texture) consistency that slightly emulsifies as you add water and massage it in. While this cleanser does effectively clean your face, it also genuinely adds moisture back into it.
Rice bran oil and olive oil esters are the main ingredients responsible for getting rid of the dirt, excess sebum, grime and oil. They themselves are oils that attract other oils. So basically, the “good” oils from the cleanser bond to the “bad” or excess oils on your face, and then rinse off together.
This result is an incredibly successful product that removes all the unwanted stuff while simultaneously replenishing the good stuff. It also comes in 3 different sizes. My bet is that sooner or later you’ll end up with the jumbo on your counter.
Ok, I’ve spoken about this one before and I will continue to speak about it until the end of time. This may be THE most affordable gentle face wash that you can get while not sacrificing whatsoever on efficacy. I cannot explain how happy I am that I picked up Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost gentle cleansing lotion at CVS that one fateful day a few years ago.
Now, this cleanser looks very similar to one of their other cleansers from the hydro boost line, so if you are buying this one in person, be sure it’s the correct one. These days, I find and repurchase this online a lot easier than I can in store. The texture of this is a bouncy, juicy, ge-cream texture that so beautifully glides around your face as you massage it in.
Descriptions of this cleanser say it leaves your skin ” touchably supple” – I couldn’t agree more. You can get this stellar concoction of sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and glyceryl stearate, for as little as $9.00.
Tula’s super calm gentle milk cleanser is an ideal pick if your skin leans on the oiler side and/or you don’t want to go full-out on the non-foaming aspect yet. This doesn’t foam, but works up into an incredibly thin, watery lather that doesn’t leave you feeling stripped at all. Colloidal oatmeal and aloe help to quell any irritation and redness.
The addition of cucumber and ginger also allows you to have a gentle cleansing experience while still feeling refreshed afterwards. My skin just feels downright good after using this. I reach for it when I want something a bit more than a cleanser that doesn’t foam at all, but still want a wash that will be extremely nourishing and gentle.
Also, side note on this one- the pump is extremely fat and convenient which makes the whole products experience even better.
To use the the Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser is to enjoy a luxurious face wash experience. This cleanser removes impurities and makeup ( though I’d still go in with an oil or balm first remove sunscreen and most of the makeup) while calming and restoring balance to the skin.
The decadent, creamy texture features macadamia seed oil and glycerin to soften while aloe and broccoli extract reduce irritation and provide a wave of moisture. Basically, this gentle face wash wraps your skin in beautiful blanket of goodness but rinses off just as well as any lathering cleanser with no residue or film left behind at all.
Oh Glossier, thank you for your milky jelly cleanser contribution to the skincare world, thank you. This is another one that I’m sure the majority of people have either heard of or used before. And if you haven’t used it before, you must not wait any longer. There really is no better description for this other than “milky jelly”. Glossier hit the nail on the head. I could write an entire post just on this one product.
It’s described as a “conditioning face wash” and again, it is exactly that. Inside are multiple skin-loving ingredients like allantoin, vitamin B5, glycerin, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate to, well, condition while cleansing. They used an ingredient called “poloxamer”( which is found in contact lens solutions so it’s really gentle) as the cleansing agent in this face wash as opposed to typical soap surfactants.
This cleanser can work just as well in the evening as it can in the morning. And when I have this in rotation in my routine, I’m often reaching for it in the am and pm. It works hard enough to clean your face at the end of the day while maintaining its gentle touch, but it’s still refreshing enough for morning use. You need to experience this for yourself!
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser has stood the test of time. This has been around for a long time and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. For less than $7.00 at Target you can snag this gentle face wash that will get the job done right.
There’s no residue left after rinsing off that will clog your pores. And there’s no fragrance, soaps, or harsh ingredients that will further sensitize already sensitive or compromised skin. It’s also gentle enough to use on dry or wet skin.
There’s only eight ingredients in this wash.Simple, straightforward and gentle. If you’re someone who’s skin reacts to just about anything, this is likely going to be one product that you can count on to bring it back to baseline.
{RELATED POST: 10 Seriously Effective Skincare Brands For Sensitive Skin You’ll Wish You Had Put On Your Face Sooner}
The Purity made simple one-step facial cleanser from Philosophy is another fantastic choice for a gentle face wash. This claims to tone and cleanse in one step. There’s no reason you can’t go in with a hydrating toner after using this, but I do find this wash hydrating enough to skip that step if you wanted.
Meadowfoam seed oil extract and glycerin keep the moisture barrier intact while removing any buildup and dirt from the day. I really like to go in on dry skin with this one because the texture is easy to manipulate and spread. It slips around effortlessly and turns a bit thinner as you add water, then rinses off without any issue. It also comes in several sizes- the pump one is super convenient and lasts forever.
Here’s another option if you don’t want to give up on the lathering action just yet. The skinfix barrier + foaming oil cleanser has over 600 5-star reviews on Sephora. This is a particularly unique cleanser that specifically focuses on moisture barrier support and reducing redness.
Here’s some of the stars in this product- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, which is a humectant full of amino acids and antioxidants.Triple Lipid Complex, to replenish the fatty acid and ceramide levels of the skin. Seaweed Hyaluronate Blend to deeply hydrate.
As for the redness reduction aspect, my orbital bone/cheekbone area likes to to turn red and blotchy if I over-apply my retinoids or exfoliants. I genuinely find that after a few uses of this, the discoloration has subsided, which is incredible from a face wash. It’s not often a cleanser with the word “foaming” in its name is so adamantly focused on NOT doing what a lot of foaming cleansers tend to do(strip your skin), but skinfix succeeded big time with this one.
Coming in with another classic here. CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser just might be one of the most recognizable gentle face washes out there! Of course, it’s got CeraVe’s classic ceramides along with hyaluronic acid to help protect the moisture barrier. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, non-drying and just downright reliable.
The gel texture glides smoothly around the complexion and rinses off without any film or residue. I feel that this wash is responsible for introducing so many people to gentle cleansers in the first place. And after that, there’s no turning back.
This product will never let you down, and it’s one that can honestly work for everyone. From seasoned skincare lovers to first-time face washers, this cleanser has found it’s way into an ever-growing amount of people’s routines.
Ren’s Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk is an even more soothing and non-stripping version of their Gentle Cleansing Gel. It features a slew of nourishing ingredients to relieve tight, dry, and itchy skin. There’s Black Current Seed Oil which is rich in omega fatty acids, Sesame Seed Oil, and Shea Butter to name a few.
When you pump this out the texture looks nearly identical to a lightweight lotion, but once you begin to work it in with water it transforms into this beautiful, silky milk texture that leaves your face fresh and hydrated. Also in Ren’s Evercalm range is their Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask which is absolutely incredible for reducing redness quickly.
Next time you’re perusing the beauty aisles at Target, check out the Versed display. They have tons of effective affordable options, especially this Gentle Cycle Milky Cleanser. Aside from the aesthetically pleasing packaging, the skin-soothing ingredients in here are seriously impressive- and the experience feels a lot more expensive than one that costs $15.00.
Oat milk, marula oil, blackberry vinegar, and probiotics strengthen the skin barrier, calm redness, and restore hydration to dry skin while cleansing. Out of all the cleansers we’ve covered in this article, this is a pick that feels particularly wonderful on your face while cleansing, not just afterward.
When you first apply this, there is this satisfying “grab” to the formula that makes massaging it in feel especially satisfying. It’s not thick or hard to work with in any way, but it feels much more tactile than it looks considering it’s a milky cleanser- and milky cleansers tend to be quite thin. This is a stellar pick for an affordable gentle face wash.
Now, if you’re not only in the market for a gentle cleanser but also have ultra sensitives skin, this one’s for you. Save skin care’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser is crafted to be effective, but still gentle enough for highly reactive types. It’s vegan, fragrance-free, and sulfate-free. There is little to nothing in this gentle face wash that would irritate your skin.
Trehalose( a naturally occurring sugar that can function as a moisturizing agent, antioxidant, and protectant), bamboo bioferment, and corn bioferment moisturize and soften while oh-so- gently purifying.
Save’s entire range is designed to suit uber-sensitive skin types. While I don’t personally have sensitive skin( at least when I’m not overdoing it on exfoliants or retinol!), I love their gentle exfoliator for physical exfoliation to immediately buff away dead skin cells and optimize absorption before applying a hydrating mask.
Click Here To Buy On Beauty Pie
If you’ve never heard of Beauty Pie, they’re a subscription-based brand that offers top tier skincare products to members at a fraction of the price of what their traditional retail value would be. I know, I know, when I first read “member” and “subscription” I immediately turned away too.
But, when I finally did give it a shot, I ended up with some of my favorite products to date as a part of my routine, including this one. For the sake of time and space, I won’t go into more details on how it works here, but at least head to their site and give it a glance over on your own.
As for this product, I’d happily pay the non-member price of $32.00 for the Jeju Daily AM/PM Multi-Phase Purifying Cleansing Milk. It’s described as “addictively deluxe”, and it is. It just is. It’s easy and versatile, quickly-rinsable yet rich (and honestly just damn good enough) to come back to again and again. And that sleek black bottle, I mean c’mon.
HoliFrog’s Tashmoo Water Lily Milky Wash was one of the very first, higher-end gentle cleansers that I ever bought. It’s $35.00 and worth every single penny in my skincare-obsessed opinion. If you are able to spend a bit more on a cleanser, I highly suggest this one because I guarantee you’ll love it.
There is too much goodness in this product to fit in this description, but 14 amino acids to strengthen the skin and help it repair itself, panthenol to draw in moisture, and apricot kernel with vitamin E, make up just a glance of the amazing ingredients this contains.
Because cleansers don’t remain on the skin for as long as other products like serums and toners do, the benefits that they can actually provide to your face long term are limited. This is one of the few face washes that I’ve felt actually imbues my skin with visible results.
I can keep my entire routine the same for weeks, then switch out the cleanser I was using for this one and my skin improves even more. For a cleanser, I’m not sure you can get much better than that and that’s why I can justify the price-point.
Make Prem is a Korean skin care brand that offers a wide range of sunscreens for all skin types, and that’s exclusively what I turned to them for until I came across their Safe me cleansing milk. Which then led me to their various gel creams, but that’s another post!
This milky cleanser has ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol to maintain the moisture barrier while removing any excess sebum, dirt, and buildup from the day. There’s also soybean protein and safflower oil to provide anti-inflammatory effects from any irritation.
It’s actually oil-based even though the texture is milk-like- so it’s intended to be used as a first cleanse- but I find it performs better as a second cleanse after removing any makeup or sunscreen with micellar water or a full-on oil cleanser first.
This post was all about the best gentle face wash options that any skin type can benefit from.
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