I swear by these 5 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin!
- Marielle McElrath
- Oct 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 2, 2024
"Discover My Top 5 Gentle Face Washes for Sensitive Skin: Soothing Solutions to Keep Your Complexion Clean, Hydrated, and Irritation-Free While Embracing Your Unique Beauty with Confidence!"
Cleansing my face is one of my favorite parts of my daily skincare routine. It instantly makes me feel like a refreshed version of myself, and it’s a crucial step for preparing my skin for the next steps —like serums and firming eye creams. Over the years, I’ve learned just how important it is to find the right cleanser for my skin type. It’s often a moment of dread, as trying new products can lead to irritation if they’re too harsh.
I’m excited to share some of the best face cleansers I’ve discovered. Ranging from refreshing gels to luxurious foams, these options will leave your skin feeling incredibly clean and rejuvenated. Whether you need a gentle cleanse or a deep clean, I’ve got you covered with my top picks that will enhance your skincare routine and promote healthy, glowing skin!
Lately, I’ve been alternating among these top five effective cleansers specifically designed for sensitive skin. Their benefits? Preventing clogged pores, slowing down the aging process, exfoliating the skin, and keeping it hydrated for a healthy, youthful glow.
THE BEST FACE WASHES FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Best of all: Cera Vee - Foaming Cleanser
Best Gel: Kiehl’s - Ultra Facial Cleanser
Best Unscented: Ordinary – Glucoside Foaming
Best Exfoliating: Youth To The People – Gentle Superfruit Exfoliating Cleanser
Best Foam: Nuxe - Very Rose Light Cleansing Foam
Best of all: Cera Vee - Foaming Cleanser
WHY IT'S GOOD?
Good is an understatement. I love it so much that I don’t think I’ve ever run out of it. One of the standout features is that it’s free from fragrance and irritation, effectively cleansing even light makeup without disrupting your skin’s natural protective barrier. It glides onto the skin with a gel texture, smoothing it out and leaving my face looking glowy and radiant all day long. I’ve noticed my skin appears clearer, with minimized pores.
INGREDIENTS: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
TEXTURE: Gel, foaming when active
SKIN TYPE: Normal to oily skin
CUSTOMER REVIEW:
"This product is gentle yet effective, and it doesn’t irritate my skin at all. My skin is left smooth, moist and rejuvinated after every use. It washes throughly, which i really needed in my makeup routine. Having acne prone skin, it has been hard to get a steady skincare routine. Cerave's facial cleanser was my first step in the right direction"
Best Gel: Kiehl’s - Ultra Facial Cleanser
WHY IT'S GOOD?
Many face washes make my skin feel tight or leave behind an oily film, which can be quite uncomfortable. However, I am genuinely impressed by how this product allows me to wait a few minutes before applying my next steps without my skin screaming for moisture. This dermatologist-approved formula effectively dissolves excess oil, dirt, and debris accumulated throughout the day, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and clean. It also balances the skin’s natural oils, ensuring it doesn’t strip away essential hydration.
After using it, my complexion feels soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped for the next steps in my skincare routine, enhancing overall effectiveness.
INGREDIENTS: Sugar-derived glycoside (foaming agents), Avocado Oil, Squalane, Apricot Kernels
TEXTURE: Gel, foaming when active
SKIN TYPE: For all skin types
CUSTOMER REVIEW:
"I have been using this cleanser for 20+ years now and find it really works wonderfully. I tend to use it in the morning when showering so I can start the day with a really good cleanse. Would highly recommend it"
Best Unscented: Ordinary – Glucoside Foaming
WHY IT'S GOOD?
This gel cleanser offers great benefits for my sensitive skin. It feels lightweight and keeps my skin soft, all while providing a subtle, pleasant scent. I love how well it dissolves makeup when I use it with a rotating face brush; it makes my cleansing routine more effective and enjoyable. At 150ml for just 13 dollars, this formula delivers incredible value for money.
I find it perfect for everyday use, as it gently cleanses without stripping moisture. Plus, its compact size makes it convenient for travel, allowing me to maintain my skincare routine on the go without compromise.
INGREDIENTS: Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside
TEXTURE: Gel foaming cleanser
SKIN TYPE: All types
CUSTOMER REVIEW:
"Leaves my skin feeling so clean and soft. I switched to this as the first step in my skin care routine and it’s been fantastic”
Best Exfoliating: Youth To The People – Gentle Superfruit Exfoliating Cleanser
WHY IT'S GOOD?
No one said that sensitive skin can't benefit from exfoliation. In fact, it's important to exfoliate at least three times a week to thoroughly remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. This incredibly refreshing 2-in-1 product features natural fruit enzymes that experts recommend for an effective skin detox. You can thank me later!
INGREDIENTS: Ginger Root + Papaya antioxidants, AHA + BHA Complex and Vitamin C
TEXTURE: Gentle Exfoliant Gel
SKIN TYPE: All types
CUSTOMER REVIEW:
"I recently tried the Youth To The People Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Vitamin C and Papaya, and I love it! It gently exfoliates while leaving my skin feeling fresh and bright. The fruity scent is uplifting, and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin at all. It's now a must-have in my routine! Highly recommend"
Best Foam: Nuxe - Very Rose Light Cleansing Foam
WHY IT'S GOOD?
I always enjoy using this cleanser. Unless your skin is hypersensitive, you might find that slightly scented products work well for you. This one has a divine scent, featuring subtle rosy notes that are absolutely not overwhelming.
It’s incredibly hydrating thanks to the glycerin, leaving my skin feeling fully nourished and refreshed. Foam cleansers provide similar benefits to gel cleansers. Since you don’t need to work to build up the foam (it's already quite foamy), it won’t leave your skin feeling tight. Plus, it’s a vegan, cruelty-free formula that has been dermatologically tested.
INGREDIENTS: Rose Floral Water, 100% botanical-origin Skin-Respect Complex, natural-origin cleansing agents
TEXTURE: Foam
SKIN TYPE: All types
CUSTOMER REVIEW:
"Nuxe never disappoints, I already use prodigeuse oil that was love at first use, this mousse gently cleanses the face without leaving a feeling of dry skin, highly recommended!"