Dry skin has a special set of needs that your skin care routine has to meet. For example, your face doesn’t simply need a cleanser, it needs the best cleanser for dry skin. But first, back to those needs…
Most importantly (and most obviously) is the lack of moisture, which is undeniably the main culprit for that dry, tight-skinned feeling you get post-shower, and those unsightly dry patches that your foundation annoyingly clings to.
Although the most obvious solution to the aforementioned quandaries would be to slather yourself in the thickest moisturiser you have in your bathroom cabinet, the key to keeping your skin moisturised all day is actually a formative skin care step that you probably don’t pay much attention to.
That’s right, the cleanser that spends all of five minutes on your face could be setting your skin up for failure if the formula is not intended to be used on dry skin.
Why? Well, traditional cleansers tend to be formulated with foaming agents and soaps that help to remove dirt, oil, sebum, and dead skin from the surface of the skin. This sounds great in theory, but when it comes to dry skin, these foaming agents can remove natural oils, which are vital in helping to keep the skin moisturised.
The solution? Try switching to a cleanser that clearly advertises itself as a cleanser for dry skin. Alternatively, cream and gel-based cleansers are also great options for dry skin as they tend to be formulated with moisture-replenishing ingredients rather than foaming agents.
Stuck on where to start? Not a problem. Keep scrolling to discover marie claire’s favourite top-rated cleansers for dry skin…
The best cleanser for dry skin 2024
01
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
from $40.70 at Amazon Australia
This gentle pick works into a creamy lather that helps to buff away impurities without impairing the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Infused with squalane, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E and avocado oil, it simultaneously nourishes and refreshes the complexion.
Sizes: 150ml
Key features:
- Infused with squalane, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E and avocado oil
- Creamy, foaming formula
- Effectively cleanses skin without drying it out
- Nourishes and refreshes the skin
Available at:
- $40.70 from Amazon Australia
- $46 from Kiehl’s
02
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
from $50 at Amazon Australia
Soy proteins replace foaming agents in this skin-softening formula. Fresh has prioritised hydration (alongside purifying the complexion, of course) to create a cleanser that helps to enhance the skin’s hydration levels long after you’ve finished washing your face.
Sizes: 50mL/150mL/400mL
Key features:
- Enriched with soy proteins, cucumber extract, rose extract and aloe
- Helps to hydrate skin after cleansing
- Soy proteins replace foaming agents to purify the skin
- Softens skin
Available at:
- $50 from Amazon Australia
- $59 from Sephora
- $79 from Woolworths
03
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
from $39 at Look Fantastic
Boasting a unique whipped texture, this powerful skin purifier combines the elements of your favourite cleanser and moisturiser, transforming into a rich cream when combine with water. The result? Oil, dirt, impurities, dead skin, makeup and more are all washed away with ease, without affecting the balance of your skin.
Sizes: 226g / 142g
Key features:
- Contains soothing allantoin and aloe, moisturising glycerin, and an antioxidant blend to combat free radicals
- Whipped texture transforms to a rich cream
- Cleans away dirt, impurities, makeup and excess oil
- ph-balanced
Available at:
- $39 from Look Fantastic
- $39 from RY
- $47.69 from Amazon Australia
04
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
from $18.30 at Priceline
The Ordinary has pumped this emulsifying cleanser full of moisturising squalane to help combat moisture loss during the cleansing process. Essentially, the brand has effectively managed to create a luxurious experience for less than $20. Genius.
Sizes: 50mL/150mL
Key features:
- Infused with squalane
- Creamy, emulsifying formula
- Specifically formulated with dry skin in mind
- Replenishes moisture levels
- Doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils
Available at:
05
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
from $66 at Sephora
Inspired by body-replenishing green juices, this superfood cleanser contains a blend of potent cold-pressed antioxidants extracted from superfood ingredients such as kale, spinach, and green tea. Together, this healthy cohort protect and replenish essential fatty acids and enhance the overall radiance of the complexion.
Sizes: 59ml/237mL
Key features:
- Enriched with superfood ingredients (kale, spinach and green tea)
- Replenishes essential fatty acids
- Enhances radiance
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- ph-balanced
Available at:
- $66 from Sephora
06
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
from $22.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Infused with CeraVe’s signature triple ceramide blend and hyaluronic acid, this hydrating, gentle cleanser works to reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier during the cleansing process.
Sizes: 236mL/473mL/ 1L
Key features:
- Contains CeraVe’s signature triple ceramide blend and hyaluronic acid
- Reinforces the skin’s natural moisture barrier
- Gently cleanses skin
- ph-balanced
- Non-comedogenic
07
Dr Lewinn’s Daily Cleansing Balm
from $54.95 at Dr Lewinn’s
This solid balm-to-oil cleanser protects skin barrier, gently melting away make-up, SPF and daily environmental pollution, nourishing skin in the process.
Sizes: 100g
Key features:
- Removes waterproof makeup
- Can use dry or wet
Non stripping
Dermatologically Tested
Suitable for sensitive skin
Available at:
- $54.95 from Adore Beauty
- $54.95 from Priceline
- $54.95 from Dr Lewinn’s
What is the best cleanser for dry skin?
When cleansing dry skin, it’s important to pick a cleanser that’s gentle on skin. Cream and gel based cleansers are both great options as they help to purify the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, whereas a foaming cleanser might prove to be too astringent and make dry skin feel even drier as a result. It’s also a good idea to be mindful of the temperature of the water you’re using to wash your face with, as hot water tends to strip and dry skin also. Tepid or warm water is ideal. We’d also recommend against patting your face dry after cleansing, as the excess water on skin can help additional skin care such as serums and moisturisers penetrate deeper, rendering them more effective at maintaining moisture levels in the skin.
Looking to save money on cleanser for dry skin? Check out our coupon codes for MECCA, Sephora and more.
Related article:
- The Best-Selling Face Creams In Australia To Slather Yourself With
- The Best Copper Peptide Serums To Benefit Your Skin
- How To Find The Right Face Serum For You
Main image credit: Getty
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