Best Face Washes for Dry Skin, as Recommended by Dermatologists

If you’re searching for the best face wash for dry skin, look for a hydrating cleanser that removes dead skin cells, pollutants, and makeup but won’t strip the natural oils in the process. While it may be easy to find moisturizers to slather onto your parched face, choosing the right cleanser for dry skin may be a bit harder, especially if you have a combination of factors to consider, like acne, aging skin, or redness. To help you find your next favorite face wash to treat dry skin, I talked with dermatologists to learn which ingredients help keep your face hydrated and happy.

Our top picks for best face wash for dry skin

How we selected the best face wash for dry skin

I selected the best face washes by interviewing dermatologists about what makes a great face wash for dry skin and by researching recommendations for ingredients by the American Academy of Dermatology. We talked to friends and colleagues who shared their opinions, tested out products, plus sifted through hundreds of reviews.

What to consider when buying face wash for dry skin

Ingredients

“Dry skin needs skin barrier support,” shares Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The most important ingredients to look for are humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which will help pull water into the skin. “Ceramides will help trap that water in there and fortify the skin barrier, and plant-derived oils like squalane, safflower, jojoba, and grapeseed, will also help regulate the skin barrier as well and promote more moisturized skin.”

Dr. Rachel Reyes-Bergano, DO, Medical Director of SkinSpirt Pasadena in CA, agrees. “Hyaluronic acid-based serums can restore plumpness to winter skin when used consistently. And definitely use a ceramide-based moisturizer. Ceramide is a type of lipid necessary to hydrate our skin and protect our skin barrier.”

In addition, Dr. Yadav adds that “niacinamide can also be a good ingredient to seek out as it promotes better skin barrier function, decreases water loss, and combats inflammation; dry skin can be more easily irritated than other skin types.”

Texture of face wash

“It’s worth noting most of these ingredients are ideal to have in cleansers for all skin types. What matters when it comes to skin type is the texture of the formula,” says Dr. Yadav. “Opaque, creamy cleansers, oil-based cleansers, or cleansing balms will go a long way towards supporting dry skin as they impart more moisture than other formats.”

How to tell if you have dry skin?

“If your skin is flaking, has red patches, or peeling, [it] may be dry which simply means it lacks moisture due to small cracks in the skin. This skin type may also get easily irritated,” shares Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology in Reston, Virginia.

What ingredients should people with dry skin look for?

Ingredients like niacinamide, humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and plant-derived oils like squalane, safflower, jojoba, and grapeseed are all great for dry skin and other complexion types.

What ingredients should people with dry skin avoid?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if you have dry skin, you should avoid the following ingredients: alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acid, cleansers with fragrance, and retinoids. These products remove the skin’s oils.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it OK to use a face wash daily with dry skin?

“Generally speaking, washing your face twice daily is a good rule of thumb for everyone,” says Dr. Colombo. “However, this absolutely will depend on your skin type, your lifestyle and your daily activities. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you will want to be mindful of how much you are washing your face, so maybe once a day is enough.”

Is CeraVe good for dry skin?

“CeraVe is a wonderful line at a budget-friendly price point—all of their products are

formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides,” says Dr. Yadav. The Hydrating Facial Cleanser (on my list) is a favorite. Dr. Yadav adds that this cleanser “in particular, is nice and creamy, helping to nourish and cleanse dry skin. Even after you’ve washed it away, the formula’s time-release technology helps continue to deliver ceramides into the skin to leave it replenished.”

What should you not use on dry skin?

As noted above, try not to use alcohol-based face wash or those with heavy fragrances. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cleansers with alpha-hydroxy acid and retinoids should be avoided if you have dry skin because they can exacerbate dryness.

How can I rejuvenate dry skin on my face?

After cleansing your face with a hydrating cleanser, it's important to moisturize your face generously to get that moisture back in your skin, recommends Dr. Colombo. “I would also limit extremely hot showers or baths as the hot water can cause additional irritation. Using a humidifier can also help and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!” For more focused hydration, check out our lists for the best eye creams and the best tinted moisturizers.