Best cleansers for sensitive skin to purify and soothe (2024)

Skin Rocks

From the creamy texture to the absence of fragrance, this cleanser from skin expert Caroline Hirons’ range is a treat for parched, sensitive skin. It is designed for both the first and second cleanse, and packed with nourishing ingredients like squalane, jojoba seed oil and an impressive eight amino acids to protect your skin barrier, while effectively dissolving dirt and grime from the day.

If you find that your previous cleanser would leave your skin stripped of its natural oils and tight, introduce The Cream Cleanser to your rotation for a fresh appearance with no irritation.

CeraVe

You’ve tried every cleanser on the market and can’t seem to track down one that won't stress your sensitive skin. Until now. US drugstore favourite CeraVe has been created with dermatologists to be a really gentle, non-foaming solution to irritated skin woes. It is made up of three ceramides that fortify the skin’s barrier as well as the hero that is hyaluronic acid that is known for being a tall glass of water for the skin. It doesn’t foam, have any fragrance and is non-comedogenic.

Cetaphil

A gentler option for those with slightly more reactive skin, Cetaphil’s daily face and body cleanser removes dirt, makeup and impurities while defending against skin sensitivity. If you suffer from dry spots and painful eczema, this wash will be your saviour. It is soap and fragrance-free and formulated with micellar technology, meaning you can use it with or without water.

Kate Somerville

This creamy milk cleanser is an ultra-gentle product that leaves skin soft and clean - but crucially without stripping natural oils or leaving that dreaded tight feel. The brand’s founder Kate Somerville recommends it as a first cleanse in the morning and evening, but in the PM, she suggests pairing it with another formula in order to fully ensure that each and every bit of dirt, makeup and grime is removed.

The Goat Milk Cleanser feels immediately soothing on redness and irritation, moisturising as it glides over your complexion. Goat milk is the main and named ingredient that is combined with the nourishing benefits of jojoba and avocado oil as well as manuka honey.

Fresh

Among those in the know, this cleanser plays a staple role in many beauty routines. Fresh is known for its use of natural ingredients and this product is no different - harnessing the power of soy in a reference to century-old practices. This makes the product gentle on the skin and yet tough on the likes of makeup and dirt.

Amino acids, soothing cucumber extract, calming rosewater extract and the nourishment of borage seed oil combine to leave you with a healthy, refreshed complexion. It shouldn’t dry out your skin and there is no artificial fragrance that could cause irritation so works well for those with sensitivities. The basics done right.

Bioderma

If you’re not yet familiar with Bioderma for cult micellar water, consider this your introduction. The French pharmacy skincare label changed the makeup removal process forever through its introduction of the aforementioned product.

After you have completed this step, the Sensibio Soothing Micellar Face Wash is next up. One for those with sensitive skin, it is a very gentle gel texture that has light foaming, while being free from both soap and fragrance as well as coming at the physiological pH. Keeping your skin clean and clear, it also makes it feel silky soft after use.

The INKEY List

No-fuss, no-frills, just a good cleanser containing the hydration hero that’s hyaluronic acid. If you have tried foam cleansers in the past and found them to be stripping, The INKEY List is here to change that. Instead, it gives your skin moisturisation that should last 48 hours according to the brand.

So, while you are removing the likes of SPF, grime etc, you are also helping to support the skin’s barrier thanks to the named ingredient as well as an inulin compound. Sensitive and dry skins alike should be able to get on board with this one.

La Roche Posay

La Roche Posay is the brand to know if you have the type of sensitive skin where even the slightest fragrance or too harsh ingredient can cause redness, blotchiness or any irritation.

This product specifically has been created to offer impressive removal without disrupting the skin’s surface or leaving a greasy residue. It is designed for oily and blemish-prone complexions as it is tasked with controlling shine and clearing those pesky spots. There is no scent.

Murad

This cleanser is part of a new collection, specifically formulated for the most reactive and sensitive complexions, from doctor-founded skincare expert Murad. Rich without being gloopily thick or heavy, the creamy consistency gently removes grime and makeup (even from delicate eyelids) thanks to micellar cleansing peptides that are super-effective without exacerbating irritation or causing dry discomfort.

Perfect for complexions tackling post-procedure redness, the cleanser also utilises soothing, antioxidant-rich oat extract, plus a hydrating sugar extract and nourishing shea butter, both of which replenish and support the skin’s protective barrier.

The Ordinary

The Ordinary skincare has been making waves since it first rose to fame a few years ago and that’s, in part, thanks to its Squalane cleanser.

This bestselling product is known for its key ingredient, squalane (a lipid derived from animals and plants) that aims to tackle redness and swelling. This is a particularly oily product which makes it ideal for those with dry skin but, heeding Dr Mahto’s advice, anyone with oily skin should be wary. We recommend getting the 150ml version (50ml also available) to make the cleanser really last, but with such a friendly price tag, you won’t be complaining.

The Outset

The Outset’s eight-strong line-up can be condensed down to just three products for a daily barrier reset. Whether you choose to follow this pared-back trio or like to take the Korean skincare approach of many more elements, you will always start with cleanser.

The Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser is as it says on the tin: gentle. I was concerned on first use that this thin and lightweight texture wouldn’t be able to hold its own. I wondered too whether the gel, slightly foaming formula would cause increased dryness to my skin - but happily I was wrong on both fronts. A full face of makeup did require a double cleanse but it worked well in lifting off the product without drying. It’s surprisingly effective.

The product contains the trademarked Hyaluroset Complex that is made up of a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid designed to be more long-lasting as well as cleaning micelles, something familiar to the Micellar Water fans. There’s a 7 amino blend and antioxidant fruit extract blend that are said to have an anti-ageing effect. It’s fragrance free, can be used by the most sensitive skin and no fear of it ending up in your eyes as there’s no burn.

The lid is a screw cap, which makes it secure and spill-free for travel.

Sunday Riley

Best for: A healthier-looking complexion

Best suited to: All skin types, even the most sensitive skin

Known for its potent, rich and science-based formulas, Sunday Riley is committed to creating the highest quality products with as little impact on the planet as possible - and this cleanser is no exception. The silky plant-based formula pulls out impurities whilst pulling in hydration, leaving you with smaller-looking pores and a glowing complexion.