If you're tired of trialling product after new product, only for your skin to be left in worse condition than it was before, then you need to read our guide to the best cleansers for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin sufferers rejoice because our days of irritated and bumpy skin are over. As it turns out, the best cleanser for your sensitive skin is out there - and yes - it will be life-changing. If you're anything like us, trying a new skincare product can often result in a red-tinted face and even an annoying breakout the next morning. Exfoliating and foaming cleansers are often the culprits in the skincare world for sensitive skin flare-ups. Packed full of harsh ingredients, there's no wonder why our skin isn't happy. We know healthy and thriving skin starts with the right cleanser, it's a crucial step and can make or break your skin, literally. No matter your skin type, finding the perfect cleanser will help to calm and look after your skin. Much like the best cleanser for dry skin, sensitive skin cleansers are designed to hydrate, soothe and ensure your skin stays moisturised. Check out our selection of the best cleansers for sensitive skin, from melting balms to gels and rejoice as you face the day with happy and glowing skin. But first, let's help you find out whether you might have sensitive or dry skin. Best everyday cleanser for sensitive skin (Editor's Choice): Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £14 on Amazon Best sensitive cleanser for removing makeup: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, £22 on Glossier Best sensitive cleanser for multiple skin concerns: Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee, £18.50 on Space NK Us with sensitive skin need to stick together, and I know trying a new product can seem super uneasy, so we've found the very best cleansers for sensitive skin that work wonders. Don't forget to check out their rave reviews.Closer's best cleansers for sensitive skin at a glance:
SHOP: The best cleansers for sensitive skin 2024
Best everyday cleanser for sensitive skin (Editor's Choice)
Cetaphil
Alternative retailers
PrettyLittleThing US$15.00View offer
Trusted by dermatologists and all of our fave influencers, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin. Fragrance and soap-free, we love that this cleanser actively hydrates as it cleanses, leaving your skin glowing and smooth, what’s not to love? Customers of the highly rated product say 'it's really mild on the skin;. It soothes skin as it cleans, removing dirt and impurities without stripping skin of natural lipids, does not block pores and matches the pH value of skin, making it suitable for daily use even on sensitive skin types.
Pros
- Clinically proven to remove dirt, makeup and impurities while preserving skin's moisture barrier
- Micellar Technology hydrates as it cleanses
- Use with or without water
- Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free
Cons
- Won't remove waterproof makeup
Best sensitive cleanser for removing makeup
Glossier
Price: £22
uk.glossier.com
For a super gentle milky cleansing experience and glowy skin, you can’t go wrong with the cult Milky Jelly Cleanser from Glossier. Nourishing and pH-balanced, this creamy gel face wash is kind to every skin type under the sun. It’s formulated with five skin conditioners (like Allantoin and Pro-Vitamin B5) that leave your skin feeling baby-soft, so you don’t need to rush for moisturiser afterwards.
Pros
- 5 deep conditioning ingredients—including Pro-Vitamin B5 and Allantoin
- Replaced 1/4 of the H2O content with soothing rose water
- Jelly dissolves oil, dirt, and makeup, milk soothes and nourishes
Cons
- Rose extract can irritate rosacea
Price: £22
uk.glossier.com
Best sensitive cleanser for multiple skin concerns
Naturium
Price: £18.50
www.spacenk.com
Created by skincare guru and content creator Susan Yara, Naturium focuses its skincare on all skin types to find a variety of ways to nourish, protect and hydrate the skin to achieve a healthier-looking complexion. The Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee gently dissolves any traces of makeup whilst targeting any concerns like pigmentation, texture or blemishes. Customers say it 'doesn't feel drying' on their skin.
Why niacinamide? Derived from vitamin B5, niacinamide works on all skin types and targets main skin concerns. It's a super gentle ingredient that helps to calm and control oily, acne-prone skin, helps reduce any unwanted texture and minimises the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
Pros
- Works to dissolve away impurities and makeup
- Works to minimise the look of dark spots and uneven texture
- Suitable for sensitive, dry, acne-prone, ageing and combination skin types
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Will need to double cleanse if wearing SPF or makeup
Price: £18.50
www.spacenk.com
Best sensitive cleanser for hydration
CeraVe
Price: £12.50
www.boots.com
If you haven’t heard of CeraVe yet, where have you been? CeraVe went viral on TikTok thanks to skincare king Hyram Yarbro, better known as @skincarebyhyram, and our skin has thanked us ever since. Reviewers of the highly-rated cleanser say 'it's a delight to wash with.' This CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser contains three essential ceramides to cleanse while protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, this gel removes dirt, oil and makeup without leaving your skin feeling dry and tight.
Pros
- Contains 3 Essential Ceramides to respect the skin's natural barrier
- Non-foaming effectively cleanses the face and body.
- Formulated with MVE Technology to lock in moisture, providing 24-hour hydration
- Developed with Dermatologists - fragrance-free, non-comedogenic
Cons
- Not effective for those with severe acne or pigmentation
Price: £12.50
www.boots.com
Best sensitive brightening cleanser
Glow Recipe
Price: £29
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
You may typically avoid a product designed to exfoliate due to the fear of irritation. Worry not. This lightweight Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm from Glow Recipe gently removes any traces of makeup or dirt yet exfoliates any dead skin cells, leaving a brighter-looking complexion. Fans of the balm have said 'skin feels silky smooth' after using it.
Exfoliating a dry skin type can help to encourage new skin cells and diminish the appearance of dry or flaky skin. The blend of papaya enzymes combined with vitamins C and A will brighten and promote radiance leaving your skin looking and feeling smooth.
Pros
- Removes stubborn oils, dirt and debris to brighten complexion
- Dark spot-diminishing vitamin C and cell-stimulating vitamin A
- Safe for sensitive skin, eyes, contact lens wearers, ophthalmologist-tested
- Smells ah-mazing
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
Price: £29
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Best sensitive cleanser for a long-lasting glow
Charlotte Tilbury
Price: £46
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Have you been after a skincare product that can do it all? Here’s your answer to refreshed, smooth and healthier skin all from one product - the Charlotte Tilbury Multi Miracle Glow Cleansing Balm. It really is a miracle worker, which leaves skin feeling 'nourished'.
Protect your skin and drench it in glowing moisture with this amazing three-in-one cleansing face balm from Charlotte Tilbury. This dreamy product can be used as a daily cleanser, regenerating mask and SOS remedy for dry and damaged complexions. This nourishing blend of skin-loving ingredients promotes health and well-being while contributing towards improved firmness, suppleness, energy and radiance in your skin.
Pros
- Melts away all traces of makeup and everyday grime
- Brightening, smoothing and line-lessening effect
- Sea buckthorn seed oil, cranberry seed, rosehip and camellia oils promote elasticity
- Can be used as an overnight mask or nourishing blam on body
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
Best sensitive cleanser for irritable skin
SOS Cleanse is a great option for sensitive skin. Described as a gentle and lightweight formula, this cleanser removes any make-up and impurities without any irritations. SOS Cleanse is formulated to calm and instantly soothe and cool the skin’s outermost layer, leaving your skin prepped and ready to take on the day.
When our writer, Angelica Daujotas tested this, she found that "super gentle and soothing", and ideal for days when skin "is lacking moisture". It goes to work to remove make-up without irritating skin further, and Angelica found that it works best for breakout-prone skin during that time of the month. She noted, "Nourishing but not oily or greasy at all, I benefited from adding this into both my morning and evening routine when I felt my skin noticeably breaking out."
Pros
- Gentle, lightweight, soothing, flushes the pores and dissolves makeup
- Non-greasy, non-comedogenic formulation glides over the skin
- Infused with Blue Daisy Extract (Globularia Alypum) that helps the pH balance of the skin
Cons
- Bottle says unscented, but it does have a fragrance
Best sensitive cleanser with antioxidant booster
Alternative retailers
Bloomingdale's$10.20View offer
Nordstrom$10.20View offer
Target$12.00View offer
Ulta$12.00View offer
For a gentle clean look, no further than the Pure Skin Face Cleanser by First Aid Beauty. Super gentle and pH-balanced, this powerful antioxidant blend helps protect your skin while reducing irritation and inflammation. Even reviewers said, 'it didn't irritate their sensitive skin.' Vegan and cruelty-free, this cleanser is also allergy-friendly, gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free, soy-free, safe for sensitive skin and nano-free. A problem-solving cleanser you can rely on.
Pros
- Strong enough to remove makeup, oil and grime without leaving your skin tight
- Botanical antioxidant blend helps protect, reducing inflammation
- pH balanced - maintains skin’s natural acidity and helps reduce flare-ups
Cons
- Soapy smell
Best soothing sensitive cleanser
cult beauty
Price: £34
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Cult Beauty’s Hall of Fame winner, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, gently and effectively lifts away makeup and impurities while balancing and nourishing your sensitive skin. This pH-balanced gel is infused with soy proteins, rich in amino acids, which helps maintain a healthy and radiant visage. Customers say, 'it's good for sensitive and dry skin'. Soothing and toning the skin all whilst providing much-needed moisture, this cleanser really is THAT great!
Pros
- Lifts away makeup and impurities while balancing and nourishing your skin
- pH-balanced gel
- Soy proteins, rich in amino acids, help to maintain a healthy visage
- Calming cucumber extract, nourishing borage seed oil and balancing rosewater
Cons
- Rose extract can irritate rosacea
Price: £34
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Best sensitive cleanser for gentle exfoliation
look fantastic
Price: £30
www.lookfantastic.com
Another beauty fan favourite, the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser by British skincare brand Liz Earle delivers visible results in as little as seven days. Fans of the cleanser say it's 'comforting and gentle to use'. Enriched with sustainably sourced cocoa butter to soften, smooth and moisturise, and rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus to tone, soothe and purify – this rich, indulgent cream deeply cleanses to instantly remove daily grime, pollutants and makeup, even stubborn mascara, to leave skin feeling comfortable, balanced and exceptionally clean.
Pros
- Multi award-winning formula
- Creamy cleanser removes daily grime, environmental pollutants and makeup
- Gently exfoliates to help lift dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities
- Cocoa butter responsibly sourced from West Africa
Cons
- Most effective when used with Liz Earle Muslin cloth (sold separately)
Price: £30
www.lookfantastic.com
Best affordable cleanser for sensitive skin
superdrug
Price: £2.63 (was £3.95)
www.superdrug.com
Now we all know and love Garnier’s micellar cleansing water, but did you know there’s also a micellar cleansing gel wash? The perfect all-in-one rinse-off Garnier Micellar Gel Face Wash deeply cleansing whilst also soothing and removing makeup. One reviewer said that their skin is 'thoroughly cleansed' and 'not irritated in the least' while using this budget cleanser. At the super affordable under £4 for a 200ml bottle, we're OBSESSED.
Pros
- Under £4 for 200ml bottle
- Cleanses and removes make-up, even on eyes and lips
- Non-fragranced
- Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested
Cons
- Not suited for very sensitive eyes
Price: £2.63 (was £3.95)
www.superdrug.com
Best sensitive skin cleansing balm-to-oil formula
cult beauty
Price: £34
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Prefer a cleansing balm to a gel? This Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm from FARMACY has a balm-to-oil formula, which creates a luxurious lather upon contact with water to gently exfoliate and refine skin without stripping or drying. Reviewers agree, saying 'it removes all traces of makeup'. Sunflower and Ginger Root Oils effectively dissolve stubborn makeup and impurities, while a revitalising blend of Lime, Bergamot and Orange Essential Oils leaves skin feeling clean and fresh. Echinacea GreenEnvy (the brand's patented and exclusive plant) promotes a smooth, even tone and texture.
Pros
- New York-based brand that combines innovative science with clean, locally grown ingredients
- Balm-to-oil formula
- Papaya extract gently exfoliates skin without stripping or drying
- Sunflower and Ginger Root Oils dissolve makeup
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
Price: £34
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Knowing whether your skin is sensitive can be difficult to navigate as there aren't particular traits to identify it, as everybody's skin reacts differently. However, there are a few common signs you can look out for to help reach a conclusion, such as: Reactions– if you have sensitive skin, your skin will try to tell you if it doesn’t like a product like perfume or a cleanser, this can be through itchiness, dryness, redness or a rash. Redness– redness is extremely common among sufferers of sensitive skin; this redness is triggered by-products and will most likely go away by removing the irritant. Dryness– dry and sensitive skin can go hand in hand, in more severe cases, it can lead to cracked skin and acne breakouts Prone to breakouts– many of us who have sensitive skin will find we’re moreprone to breakouts(some that even look like acne), and acne cleansers can often make these breakouts worse. And if you're still unsure consult your dermatologist. Opting for skincare designed for sensitive skin can do no harm, it's generally less harsh and better for your skin! If you're unsure of what skin type you have, whether it's oily, dry or combination, Tatcha has a super quick method to determine your skin type, all you need is a sheet of blotting paper! This method is super quick and easy and an excellent differentiator between oily and dry skin types. Gently pat a blotting paper on the different areas of your face. Hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible. If the sheet picked up little to no oil, you most likely have dry skin. If the blotting sheet reveals oil from the forehead and nose areas, your skin is combination. Finally, if the blotting paper is saturated with oil, it is extremely likely that you have oily skin. Georgia Scottis a beauty and fashion product writer writing across brands such as heat, Closer, Grazia and Yours specialising in all things lifestyle and trending. Before starting at Bauer, Georgia completed her degree in Journalism at University and worked as a retail beauty advisor and make-up artist.Do I have sensitive skin?
How to find your skin type
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