THE 10 BEST CLEANSERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
We all know that a good skincare routine starts with a good cleansing ritual, but if you’re prone to redness and sensitivity, then finding the best cleansers for sensitive skin is harder than just using an effective face wash. From figuring which textures won't cause irritation to which ingredients you should be avoiding, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the top 10 best cleansers for sensitive skin so you can start and end your day with a clean, fresh face...
In This Article:
The Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin - La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
- Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
- The INKEY List Milk Cleanser
- Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cushion Cleanser
- Biossance Squalane and Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser
- KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
- Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser
- Jordan Samuel Skin The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
- Pai Skincare Light Work™ Cleansing Oil
- Caudalie Vinohydra Moisturising Cleansing Gel
- The Best Cleansers For Sensitive Skin FAQs
THE BEST CLEANSERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
£25.00
Crafted specifically for sensitive skin, La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Dermo Cleanser is an ultra-gentle wipe off milk that’s enriched with moisturising glycerine and the brand’s innovative Thermal Spring Water. Nourishing and supportive, it leaves skin feeling soft and soothed, while effectively removing impurities without disrupting reactive complexions.
Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
£14.00
Make the start of your skincare routine count with Anua’s 8 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Enriched with eight different types of hyaluronic acid, this hardworking face wash lifts makeup, SPF and impurities quickly and effortlessly while maintaining your moisture barrier. Plus, with the addition of panthenol to reinforce hydration, hydrolysed vegetable proteins to boost skin elasticity and zinc PCA to control excess oil and sebum, it’s a skin enhancing cleanser that delivers a radiant, shine-free finish.
The INKEY List Milk Cleanser
£13.00
Made to quickly melt the day away, The INKEY List’s Milk Cleanser calls on hyaluronic acid and 5% rice milk to refresh your complexion and protect your skin barrier. Applying on skin like a cream and quickly emulsifying into a lightweight milk, this clever cleanser lifts everything from daily dirt and grime to your glamiest-glam quickly without causing skin to flare up or feel tight... no wonder it’s considered one of the best cleansers for sensitive skin.
Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cushion Cleanser
£26.00
We can’t have a list of the best cleansers for sensitive skin without mentioning Paula’s Choice’s Calm Ultra-Gentle Cushion Cleanser. Powered by extra-mild surfactants, nourishing triglycerides and protective probiotics, this comforting cleanser not only replenishes and refreshes your skin but also leaves it feeling soft, soothed and supported too.
Biossance Squalane and Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser
£22.00
Enriched with BIOSSANCE’s amino acid complex, the Squalane and Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser is the perfect cleansing partner for those who love a foaming formula. Ideal as a second cleanse, this non-stripping gel face wash targets clogged pores (without you needing to scrub) thanks to the infusion of moringa extract and mega hydrator aloe vera leaf juice, ensuring your skin feels refreshed, restored and without any feelings of tingling or tightness.
KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
£16.00
Hold off on your morning matcha latte and add it to your cleansing routine instead with KraveBeauty’s Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser. Considered one of the best cleansers for sensitive skin because of its clever concoction of vitamins B5 and sodium PCA, this everyday face wash lifts away debris without disrupting your sensitive complexion. With star of the show matcha helping to protect your skin barrier from environmental aggressors and the addition of hemp seed oil to nourish, it’s a cleansing treat that leaves skin super soft and supple.
Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser
£25.31
A fan favourite to kickstart your skincare ritual is Glow Recipe’s Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser. Formulated to level up your skin’s hydration and rebalance your skin, this replenishing cleanser calls on fruit-filled formula powered by skin-supporting ceramides, pre- and pro-biotics and hydrating colloidal oatmeal to help reduce the appearance of redness while making quick work of dirt, grime and makeup.
Jordan Samuel Skin The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
£13.00
Continuing our round up of the best cleansers for sensitive skin is Jordan Samuel Skin’s The After Show Treatment Cleanser. Inspired by his time as a professional ballet dancer, Jordan Samuel created this luxe gel-to oil face wash that lifts even the heaviest stage makeup without aggravating or irritating sensitive complexions. Powered by a trio of plant-based, antioxidant-rich oils, antioxidant-rich green tea and comforting chamomile extract, this skin saviour soothes stressed out skin while ensuring it looks clear and radiant.
Pai Skincare Light Work™ Cleansing Oil
£34.00
Boost radiance while lifting away the remains of the day with Pai Skincare’s Light Work Cleansing Oil. Powered by star ingredient rosehip oil (renowned for its skin healing and regenerative properties), this ultra-gentle yet super powerful face wash is enriched with this volcanically sourced ingredient blended with fruit and seed oils, carotenoids and omegas 3,6,7 and 9 to protect and help repair skin for a soft, healthy and radiant sign off. Did we mention it is also scented with a sling of essential oils including orange, basil and jasmine— meaning it’s a sensorial experience for both your skin and soul...
Caudalie Vinohydra Moisturising Cleansing Gel
£16.00
Soothe signs of redness from the start of your routine with Caudalie’s Vinohydra Moisturising Cleansing Gel. Infused with refreshing grape water extract, panthenol and hyaluronic acid, this barrier protecting face wash offers pre-biotic action to help soothe the first signs of redness. Lathering quickly when mixed with water, it boosts your complexions natural radiance while removing dirt, grime and impurities... all without leaving skin feeling uncomfortable.
BEST CLEANSERS FAQs
What do dermatologists recommend for very sensitive skin?
When considering a skincare routine for sensitive skin, most dermatologists recommend using a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and squalane and always applying sunscreen. Mineral SPF’s are usually recommended because they’re formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which is less likely to cause irritation than a chemical sunscreen.
What is the best cleanser recommended by dermatologists?
The best cleansers for sensitive skin, according to dermatologists, depends on your individual skin concerns and needs as well as the formula and texture you prefer. That said, most dermatologists agree that cleansers containing ceramides, glycerine, and hyaluronic acid are ideal for sensitive skin. For this reason, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is often recommended for those with dry, sensitive complexions.
What are common skincare mistakes for sensitive skin?
Common skincare mistakes people make with sensitive skin is that they tend to use too many products (a sensitive skincare routine thrives with a more minimalist approach), choose products with fragrances and harsh chemical exfoliants, skip the moisturiser and use too many strong actives like retinols, vitamin C’s and BHA/AHAs. We always recommend that you patch test new products and always choose formulas specific to sensitive skin.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
