15 Best Face Washes For Sensitive Skin To Try In 2024
Wash your face with these foamy formulas to feel refreshed and glow from within.
Olunife Ofomata, founder and CEO of Sweeter Juice Skin, is an expert in the fields of esthetics, medical esthetics, and makeup artistry with over 14 years of experience. She is a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist and obtained her makeup and esthetics education from Makeup Designory in Soho, NYC and Long Island Nail & Skin Care Institute.
Read full bio of Olunife Ofomata
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Sensitive skin is more prone to irritation, and sometimes it even reacts to the most gentle products. If you have sensitive skin, you know how difficult it is to find a suitable face wash. But having the best face wash for your sensitive skin can solve half of your skin woes. And it is important to choose the products specially formulated with the right ingredients suitable for your skin type.
Always look for formulas free from sulfates, dyes, fragrances, and parabens. These ingredients can irritate sensitive skin and cause itching, breakouts, and inflammation. Instead, select the face wash that provides long-lasting hydration, helps to remove all impurities, dirt, and excess oil from your face, and imparts a refreshing feel and glow to the skin. Scroll through this article if you are looking for a perfect face wash for your sensitive skin. We have listed the 15 best face washes for sensitive skin below. Swipe up.
In This Article
15 Best Face Washes For Sensitive Skin
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Perhaps the best face wash for sensitive skin, here is a quick way to prevent exposing your skin to multiple products for various purposes. You now have a dermatologist-recommended face wash that cleanses your face and moisturizes and removes all your makeup without clogging your pores. The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser boasts hydrating properties and is pH balanced. This soothing face cleanser maintains the skin’s moisture balance and prevents dryness. It is hypoallergenic, so you do not have to worry about any skin reactions.
- Fragrance-free
- Cleans face without stripping oil
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Soap-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Contains sulfate and parabens.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 39,368 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser
It’s time to get rid of your blemishes and breakouts and embrace youthful and flawless skin. The InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser exfoliates your skin, allows it to cleanse itself, and makes you look radiant and fresh. This product has anti-aging effects and diminishes wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles. This mild skin care product is a blend of vitamin C, green tea and aloe vera, all of which work towards keeping your skin nourished and hydrated. The sensitive skin cleanser helps in keeping your skin bright and hydrated.
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Chemical-free face wash for sensitive skin
- Mild citrus aroma
- Some may find the consistency runny.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 5,167 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Burt’s Bees Face Cleanser
Have you spent hours looking for a product that is suitable for your sensitive skin? And finding a product that can make your skin glow and remain hydrated all day is like looking for a needle on a haystack. However, the Burt’s Bees Face Cleanser is perhaps the only face wash you will ever need. It is gentle on the skin and gives it a smooth and soothing look. This dermatologist-tested cleanser prevents your skin from redness and has the infusion of aloe vera and rice extracts that enhance the product’s nourishing ability without clogging your pores.
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Fragrance-free
- Irritation-free
- Soap-free
- Soothes irritated skin
- Removes makeup
- Some may find the coconut scent slightly overpowering.
Pro TipCetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser | Burt's Bees Face Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All, Oily, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | All |
| Dimensions | 2.38 x 4 x 7.99 inches | 6.3 x 2.1 x 6.3 inches | 3 x 2 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 Pounds. | 8 Ounces | 6.7 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 39,368 | 5,167 | 1,242 |
| Price | $16.79 | $24.95 | $8.76 |
4. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Here is an oil-free, non-comedogenic product that helps remove dirt, makeup, and oil without drying or stripping your skin of its natural oils. This product is suitable for those with acne-prone skin as it is quite a gentle formula. This mild face wash for sensitive skin will help in keeping your skin hydrated, clean, and smooth all day long. It works well for those with eczema, ichthyosis, psoriasis, and winter itch. Give this cream cleanser with a gentle scent a shot and get that rejuvenated look that you have always wanted. You can also check this YouTube video for a complete idea about the product.
- Gluten, paraben. and sulfate-free
- Betaine and formaldehyde-free
- Free of amines and amides
- Fragrance and dye-free
- Soap-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Might not be suitable for oily skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 20,397 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel
As the name implies, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel is an incredibly hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid that increases your skin’s moisture level. This product cleans your skin and gives you a smooth and silky look, making you feel refreshed. You can easily get rid of accumulated impurities without stripping your skin. This Neutrogena hydrating face cleanser works well for sensitive skin as it does not clog your pores hence prevents your skin from getting damaged. To see the tester’s experience for a thorough understanding of the product and its benefits, take a look at this review on YouTube.
- Lightweight
- Soap-free and oil-free
- No parabens
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-recommended brand
- May not be best suited for dry skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 20,571 great reviews on Amazon.
6. La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
The La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique is one of the best dermatologist-recommended face cleansers for sensitive skin as this product has hydrating, antioxidizing, and soothing properties. This product contains niacinamide that soothes your skin and maintains its pH balance and natural protective barrier. It also contains glycerin, which acts as a moisturizer along with the infusion of soothing ceramides. It helps gently remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. This moisturizing face wash is infused with prebiotic thermal water that further enhances the nourishing properties of this cleanser.
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- No parabens
- Soap and fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Allergy-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Slightly expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 19,135 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
7. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
Lift away dirt, makeup, and other unwanted accumulations from your face with a little help from the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser that deeply cleanses your skin. It might just become your new favorite face wash. This nourishing face cleanser helps reduce the signs of aging by diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can make your skin feel calm and hydrated without causing any irritation. This product has a lightweight formula that feels silky smooth. The anti oxidizing property of chamomile helps in reducing redness and appearance of blemishes on your face.
- Fragrance and soap-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Contains parabens
8. Proactiv MD Deep Cleansing Face Wash
Bid goodbye to dull and damaged skin and make way for the Proactiv MD Deep Cleansing Face Wash that can lift your skin and brighten it. Get a refreshed and nourished look with this cleanser that removes debris and dirt accumulated in your pores and prevents your pores from getting clogged. This gentle and effective face cleanser offers an exfoliating effect to your skin, which helps eliminate debris and dead skin cells. It contains hyaluronic acid and benzoyl peroxide that helps in hydrating your skin and keeping it nourished. A gentle massage of this cleanser and a splash of water is all you need to look fresh and young instantly.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-medicated
- Non-comedogenic
- Unscented
- Softer-looking complexion
- As it contains menthol, some may feel a tingling sensation.
9. Garnier SkinActive The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser
The Garnier SkinActive Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser is one of the best face wash cleansers for sensitive skin. It can get rid of dirt, makeup, and oil by gently cleansing the skin and keeping it hydrated and soft. This fragrance-free cleanser is paraben-free, sulfate-free, oil-free, soap-free,and alcohol. You will no longer see breakouts, blemishes, acne on your skin with this incredible sulfate-free face wash. Try this face cleanser tested by dermatologists for a refreshed and glowing skin.
- Dermatology-recommended face wash
- Safe for all skin types
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Rich in glycerin
- Cost-effective
- May not be easy to rinse off
10. Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
Your skin deserves to be pampered and given extra care and the best way to start the day is with a gentle facial cleanser. Looking for recommendations? Try the Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser that actively worlds towards acne prevention and breakouts. It gets rid of impurities and dirt accumulated on your skin without leaving any residue. This skin-friendly face wash can be rinsed off easily, you can also remove your makeup without any hassle and is suitable for all skin types.
- Effectively removes makeup
- Suitable for all skin types
- Inexpensive
- Oil-free
- Sensitive facial wash
- Contains sulfate
11. Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
It’s time to remove all the impurities and dirt that have been accumulating on your skin and you have been struggling to get rid of. The Simple Sensitive Micellar Cleansing Water cleanses and hydrates your skin by unclogging your pores and removing makeup and pollutants. This product helps in tightening your skin and providing it with complete purification and nourishment. This hypoallergenic face wash has ingredients that are skin-friendly hence you can use it without any worries. It is formulated with triple purified water, vitamin B3 and C, and the infusion of hexylene glycol.
- No parabens or sulfates
- Mineral oil-free
- No perfume or dye
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Non- comedogenic
- Might not be suitable for makeup removal
12. Vichy Laboratories One Step Cleanser
It’s time to detoxify your skin and provide it with a clean, purified, and balanced look. It is infused with shea extract and has the essence of captelae and purifying milk that provides extra nourishment to your skin, keeping it hydrated and smooth. This easy-to-use and gentle product protects your skin from external factors, keeping it damage-free, while helping strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. In a particle anti-adherence test, the product showed a proven efficacy of 72% against pollutant particles.
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Alcohol-free face wash for sensitive skin
- pH-balanced formula
- Allergy-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- May not be suitable for dry skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 1,445 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
13. Eau Thermale Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion
Here is the easiest and most effective way to get clean and clear skin without spending emptying out your pockets. This product is a gentle cleansing option that works effortlessly on your skin and helps in soothing it and making it soft. This no-rinse cleanser is ideal for those who have hypersensitive-skin. It is time to make your skin feel calm and purified by removing dirt and providing a soothing effect in return. This product also helps in restoring the skin’s barrier by strengthening it. You can now easily remove your makeup without relying on several cotton balls and products to get rid of it.
- Soap-free
- No parabens
- No oil, soy, or gluten added
- No fragrance or dye
- May not be suitable for oily skin
14. Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser
One of the best hydrating cleansers in the market, it not just purifies your skin but also helps you fight several skin-related issues. This Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser helps prevent breakouts, reduces signs of aging, and has anti-inflammatory properties. This professional-grade product also helps soothe your skin and provides you a fresh feeling every day. This calming face cleanser does not leave any residue behind nor does it cause any irritation or redness. It has a balanced pH and strengthens the protective barrier of your skin. It is easy to apply, lather, and rinses off easily.
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- No artificial dye or fragrance
- May not remove makeup effectively
15. Tree To Tub Nature’s Healing Soap
Try this anti-bacterial face cleanser that is ideal for daily use and works efficiently on sensitive skin. This delicate skin care option helps in deeply cleansing your skin by removing dirt, impurities and makeup, hence purifying it. It also unclogs your pores and keeps the skin feeling fresh without any irritation. This anti-inflammatory cleanser is infused with shea butter coconut, aloe vera, chamomile, and acai that help keep your skin soft, nourished, and clean.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Unscented
- No harsh chemicals
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- pH-balanced
- Some may find the consistency slightly runny
Now that we’ve looked at the 15 best face washes for sensitive skin, here is a buying guide for you to understand which is the best face wash for sensitive skin and how to use it.
How To Choose A Face Wash For Your Skin Type
The primary functions of a face wash include cleaning your face and removing dirt, oil, and dead cells. Different products are made for different skin types, hence, you need to identify which face wash is the most suitable for you. Here are a few things you must keep in mind when buying a face wash for yourself.
Dry skin
If you have dehydrated skin and your face not only requires a product that cleanses your face, but it should also consist of moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, lanolin and AHAs that can make your skin smooth and soft.
Oily skin
The ideal face wash for someone with oily skin should include aloe vera and tea tree oil, both mild ingredients that balance oil production and support the skin’s clarity. Remember, it shouldn’t leave your skin feeling dry and tight afterwards. Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol as if may cause further irritation.
Acne-prone skin
If you have acne-prone skin, wash your face twice a day with a salicylic acid-based cleanser. Salicylic acid unclogs the pores and gets rid of excess oil.
Sensitive or combination skin
Both sensitive skin and combination skin benefit from an ultra-gentle cleanser. Look for a face wash that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, paraben-free and soap-free that won’t irritate your skin. Micellar waters are the best for this skin type. It is always wise to actively look for an antibacterial face wash for sensitive skin.
Licensed esthetician Olunife Ofomata says, “Knowing which ingredients your skin is sensitive to can help you make better choices when shopping for skincare and beauty products, especially face washes. It is also important to do a patch test on any new product before applying it all over your face. This will help to ensure that there won’t be any adverse reactions or irritations caused by a certain ingredients.”
How To Use A Face Wash For Sensitive Skin
Here are the steps you must follow to wash your face with a cleanser:
Step 1: Wet your face with warm or cool water
Step 2: Apply a small amount of cleanser on your face and massage it in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. This helps in improving blood circulation and allows different types of ingredients to penetrate well into your skin.
Step 3: Wash your face with water, avoid hot water as it can damage sensitive skin.
Step 4: Pat dry with a soft towel.
Step 5: Apply a moisturizer that suits your skin, and you are good to go!
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right skincare products for sensitive skin might be a daunting task. However, there are many face washes available in the market that are perfect for skincare enthusiasts who are prone to suffering from frequent acne. The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is ideal for those looking for a dermatologist-trusted cleanser for sensitive skin. The InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser is great for targeting skin-aging concerns, and the Burt’s Bees Face Cleanser is ideal for removing makeup and soothing irritated skin. These face washes are completely free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. They can moisturize your skin while removing the pimple-causing germs. Many of these face washes are lightweight and help get rid of added dirt from your face. However, it is important for people with sensitive skin to use face washes that have been tested by dermatologists.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Krati Darak, understands that you can’t just use any face wash if you have sensitive skin. Some face washes leave your skin dry, red and inflamed. She recommends using the above-mentioned face washes for sensitive skin to avoid irritating the skin. She spent an inordinate amount of time researching and investigating products and their reviews and selected these products based on skin-friendliness, fragrance, texture, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of face wash is good for normal skin?
For normal skin, choose hypoallergenic face washes free of alcohol or toxic chemicals.
How often should you wash sensitive skin?
Wash sensitive skin with hypoallergenic products at least twice a day.
How can I identify my skin type?
You can identify your skin type by checking your skin thoroughly. Generally speaking, If your skin appears shiny, it is likely oily. If your skin appears flaky, it is dry. If your T-zone is shiny but the other areas of your skin appear dry, you have combination skin. If your skin seems hydrated but not oily, you have normal skin.
Can I wash my face with just water?
Yes, but using face washes and cleansers specific to your skin type and needs may help you with your skin-related concerns better.
How long should I wash my face?
Wash your face thoroughly for 30 seconds to a minute to thoroughly remove oil, sebum, dirt, and impurities. Knowing which ingredients your skin is sensitive to can help you make better choices when shopping for skincare and beauty products. It is also important to do a patch test on any new product before applying it all over your face. This will help to ensure that there won’t be any adverse reactions or irritations caused by a certain ingredient. Try not to use more than one new item at a time so that it is easier to identify which product might be causing the reaction.
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