9 cleansers that won’t dry out your skin

Cleansing is arguably the most important step in any skin care routine (I’ve definitely told you this before). Your cleanser is responsible for removing makeup, dirt and grime, while also prepping the skin for the absorption of active ingredients to come after. But finding the right formula for you, especially one that won’t dry out your skin, is often harder than you would expect. Products that leave your skin squeaky clean typically strip it of moisture, and products that leave your skin feeling supple and hydrated, often fall short when it comes to actually cleansing.
RELATED: 8 of the best cleansers for acne-prone skin
RELATED: Why double cleansing is non-negotiable
As a result, finding your holy grail cleanser can be harder than any other part of your skin care routine. So because we’re here to help, we’ve rounded up the most effective cleansing formulas to consider this winter for your happiest, cleanest and most hydrated skin ever.
OILS
Traditionally people are scared of oil cleansers, especially if you already suffer from oily skin. However, the basic premise is that oils dissolve oils, meaning they are one of the most gentle and effective ways to remove heavy makeup without compromising your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The use of oil in your skin care can also help balance your skin’s natural production of oil, and they are also usually packed with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E. For the most part, they are used as part of K-Beauty double-cleansing process, and are followed with a regular cleanser, just to ensure no residue is left on the skin.
Oil cleansers bh loves: Planet Eve Organics Facial Cleansing Oil, Frank Body Anti-Makeup Cleansing Oil (find it at mecca.com.au) and Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser (find it at sephora.com.au)
GELS & FOAMS
Gels and foams are the highest risk formulas when it comes to cleansing. While they are the most well known for removing makeup and grime, they are also the most likely to leave skin feeling tight and uncomfortable afterwards. This is due to an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate (also found in shampoos), that is responsible for the foaming sensation. This ingredient is known to strip skin, as well as break down the skin’s natural protective oils. This process often results in the skin producing more oil to compensate. In saying all of this - gel and foaming cleansers can be a really good choice for an effective deep clean, just make sure you check the ingredients list first.
Foaming cleansers bh loves: Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant, Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser (find it at sephora.com.au) and Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser
CREAMS
My personal favourite cleansing formulas are creams. I don’t have particularly dry or particularly oily skin, I fall somewhere in the middle. My choice to use a cream formula mostly comes from a love of the luxurious texture, but also that the formulas tend to be ultra-soothing, hydrating and packed with nourishing ingredients. Cream formulas will rarely dry out your skin, however due to the nature of the formula to be heavier than a foam or a gel, it may be necessary to follow with a toner or chemical exfoliant a few nights a week to slough off any build up of skin cells.
Cream cleansers bh loves: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser, Sukin Rosehip Nourishing Cream Cleanser and QV Gentle Facial Cleanser
Main image credit @gigihadid
What is your preferred cleansing formula? Do you find some formulas dry out your skin more than others?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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99 Member Comments
I am still scared of oil cleansers.
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I have definitely found it hard in the past to find the perfect cleanser for my skin type- I have combination/oily but rosacea, psorasis sensitive skin. Finding the right type has been a battle for me! I found the cream cleanser gentle, but left a residue and my face oily afterwards, same with the oil cleansers. I'm using Avene Thermal Water cleanser at the moment (which does contain SLS) but finding it gentle but effective for my skin. I'm yet to try the double cleanse as I hardly wear make up, but looking forward to trying it when I do!
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Very informative.
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Thank you for this article. I’m searching for information because I need a new cleanser. My skin doesn’t like the one I’m using anymore. I’ve got normal to dry skin, and it can sometimes be a bit sensitive. I’m pretty sure I’m going to get Korres Wild Rose cleanser from Mecca. I got a small tube in my last Beauty Loop box and absolutely loved it. But I’m always open to suggestion.
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Thanks for the article. That's so true of the cleansers that contain sodium lauryl sulphate, they do leave your skin feeling dry or tight. I notice that with shampoo containing that ingredient also leaves my skin dry if it runs down my face during a shower.
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Haha ... didn't realise I'd said the exact same thing three days ago!
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I love the QV cleanser.
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Great information. Thank you.
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Im a big believer in the double cleanse even if I haven’t worn makeup I feel like the dirt and pollution needs to be removed. I’m currently loving the body shop cleansing balm followed by cerave cleanser. Leaves my skin feeling clean without stripped.
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I don't wear make up and I have very dry skin so the Sukin cream cleanser is the best one for me.
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I like to use a combination of oil and cream cleanser. I guess it's really depends on my skin condition during that time. My skin tends to be a lot drier during winter.
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I love the La Roche Posay Foaming Gel. It's sooo gentle on skin, doesn't have any parabens or strong smell, and on top of that it helps fighting oil and acne!
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I love the Clinique Take the day off balm. So good!
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as someone with dry skin this article is super helpful!
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I love cleansing with oils.
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Great Article!
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Aesop has a great oil based cleanser.
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Even with oily skin I have been avoiding cleansers that strip or exfoliate too much as I find I then produce double the oil. Have been using gentle and hydrating and have noticed such a difference
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I really do like a good oil cleanser.
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QV's Facial Wash is an excellent gentle and hydrating wash!
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I just started using the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Maybe I'm going against the trend but I was underwhelmed. It seems very similar to Cetaphil, with a few extra ingredients but a much higher price tag. I'm a CeraVe fan based their other products I'm using but this one doesn't do it for me.
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Definitely prefer a foaming cleanser. No residue or oil left. The best way to feel fresh and clean without drying out the skin.
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I double cleanse when ive been wearing makeup. I use a cleansing oil and then my standard cleanser. I use a scrub once a week. I also have another cleanser in the shower with the DrLewinns gentle polishing cleanser.
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CeraVe cleanser is amazing and now available at Chemist Warehouse!
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