Dry skin needs gentle yet effective cleansing—something that removes impurities without stripping away natural moisture. Harsh face washes can leave skin tight and irritated, but the right cleanser can hydrate, soothe, and prep skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up the top trending, best-selling cleansers that skincare lovers are obsessed with. These picks are gentle, non-stripping, and packed with hydrating ingredients to leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and smooth.
Best-Selling Cleansers for Dry Skin
1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Everyday gentle cleansing
This dermatologist-recommended cleanser is a must-have for dry and sensitive skin. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier.
Why it’s a top pick:
- Non-foaming, creamy texture
- Fragrance-free & non-comedogenic
- Developed with dermatologists
- Leaves skin soft and refreshed
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Sensitive, reactive dry skin
Formulated with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, niacinamide, and ceramides, this cleanser calms while cleansing. It removes makeup and impurities without over-drying.
Why users love it:
- Rich, milky formula
- Soothes and hydrates
- Ideal for eczema-prone skin
- Gentle enough for daily use
3. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Deep clean with hydration
This whipped, creamy cleanser removes dirt, excess oil, and makeup while maintaining moisture. It’s infused with aloe, glycerin, and allantoin to calm and hydrate dry skin.
What makes it special:
- Sulfate-free and fragrance-free
- pH-balanced to prevent dryness
- Safe for sensitive and reactive skin
- Great for winter skincare routines
4. Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Soothing irritated dry skin
This gel-to-milk cleanser is powered by oat and feverfew extracts, making it perfect for those with dry, itchy, or stressed skin.
Why it’s trending:
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Gentle gel texture transforms into a soothing milky wash
- Free from fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and alcohol
- Great for daily AM/PM routine
5. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Balanced cleansing with a soft finish
Mild yet effective, this classic cleanser contains squalane, apricot kernel oil, and avocado oil to cleanse while keeping moisture locked in.
What users love:
- A little goes a long way
- Gentle foaming action that doesn’t strip skin
- Ideal for dry to normal skin types
- Leaves skin feeling fresh, not tight
6. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Minimalist, nourishing cleansing
This balm-like cleanser melts into a silky oil that removes makeup and dirt while maintaining hydration. It’s a great first cleanse or standalone cleanser for dry skin types.
Why it’s a favorite:
- Fragrance-free, cruelty-free
- Travel-friendly, non-irritating formula
- Budget-friendly and highly effective
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized and balanced
7. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Gentle, makeup-melting cleanse with a soft finish
A fan favorite in the beauty world, Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser is a pH-balanced, creamy gel face wash that’s perfect for dry and sensitive skin. Formulated with rosewater, pro-vitamin B5, and poloxamer (a mild cleansing agent found in contact lens solution), it removes dirt, oil, and even eye makeup without irritation or tightness.
Why it’s a dry skin hero:
- Ultra-gentle, non-stripping formula
- Safe for use on eyes and lips
- Doubles as a makeup remover and daily cleanser
- Leaves skin feeling soft, calm, and clean—not squeaky
8. Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Luxurious hydration and gentle exfoliation
Inspired by traditional Japanese skincare rituals, Tatcha The Rice Wash is a creamy, pH-balanced cleanser enriched with Japanese rice powder, hyaluronic acid, and Tatcha’s signature Hadasei-3™ complex. It gently removes impurities while leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished—never dry or tight.
Why it’s a luxurious favorite:
- Creamy texture transforms into a rich lather
- Gently exfoliates and softens skin
- Non-stripping, ideal for dry and mature skin
- Leaves a radiant, healthy-looking glow
9. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
⭐ Best for: Gentle daily cleansing with soothing botanicals
A cult classic for over two decades, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is beloved for its ultra-gentle, non-stripping formula. Infused with soy proteins, cucumber extract, rosewater, and aloe vera, it cleanses while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier—making it ideal for dry, sensitive, and dull skin.
Why it’s a timeless favorite:
- Removes dirt, excess oil, and light makeup
- Maintains pH balance without over-drying
- Calms and soothes irritation
- Leaves skin feeling soft, clean, and refreshed
How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Dry Skin?
✔ Seek out the magic of hydrating ingredients that include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and nourishing oils.
✔ Steer clear of sulfates, alcohol, and overpowering fragrances—they can easily rob your skin of much-needed moisture.
✔ Opt for luscious, creamy or milky textures that embrace your dry skin; avoid foaming cleansers, which can leave your skin feeling parched.
Embrace the transformation from tight, flaky skin to a celebration of soft, hydrated radiance!
