Cleansing is the first and most essential step in any skin care routine, but if your skin is on the sensitive side, then you know that choosing the right face wash can be tricky. If you have sensitive or highly reactive skin—easily irritated by chemicals and fragrances, or prone to redness, rashes and irritation—it’s important to steer clear of harsh ingredients and opt for gentler products and methods.
What Is Sensitive Skin?
“Sensitive skin is defined as the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (burning, itching and redness) when the skin is exposed to something that generally should not cause such sensations,” says Dr. Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin,a dermatologist in Kansas City.
While sensitive skin can often react to certain ingredients in beauty products, environmental factors, stress levels, lifestyle habits and dietary changes are also known to trigger irritation. “The reaction is genetically programmed. The biggest concerns for this skin type always affect the skin from head to toe—not just the face. The skin is either too dry, too oily, heavy in pores or has a variation in color and tone that is not uniform,” explains Dr. Harold Lancer, founder of Lancer Skincare.
What Ingredients to Look for and Avoid
When it comes to choosing the best ingredients and formulas for sensitive skin, keeping things simple without compromising effectiveness is key. “Avoid complex formulas with ingredients that you aren’t familiar with. There should only be one to three hero ingredients included and the rest should be basics like glycerin, water, etc.,” says Joshua Ross, a celebrity aesthetician at SkinLab in Los Angeles. However, it doesn’t stop at figuring out which ingredients work best for your skin; it’s also just as important to consider the quality and purity of these ingredients and products. “You don’t just want hyaluronic acid—you want to make sure it is high-quality hyaluronic acid,” Ross adds.
On the other hand, sensitive skin types should steer clear of ingredients that can often be harsh on skin such as fragrances, parabens, alcohol, sulfates and phthalates. Some active ingredients that are typically tolerated by other skin types must also be avoided if you have highly reactive skin. These include retinol, hydroquinone and certain exfoliating acids.
Instead, opt for ingredients and formulas that improve the skin’s natural barrier and soothe irritation while keeping it moisturized and hydrated, like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. “People with sensitive skin should be looking for [ingredients with] anti-inflammatory properties [such as azelaic acid and panthenol]. You want to reach for formulations that strengthen the skin, balance it and encourage it to act optimally,” says Young Lin, a cosmetic researcher and skin care expert.
How to Care for Sensitive Skin
“Using fewer products for those who have sensitive skin is the best way to go,” says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Find a gentle cleanser that’s not harsh on the skin and a moisturizer that works for your skin. Lastly, always make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. Be very cautious when exfoliating—no more than once a week as it can be very harsh and irritating on the skin.”
As a general rule, always perform a patch test before introducing a new product into your skin care routine. “Emulate the recommended use of a product on your inner forearm skin for seven days. If it does not cause irritation or any problem, then it is probably safe to use,” explains Dr. Tonkovic-Capin.
Here are some tips to remember when caring for sensitive skin:
- Wash your face with pleasantly warm-to-cool water. “Too cold, and it will not clean well. Too warm, and it will strip natural moisturizers from your skin, causing skin dryness and irritation,” explains Dr. Tonkovic-Capin.
- Use your hands instead of exfoliating cloths. “It’s best to use your fingers because it’ll be gentler to the touch. Avoid using an exfoliating cloth because it can be really harsh on the skin and can cause irritation and redness. As for skin-cleansing devices, if you feel that your skin can handle it, then by all means go for it. Just be sure the brush is gentle and not too rough,” suggests Dr. Green.
- Keep face-cleansing to a minimum. “Sensitive skin should not be washed more than once daily. Preferably only before sleep to wash off any toxins and pollutants that have accumulated during the day,” says Dr. Tonkovic-Capin.
Best Cleansers and Face Washes for Sensitive Skin
Ready to choose your cleanser? Here are our top picks for the best face cleansers for sensitive skin.
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SkinMedica Sensitive Skin Cleanser (6 fl. oz.)
Specially formulated for sensitive or inflamed skin, this nourishing face wash is packed with antioxidants from vitamin E, matricaria flower, cucumber fruit and pot marigold flower to protect skin from free radicals while nourishing and calming any sign of irritation. Because of its soothing properties, it’s also the ideal cleanser to use following laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion or post-chemical peels.
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EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser (7 oz.)
Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this oil-free, pH-balanced cleanser features bromelain—a pineapple-derived enzyme—and ultra-fine foaming bubbles that cleanse deeply and remove makeup residue, excess oil and debris without irritating or stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
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(Video) how to choose the right cleanser for your skin -
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex (6 fl. oz.)
Featuring a paraben-, sulfate- and phthalate-free formula, this clarifying face wash lets you achieve a smooth, blemish-free complexion without irritating even the most sensitive and delicate of skin types. Infused with white willow bark and antioxidants from chamomile and centella asiatica, it sloughs away pore-clogging impurities, boosts cell turnover and tightens pores.
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Eminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser 8.4 fl. oz
Infused with organic, active botanicals and antioxidants—includingchamomile, sunflower oil and grape leaf extract—this ultra-nourishing cleanser purifies and rids your skin of excess oil while hydrating and strengthening your skin’s protective barrier. It also features the brand’s exclusive BioComplex, a potent booster of antioxidants, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid, which helps refine the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
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Obagi Medical Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser (6.7 fl. oz.)
Having sensitive skin means constantly dealing with dryness and irritation, so having this gentle, soap-free cleanser on your bathroom shelf is definitely a must. Infused with oat amino acids, apricot kernel oil and sage extract, it moisturizes your skin and helps strengthen its natural barrier while calming redness and soothing inflammation.
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(Video) 7 BEST Facial Cleansers for Dry Mature Skin | SkinCare Over 40 | NeeCJae -
PCA SKIN Creamy Cleanser (7 oz.)
This ultra-hydrating cleanser is all you need to remove makeup residue, excess oil and dirt without drying out your complexion. Featuring aloe vera and amino acids, it gently cleanses and brightens your skin while providing much-needed antioxidant protection.
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HoliFrog Tashmoo Water Lily Nourishing Milky Wash (5 fl. oz.)
If you live for the ultra-nourished feeling that cream cleansers give your skin, you’re going to love this gentle, milky cleanser that’s formulated with the most soothing and hydrating botanicals. Featuring a rich blend of skin-identical amino acids, water-lily root and lotus-flower extracts and blue-green algae, this lightweight face wash calms and heals irritated skin, attracts and locks in moisture and provides daily protection against environmental stressors.
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Glytone Mild Cream Cleanser (6.7 fl. oz.)
For most people with sensitive skin, exfoliation is out of the question. Fortunately, this gentle face cleanser gives your skin the brightening and smoothening benefits of exfoliation without any unwanted dryness or irritation. All thanks to its 3.4-percent free-acid value glycolic acid that sloughs away dead skin cells and helps refine signs of aging while keeping your skin nourished and moisturized.
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(Video) Best Face washes & Cleansers for sensitive skin -
Naturopathica Marshmallow Probiotic Sensitivity Soothing Cream Cleanser 2.8 fl. oz.
If this cream cleanser’s name sounds like a total dream for your skin, that’s because it is! Infused with ultra-soothing ingredients, including marshmallow flower, microalgae and probiotic lysate, it helps keep delicate skin plump and supple while calming sensitivity and soothing irritation.
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With over 10 years of writing and editing experience, Janeca Rachohas worked with clients in the fashion, entertainment, food, health and travel industries. An adventurer at heart, she will gladly trade her heels for a good pair of hiking shoes and skip hotels to camp under the stars. She loves horror movies, googling ingredients in her beauty products and backpacking trips with her toddler. Her newfound obsession: nude lipstick.
FAQs
What iS the best daily face wash for sensitive skin? ›
- (Neutrogena) | Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser.
- (SkinCeuticals) | Gentle Cleanser.
- (Aveeno) | Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser.
- (Sisley Paris) | Cleansing Milk with White Lily.
- (Cetaphil) | Gentle Skin Cleanser.
- (Simple) | Micellar Cleansing Water.
- (Vanicream) | Gentle Facial Cleanser.
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. ...
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. ...
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne-Fighting Facial Cleanser With Salicylic Acid. ...
- Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser. ...
- iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. ...
- Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. ...
- Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser.
Dr. Fassett likes drugstore brands, like Eucerin, Aveeno, Cerave, Cetaphil, and Vanicream: “Those are all excellent for people that have eczema and sensitive skin in general.” (To be certain, scan the ingredient list every time, or ask your dermatologist for specific recommendations.)
What products should I use for sensitive skin? ›If you have sensitive skin, creams or lotions with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum (mineral oil jelly), ceramides, or lipids may be good choices. These products help your skin hold in moisture and act as a barrier. Lotions with chamomile, aloe, and green tea polyphenols may soothe sensitive skin.
How many times should I wash my face if I have sensitive skin? ›How often should you wash it if you have dry or sensitive skin? Washing the face twice a day may prove to be irritating for sensitive or dry skin types. If you tick that box, cleanse properly at night using a gentle formula and simply rinse with warm water in the morning.
Which Facewash is best for daily use? ›| PRODUCT NAME | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|
| SEBAMED CLEAR FACE FOAM- 150ML | BUY NOW |
| ACNELAK 4 IN 1 FACE WASH BOTTLE OF 100ML | BUY NOW |
| WOW ANTI ACNE NEEM AND TEA TREE FACE WASH- 100ML | BUY NOW |
| AHAGLOW'S FACE WASH FOAMING BOTTLE OF 100ML | BUY NOW |
...
Face Wash Vs Cleanser: Basic Function.
| Face wash | Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|
| Foaming | Usually well foaming | Non-foaming |
| Gentleness | Gentler than a soap bar | Gentler than a face wash |
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (Get Here)
- Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant (Get Here)
- Laneige Multi Deep Clean Cleanser (Get Here)
- Avene Cleanance Gel (Get Here)
- Paula's Choice Clear Pore Minimizing Cleanser (Get Here)
Neutrogena. The brand: You don't need to spend tons of money for effective products that derms love; Neutrogena is touted as the number one dermatologist-recommend skincare product and you can find it at the drugstore.
How do I fix sensitive skin on my face? ›- Avoid taking very hot showers.
- Choose sensitive skin body wash, face wash and moisturizer, as well as sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin.
- Avoid perfumes.
- Avoid scented beauty products and laundry detergents.
- Apply moisturizer regularly to prevent dry skin.
Should you wash your face with hot or cold water? ›
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face in lukewarm water. It's the perfect middle ground for all skin types, as Beal explains that hot water strips your skin of the protective oils that help hold in moisture.
Is it better to wash your face at night or morning? ›Both Emer and Zeichner agree that if you're only going to wash your face once a day, nighttime is the best time to do it. "Most dermatologists recommend face-washing twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed," says Zeichner.
Should you shower everyday if you have sensitive skin? ›Per Dr. Sperling, some people with dry or sensitive skin benefit from less frequent showers. However, if you don't fall into that category, daily showers are a-okay, albeit not necessary to maintain good hygiene in most cases.
Should I use both face wash and cleanser? ›Can You Use Both Face Wash and Skin Cleanser? You can use face washes and cleansers together. If you plan on using both products, use the face wash more frequently than the cleanser to keep your skin feeling healthy, hydrated, and refreshed. If your skin feels dry, you can alter or adjust your routine or products.
What is the best way wash your face? ›- Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser.
- Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser is a Best of Beauty Award winner and recommended by just about every dermatologist we've spoken to. That's because it's gentle while still extremely effective at removing debris, dirt, pollutants, and light makeup without stripping skin.
How often should you wash it if you have dry or sensitive skin? Washing the face twice a day may prove to be irritating for sensitive or dry skin types. If you tick that box, cleanse properly at night using a gentle formula and simply rinse with warm water in the morning.
What is the number 1 dermatologist recommended brand? ›Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1.
What is the number one dermatologist recommended moisturizer? ›Best Overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Sessa, MD. We like that this CeraVe moisturizer is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores (making it an option for your face and your body). Even though it's thick, it doesn't leave a greasy or sticky feeling behind.
- Best Overall - Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. ...
- Best Budget - Lakme Gentle & Soft Deep Pore Cleanser. ...
- Best Cleanser For Combination Skin - Plum Hello Aloe Gentle Cleansing Lotion. ...
- Best Cleanser For Dry And Sensitive Skin - Episoft Cleansing Lotion.
Why you shouldn't wash your face in the morning? ›
By washing your skin well at night and removing all impurities and makeup, you eliminate the need to wash your face in the morning. Your skin repairs itself at night, producing an acid mantle that can serve as a protective barrier during the day.