As winter rolls in, I can’t help but notice how my skin feels drier and more sensitive than usual. Cleansing is a crucial part of my skincare routine, not just to remove dirt and makeup, but because it prepares my skin for the rest of my products to penetrate and work effectively. I’ve learned that choosing the right cleanser for dry skin is just as important as moisturizing. In winter, when the air is dry and the heating is on, a harsh cleanser can strip away the natural oils that help keep my skin hydrated. That’s why I make sure to pick a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t leave my skin feeling tight or irritated.
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If you’re struggling with dry skin this winter, selecting the right cleanser can make all the difference. In this blog, I’ve rounded up the 10 best cleansers to keep your skin feeling soft, clean, and hydrated throughout the season.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a dermatologist-recommended favorite, and for good reason. It’s packed with essential ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture. This creamy, non-foaming cleanser doesn’t just clean—it nurtures. As soon as you apply it, your skin feels instantly softer and more balanced. It’s perfect for dry and sensitive skin, and its fragrance-free formula ensures you won’t experience any irritation. I love how it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and never stripped, even on the coldest days.
Best for: Sensitive skin
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Vanicream’s Gentle Facial Cleanser is one of the most gentle cleansers you’ll find, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, it’s designed to remove dirt and oil while preserving your skin’s natural moisture. It’s a lightweight, non-foaming formula that gives you a deep clean without any dryness or tightness afterward. It’s the kind of cleanser that makes you feel like your skin is getting the care it deserves, soothing and hydrating at the same time.
Best for: Extra sensitive skin
Cetaphil Hydrating Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil Hydrating Gentle Skin Cleanser is a refreshing addition to any skincare routine. Packed with nourishing ingredients like glycerin and vitamin B5, this gentle formula cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. The non-foaming, creamy texture works to hydrate as it effectively removes dirt and impurities, leaving the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin, it provides a comfortable, non-irritating cleanse that helps maintain the skin’s delicate moisture balance. After use, your skin will feel soft, hydrated, and ready for the next step in your skincare regimen.
Best for: Dry, sensitive skin prone to redness.
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
Eucerin’s Advanced Cleansing Cleanser is perfect for those whose skin needs a little extra TLC. This soap-free formula gently cleanses while nourishing even the driest skin. It’s enriched with natural moisturizing factors that leave your skin feeling hydrated and smooth after every wash. Whether you’re using it on your face or body, it’s an ideal choice when the winter weather has left your skin feeling parched and in need of extra care. It’s one of those products that you feel makes a real difference in your skin’s hydration levels, especially during the cold months.
Best for: Extra dry skin
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
First Aid Beauty’s Pure Skin Face Cleanser is the gentle hero your dry skin needs. Infused with aloe vera and glycerin, it deeply cleanses and removes makeup without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. The rich, creamy lather feels like a spa treatment as it glides over your skin, and it leaves your face feeling refreshed, soft, and calm. I find that it works wonders on my skin after a long day, removing all traces of makeup and impurities without making my skin feel tight or dry. It’s truly a go-to for anyone looking for a non-irritating cleanser that still does the job.
Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleansing Gel is the perfect balance of hydration and refreshment. Its gel-to-foam formula transforms into a light, airy foam as it cleanses, leaving your skin feeling clean and soft, not stripped. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it helps draw moisture into the skin and lock it in, ensuring your skin stays hydrated all day. This is the kind of cleanser that refreshes without being harsh, making it a great option for those with combination skin or anyone in need of a hydrating boost during the colder months.
Best for: Oily and dry combination skin
Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser
Tatcha’s Rice Wash is pure luxury in a bottle. The creamy, non-foaming formula contains Japanese rice powder, which gently exfoliates while providing deep hydration. It cleanses without stripping, leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth and glowing. After using this cleanser, my skin feels fresh and nourished, almost like I’ve just given it a drink of water. It’s ideal for dry, dull skin that needs a little extra radiance during the winter. This is a cleanser that makes you feel pampered, and the results are worth the splurge.
Best for: Dry, dull skin
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser is a soothing and nourishing formula designed to gently cleanse sensitive skin. Infused with oat and calming ingredients, it helps to replenish moisture while removing dirt and impurities without causing irritation. The creamy, non-foaming texture is ideal for dry, sensitive skin, leaving it feeling soft, hydrated, and balanced. This cleanser is dermatologist-tested and free from fragrance, making it perfect for those with sensitive or redness-prone skin.
Best for: Dry, sensitive skin prone to redness.
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil
While primarily marketed as a body cleanser, Bioderma’s Atoderm Shower Oil is incredibly versatile and works wonders for your face too. This oil-based cleanser is like a moisture-rich shield for your skin, instantly soothing and replenishing dry, flaky skin. It glides on smoothly and rinses off easily, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. It’s a game-changer for those with eczema or very dry skin, and it helps restore the skin’s barrier to keep the moisture locked in.
Best for: Dry and very dry skin
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a gentle yet effective cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Formulated with a blend of amino acids and enzymes, it helps to maintain the skin’s delicate balance while providing a deep, refreshing cleanse. The rich, foamy texture lathers up smoothly, leaving your skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated. Ideal for all skin types, this cleanser is non-irritating and perfect for daily use, leaving your skin refreshed and ready for the next step in your skincare routine.
Best for: All skin types, including sensitive skin.
Tips for Caring for Dry Skin in Winter
While the right cleanser is essential, don’t forget other skincare habits that can help protect your skin from winter dryness:
- Hydrate After Cleansing: Always follow up your cleansing routine with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture.
- Use Lukewarm Water: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, so use lukewarm water when washing your face.
- Avoid Harsh Exfoliators: During winter, be gentle with your skin and avoid over-exfoliating, as it can exacerbate dryness.
- Add a Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier to keep moisture in the air and prevent your skin from getting too dry indoors.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin This Winter
With the right cleanser, you can avoid the dryness and irritation that often accompany winter weather. Whether you prefer the deep hydration of CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or the soothing properties of First Aid Beauty’s Pure Skin Face Cleanser, there’s an option for every skin type. By following a gentle cleansing routine and incorporating moisturizing products, you’ll help your skin stay smooth, soft, and hydrated throughout the colder months.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends who may also be looking for the perfect cleanser for their dry winter skin. Let’s all stay hydrated and glowing this season!
My Other Blog:
How to Hydrate Dry Skin This Winter: 10 Best Face Moisturizers You Need
How to Effectively Manage Dry Skin on Your Face
Gentle and Effective: The Best Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin