How to Choose Skin Cleanser For Dry Skin

When it comes to selecting skin care products, picking the right cleanser is a non-negotiable. People with dry skin should choose creamy formulas that hydrate and comfort the complexion, according to dermatologists.

Avoid harsh soaps and products that strip away natural oils, which can irritate and make dry skin worse. Instead, look for the following ingredients in a facial cleanser:

1. Look for Moisture-Replenishing Ingredients

As anyone with dry skin knows, it's important to strike a balance between cleansing and hydration. You want to remove dirt, excess oil and makeup residue without stripping your complexion of its natural oils and leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Luckily, there are cleansers that can do both.

Look for emollients in your face wash, like petrolatum, lanolin and mineral oil, to help soften the skin while you wash. Also, look for humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, to help attract much-needed moisture to the skin's surface.

Another good tip is to avoid cleansers that contain drying ingredients, such as alcohols, sulfates and detergents, which can be especially irritating for those with dry skin. Instead, opt for non-irritating formulas that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrance.

If you're looking for a quick, simple cleanser to use on-the-go, try micellar water. The popular liquid is made up of micelles that attract dirt and pull it away from the skin, so you can skip out on a rinse.

Lastly, if your skin is particularly sensitive, consider using a cleanser that was developed with dermatologists. This will ensure that your cleanser is gentle enough to use on the skin, even in areas of redness or itching. You can also find a wide range of face masks for dry skin that can help add moisture and soothe your complexion post-wash.

2. Look for Gentle Cleansing Agents

The best face wash for dry skin should be gentle and hydrating. It should also remove any impurities that are on the skin like makeup, dirt and oil. Using harsh cleansers or one that contains alcohol can cause dryness. Especially if you are already suffering from a dry complexion, it can make things worse. You can avoid these harsh ingredients by choosing a cleanser that is gentle and fragrance-free.

Look for ingredients that can help replenish moisture such as glycerin and red algae extract. These are humectants that can help hydrate the skin and prevent it from feeling tight after cleansing. Look for them within the first five to seven ingredients of a product.

Another important ingredient to look for is a mild surfactant such as sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium cocoyl glutamate. These are amino acid-based surfactants that are incredibly mild and have good cleansing properties.

It’s also a good idea to choose a cleanser that is pH balanced between 6-6.5. A lower pH value is less damaging to the skin and will help preserve your natural barrier function. You can determine the pH of a product by checking on the label or purchasing pH test strips.

3. Look for Exfoliating Agents

Many people skip exfoliating their skin or only do it occasionally, but it is a vital part of any skincare routine. This step helps to remove excess oil (sebum), makeup, dirt and dead skin cells that can block pores and lead to breakouts.

Exfoliating should be done around twice a week to avoid over-exfoliating and irritating your complexion. Chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acid help to unclog pores, which can be especially helpful for dry skin types. AHAs like citric, lactic, apple and sugar can help to slough away dead skin cells without stripping the skin of its natural oils. BHAs, on the other hand, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which can help to unclog pores and prevent them from getting clogged in the first place.

Physical exfoliants, such as jojoba beads and sugar granules are also good options for exfoliating your complexion but you should make sure to use a gentle product as excessive scrubbing can actually damage your skin. You can also opt for a face mask or washcloth that has a textured surface that buffs away dead skin cells without causing irritation.

It is generally a good idea to avoid any products that are meant for oily skin or those that say “purifying” or “deep cleansing” as these typically contain drying ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, try a cleanser that is formulated with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid which are great for dry skin.

4. Look for Hydrating Agents

If you’ve been browsing the skin-care aisle in Sephora or a drugstore, you may have seen many moisturizers with “hydrating” on the label. However, dermatologists explain that moisturizing and hydrating are two very different things.

Dry skin requires a delicate balance of cleansing and hydration. The key is finding a cleanser that is gentle enough to remove makeup and dirt without stripping your natural oil or drying your skin out. You should also avoid harsh ingredients that can irritate your face, such as alcohols, dyes and fragrances, which are common in most cleansers.

One great way to find a gentle cleanser for dry skin is to look for an oil-based product. Oil cleansers are filled with oil particles that attract and break down make up, dirt, sweat and sebum. They’re especially effective because they don’t disrupt the protective layer known as the acid mantle, which can be stripped by some harsher detergents or foaming agents.

You can also try looking for a non-stripping cleanser that is rich in emollients, such as petrolatum, lanolin, squalene or mineral oil. Humectants, like glycerin and propylene glycol, can also help hydrate skin by drawing water to the surface. Occlusives, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, are another good ingredient to look for. These ingredients form a protective film over the skin to trap moisture, which is great for dry or dehydrated skin.