12 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin That Won't Cause Irritation

Editor's tip: After rinsing, pat (don't rub!) your skin dry with a clean towel to minimize irritation.

Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Travel-Friendly: Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic

Why it's worth it: Innovation is at the heart of Olay's Cleansing Melts, which is of course, why we gave it a 2024 Best of Beauty Award. The small squares quickly melt upon contact with water—and because there's no liquid involved in the packaging, there's no guesswork about whether or not you can bring them on your travels. While it comes in two other versions, + Retinol and + Vitamin C, we recommend the hyaluronic acid-infused melts for sensitive and/or dry skin. Your skin will be baby-soft and never stripped.

Editor's tip: Activate the microbubble lather by rubbing your palms together.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

Why it's worth it: SkinCeuticals' Gentle Cleanser is a mild, creamy face wash that removes excess oil without stripping or irritating the skin. The formula contains a 3% blend of conditioning humectants and emollients (allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil) and an ultra-low dose of glycolic acid to exfoliate skin and reveal smoother, softer skin. Since the alpha hydroxy acid concentration is lower than that of a standard face wash, people with dry skin or mature skin (who may also experience bouts of acne) can use this formula.

Editor's tip: It's gentle enough to use after in-office procedures like non-ablative lasers and microneedling.

Key ingredients: orange oil, glycolic acid, allantoin | Who it's for: people with compromised skin barriers | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Inflamed Skin: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

Why it's worth it: Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario, is a big fan of anything that contains oat and cucumber—the Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser included. "These are gentle, soothing ingredients that comfort the skin, restore moisture, and reduce inflammation," says Dr. Yadav. In addition, this gel cleanser also contains calming lavender to reduce redness and is free from potentially troublesome irritants like alcohol, sulfates, and preservatives.

Editor's tip: For stubborn makeup, apply Dermalogica's Best of Beauty 2023 Award-winning PreCleanse as your first step. (Oh, the wonders of double-cleansing.)

Key ingredients: oat kernel extract, lavender extract, ginger root extract | Who it's for: people struggling with redness | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Paula's Choice Softening Cream Cleanser

Why it's worth it: A good cleanser makes your face feel as if it's being cuddled in a cozy blanket, which is the case with Paula's Choice Softening Cream Cleanser. This cleanser transforms into an emulsion upon contact with water and can remove makeup and grime while actively nourishing skin. How? It uses cleansing agents derived from coconut, leaving skin soft and supple, not stripped. Bonus: The cleanser comes in a jumbo size (16 oz.) for people who can't get enough.

Key ingredients: beta-glucan, soybean oil, chamomile extract | Who it's for: people with dry skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Why it's worth it: Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington, vouches for Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser, a frothy face wash formulated with cucumber extract and aloe vera to calm and hydrate irritated skin. "I especially love using this face wash when I travel because it helps a lot with the irritation that inevitably occurs after a flight," Dr. Park says. Plus, it's infused with nourishing rosewater, also known for its calming properties. It thoroughly cleanses pores and reduces congestion, making it a solid pick for oily or combination skin types.

Editor's tip: No need to be extra-vigilant around your eyes with this gentle formula. It won't cause excess stinging or burning.

Key ingredients: aloe vera, cucumber extract, soy proteins | Who it's for: people with redness | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin: Tata Harper Superkind Fragrance-Free Softening Cleanser

Why it's worth it: Tata Harper's Superkind Fragrance-Free Softening Cleanser has one of the shortest ingredient lists available on the market—a.k.a. a very good thing. "[Tata Harper] makes sure [its Superkind line] is free of parabens and fragrances, and it's also hypoallergenic," Dr. Yadav explains. "It's very moisturizing, which is essential for sensitive skin with overall feelings of discomfort, usually due to a weakened moisture barrier." Since a compromised skin barrier can leave skin more vulnerable to specific triggers, like allergic reactions and skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, nurturing it is critical.

Editor's tip: Applying this cleanser with slightly wet hands will help amp up the suds in this foaming face wash.

Key ingredients: jojoba esters, calendula, maracuja seed oil | Who it's for: people with breakout-prone skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Reactive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Why it's worth it: 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 both super gentle and highly effective at removing debris, dirt, pollutants, and light makeup. Melissa Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says it's one of her favorites for sensitive skin types because it's packed with ceramides, which are "critical for maintaining the skin barrier and water retention," she notes. A strong barrier and consistent water retention are crucial for those with reactive skin types.

Editor's tip: It's non-comedogenic, so people with combination and oily skin can also use this without risking clogged pores.

Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Gel Cleanser: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser

Why it's worth it: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser is a gentle gel-to-foam cleanser that features ectoin—a trending ingredient we reported on last year— to protect your skin barrier as you clear impurities. Among many benefits, "[ectoin] is a natural moisture binder," Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey, explained. "It's great for smoothing rough and scaly skin and can reduce inflammation." Sensitive-skin-friendly? Check. Just massage it into your skin for 60 seconds, morning and night, and rinse with lukewarm water.

Editor's tip: Since this cleanser won't wash away waterproof makeup, it's best used as a second step in your double-cleansing routine. "Knowing I don't deal with much acne, I'm of the mindset that cleansers should be as gentle and soothing as possible, and this Skinfix cleanser fits the bill—my skin feels soft and comforted post-rinse," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "Gel-to-foam cleansers are also so satisfying to use and rinse down the rinse easily. Quick reminder: Be sure to twist the opening closed after dispensing so product doesn't go to waste!"

Key ingredients: squalane, ectoin, chamomile, oligopeptides, B-L3 Complex | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Oil Cleanser: EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser

Why it's worth it: The Best of Beauty-winning EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser starts as a cleansing oil, (which is why it should be used on dry skin) before quickly transforming into a gel as you massage. It wraps up its texture metamorphosis as a lightweight, milky emulsion, akin to your favorite cream cleanser. We love the pumpkin enzymes, which provide ultra-gentle exfoliation, as well as the addition of conditioning meadowfoam seed oil and vitamin E. This lightly foaming cleanser lathers onto your skin and treats pores with brightening, skin tone-evening turmeric extract.

Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E, turmeric | Who it's for: people who use long-wear makeup | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Cream Cleanser: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Why it's worth it: First Aid Beauty's Pure Skin Face Cleanser is free from several potentially problematic ingredients, including parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and dyes. It's also packed with aloe and allantoin, calming ingredients that deeply hydrate the skin while protecting it from inflammation. NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD, notes that the antioxidants present in the cleanser can "protect the skin from environmental stressors" so that dirt and oil won't be able to penetrate the skin once you're done rinsing it off.

Editor's tip: For a hydrating boost after cleansing, shop the just-as-gentle (and award-winning) First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream.

Key ingredients: aloe vera, allantoin, glycerin | Who it's for: people with easily inflamed skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Why it's worth it: Want another dermatologist-favorite cleanser for finicky complexions? Behold: The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. "This fragrance-free, non-comedogenic face wash is super gentle, and you can use it with or without water," says Dr. Park. She loves how it leaves skin feeling super soft and moisturized just from cleansing alone—and she isn't the only one. One of our testers reported that it's been a mainstay in her routine, especially for irritation relief. "When I had an unfortunate incident with retinol (sensitivity, redness, burning), the Gentle Skin Cleanser was the only face wash I could tolerate," she said. "It actually felt soothing to coat my skin in the lotion-y formula." Further proof that it's worth a buy? It's won three Best of Beauty Awards and three Readers' Choice Awards over the years.

Key ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

"Sensitive skin is skin that is more reactive than usual," Illinois board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, previously told Allure. This means your skin can be easily irritated by the elements, air pollution, hormones, or, you guessed it, topical skin care products. "If [you find yourself being] cautious with trying new skin products or find that you're frequently battling red, flaky, itchy, or bumpy skin, then you probably have sensitive skin," Illinois board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, added. Because "sensitive skin" isn't a medical condition but rather a complaint or finding, it can be tricky to know if you have sensitive skin. Ask your dermatologist for tailored skin care advice if you suspect you might.

"You want to use gentle, hydrating cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin barrier of all its natural moisturizing factors," explains Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD, who recommends sudsing up with a cleanser that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, "which help keep water in the skin." Tennessee-based board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, previously recommended using formulas that include natural ingredients like licorice, rosehip oil, algae, and colloidal oatmeal.

So before you wash your face, seek out products with as short an ingredient list as possible, says Dr. Irwin. "For sensitive skin, specifically, you want products that are free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates."

Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure that people with sensitive skin should avoid sulfates, exfoliants, retinoids, isopropyl alcohol, glycolic, and salicylic acids—to name a few. "Some patients think they're sensitive because they're red and dry, but really they're vaping, or smoking cigarettes or weed—so their skin isn't as resilient as it used to be," Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, previously told Allure. If smoking or sun damage (don't forget your sunscreen, please) is behind your sensitive skin, topicals aren't going to fix or help your skin concerns.

Sensitive skin isn't a one-size-fits-all concern, so you may find your triggers inconsistent with conventional wisdom. Therefore, pay close attention to your skin after using any new products and talk to your dermatologist for more information.

• Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario
• Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington
• Melissa Levin MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Illinois
• Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
• Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Montclair, New Jersey
• Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tennessee

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.