10 Expert-Approved Face Washes for Dry Skin That Lock In Moisture All Day

10 Expert-Approved Face Washes for Dry Skin That Lock In Moisture All Day

I can easily understand your pain of not knowing how to handle your dry skin. What have you done about it? Of course, many options have been provided for you, and you have tried as many as you can, but then it seems that nothing is working. The truth is, using the wrong face wash can strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it more dehydrated, irritated, and prone to redness or dullness.

Dry skin needs more than just hydration; it needs a gentle, moisture-boosting face wash that nourishes while it cleanses. That’s why we’ve carefully curated this list of 10 expert-approved face washes for dry skin that go beyond basic cleansing. These formulas are packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe vera, and glycerin, all of which are known for their ability to attract and lock in moisture.

Whether your dryness is caused by harsh weather, genetics, or overuse of active ingredients, these face washes are safe, dermatologist-tested, and formulated to restore your skin barrier without leaving your face feeling tight or stripped. Say goodbye to flaky skin and hello to a softer, smoother, more radiant complexion , starting with the right cleanser.

Ready to transform your dry skin? Let’s explore the best face washes that will keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Best face washers for dry skin

Here are the best face washers for your dry skin

1. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is a great choice. It performs exceptionally well by removing dirt, excess oil, and even makeup, all without the need for a double cleanse. During testing, it noticeably calmed redness, left pores looking more refined, and gave the skin a soft, moisturized finish. The texture is light, lathers beautifully, and spreads easily, plus, a small amount goes a long way, making it economical.

It's an ideal option for those with dry or sensitive skin and works well both morning and night. The only downside is the packaging; the plastic cap feels a bit flimsy, but it doesn’t take away from the product’s overall effectiveness.

Key Ingredients: Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil

Skin Type(s): All (including sensitive skin)

Also Check: 7 Surprising Uses of Vaseline for Skin That No One Talks About

2. Good Molecules Cleansing Gel

Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel proves that you don’t have to spend a lot to get clean, healthy-looking skin. Despite its budget-friendly price, this cleanser feels luxurious on the skin. It has a gentle, non-stripping formula that effectively removes impurities while supporting hydration, making it a great pick for dry or easily irritated skin types.

One standout feature is that it’s completely fragrance-free, which is a pleasant surprise given it contains pineapple extract. After use, it leaves the skin feeling soft, refreshed, and glowing without any tightness. It’s a fantastic everyday cleanser, though you may still need a separate makeup remover for heavier eye products like mascara or eyeliner.

Key Ingredients: Rosewater, Pineapple Extract

Skin Type(s): All

Also See: 5 Amazing Benefits of Coconut Oil on Face Overnight for Dry Skin

3. Avene Milk Cleanser

If you have dry, very dry, or sensitive skin, Avène Milk Cleanser offers a comforting and gentle cleansing experience. Designed to both cleanse and calm, this formula hydrates while soothing irritation, making it ideal for reactive or easily inflamed skin types.

What sets this cleanser apart is that it can be left on the skin without needing to rinse it off. Although it has a thick texture initially, it becomes lighter as you massage it in, so it doesn’t feel heavy even when left on. While it does a good job cleansing the skin, you'll need a second cleanse to fully remove makeup.

Key Ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water, Glycerin

Skin Type(s): Dry, Very Dry, Sensitive

Also Read: How to Build a Morning and Night Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

4. CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

CeraVe’s Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is a top-rated drugstore option that delivers on multiple fronts. Developed by dermatologists, this cleanser features amino acids and ceramides to both cleanse and hydrate the skin. It works well for dry skin types, though our tester with acne-prone skin did experience a slight increase in breakouts while using it.

Key Ingredients: Amino Acids, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid

Skin Type(s): Normal, Dry, Sensitive

5. Clarins Foaming Cleanser with Aloe Vera

This cleanser delivers a refreshing cleanse that leaves the skin feeling clean and revitalized. While it's suitable for all skin types, it’s especially best for morning use, as it doesn’t completely remove makeup.

Key Ingredients: Saponaria Balm Extracts, Gentle Complex, Aloe Vera

Skin Type(s): Normal, Dry

6. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanse

COSRX’s Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser contains calming tea tree oil and is pH-balanced to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture and oil levels for a healthy, hydrated look.

The gel foams up easily, so a small amount is enough for each use. It spreads smoothly on the skin and cleanses well, though it doesn’t fully remove eye makeup like mascara or eyeliner. The only downside is its strong tea tree fragrance, which some may find too intense.

Key Ingredients: Betaine Salicylate, Tea Tree Oil, pH Balanced (5.31±1.00)

Skin Type(s): All

7. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser has many notable benefits, but what stands out most is the healthy glow it gives the skin after each use. It’s made with rose water to soothe and refresh, along with allantoin, which hydrates and calms dry areas. It helped smooth out dry, flaky patches, leaving the skin soft and radiant. However, its thick texture can make it slightly harder to rinse off, and it's not the best option for removing makeup.

Key Ingredients: Rose Water, Allantoin

Skin Type(s): Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily

Bottomline

A face wash is an essential skincare product that should always be part of your routine. With the top recommended options listed above for dry skin, you can confidently choose any of them—their ingredients truly deliver results.