When you have reactive skin like I do, you realize that just any face wash won’t do. My safe space lies within the realm of the best gentle cleansers. While I’d love to get experimental with my skin-care routine, venturing too far from my complexion’s comfort zone increases my chances of a break out or rosacea flair up.
However, these no-fuss formulas don’t play it safe: while they might eschew trending ingredients, sensorial textures, or powerful exfoliants to buff and polish, they are the unsung heroes of a nourished complexion. “A gentle cleanser removes dirt, oil, and leftover sunscreen without disrupting the skin barrier,” board-certified dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD tells Vogue.“These face washes use mild surfactants, often have skin-friendly pH levels, and avoids common irritants.”
Vogue’s Favorite Gentle Cleansers
Now, finding the right formula can have you feeling a bit like Goldie Locks when picking ingredients—not too gentle that it can’t thoroughly lather away daily grime and product buildup, but not so exfoliating that it strips your skin. When paired with your makeup remover of choice (my go-to is micellar water), it’s the perfect double-cleansing routine. Dr. Shokeen notes a telltale sign that your face wash is meeting your skin’s needs: your face feels comfortable after washing. If you notice any tightness or tingling, you may need to re-evaluate.
Ahead, discover the best gentle cleansers—with balm, oil, gel, foaming, and cream washes to choose from—vetted by top dermatologists and Vogue editors alike.
In This Story
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Frequently recommended by top dermatologists as one of the best cleansers, this formula checks all the boxes: it’s pH-balanced, non-comedogenic, and designed with sensitive and combination skin in mind. Dr. Penzi calls it a reliable go-to for those navigating both dryness and oiliness in different zones, and even dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD calls it one of her personal staples. “[It] is milky and leaves skin feeling hydrated and nourished, not stripped and tight,” she previously said. That’s thanks to a concoction of the brand’s prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide.
- Editor’s Experience: “Easily one of the most acclaiemd cream cleansers of all time, there’s nothing not to love about this La Roche-Posay formula. Its gentle without forsaking cleanliness, and leaves skin feeling softer after each use. I’d recommend it to anyone.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay’s prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide
- Type: Cream
- Texture: Milky, gel cream
- Foaming: No
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- More to Know: Vegan, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, soap-free
Best Value: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Why We Love It: When skin is particularly dry or stressed, it’s sometimes best to return to the basics. Take Vanicream, for example; the drugstore brand has been dermatologists’ favorite for decades. “Vanicream’s hydrating cleanser is excellent for sensitive skin because it’s free of dyes, fragrances, and harsh surfactants, making it very low-risk for irritation,” says Gretchen W. Frieling, MD. “It’s simple, non-foaming formula cleanses without stripping, which is ideal for barrier support.” Dr. Shokeen agrees, adding that it’s ideal for those prone to eczema and rosacea, post-procedural skin, or anyone who regularly uses retinol.
- Editor’s Experience: “A little over a month ago, I had a rough bout of perioral dermatitis. Apparently, an acne cream prescribed by a dermatologist to treat closed comedones (I was really going through it), sent my skin into sensitivity overdrive. The closed comedones were gone; however, my whole face stung when I applied any of my usual products, and I was sporting insanely dry skin. I instantly paused my usual routine and swapped it for Vanicream’s cleanser and moisturizer. Within a week, my skin was back to being soft and hydrated.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Water, glycerin, coco-glucoside (coconut-derived)
- Type: Cream
- Texture: Milky, gel cream
- Foaming: No
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- More to Know: Gluten-free, dermatologist-tested, soap-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free