Choosing a face wash or “cleanser”, as they’re often referred to in beauty and skincare circles, can either set you up for skincare success or start a reaction that can end in worsening skin conditions, irritation, redness…the list goes on. This is why it's essential to think carefully when selecting your face wash and take all the factors into consideration, especially if you already have sensitive skin that is easily irritated and inflamed.
Choosing a new skincare product can be overwhelming with the market being as enormous as it is, but we’re here to help. This is our list of the best face washes available this year for those with sensitive skin that needs a little bit of extra looking after.
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil is a well-known drugstore brand, but one that's dermatologist-backed and recommended, according to the brand’s website and some of the reviews left for the product. The creamy formula of this particular face ash is proven to hydrate as it cleans and has been created specifically to remove all makeup, dirt, and impurities. Those with dry or normal, very sensitive skin have nothing to worry about here since the product is as gentle as it is effective.
The ingredients in this formula are the best you could choose if you have sensitive skin: Niacinamide (essential Vitamin B3), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), and hydrating Glycerin to work together to preserve the skin's natural moisture barrier. Not only will your skin be left cleansed and hydrated, but the formula also defends against roughness, dryness, a weakened skin barrier, irritation, and tightness.
2. Fresh Soy pH-Balanced Hydrating Face Wash Jumbo
Clean beauty brand fresh has done an incredible job on their best-selling Soy pH-Balanced Hydrating Face Wash. We’re happy to report that the product is available in a jumbo size, which provides excellent value for money and also extends us without needing to re-stock. This gentle face wash has been carefully formulated to soothe redness immediately and keep your skin hydrated and your skin barrier function supported.
Thanks to a rich, well-balanced list of ingredients, this cleanser takes care of your skin on every level. Cucumber extract and aloe vera soothe and hydrate your skin from the first use, borage seed oil deeply nourishes and keeps the skin supple, and soy proteins promote elasticity and an even complexion.
3. Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser
If you wear a high-quality SPF every day (and you should), you might encounter problems getting it off properly before you retire in the evening. If that's the case, the SPF remaining on your skin overnight might cause blocked pores and worsen sensitivity. This Barrier+ product from Skinfix is strong enough to remove even the most stubborn products, like SPF, for a cleansed and fresh face without being too aggressive for sensitive skin.
Ingredients like ceramides help fight off the early signs of aging, provide deep hydration, and help minimize dark marks. Ectoin reduces inflammation for a soothed complexion and also helps to lock in essential hydration to leave your face looking smooth and fresh.
4. Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Vegans, this one is perfect for you as the formula contains no animal-derived products at all. The product also now comes in new, sustainable packaging (bottle made from 100% recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable) to add to its environmentally safe appeal. This delicately rich oil melts away all traces of makeup and dirt without cheating an overload of oil that blocks pores. Instead, the result is cleansed, softened, and deeply hydrated skin that is happy, balanced, and irritation-free.
The formula is composed entirely of natural plant oils which are rich in antioxidants and still strong enough to cleanse away even tough waterproof mascara! The ingredients even promote eyelash growth, which is a bonus no one is going to say no to. Sweet almond oil softens and strengthens skin, sunflower and castor oil dissolve your makeup easily, and grape seed oil provides an antioxidant boost to fight the early signs of aging.
5. The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Face Wash
The texture of this face wash is the star of the show, for sure. Body Shop has created a creamy cleanser that still foams just enough to give you that “squeaky clean” feeling without any harsh or aggressive ingredients. Suitable for all skin types, this face wash supports those with incredibly sensitive skin as well.
Once the product transforms into a silky lather, it cleanses the skin of any trace of makeup. This product is infused with raspberry seed oil and vitamin E, allowing it to nourish your skin and protect it in one go. There is a gentle scent, but since it’s only a result of the vitamin E content and not one added after the face wash, there should be no issue for those who suffer from allergies or are particularly sensitive to scents in general.
Sensitive Skin Saved
These face cleansers are some of the best on the market for those with extremely sensitive skin. If you’re ready to overhaul your skincare routine and give your skin the support it needs to flourish, choose one of these to try out.
