If you have dry skin, you know the daily struggle. Your face can feel tight, flaky, and just plain uncomfortable after washing.
Choosing the right cleanser and moisturizer is crucial. The wrong products can strip your skin even more, leaving you worse off than when you started.
We tested dozens of formulas to find the best ones. We looked for gentle cleansers that don’t over-dry and rich moisturizers that truly hydrate.
This review shares our honest findings. We’ll help you build a simple routine that actually works for your dry skin.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser | Cream-To-Foam Formula | PRICES |
 |
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser | Barrier-Repairing Ceramides | PRICES |
 |
No7 Derm Solutions Hydrating Facial Cleanser & 100hr Face Moisturizer | Barrier-Strengthening Ceramides | PRICES |
 |
No7 Melting Gel Cleanser – Makeup Remover Balm with Vitamin C + Vitamin E | Melts Makeup Effortlessly | PRICES |
 |
It'S SKIN V7 Hyaluronic Cleanser | Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid | PRICES |
 |
No7 Derm Solutions Comforting Cream Cleanser | Non-Stripping Creamy Texture | PRICES |
 |
Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid | Powerful Brightening Effect | PRICES |
CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser
This cleanser is a game-changer because it starts as a cream and transforms into a gentle foam, removing makeup without stripping your skin.
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides. These ingredients work together to hydrate your skin and support its natural barrier. I love that it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, too.
The texture is really unique and feels luxurious. It rinses off cleanly without leaving any tight or dry feeling behind, which is perfect for dry skin.
Pros:
👍 Cream-to-foam formula is gentle and effective
👍 Contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration
👍 Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
👍 Great for removing makeup and sunscreen
👍 Large 19-ounce bottle offers good value
Cons:
👎 The pump can be a bit messy for some
👎 Might not feel “squeaky clean” enough for oily skin types
👎 Larger bottle size takes up more counter space
My Honest Opinion:
This is my top pick for a daily cleanser when my skin feels dry or sensitive. It cleanses thoroughly but never leaves my face feeling tight or uncomfortable, which is a huge win.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
If you have dry, sensitive skin that feels tight after washing, this cleanser is a total game-changer.
It’s a creamy, non-foaming formula that cleans without stripping your skin. It contains ceramides and niacinamide to help repair your skin’s barrier and soothe irritation.
The texture feels luxurious and leaves your face feeling soft, not squeaky clean. It’s also fragrance-free and oil-free, so it won’t cause any extra sensitivity.
Pros:
👍 Incredibly gentle and non-drying
👍 Contains barrier-repairing ceramides
👍 Soothes with niacinamide
👍 Fragrance-free and oil-free formula
👍 Leaves skin feeling soft, not tight
Cons:
👎 Non-foaming texture isn’t for everyone
👎 Higher price point than drugstore options
👎 Can feel like it’s not rinsing completely clean
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to cleanser when my skin is feeling parched and reactive. It’s one of the few face washes that truly cleanses without leaving me needing to moisturize immediately. It’s worth the investment for sensitive, dry skin types.
No7 Derm Solutions Hydrating Facial Cleanser & 100hr Face Moisturizer
This two-step bundle promises to hydrate your dry skin for an impressive 100 hours.
It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. These work together to strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The formula also includes adaptogens to help your skin handle daily stress.
The cleanser is gentle and doesn’t leave your face feeling tight. The moisturizer has a rich, creamy texture that absorbs well. Using them together creates a simple and effective daily routine.
Pros:
👍 Formulated specifically for dry and sensitive skin
👍 Contains barrier-strengthening ceramides and niacinamide
👍 Moisturizer claims to provide 100 hours of hydration
👍 Gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin
👍 Comes as a convenient two-item bundle
Cons:
👎 The 100-hour claim might be optimistic for very dry skin
👎 Bundle size means you can’t try one product individually first
👎 The rich moisturizer may feel too heavy for some users
My Honest Opinion:
This is a solid, no-fuss routine for someone with persistently dry skin. I appreciate that it focuses on barrier health, which is key for long-term hydration. If your skin feels tight and thirsty, this bundle is definitely worth a look.
No7 Melting Gel Cleanser – Makeup Remover Balm with Vitamin C + Vitamin E
This cleanser melts away makeup and grime while leaving your dry skin feeling nourished, not stripped.
It starts as a solid balm that transforms into a milky oil on your skin. The formula is packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin E to protect and hydrate. It effectively removes even waterproof makeup without harsh rubbing.
The texture is luxurious and feels soothing to apply. It rinses off cleanly with water, leaving behind a balanced, comfortable feeling. I found it didn’t leave any greasy residue, just soft skin.
Pros:
👍 Melts makeup effortlessly
👍 Hydrates and doesn’t strip skin
👍 Contains antioxidant vitamins
👍 Pleasant, milky texture
👍 Rinses clean without residue
Cons:
👎 Balm format isn’t for everyone
👎 Pricier than some basic cleansers
👎 Jar packaging can be less hygienic
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic treat for dry skin that needs a thorough but gentle cleanse. It feels more like a skincare treatment than just a makeup remover. If you hate that tight, dry feeling after washing, you’ll likely love this balm.
It’S SKIN V7 Hyaluronic Cleanser
This cleanser is a hydration hero that cleans without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to attract and lock in moisture. The formula is vegan and gentle, making it a great daily face wash. It aims to cleanse while also providing a moisturizing boost.
The texture is smooth and creates a light, non-foamy lather. It rinses off cleanly without leaving any tight or dry feeling behind. I found it very easy to incorporate into my morning and night routine.
Pros:
👍 Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid
👍 Vegan and gentle formula
👍 Doesn’t leave skin feeling tight or stripped
👍 Cleanses effectively without heavy foam
👍 Good for both morning and evening use
Cons:
👎 May not remove heavy makeup on its own
👎 The bottle design is fairly basic
👎 Scent is very mild (a pro for some, con for others)
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, no-fuss cleanser for anyone with dry skin. It does the job of cleaning your face while actively helping to combat dryness. I’d recommend it for a simple, hydrating skincare step.
No7 Derm Solutions Comforting Cream Cleanser
This cream cleanser is a gentle hug for your dry, sensitive skin that won’t strip away its natural moisture.
It’s specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin types. The comforting cream texture transforms into a soft, milky lather that cleanses without leaving your face feeling tight or uncomfortable.
I found it incredibly easy to use, as it rinses off cleanly with water. The formula is free from common irritants like fragrance, soap, and alcohol, which makes it a very safe bet for reactive skin.
Pros:
👍 Exceptionally gentle and non-stripping
👍 Perfect for dry and sensitive skin types
👍 Free from fragrance, soap, and alcohol
👍 Creamy texture that feels comforting
👍 Rinses off cleanly without residue
Cons:
👎 May not remove heavy, waterproof makeup on its own
👎 Some might prefer a foaming cleanser feel
👎 The cream texture can feel different if you’re used to gels
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, no-fuss cleanser for days when your skin needs extra TLC. If your main goal is gentle cleansing without any dryness, this No7 option delivers perfectly.
Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid
This serum is a powerhouse for brightening and hydrating dry, dull skin.
It combines 20% Vitamin C with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. This trio fights free radicals and boosts collagen for a more radiant look.
The formula is fragrance-free and surprisingly lightweight. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, which I appreciate.
Pros:
👍 Powerful brightening effect
👍 Excellent hydration for dry skin
👍 Lightweight, non-greasy texture
👍 Fragrance-free formula
👍 Large 4 oz bottle offers good value
Cons:
👎 Vitamin C can oxidize if not stored properly
👎 The dropper bottle can be messy
👎 Might be too strong for very sensitive skin
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, no-fuss serum for tackling dryness and dullness. If you want brighter, more hydrated skin without heavy fragrances, it’s a top contender.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Cleanser Texture & Purpose
Your cleanser should clean without stripping. For dry skin, creamy, milky, or balm textures are best for daily use. Gel-to-foam or gentle foaming formulas work if you prefer a rinse-clean feel but need serious hydration.
Key Hydrating Ingredients
Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These ingredients repair your skin’s moisture barrier, draw in water, and soothe sensitivity. Avoid products with high amounts of alcohol, sulfates, or fragrance, which can be drying.
Skin Sensitivity & Additional Steps
If your skin is both dry and sensitive, prioritize fragrance-free, minimal formulas. Remember, a cleanser is step one. Always follow with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration your cleanser just provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same cleanser in the morning and night?
Yes, if it’s a gentle, hydrating formula. You might use a lighter touch in the AM and a more thorough cleanse in the PM to remove sunscreen and pollutants.
Do I need a separate makeup remover?
Not necessarily. Many hydrating cleansers, like balms or milky creams, are designed to melt away makeup. Look for terms like “melting balm” or “makeup remover” on the label.
Is foaming cleanser bad for dry skin?
Not always. Modern foaming cleansers for dry skin use gentle surfactants and add hydrators like hyaluronic acid to prevent that tight, squeaky-clean feeling.
How often should I cleanse dry skin?
Twice daily is standard. However, if your skin feels particularly parched, a splash of water in the morning followed by moisturizer is perfectly fine.
What’s the difference between a cream and a balm cleanser?
Balm cleansers are oil-based and solid at room temperature, melting on contact to dissolve makeup. Cream cleansers are lotion-like and often rinse off with water, leaving a more hydrating film.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a reliable, no-fuss daily wash, the CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser is our top overall pick. It effectively cleanses while leaving dry skin feeling nourished, not stripped. Those with sensitive, reactive skin will find a perfect match in the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser. If you wear heavy makeup and want a luxurious first cleanse, the No7 Melting Gel Cleanser Balm is a standout performer.
Focus on your skin’s primary need—gentle cleansing, makeup removal, or sensitivity care—and you’ll find an excellent option here.