If you have dry skin, you need a gentle, hydrating face wash that cleanses without stripping moisture or compromising your skin barrier. Here are eight top picks for dry skin, each designed to wash away dirt and makeup while nourishing and protecting delicate, dehydrated complexions. - Hydrating Cream Cleanser with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid: A rich, non-foaming cream that cleanses softly while restoring moisture. Ideal for daily use morning and night, it helps strengthen the skin barrier with ceramides and plumps with hyaluronic acid. - Cream-to-Oil Cleanser for Makeup Removal: Transforms from cream to nourishing oil to dissolve makeup and impurities without drying out the skin. Leaves a comfortable, supple feel and rinses clean. - Oil-Based Makeup Remover Cleanser: Balm or oil formulations that dissolve heavy makeup and sebum, then emulsify with water for a gentle rinse. Great for deeply cleansed, hydrated skin. - Hydrating Micellar Water for Dry Skin: A lightweight option that removes dirt and light makeup while delivering moisture with glycerin or similar humectants. Perfect for quick cleansing without irritation. - Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser with Niacinamide: Gentle, sulfate-free formula that calms redness and supports barrier repair, making it suitable for sensitive, dry, reactive skin. - pH-Balanced Gel Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid: A non-stripping gel that delivers hydration while cleansing, ideal for those who prefer a lighter texture without dryness after washing. - Oatmeal-Infused Gentle Cleanser: Soothing, softening cleanser that nourishes dry or irritated skin with oat extracts and soothing botanicals, helping to reduce tightness post-wash. - Barrier-Repair Cleanser with Ceramides and Squalane: Focused on supporting the skin’s natural barrier, this cleanser cleanses effectively while locking in moisture with ceramides and emollients like squalane. How to choose the right dry-skin cleanser: - Look for fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and soap-free formulas to minimize irritation. - Prioritize humectants and emollients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. - Consider a barrier-supporting ingredient list (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol). - Choose a hydrating texture (cream, cream-to-oil, or oil) over strong foaming cleansers. - Ensure the product is pH-balanced to preserve the skin’s natural acidity. How to use: - Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply a small amount of cleanser, and massage gently in circular motions for 30–60 seconds. - Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration. - Start with once daily if you’re new to a hydrating cleanser, then increase to twice daily as tolerated. If you have persistent dryness, redness, or irritation, consult a dermatologist to customize a cleansing routine that best supports your skin’s barrier.