Start your skincare routine as you mean to go on: with an effective but gentle formula.
Cleansing is always the first and one of the most important steps in our carefully curated skincare regime to remove makeup, dirt and impurities from clogging the pores, but so often the wrong one can leave our complexion red, inflamed and irritated.
When you have sensitive skin, it is of the utmost importance to pay attention to the ingredients inside each of your skin and makeup products.
CeraVe Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite explains, “The skin barrier is the top layer of our skin (the stratum corneum) which is essentially skin cells held together by a lipid glue. Harsher cleansers and over-exfoliating can disrupt this barrier, potentially leading to sensitivity, redness, irritation and breakouts”.
While it may feel like you need to consult a cosmetic chemist to understand the technical terms listed on the back of the box, it can be far simpler than it seems. The order in which they are specified is in reference to the component’s concentration in descending order with potential allergens highlighted or italicised. There are also a few names that you can look for to know whether or not it is suited for you.
Dr Alexis Granite recommends searching for “hyaluronic acid and ceramides to protect the skin barrier”. You will also find water and glycerin commonly. But when it comes to those to avoid, steer clear of fragrances, parabens and silicones as well as chemical exfoliating elements like glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid or physical ones like fruit enzymes.
The dermatologist stresses this, saying “If they are exfoliating, you need to be careful not to overdo it. Generally, exfoliation can safely be done once or twice a week. Those with very sensitive skin and with conditions such as rosacea and eczema are likely better off using mild cleansers rather than exfoliating products. Double cleansing can also be over-drying and/or irritating, especially for those with sensitive and/or dry skin”.
So, what type of cleanser is best for sensitive skin? Dr Granite advises, “For dry and sensitive skin, look for cream or lotion-based cleansers that deliver hydration”.
She vouches for CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser which is “a firm favourite among dermatologists and beauty editors. Its ingredients include hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin after every use and ceramides which help keep the skin barrier intact. This non-irritating, gel-based formula works well for all skin types but especially for sensitive skin.”
Shop the best cleansers for sensitive skin below
Skin Rocks The Cream Cleanser
From the creamy texture to the lack of fragrance, this cleanser from skin expert Caroline Hirons’ range is a treat for parched, sensitive skin types. Designed to be used for both the first and second cleanse, it is packed with nourishing ingredients like squalane, jojoba seed oil and an impressive eight amino acids to protect your skin barrier, while effectively dissolving dirt and grime from the day.
If you find that your previous cleanser would leave your skin stripped of its natural oils and tight, introduce The Cream Cleanser to your rotation for a fresh appearance with no irritation.
Buy now £57.00, Skin Rocks
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin
You’ve tried every cleanser on the market and can’t seem to track down one that won't stress your sensitive skin. Until now. US drugstore favourite CeraVe has been created with dermatologists to be a really gentle, non-foaming solution to irritated skin woes. It is made up of three ceramides that fortify the skin’s barrier as well as the hero that is hyaluronic acid that is known for being a tall glass of water for the skin. It doesn’t foam, have any fragrance and is non-comedogenic.
Buy now £12.00, Boots
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash
A gentler option for those with slightly more reactive skin, Cetaphil’s daily face and body cleanser removes dirt, makeup and impurities while defending against skin sensitivity. If you suffer from dry spots and painful eczema, this wash will be your saviour. It is soap and fragrance-free and formulated with micellar technology, meaning you can use it with or without water.
Buy now £12.00, Boots
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser
This creamy milk cleanser is an ultra-gentle product that leaves skin soft and clean - but crucially without stripping natural oils or leaving that dreaded tight feel. The brand’s founder Kate Somerville recommends it as a first cleanse in the morning and evening, but in the PM, she suggests pairing it with another formula in order to fully ensure that each and every bit of dirt, makeup and grime is removed.
The Goat Milk Cleanser feels immediately soothing on redness and irritation, moisturising as it glides over your complexion. Goat milk is the main and named ingredient that is combined with the nourishing benefits of jojoba and avocado oil as well as manuka honey.
Buy now £58.00, Kate Somerville
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Among those in the know, this cleanser plays a staple role in many beauty routines. Fresh is known for its use of natural ingredients and this product is no different - harnessing the power of soy in a reference to century-old practices. This makes the product gentle on the skin and yet tough on the likes of makeup and dirt.
Amino acids, soothing cucumber extract, calming rosewater extract and the nourishment of borage seed oil combine to leave you with a healthy, refreshed complexion. It shouldn’t dry out your skin and there is no artificial fragrance that could cause irritation so works well for those with sensitivities. The basics done right.
Buy now £15.00, lookfantastic
Bioderma Sensibio Soothing Micellar Face Wash Sensitive Skin
If you’re not yet familiar with Bioderma for cult micellar water, consider this your introduction. The French pharmacy skincare label changed the makeup removal process forever through its introduction of the aforementioned product.
After you have completed this step, the Sensibio Soothing Micellar Face Wash is next up. One for those with sensitive skin, it is a very gentle gel texture that has light foaming, while being free from both soap and fragrance as well as coming at the physiological pH. Keeping your skin clean and clear, it also makes it feel silky soft after use.
Buy now £14.00, Boots
The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser
No-fuss, no-frills, just a good cleanser containing the hydration hero that’s hyaluronic acid. If you have tried foam cleansers in the past and found them to be stripping, The INKEY List is here to change that. Instead, it gives your skin moisturisation that should last 48 hours according to the brand.
So, while you are removing the likes of SPF, grime etc, you are also helping to support the skin’s barrier thanks to the named ingredient as well as an inulin compound. Sensitive and dry skins alike should be able to get on board with this one.
Buy now £12.00, Cult Beauty
La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel
La Roche Posay is the brand to know if you have the type of sensitive skin where even the slightest fragrance or too harsh ingredient can cause redness, blotchiness or any irritation.
This product specifically has been created to offer impressive removal without disrupting the skin’s surface or leaving a greasy residue. It is designed for oily and blemish-prone complexions as it is tasked with controlling shine and clearing those pesky spots. There is no scent.
Buy now £24.00, Boots
Murad Soothing Oat & Peptide Cleanser
This cleanser is part of a new collection, specifically formulated for the most reactive and sensitive complexions, from doctor-founded skincare expert Murad. Rich without being gloopily thick or heavy, the creamy consistency gently removes grime and makeup (even from delicate eyelids) thanks to micellar cleansing peptides that are super-effective without exacerbating irritation or causing dry discomfort.
Perfect for complexions tackling post-procedure redness, the cleanser also utilises soothing, antioxidant-rich oat extract, plus a hydrating sugar extract and nourishing shea butter, both of which replenish and support the skin’s protective barrier.
Buy now £43.00, Murad
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
The Ordinary skincare has been making waves since it first rose to fame a few years ago and that’s, in part, thanks to its Squalane cleanser.
This bestselling product is known for its key ingredient, squalane (a lipid derived from animals and plants) that aims to tackle redness and swelling. This is a particularly oily product which makes it ideal for those with dry skin but, heeding Dr Mahto’s advice, anyone with oily skin should be wary. We recommend getting the 150ml version (50ml also available) to make the cleanser really last, but with such a friendly price tag, you won’t be complaining.
Buy now £14.90, Boots
The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser
The Outset’s eight-strong line-up can be condensed down to just three products for a daily barrier reset. Whether you choose to follow this pared-back trio or like to take the Korean skincare approach of many more elements, you will always start with cleanser.
The Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser is as it says on the tin: gentle. I was concerned on first use that this thin and lightweight texture wouldn’t be able to hold its own. I wondered too whether the gel, slightly foaming formula would cause increased dryness to my skin - but happily I was wrong on both fronts. A full face of makeup did require a double cleanse but it worked well in lifting off the product without drying. It’s surprisingly effective.
The product contains the trademarked Hyaluroset Complex that is made up of a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid designed to be more long-lasting as well as cleaning micelles, something familiar to the Micellar Water fans. There’s a 7 amino blend and antioxidant fruit extract blend that are said to have an anti-ageing effect. It’s fragrance free, can be used by the most sensitive skin and no fear of it ending up in your eyes as there’s no burn.
The lid is a screw cap, which makes it secure and spill-free for travel.
Buy now £32.00, Cult Beauty
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser 150ml
Best for: A healthier-looking complexion
Best suited to: All skin types, even the most sensitive skin
Known for its potent, rich and science-based formulas, Sunday Riley is committed to creating the highest quality products with as little impact on the planet as possible - and this cleanser is no exception. The silky plant-based formula pulls out impurities whilst pulling in hydration, leaving you with smaller-looking pores and a glowing complexion.
Buy now £20.80, Sunday Riley
