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Feeling a little… sensitive these days? No, we don’t mean your emotions (although we totally respect that). We mean your skin. If you’re suffering from chronic redness, stinging, burning, or itching, you might have sensitive skin. And those of us with this finicky skin type know that discovering the right cleanser can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack — especially since using the wrong face wash just once can lead to painful breakouts and even burns. But, rest assured, the beauty industry has your back (or rather your face). The 14 formulas below are some of our favorites. Which will you choose?
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
It’s right there on the label, folks. Sensitive skin types need a pure and simple cleanser that works well and washes clean — and this cult-favorite face wash delivers exactly that.
Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser
Sensitive skin and allergies are a recipe for skin-related disasters. But this light, allergen-free cleanser has green tea and vitamin E to leave your skin feeling fresh — not tight, not inflamed.
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Your sensitive skin needs more than TLC — it needs First Aid. Heal your epidermis with this luxurious wash that’s creamy but not oily or heavy.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Ever come inside on a hot day and take a big drink of water? This is basically the same thing, but for your face. Prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin infuse moisture into your skin and keep it there, while also removing dirt and makeup.
Pacifica Quinoa Sensitive Gentle Face Wash
Quinoa isn’t just good to eat — it’s also good for your face. A combo of quinoa, sunflower seed oil, and calendula have a calming and moisturizing effect on the skin so you feel refreshed (and maybe a little hungry).
Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser
This gentle cleanser smells incredible, rinses away every last speck of dirt, and doesn’t leave your face feeling rigid. Which means you can finally relax like every day is a Saturday.
Georgette Klinger Coconut Cleansing Milk
Crack into the hydrating power of coconuts with this light cleanser. Coconut oil, as well as anti-inflammatory grape and cucumber extracts, soothe any redness while removing impurities to leave you positively glowing.
One Love Organics Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser
Before you reach for the 10 different products you’ve been accumulating, consider simplifying to just a couple essentials, including this foaming face wash that deeply cleanses and hydrates skin.
One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Makeup Remover and Cleansing Oil
If you’re one of those anti-lather people, opt for a cleansing oil that basically works like a two-in-one. You can remove your makeup and clean your face in one simple step.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
This cult fave is the all-in-one cleanser that leaves your face as fresh as a newborn babe. It tones, soothes, and softens the skin so you look downright radiant — even if you forget your brightening serum.
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Drunk Elephant is known for using clean ingredients, so people with sensitive skin should really consider investing in their products — even if they might get a bit pricey. This jelly gently but effectively removes not only makeup and dirt but also built-up grime and pollution that’s made its way into your pores during the day.
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
Yes, you can find quality sensitive skincare at the drugstore. This calming wash is made for people who struggle with redness and irritation.
Burt’s Bees Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
You can count on Burt’s Bees to use natural ingredients that won’t irritate your skin, so you’ll end up with a clean, bright complexion whenever you wash your face.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
The packaging may not be much to look at, but people swear by this bare-bones, creamy cleanser. It’s both budget- and skin-friendly.
