Have you ever thought about how, when dry skin comes into contact with water, it often comes out feeling even drier? How about when dry skin comes into contact with water and foam, specifically in the context of an intensive face-washing regime? Then, the effect becomes even more apparent. In addition to feeling drier, the skin also feels tight and overstretched, uncomfortable, like paper to the touch. This used to be a real problem for anyone with dry skin looking for a face wash they could actually use, but times have changed–these days, there are many cleansing gels and foams that have been developed specifically for dry and sensitive skin. Far from being the over-drying cleansing gels of old, these products offer a gentle cleansing action while also hydrating the skin and helping it maintain its balance. Keep reading for our thoughts on the best foam cleansers for dry skin–and the ingredients to keep an eye out for!
6 foaming cleansers for dry and sensitive skin
You’ll notice that French pharmacy brands and Korean brands are heavily represented in our selection of foaming cleansers. This is no coincidence: French and Korean brands both share a commitment to dry and sensitive skin, which makes them very likely to develop very gentle, very hydrating cleansing products–exactly what we’re looking for.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser
Best for everyday cleansing
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser
You may be familiar with the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser, a creamy cleanser that purifies the skin without over-drying it. Formulated with plumping hyaluronic acid, hydrating panthenol, soothing allantoin, and moisture-retaining Ceramide NP, this cleanser helps the skin maintain a healthy moisture balance both during and after cleansing.
The gentle formula works well to remove impurities accumulated throughout the day, but consider using it as part of a double cleansing routine if you wear multiple layers of makeup or sunscreen–you’ll get optimal results!
Bioderma Sensibio Mild Cleansing Foaming Gel Sensitive Skin
Best for double cleansing
Bioderma Sensibio Mild Cleansing Foaming Gel Sensitive Skin
The Bioderma Sensibio Mild Cleansing Foaming Gel Sensitive Skin is one of our most recommended cleansers, here at Care to Beauty, and for good reason. The key ingredient in this hyper-gentle, soap-free and fragrance-free formula is D.A.F., a patented complex that increases the tolerance threshold of sensitive and reactive skin–or, in other words, helps the skin grow more resilient.
Use this lightweight cleansing gel as your daily face wash, to remove impurities and makeup, or as the second step in your double cleansing routine–which is how many of us use it, with great results!
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Cleanser Foaming Gel
Best for sensitive and reactive skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Cleanser Foaming Gel
One of La Roche-Posay‘s newest additions to its cleansing line is the Toleriane Double Cleanser Foaming Gel, a daily use foaming gel formulated especially for sensitive and reactive skin. Designed with a “double cleansing” system, this gel is capable of removing impurities, excess sebum, and even makeup, all without over-cleansing or stripping the skin.
The formula combines mild surfactants, which cleanse the skin without disturbing its balance, with amino acids and glycerin to help maintain the skin’s hydration levels. If you have dry and sensitive skin, this cleanser might just be the right choice for you!
Erborian Centella Cleansing Gel
Best Centella asiatica cleanser
Erborian Centella Cleansing Gel
The Erborian Centella Cleansing Gel provides the skin with the calming benefits of Centella asiatica, the super ingredient used in both traditional medicine and cutting-edge skincare for its soothing properties. The formula also contains squalene and a unique complex of seven botanical ingredients, which offer a gentle “detox” action.
With a rich and luscious texture, this cleansing gel offers in-depth cleansing, leaving the skin feeling perfectly clean and smooth–but never over-cleansed or stripped of its natural comfort and well-being.
A-Derma Biology Hydra-Protecting Dermatological Cleansing Foam
Best cleansing foam
A-Derma Biology Hydra-Protecting Dermatological Cleansing Foam
With 99% ingredients of natural origin, the A-Derma Biology Hydra-Protecting Dermatological Cleansing Foam is a cleansing foam designed specifically for fragile and sensitive skin. As in other A-Derma products, the key ingredient in this formula is the Rhealba® organic oat extract, famous for its rebalancing and moisturizing properties that benefit all skin types.
In addition to cleansing the skin and removing impurities, this soap-free and fragrance-free formula is also able to gently remove makeup, leaving the skin feeling clean, comfortable, and hydrated.
Sioris Day by Day Cleansing Gel
Best for dull skin
Sioris Day by Day Cleansing Gel
Featuring vitamin C from Korean citrus fruits, the Sioris Day by Day Cleansing Gel is a daily cleanser that helps tone and brighten the complexion, making it perfect for dry skin that lacks luminosity and radiance. The formula also features aloe vera extract, which soothes sensitive skin while maintaining its moisture balance.
The low pH formula uses natural surfactants derived from sugar beet, corn, and coconut, among other ingredients, to create a dense, lush foam that provides an in-depth cleansing action, with none of the dryness or tightness we often associate with foaming cleansers.
Want to explore even more cleansing options? Then be sure to stop by the shop, where we offer a wide selection of cleansers–both foaming and non-foaming!–that work wonders for dry skin.
