A cleanser that won’t leave me with dry skin - does it exist?

[Bestofbothworlds19]

I have dry/sensitive skin and for years I’ve tried to find a cleanser that doesn’t leave my skin dry/feeling tight/irritated. I’ve even tried a Simple ‘glow’ one recently in the hope that a random cheap product would help but that’s been no good. I’ve tried so many cleansers I’ve lost count but the closest I’ve got to finding the perfect one was Avene Foaming Cleanser but even that left me with some dry patches. Is it just that the act of washing and using a cleaner will dry my skin out and I’ll need to moisturise to fix that? Or is it possible that there’s a cleanser out there that will not dry my skin out? Any recommendations/advice very welcome!

Vitamin e wash off one from Superdrug - it’s fantastic

Have you tried a cream cleanser rather than a wash?
Or an oil based cleanser/ balm?

Lidl cleansing milk. Pennies and soft, gentle and lovely.

This stuff

Squalane Cleanser, The Ordinary. Lovely soft skin after.

Elemis Pro Collagen cleansing balm is amazing. It's expensive but you don't need much and it lasts for ages. It smells absolutely gorgeous too.

Any balm / oil Cleanser? I wouldn't use anything else. I have dry skin

Are you not moisturising afterwards? You do need to.

I like a nice nourishing cleansing balm at this time of year removed with a warm damp washcloth. I follow with toners, serums and moisturiser but if I’m tired I would just use a basic moisturiser.

I was just coming on here to write this! I've had super dry skin ever since taking roaccutane in my early 20s. This is the only cleanser I've ever tried that doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped after washing. And it lasts for ages!

Have you tried Clarins? They do a free consultation and a mini facial for you to try the products following them asking questions about your skin.
I started using them a year ago and have never looked back.
I use their foaming cleanser or liquid, followed by toner, serum and moisturiser. I use the eye products too.
I also do a peel and mask once per week.
I look younger and my dark, eye circles have disappeared. It works amazing. My skin is very dry and sensitive too.

I've just started using Curél Foaming Cleanser and it's really nice and moisturising.

If you want to try an oil cleanser then Superfacialist Vitamin C cleanser is fantastic.

Funnily enough this doesn't work for me at all - very drying - although I really love The Ordinary Squalane Oil.

Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser (blue lid not green!!) god help me if they ever discontinue it!!!

Cerave moisturising foaming cleanser

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Hydration Revival cleanser is lovely.

I used a free sample and was so impressed, I ordered a full bottle. It's very milky and removes all make-up without stripping my skin

This!

Argh! It's so tricky recommending skincare products, isn't it. Even two of the same skin type can react so differently!

Agree with this, or try the La Roche Posay range. I have oily skin so use their Effaclar range, but they have ranges for all skin types. It’s not cheap but you can usually find it on offer somewhere - I rotate buying it from Boots & Look Fantastic.

Seconded! It's the bees knees

I was going to recommend Avene' but the Lancome cleansing milks for dry skin are lovely and the pink toner

I can think of two- Prequel and Isntree Yam Root Cleanser. They both have a similar texture. Not creamy, but viscous. If I had a choice I would go for Prequel, because it is super high in glycerin which is a powerful humectant. I can’t get it here in Australia and the Isntree is gorgeous too. TBH, they have a weird, almost “mucous” like texture, but in a really good way, I promise. They will leave your skin clean, hydrated and soft.
If you wear a lot of makeup/or sunscreen I recommend using an oil or balm cleanser first to break it up, then use the cleanser above to wash it off.

TarantinoIsAMisogynist

For Christmas I’m treating myself to two of them because I really am terrified and the big bottle lasts so long!!!

The Body Shop Camomile cleansing balm - have used it for about 5 years. Beats Elemis cleansing balm for me. Melts away to nothing on the skin and takes everything off including waterproof mascara. Skin feels clean and soft afterwards. Not sure what I would do it if was discontinued!

Definitely try a balm rather than something you rinse off with water.

I love this stuff. It gets rid of all makeup no problem. People always seem to balk at oil but for me it helps keep skin controlled and nicely moisturised; I never really get spots.