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!

I make my own wash-off cleansing oil, which doesn't irritate my dry skin and itchy eyes . It's 4/5 sweet almond oil and 1/5 Polysorbate 80, which makes the oil rinse off. I usually add some geranium or sandalwood essential oil.

I also like the Lidl cleanser that a pp mentioned.

Foaming cleansers are the worst. I find a plain, unscented soap to be much gentler.

I absolutely love dermalogica pre cleanse, it’s a really beautiful soft oil and leaves the skin feeling juicy. I don’t often wear makeup but I think generally people use it before going in with a second cleanse but I just use it as a regular night cleanser a couple of times a week. It was about £50/£60 for a bottle (can’t quite remember now) but it’s lasted ages as it’s not a daily one for me.

L'Oreal fine flowers milk cleans away all make up even mascara, and leaves my skin lovely and soft. I wouldn't ever use a wash off cleanser... my skin would crack!

Came to recommend this too! I bought it in a set with a hyaluronic acid and moisturiser and my dry, flakey skin is looking so much more hydrated.

Johnson's baby lotion. Wipe off excess then a quick rinse with tepid water.

I used to make this a couple of years ago and it was brilliant - thanks for reminding me! < adds almond oil to shopping list >

Agree that foaming cleansers are drying.
I use either Sukin Super Greens Cleansing Oil or Sukin Signature Cream Cleanser.
DD uses Simple Cream Cleanser as she finds several irritating.
You could also try proper Castile soap made with 100% olive oil as that is super gentle; but it has to be 100% olive oil. Many brands I see in the shops are cut with coconut oil or palm oil which means they aren't genuine Castile soap & can be drying. I make my own Castile soap.

Another vote for this! I bulk bought the day I read they’d gone into administration.

Easier for me to upload a pic. Squalene cleanser as already mentioned plus a few others.
I have dehydrated skin which is easily irritated.
These are all fine and work well for me. Hope the image is clear enough.

Just realised the image is crap so apologies.
Ceravè Hydrating Cleanser
Ceravè Foaming Oil Cleanser
The Ordinary Squalene Cleanser
Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balm, depending on budget - elemis, body shop, elf.

Or Liz Earle cleans and polish, an old fave

I also find quite a few cleansers drying, but Bobbi Brown cleansing oil and Elemis cleansing balm always leaves my skin feeling perfect.

Ere Perez Fig jelly balm, and Round Lab birch juice cleanser. Use a hyalauronic acid toner after cleansing and you’ll be gold.

Don't be put off by the price as you only need a tiny amount so it lasts for ages. This stuff is brilliant and leaves my skin feeling really smooth. Put on. Leave for a couple of minutes and then take off with a warm flannel.

www.madeforlifeorganics.com/products/daily-radiance-facial-cleansing-balm-100ml

The Aldi one which is a dupe for Liz Earle. Far better than any expensive cleanser I’ve tried, and I’ve tried a lot!

Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm. Expensive but the only thing that saved my dry skin. Lasts ages too.

https://m.clinique.co.uk/product/1673/6424/skin-care/cleansers-makeup-removers/take-the-day-offtm-cleansing-balm?size=125ml&gl=1113vbpzczcupMQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiAlsy5BhDeARIsABRc6ZuKzOrUOfMGpnN7ilggBuBt3K98SsrvBbBAkllc00ID9EWhTdDQUaAnBSEALwwcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAAD-85lr77JNqtjy0vyKZkk_LHXCdMm

I wouldn't use a foaming cleanser for dry skin. Oil or balm first if you wear spf and make up, followed by a cream cleanser. My favourite is Kate Somerville goat milk cleanser but it's not cheap. I pick it up off Vinted

I have the driest, most sensitive skin in the world and I use either Pai Middlemist Seven or Lightwork Cleansing Oil. The Inky List Oat one I found too drying, also Drunk Elephant balm made my face sore.

Sorry, the oil is Pai too. John Lewis have 20% off and I had a Rewards code so I’ve stocked up!

I came on to recommend the Kate Somerville Goat Milk cleanser as well.

I agree with those who have suggested balms eg Clinique, Eve Lom , Body Shop and Liz Earle. I tend to alternate depending on what takes my fancy, cost, offers etc. Skin feels nice afterwards .

Some foaming cleansers can be very drying but there are a few that are not. It depends on how the product foams. Some foam from the pump rather than a foaming agent in the product itself. Curel is one and isn’t drying. Curel is a nice range and designed for sensitive skin. Boots usually do the trial set.

My skin tends to get much drier at this time of year anyway so I make sure to switch to hydrating products and add in extra layers of moisture.

Liz Earle Cleanse and polish or the Aldi dupe if you can find it.