Facial cleansing for dry skin

Cleans without drying out the skin

Dry skin needs gentle cleansing that preserves moisture and strengthens the skin barrier. To avoid tightness and irritation, it is good to choose moisturizing cleansing products with emollient and moisture-binding ingredients. Combine a gentle cleansing oil with a mild gel or foam cleanser to effectively remove dirt and makeup without the skin feeling dry afterward.

What does dry skin mean?

Dry skin is a skin type where the skin lacks both moisture and natural oils. This makes the skin often feel tight, flaky, sensitive, or dull. Dry skin needs products that both moisturize and strengthen the skin's protective barrier to retain moisture throughout the day.

Why does the skin become dry?

Dry skin can be due to several factors. Common causes include cold climate, low humidity indoors, aging skin, or using overly strong cleansing products. When the skin barrier is weakened, it becomes harder for the skin to retain its natural moisture, leading to dryness and irritation.

The wrong type of cleansing can also contribute to the problem. Products with high pH, strong surfactants, or alcohol may dissolve dirt, but they also remove the skin's own protection.

How to cleanse the face when you have dry skin?

When you have dry skin, it's important to cleanse the skin in a way that preserves softness and does not damage the skin barrier. Here is a simple and effective routine.

1. Start with a mild cleansing oil

A cleansing oil removes makeup, SPF, and impurities without drying out the skin. The oil dissolves fat-soluble residues on the skin and is therefore a good first step, especially if you use sunscreen or makeup daily.

2. Follow up with a moisturizing gel or foam cleanser

The second step gently cleanses without the skin feeling tight or dry. Choose a cleanser with low pH, moisture-binding ingredients, and as mild surfactants as possible.

3. Do not cleanse too often

Once or twice a day is enough. Too much cleansing can make the skin even drier, especially if you already experience tightness.

4. Gently dry the skin

Pat dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing. When the skin is slightly damp, it's a good time to apply serum and face cream to lock in moisture.

Products we recommend for dry skin

Here are five cleansing products that are extra gentle on dry skin while providing effective cleansing.

Coxir Ultra Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil

Coxir Ultra Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil is a light cleansing oil that dissolves makeup, SPF, and oil-based impurities without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling. It contains several forms of hyaluronic acid that bind water in the skin and help maintain moisture levels even during cleansing.

The oil is also enriched with plant oils and emollient ingredients that help protect the skin's natural lipids. The combination of hyaluronic acid and emollient oils makes it especially suitable for dry skin that often feels tight after cleansing.

Used as the first step in double cleansing: massage onto dry skin, dissolve makeup and SPF, add a little water so the oil emulsifies and rinse off.

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam is a mild foam cleanser with low pH suitable for dry, sensitive and easily irritated skin. The base is mineral-rich deep sea water that contains trace elements such as magnesium and calcium, which help balance the skin and support the skin barrier.

The cleanser uses mild, skin-friendly surfactants that do not strip the skin of its natural oils. Combined with moisture-binding ingredients like glycerin and soothing agents like panthenol, you get a cleanser that removes dirt and sebum without leaving the skin feeling tight afterwards.

It works well as the second step in a double cleansing routine, or as the only cleanser in the morning.

d'Alba White Truffle Return Oil Cream Cleanser

d'Alba White Truffle Return Oil Cream Cleanser is a cream-to-oil cleanser designed for those who want a luxurious, soft cleansing experience without compromising on skin comfort. When you massage the cream, it transforms into a silky oil that dissolves dirt and makeup.

The key ingredient is white truffle extract, known for its antioxidant and nutrient content that can help protect the skin from external stress and oxidative damage. Combined with emollient oils and moisture-binding agents, you get a cleanser that both cares for and cleanses.

It is especially favored by dry, mature, or sensitive skin that often feels tight after traditional foam cleansers.

Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser

Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser is a gentle gel formula with several different types of hyaluronic acid. The different molecular sizes can help bind moisture both on the skin surface and a bit deeper in the upper layers of the skin, providing a more long-lasting moisturizing effect.

The cleanser is low pH-balanced and uses mild cleansing agents that do not disrupt the skin's protective barrier. Panthenol and other soothing ingredients help to reduce irritation and give the skin a soft feel after washing.

It works well as the second step in a double cleansing routine or as a standalone cleanser morning and evening for those who want a very gentle routine.

Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil

Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil is a light, yet effective cleansing oil based on fermented bean extract. Fermented ingredients often contain amino acids and lactic acid in mild concentrations, which can provide a gentle exfoliating and softening effect without feeling harsh on the skin.

The oil dissolves makeup, SPF and sebum without clogging pores or drying out the skin. For dry skin, it is beneficial that the oil helps preserve the skin's own lipids while cleansing.

It works well as the first step in double cleansing, especially for those who want to combine effective cleansing with a mild, skin-friendly formula.

Best types of cleansing for dry skin

Cleansing oil is often a good first step as it dissolves dirt and makeup without drying out. Both Coxir Ultra Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil and Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil work very well here.

A low-pH foam cleanser is a good choice if you want that "clean" feeling but still be kind to the skin barrier. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam is an example of such a product.

Moisturizing gel cleanser, like Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser, is perfect for daily cleansing when the skin feels extra dry and sensitive.

Cream-to-oil cleansers, like d’Alba White Truffle Return Oil Cream Cleanser, provide an extra soft and embracing feeling and are a great option during the winter months or for those who want to avoid tightness completely.

Key ingredients for dry skin

When choosing a cleanser, you can look for ingredients that help the skin retain moisture and soothe irritation.

• Hyaluronic acid binds large amounts of water and helps the skin feel plumper and more hydrated.
• Glycerin attracts moisture from the environment and makes the skin soft.
• Ceramides are important building blocks in the skin barrier and help the skin retain both moisture and fats.
• Squalane is a light oil that mimics the skin’s own lipids and softens without feeling heavy.
• Panthenol (vitamin B5) soothes and moisturizes, which is especially important when the skin is sensitive and easily irritated.
• Soothing plant extracts, such as centella asiatica or aloe vera, can also be helpful in reducing redness and discomfort.

Common mistakes to avoid with dry skin

• Using too harsh cleansing products, such as classic soap or cleansers with a lot of alcohol, can quickly dry out the skin.
• Washing the face with very hot water is also a common culprit. The heat dissolves the skin's natural oils and makes dryness worse.
• Excessive exfoliation, especially with strong acids or gritty scrubs, easily damages the skin barrier.
• Skipping moisturizing immediately after cleansing causes the skin to lose moisture faster. For dry skin, it is extra important to apply serum and cream while the skin is still slightly damp.

Tips for cleansing and routine for dry skin

• Use lukewarm water instead of hot when cleansing your face.
• Choose mild, fragrance-free products if you easily become red or irritated.
• In winter, it can be good to switch to a more creamy cleanser or add a cleansing oil even if you don’t wear makeup.
• Always finish with a moisture serum and a cream that locks in moisture, preferably with ceramides and oils such as squalane.
• In the morning, a mild gel or foam cleanser, or just lukewarm water, is often enough if you are very dry.

FAQ – Common questions about cleansing for dry skin

What is the best cleanser for dry skin?

The best cleanser for dry skin is mild, hydrating, and pH-balanced. Cleansing oil followed by a gentle gel or foam cleanser works well. Examples are Coxir Ultra Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil or Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil as the first step and Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Gentle Gel Cleanser or Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam as the second step.

How do you cleanse your face if you have dry skin?

Start with a cleansing oil to dissolve makeup and SPF and follow up with a mild gel or foam cleanser. Use lukewarm water, pat the skin dry, and then immediately apply serum and cream that moisturize.

What should you avoid if you have dry skin?

Avoid strong cleansers, alcohol-based products, hot water, and too much exfoliation. These factors break down the skin barrier and increase dryness and sensitivity.

Which ingredient is best for dry skin?

Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and squalane are some of the most helpful ingredients for dry skin. They help bind moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and make the skin softer.

What causes extremely dry skin?

Extremely dry skin can be due to a damaged skin barrier, cold climate, heredity, or incorrect skincare routine. Often it is about the skin lacking both moisture and fat. A gentle cleansing combined with moisturizing and barrier-strengthening products helps the skin recover.