Cleansing is the foundation of every skin care routine, but choosing the right formula can make all the difference for your skin. While a good cleanser should remove dirt, oil, makeup and sunscreen, it should also support your skin’s natural barrier. That’s where gentle cleansers come in.

Understanding what makes a cleanser gentle—and why it matters—can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks, feels and functions over time. With the help of board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Joel Schlessinger and Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, we’re breaking down what makes a cleanser gentle, ingredients to look for, the best gentle cleansers and more. In this blog, we’ll discuss:

• What is a gentle cleanser?
• Why gentle cleansing matters
• Ingredients to look for when choosing a gentle cleanser
• Gentle doesn't mean ineffective
• Who should use a gentle cleanser?
• The best gentle cleansers

What is a gentle cleanser?

A gentle cleanser is designed to cleanse the skin without stripping away essential moisture or disrupting the skin barrier. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, “A truly gentle cleanser should clean the skin thoroughly while maintaining its natural balance. When cleansers are too harsh, they can damage the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation and increased sensitivity. It used to be that ‘squeaky-clean’ was preferred, but now we know that this is just stripping the skin of its natural oils and causing damage.”

Gentle cleansers typically rely on mild surfactants, soothing ingredients and hydrating agents to remove impurities while preserving the integrity of the skin. This makes them especially important for anyone with sensitive skin, dry skin, acne-prone skin or inflammatory conditions like eczema or rosacea.

Why gentle cleansing matters

Your skin barrier acts as a protective shield for your skin, keeping moisture in and harmful irritants out. When this barrier is compromised—sometimes due to harsh cleansers—it can lead to redness, tightness, flaking or breakouts.

“Over-cleansing or using aggressive formulas can create irritation, redness, or itching,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “People who are over-cleansing often think to themselves that the inflammation and irritation is intrinsic to their skin, but in reality, it is caused by the cleansing routine itself.”

Using a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin helps support barrier function, reduce inflammation and maintain healthy hydration levels. This is particularly important if you’re using active ingredients like retinoids, exfoliating acids or acne treatments, which can already place stress on the skin.

Ingredients to look for when choosing a gentle cleanser

When shopping for the best cleanser for sensitive skin, what’s inside matters. Look for these skin-friendly components when choosing the right cleanser for your skin:

• Mild surfactants: Ingredients like coco-glucoside or sodium cocoyl isethionate cleanse without excessive foaming or stripping.
• Hydrating agents: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalane help replenish moisture during cleansing.
• Soothing ingredients: Thermal spring water, oat extract, aloe vera and niacinamide calm irritation and reduce redness.
• Barrier-supporting lipids: Ceramides and fatty acids help reinforce the skin’s protective layer.

What to avoid: if possible, sodium lauryl sulfate. This can cause damage and irritation. While it cleans thoroughly, there is irritation and damage looming once it is used.

While common ingredients like sulfates, alcohol or fragrances can make a cleanser feel like it’s leaving skin feeling clean, these often do more damage to your skin barrier than they’re worth. Of course, if you experience any adverse reaction or allergy to a skin care product, you should immediately stop using it and contact a board-certified dermatologist to determine the cause and path to recovery.

Gentle doesn't mean ineffective

One common misconception is that gentle cleansers aren’t as effective as other formulas available. In reality, thoughtfully developed gentle cleansers are just as effective at removing sunscreen, makeup and impurities without irritation as formulas with harsher ingredients.

“For those who wear sunscreen or makeup daily, or who are prone to oiliness, I often recommend a gentle cleansing routine that starts with a makeup remover or cleansing oil, followed by a mild cleanser,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “This approach helps minimize friction and reduces the need for over-scrubbing.”

Who should use a gentle cleanser?

While gentle cleansers are ideal for sensitive skin types, they can be beneficial for a variety of skin types and those struggling with dryness or mild irritation like tightness or flaking. These cleansers can be especially helpful if you experience:

• Dryness or tightness after cleansing
• Redness or stinging
• Acne that worsens with harsh products
• Compromised skin due to procedures or active treatments

The best gentle cleansers

The best cleanser for dry sensitive skin

LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser

This creamy gentle cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier. Ingredients including meadowfoam seed extract and 3% afaLUXE™ encourage natural exfoliation while leaving skin feeling hydrated and refreshed—never tight or stripped.

The best makeup remover for sensitive skin

Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleansing Micellar Water

Formulated with Vichy Thermal Water, this soothing, non-greasy cleanser effortlessly whisks away stubborn makeup, dirt and debris without rinsing. It’s an excellent option for sensitive skin that reacts easily to friction or traditional cleansers.

The best cleansing oil for sensitive skin

Avene XeraCalm AD Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

This gentle cleansing oil contains skin-nourishing Avene Thermal Spring Water, arginine and evening primrose to remove impurities while promoting a healthy skin barrier. This ultra-nourishing, yet effective formula is ideal for very dry or skin prone to atopic dermatitis and eczema.

The best gentle cleanser for acne

Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser

Designed specifically for acne-prone skin, this gentle cream-gel formula features cucumber juice, lactic acid from yogurt and willow bark extract to purify, exfoliate and soothe skin. It helps to minimize pores and reduce the appearance of redness for smoother, more even-looking skin.

The best gentle exfoliating cleanser

Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant

This powder-to-foam exfoliating cleanser uses vegan oat-based extracts and gentle enzymes to smooth skin while calming sensitivity. It provides mild exfoliation to help visibly smooth and brighten skin without the irritation often associated with physical scrubs.

Interested in finding more ways to elevate your beauty routine? Discover the six best scalp scrubs for a calm, balanced scalp and healthier hair on the LovelySkin blog.