9 cleansers that won’t dry out your skin

Cleansing is arguably the most important step in any skin care routine (I’ve definitely told you this before). Your cleanser is responsible for removing makeup, dirt and grime, while also prepping the skin for the absorption of active ingredients to come after. But finding the right formula for you, especially one that won’t dry out your skin, is often harder than you would expect. Products that leave your skin squeaky clean typically strip it of moisture, and products that leave your skin feeling supple and hydrated, often fall short when it comes to actually cleansing.

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As a result, finding your holy grail cleanser can be harder than any other part of your skin care routine. So because we’re here to help, we’ve rounded up the most effective cleansing formulas to consider this winter for your happiest, cleanest and most hydrated skin ever.

OILS

Traditionally people are scared of oil cleansers, especially if you already suffer from oily skin. However, the basic premise is that oils dissolve oils, meaning they are one of the most gentle and effective ways to remove heavy makeup without compromising your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The use of oil in your skin care can also help balance your skin’s natural production of oil, and they are also usually packed with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E. For the most part, they are used as part of K-Beauty double-cleansing process, and are followed with a regular cleanser, just to ensure no residue is left on the skin.

Oil cleansers bh loves: Planet Eve Organics Facial Cleansing Oil, Frank Body Anti-Makeup Cleansing Oil (find it at mecca.com.au) and Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser (find it at sephora.com.au)

GELS & FOAMS

Gels and foams are the highest risk formulas when it comes to cleansing. While they are the most well known for removing makeup and grime, they are also the most likely to leave skin feeling tight and uncomfortable afterwards. This is due to an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate (also found in shampoos), that is responsible for the foaming sensation. This ingredient is known to strip skin, as well as break down the skin’s natural protective oils. This process often results in the skin producing more oil to compensate. In saying all of this - gel and foaming cleansers can be a really good choice for an effective deep clean, just make sure you check the ingredients list first.

Foaming cleansers bh loves: Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant, Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser (find it at sephora.com.au) and Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser

CREAMS

My personal favourite cleansing formulas are creams. I don’t have particularly dry or particularly oily skin, I fall somewhere in the middle. My choice to use a cream formula mostly comes from a love of the luxurious texture, but also that the formulas tend to be ultra-soothing, hydrating and packed with nourishing ingredients. Cream formulas will rarely dry out your skin, however due to the nature of the formula to be heavier than a foam or a gel, it may be necessary to follow with a toner or chemical exfoliant a few nights a week to slough off any build up of skin cells.  

Cream cleansers bh loves: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser, Sukin Rosehip Nourishing Cream Cleanser and QV Gentle Facial Cleanser

Main image credit @gigihadid

What is your preferred cleansing formula? Do you find some formulas dry out your skin more than others?