If youre tired of trialling product after new product, only for your skin to be left in worse condition than it was before, then you need to read our guide to the best cleansers for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin sufferers rejoice because our days of irritated and bumpy skin are over. As it turns out, the best cleanser for your sensitive skin is out there - and yes - it will be life-changing.
If youre anything like us, trying a new skincare product can often result in a red-tinted face and even an annoying breakout the next morning. Exfoliating and foaming cleansers are often the culprits in the skincare world for sensitive skin flare-ups. Packed full of harsh ingredients, theres no wonder why our skin isnt happy.
We know healthy and thriving skin starts with the right cleanser, its a crucial step and can make or break your skin, literally. Check out our selection of the best cleansers for sensitive skin, from melting balms to gels and rejoice as you face the day with happy and glowing skin. But first, lets help you find out whether you might have sensitive skin.
Closers best cleansers for sensitive skin at a glance: Best everyday cleanser for sensitive skin (Editors Choice): Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £10.66 on Amazon
Best sensitive cleanser for removing makeup: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, £19 on Glossier
Best sensitive cleanser for multiple skin concerns: Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee, £18.50 on Space NK
Us with sensitive skin need to stick together and I know trying a new product can seem super uneasy, so weve found the very best cleansers for sensitive skin that work wonders. Dont forget to check out their rave reviews.
SHOP: The best cleansers for sensitive skin UK 2023 1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 473ml
Best everyday cleanser for sensitive skin (Editors Choice)
CetaphilRrp: £12.00View offerAlternative retailersLookfantastic£16.00View offerBoots£16.00View offerSephora£17.99View offer Description
Trusted by dermatologists and all of our fave influencers, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is
... read morePros ConsProsClinically proven to remove dirt, makeup and impurities while preserving skin's moisture barrierMicellar Technology hydrates as it cleansesUse with or without waterNon-comedogenic, fragrance-freeConsWon't remove waterproof makeup2. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser 177ml
Best sensitive cleanser for removing makeup
GlossierPrice:19uk.glossier.com
View offer Description
For a super gentle milky cleansing experience and glowy skin, you can’t go wrong with the cult
... read morePros ConsPros5 deep conditioning ingredients—including Pro-Vitamin B5 and AllantoinReplaced 1/4 of the H2O content with soothing rose waterjelly dissolves oil, dirt, and makeup, milk soothes and nourishesConsNo reviews on Glossier site to browseRose extract can irritate rosacea3. Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee 210ml
Best cleanser for multiple skin concerns
NaturiumPrice:18.50www.spacenk.com
View offer Description
Created by skincare guru and content creator, Susan Yara, Naturium focuses its skincare on all
... read morePros ConsProsWorks to dissolve away impurities and makeupWorks to minimise the look of dark spots and uneven textureSuitable for sensitive, dry, acne-prone, ageing and combination skin typesVegan and cruelty-freeConsWill need to double cleanse if wearing SPF or makeup4. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 236 ml
Best sensitive cleanser for hydration
CeraVeRrp: £10.00View offerAlternative retailersBoots£10.00View offerBeauty Bay£11.50View offerBeauty Expert£11.50View offerLookfantastic£12.50View offer Description
If you haven’t heard of CeraVe yet, where have you been? CeraVe went viral on TikTok thanks to
... read morePros ConsProsContains 3 Essential Ceramides to respect the skin's natural barrierNon-foaming effectively cleanses the face and body.Formulated with MVE Technology to lock in moisture, providing 24-hour hydrationDeveloped with Dermatologists - fragrance-free, non-comedogenicConsNot effective for those with severe acne or pigmentation5. Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm 100ml
Best sensitive brightening cleanser
Glow RecipePrice:29www.cultbeauty.co.uk
View offer Description
You may typically avoid a product designed to exfoliate due to the fear of irritation. Worry not.
... read morePros ConsProsRemoves stubborn oils, dirt and debris to brighten complexionDark spot-diminishing vitamin C and cell-stimulating vitamin ASafe for sensitive skin, eyes, contact lens wearers, ophthalmologist-testedSmells ah-mazingConsNot fragrance-free6. At1 Deep Cleansing Balm 50ml
Best sensitive cleanser for your night routine
At1 Price:10.80 (was £24)www.allbeauty.com
View offer Description
At1 is a luxurious yet affordable skincare range with nature and sustainability at its heart. With
... read morePros ConsProsRemoves dirt and makeup, even waterproof mascaraGrapeseed oil with high-quality Crambe oil nourishes skinApricot and blackcurrant oils plump the skinVitamins A, C and E. Echium oil helps to soothe the skin minimising redness and irritationConsNo reviews on AllBeauty site to browse7. At1 Clarifying Foaming Cleanser 200ml
Best sensitive cleanser for your morning routine
At1 Price:10 (was £20)www.allbeauty.com
View offer Description
Another great offering from At1, this foaming cleanser is the perfect way to start your day! The
... read morePros ConsProsOat and ceramide blend enhance skin moisturisation with no irritationHydrolysed cottonseed protein reduces potential water loss and redness in the skin98% natural and vegan friendlySilicone-free and sulphate-freeConsNo reviews on AllBeauty site to browse8. Charlotte Tilbury Multi Miracle Glow Cleansing Balm 100ml
Best sensitive cleanser for a long-lasting glow
Charlotte TilburyPrice:46www.cultbeauty.co.uk
View offer Description
Have you been after a skincare product that can do it all? Here’s your answer to refreshed, smooth
... read morePros ConsProsMelts away all traces of makeup and everyday grimeBrightening, smoothing and line-lessening effectSea buckthorn seed oil, cranberry seed, rosehip and camellia oils promote elasticityCan be used as an overnight mask or nourishing blam on bodyConsNot fragrance-free9. SOS Cleanse, Facial Cleanser 50ml
Best sensitive cleanser for irritable skin
Rrp: £16.50View offer Description
Gentle, lightweight and soothing, the SOS Cleanse promises everything anyone with sensitive skin
... read morePros ConsProsGentle, lightweight, soothing, flushes the pores and dissolves makeupNon-greasy, non-comedogenic formulation glides over the skinInfused with Blue Daisy Extract (Globularia Alypum) that helps the pH balance of the skinConsBottle says unscented but it does have a fragrance10. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser 56.7g Travel Size
Best sensitive cleanser with antioxidant booster
Rrp: £9.40View offerAlternative retailersSephora£8.92View offerLookfantastic£10.00View offer Description
For a gentle clean look no further than the Pure Skin Face Cleanser by First Aid Beauty. Super
... read morePros ConsProsStrong enough to remove makeup, oil and grime without leaving your skin tightBotanical antioxidant blend helps protect, reducing inflammationpH balanced - maintains skin’s natural acidity and helps reduce flare-upsConsSoapy smell11. FRESH Soy Face Cleanser 150ml
Best soothing sensitive cleanser
cult beautyPrice:25.60 (was £32)www.cultbeauty.co.uk
View offer Description
Cult Beauty’s Hall of Fame winner, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser gently and effectively lifts away
... read morePros ConsProsLifts away makeup and impurities while balancing and nourishing your skinpH-balanced gelSoy proteins, rich in amino acids, help to maintain a healthy visageCalming cucumber extract, nourishing borage seed oil and balancing rosewaterConsRose extract can irritate rosacea12. Liz Earle Cleanse +Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml
Best sensitive cleanser for gentle exfoliation
look fantasticPrice:28www.lookfantastic.com
View offer Description
Another beauty fan favourite, the Cleanse Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser by British skincare brand
... read morePros ConsProsMulti award-winning formulaCreamy cleanser removes daily grime, environmental pollutants and makeupGently exfoliates to help lift dead skin cells and pore-clogging impuritiesCocoa butter responsibly sourced from West AfricaConsMost effective when used with Liz Earle Muslin cloth (sold separately)13. Garnier Micellar Gel Face Wash Sensitive Skin 200ml
Best affordable cleanser for sensitive skin
superdrugPrice:3.95www.superdrug.com
View offer Description
Now we all know and love Garnier’s [micellar cleansing
... read morePros ConsProsUnder £4 for 200ml bottleCleanses and removes make-up, even on eyes and lipsNon-fragrancedDermatologically and ophthalmologically testedConsNot suited for very sensitive eyes14. FARMACY Green Clean Make Up Meltaway Cleansing Balm 100ml
Best sensitive skin cleansing balm-to-oil formula
cult beautyPrice:25.60 (was £32)www.cultbeauty.co.uk
View offer Description
Prefer a cleansing balm to a gel? This Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm from FARMACY has
... read morePros ConsProsNew York-based brand that combines innovative science with clean, locally grown ingredientsBalm-to-oil formulaPapaya extract gently exfoliates skin, without stripping or dryingSunflower and Ginger Root Oils dissolve makeupConsNon-fragranced Do I have sensitive skin? Knowing whether your skin is sensitive can be difficult to navigate as there arent particular traits to identify it, as everybodys skin reacts differently. However, there are a few common signs you can look out for to help reach a conclusion, such as:
Reactions – if you have sensitive skin, your skin will try to tell you if it doesn’t like a product like perfume or a cleanser, this can be through itchiness, dryness, redness or a rash.
Redness – redness is extremely common among sufferers of sensitive skin; this redness is triggered by-products and will most likely go away by removing the irritant.
Dryness – dry and sensitive skin can go hand in hand, in more severe cases it can lead to cracked skin and acne breakouts
Prone to breakouts – many of us who have sensitive skin will find we’re more prone to breakouts (some that even look like acne) and acne cleansers can often make these breakouts worse.
And if youre still unsure consult your dermatologist. Opting for skincare designed for sensitive skin can do no harm, its generally less harsh and better for your skin!
How to find your skin type If youre unsure of what skin type you have, whether its oily, dry or combination, Tatcha has a super quick method to determine your skin type, all you need is a sheet of blotting paper!
This method is super quick and easy and an excellent differentiator between oily and dry skin types. Gently pat a blotting paper on the different areas of your face. Hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible. If the sheet picked up little to no oil, you most likely have dry skin. If the blotting sheet reveals oil from the forehead and nose areas, your skin is combination. Finally, if the blotting paper is saturated with oil, it is extremely likely that you have oily skin.
Angelica Daujotas is a contributing beauty and lifestyle writer, covering all topics from hair dyes to gardening tools. Her love for writing goes all the way back to her younger years, spent scribbling in her Hannah Montana secret diary.
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