The best cleansers for sensitive skin to help soothe and calm

Trusted by dermatologists and all of our fave influencers, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin. Fragrance and soap-free, we love that this cleanser actively hydrates as it cleanses, leaving your skin glowing and smooth, what’s not to love? Customers of the highly rated product say 'it's really mild on the skin;. It soothes skin as it cleans, removing dirt and impurities without stripping skin of natural lipids, does not block pores and matches the pH value of skin, making it suitable for daily use even on sensitive skin types.

For a super gentle milky cleansing experience and glowy skin, you can’t go wrong with the cult Milky Jelly Cleanser from Glossier. Nourishing and pH-balanced, this creamy gel face wash is kind to every skin type under the sun. It’s formulated with five skin conditioners (like Allantoin and Pro-Vitamin B5) that leave your skin feeling baby-soft, so you don’t need to rush for moisturiser afterwards.

Created by skincare guru and content creator Susan Yara, Naturium focuses its skincare on all skin types to find a variety of ways to nourish, protect and hydrate the skin to achieve a healthier-looking complexion. The Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee gently dissolves any traces of makeup whilst targeting any concerns like pigmentation, texture or blemishes. Customers say it 'doesn't feel drying' on their skin.

Why niacinamide? Derived from vitamin B5, niacinamide works on all skin types and targets main skin concerns. It's a super gentle ingredient that helps to calm and control oily, acne-prone skin, helps reduce any unwanted texture and minimises the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.

If you haven’t heard of CeraVe yet, where have you been? CeraVe went viral on TikTok thanks to skincare king Hyram Yarbro, better known as @skincarebyhyram, and our skin has thanked us ever since. Reviewers of the highly-rated cleanser say 'it's a delight to wash with.' This CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser contains three essential ceramides to cleanse while protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, this gel removes dirt, oil and makeup without leaving your skin feeling dry and tight.

You may typically avoid a product designed to exfoliate due to the fear of irritation. Worry not. This lightweight Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm from Glow Recipe gently removes any traces of makeup or dirt yet exfoliates any dead skin cells, leaving a brighter-looking complexion. Fans of the balm have said 'skin feels silky smooth' after using it.

Exfoliating a dry skin type can help to encourage new skin cells and diminish the appearance of dry or flaky skin. The blend of papaya enzymes combined with vitamins C and A will brighten and promote radiance leaving your skin looking and feeling smooth.

Have you been after a skincare product that can do it all? Here’s your answer to refreshed, smooth and healthier skin all from one product - the Charlotte Tilbury Multi Miracle Glow Cleansing Balm. It really is a miracle worker, which leaves skin feeling 'nourished'.

Protect your skin and drench it in glowing moisture with this amazing three-in-one cleansing face balm from Charlotte Tilbury. This dreamy product can be used as a daily cleanser, regenerating mask and SOS remedy for dry and damaged complexions. This nourishing blend of skin-loving ingredients promotes health and well-being while contributing towards improved firmness, suppleness, energy and radiance in your skin.

SOS Cleanse is a great option for sensitive skin. Described as a gentle and lightweight formula, this cleanser removes any make-up and impurities without any irritations. SOS Cleanse is formulated to calm and instantly soothe and cool the skin’s outermost layer, leaving your skin prepped and ready to take on the day.

When our writer, Angelica Daujotas tested this, she found that "super gentle and soothing", and ideal for days when skin "is lacking moisture". It goes to work to remove make-up without irritating skin further, and Angelica found that it works best for breakout-prone skin during that time of the month. She noted, "Nourishing but not oily or greasy at all, I benefited from adding this into both my morning and evening routine when I felt my skin noticeably breaking out."

For a gentle clean look, no further than the Pure Skin Face Cleanser by First Aid Beauty. Super gentle and pH-balanced, this powerful antioxidant blend helps protect your skin while reducing irritation and inflammation. Even reviewers said, 'it didn't irritate their sensitive skin.' Vegan and cruelty-free, this cleanser is also allergy-friendly, gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free, soy-free, safe for sensitive skin and nano-free. A problem-solving cleanser you can rely on.

Cult Beauty’s Hall of Fame winner, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, gently and effectively lifts away makeup and impurities while balancing and nourishing your sensitive skin. This pH-balanced gel is infused with soy proteins, rich in amino acids, which helps maintain a healthy and radiant visage. Customers say, 'it's good for sensitive and dry skin'. Soothing and toning the skin all whilst providing much-needed moisture, this cleanser really is THAT great!

Another beauty fan favourite, the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser by British skincare brand Liz Earle delivers visible results in as little as seven days. Fans of the cleanser say it's 'comforting and gentle to use'. Enriched with sustainably sourced cocoa butter to soften, smooth and moisturise, and rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus to tone, soothe and purify – this rich, indulgent cream deeply cleanses to instantly remove daily grime, pollutants and makeup, even stubborn mascara, to leave skin feeling comfortable, balanced and exceptionally clean.

Now we all know and love Garnier’s micellar cleansing water, but did you know there’s also a micellar cleansing gel wash? The perfect all-in-one rinse-off Garnier Micellar Gel Face Wash deeply cleansing whilst also soothing and removing makeup. One reviewer said that their skin is 'thoroughly cleansed' and 'not irritated in the least' while using this budget cleanser. At the super affordable under £4 for a 200ml bottle, we're OBSESSED.

Prefer a cleansing balm to a gel? This Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm from FARMACY has a balm-to-oil formula, which creates a luxurious lather upon contact with water to gently exfoliate and refine skin without stripping or drying. Reviewers agree, saying 'it removes all traces of makeup'. Sunflower and Ginger Root Oils effectively dissolve stubborn makeup and impurities, while a revitalising blend of Lime, Bergamot and Orange Essential Oils leaves skin feeling clean and fresh. Echinacea GreenEnvy (the brand's patented and exclusive plant) promotes a smooth, even tone and texture.