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, this cleanser actively hydrates as it cleanses, leaving your skin glowing and smooth, what’s not to love? 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.

Customer review: “I began using this after my dermatologist recommended the brand. I've been using this since I was 15 years old... I've tried others but I always come back to it. The packaging is not exactly stylish, but it is a clean, effective, simple product that works. It is my face wash staple that I buy again and again. It is budget-friendly and has seen me through high school, university, and into my 30s. I've had to change most of my other skincare products as I've aged, but this one has stuck with me."

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.

Customer review: “This cleanser feels amazing on the skin. When using it at night it feels like the dirt is just melting away, and in the morning it's so rejuvenating. Favourite part of my routine, also very good for sensitive skin!”

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.

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.

Customer review: "The texture is similar to the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. A little goes a long way. I have combination-to-oily skin, prone to acne and it seems to be helping keep my skin clear. I like to use this wash whilst massaging my face with the gua sha, the silkiness of the product works nicely."

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. 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.

Customer review: “Really great cleanser which I’ve used for some time now, I like it because it’s gentle on the skin and doesn’t give any stinging sensation or strong smell. My son who suffers from acne now also uses it and he hasn’t had any reaction. I’ve been using lots of CeraVe products for some time and plan to continue. Highly recommend!"

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.

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.

Customer review: "Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm is an excellent product for anyone looking for a gentle but effective cleansing balm. It has a lovely texture and aroma, infused with papaya enzymes, it gently dissolves makeup, and impurities and gently exfoliates dead skin cells. it leaves skin feeling clean and soft, perfect for those who want to try a cleansing balm for the first time. Highly recommend it.

At1 is a luxurious yet affordable skincare range with nature and sustainability at its heart. With the finest active ingredients and sustainable packaging, At1 does good for your skin and planet at the same time. The At1 Deep Cleansing Balm combines grapeseed oil with high-quality Crambe oil to nourish the skin, whilst apricot and blackcurrant oils plump the skin. It is perfect for sensitive and irritable skin.

Tried and tested by commercial writer Angelica Daujotas, she says: “This is one of the best cleansers I’ve used for my night-time routine. Perfect for cleansing at the end of the day, I found this balm to work wonders at removing makeup and any oiliness from the day, and as good as it is at cleansing it is also nourishing, so it doesn’t feel like you’ve stripped your skin after every wash. I noticed after a week of use that my skin felt much plumper and more hydrated every morning, paired with the Restore & Boost Night Cream my skin feels completely rejuvenated.”

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.

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.

Customer review: “I LOVE this so much I've recommended it to so many of my friends and family and they're horrified they can never get the 100ml size... This is such an amazing multi-use product which I've tried as a balm cleanser (amazing for removing stubborn makeup), an overnight mask (amazing hydration for parched and angrily sensitive lockdown skin) and a multi-use balm for dry flaky scaly areas anywhere on the body... This should be a cult product screamed about from the rooftops if only for the gorgeous smell and glow but for it to do so much with a tiny amount of product, it's fantastic value for money.”

Gentle, lightweight and soothing, the SOS Cleanse promises everything anyone with sensitive skin is looking for. Non-greasy and non-comedogenic, this formula glides over the skin to remove surface impurities & contaminants, as well as any makeup and daily atmospheric pollutants.

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.

Tried and tested by commercial writer Angelica Daujotas, she says: “The SOS cleanse delivers on its promises to be super gentle and soothing. On days when my skin lacks all moisture and is simply having a mare, this cleanser has done wonders to remove my makeup without further irritating my skin. I found this cleanser to work best for my breakout-prone skin during that time of the month! With no alcohol or aggressive active agents, this cleanser was just as gentle as you need it to be for sensitivity. 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. 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 for sure!

Customer review: “I've been using this for a couple of weeks now. Switched to it from Cetaphil... I wanted a moisturising but basic wash for sensitive skin and that is exactly what I got! My face has been much happier since the switch. The Cetaphil was giving me strange little bumps on my forehead that have since cleared up. The only complaint I have is it smells kind of weird... It's unscented but has a soapy smell. Not bad, just odd.”

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. Soothing and toning the skin all whilst providing much-needed moisture, this cleanser really is THAT great!

Customer review: “This is a gentle but effective cleanser with a soothing gel texture. This does a great job of cleaning my skin without stripping it. My skin is left clean, hydrated, soft, and has a lovely glow. It also has a gorgeous cucumber scent which I love!! Great as a second cleanse! I will definitely be recommending it.”

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. 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.

Customer review: “I’ve tried so many cleansers, but I always come back to this. I’m a beauty therapist so believe me when I say I’ve tried it all! This is nice and gentle, never irritates or clogs my skin, glides on beautifully, removes all makeup and doesn’t cause any dermatitis flares (unlike some very expensive, high-end brands) I will always come back to this cleanser. Simple but luxurious and does the job you need it to.”

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. At the super affordable under £4 for a 200ml bottle, we're OBSESSED.

Customer review: “I don't think I could recommend a product more! I've recently moved away from face wipes due to them just moving makeup around my face and started using Garnier Micellar Water but found that it was a lengthy and tedious process (I mean, how many cotton pads) this new little bottle of love means that I can remove makeup with one simple wash of my face! I suffer from sensitive skin and this didn't leave me feeling dry or sore like some face wash can... I can't wait to continue to use it! Full instructions are also provided on the bottle (I know that sounds like an obvious, but you'd be surprised at the amount that doesn't).”

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.

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.

Customer review: “The best cleanser I’ve found so far. Really effective makeup removal with no irritation even around the eye area. No residual greasiness, my skin just feels really fresh after using it. I wear Estée Lauder Double Wear and many cleansers I’ve tried just don’t work effectively against it. This one does.”