If you suffer from patches of dry skin on your face, a hydrating cleanser can be the difference between having a flaky breakout and actually seeing your skin glow with freshness. So, to combat those tough spots, you'll want to hunt down the best cleansers with moisturising properties so you can be glowing all day, every day.
We all know the foundation of a good skincare routine is all in the cleanser you use. Working day and night and getting rid of any impurities, a cleanser will be the first thing you reach for. With hydrating cleansers in mind, you'll be zapping moisture into your skin, leaving a perfect base for any glorious serums, moisturisers and your everyday make-up.
Closer's best hydrating cleansers at a glance:
Best hydrating cleanser overall: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid, View offer on LookFantastic
Best hydrating cleanser for intense cleaning: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser, View offer on Beauty Bay
Best hydrating cleanser for sensitive skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser for Dry Skin, View offer on Boots
So, whether you're looking for a high street option in Neutrogena or need an intensive cleanser in a choice like Dermalogica, we've found the best hydrating cleansers on the market - even if you need a cleanser for sensitive skin. Trust us, these will make you feel ready for the day in no time.
SHOP: The best hydrating cleansers you need to try
Best overall hydrating cleanser
www.lookfantastic.com
When it comes to the best of the best skincare, the brand CeraVe really knows what it's doing. Known for being stripped-back skincare that actually gets the job done, this CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser uses hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep your skin looking glowy. Plus, it's great value for money when you want to repurchase again and again.
Customer review: "Such a fab cleanser for dry skin. Leaves my skin feeling nice & soft & removes makeup effortlessly. Got great ingredients & also very affordable!"
Pros
- Gentle formula for sensitive skin
- Blend of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides protects against dryness
Cons
- Doesn't remove eye make up as well
Best intense hydrating cleanser
This light, creamy cleanser, enriched with BioReplenish Complex, gently purifies and rejuvenates dry skin. Combat dehydration and unveil a smoother, softer complexion with the vegan and cruelty-free formula that refreshes tired skin, leaving it cleaner, softer and brighter.
Customer review: "This cleanser is not only gentle and moisturising but it comes in a very handy pump dispenser that gives just the right dose in one pump. It also smells lovely!"
Pros
- Light but creamy for deep moisture
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Can feel a little thick
Best hydrating cleanser and make-up remover
www.iamproud.com
Looking for a cleanser that does both? Snap up the Skin Proud Velvet Cloud Foaming Cleanser that is both lightweight and moisture-boosting. Coming out as a fluffy whipped mousse, you'll watch the dirt and make-up from the day dissolve away in no time.
Tried & tested by Senior Fashion & Beauty Writer, Caitlin Casey: "Okay, when it comes to cleansers sometimes you just want something that is easy to spread all over your face and not give you that ouch-in-my-eyes feel like some. This formula is super light making it easy to apply and keeps you feeling squeaky clean and ready for your skincare routine after. I will grab this one every single day because it's so easy to use. I love it."
Pros
- Infused with brightening magnolia extract and antioxidant-rich peony
- Enriched with moisturising niacinamide
- Fluffy whipped mousse
Cons
- Some may not like strong grapefruit scent
Best hydrating cleanser for sensitive skin
www.boots.com
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser transforms with water, gently removing impurities - as well as any make-up - and delivers essential hydration. Patented cleaning technology and hyaluronic acid ensure effective cleansing while preserving the skin's barrier. It is the ideal cleanser for dry skin.
Customer review: "Hydro Boost has been a staple in my skincare routine for years now, it hydrates, soothes and cleanses like a dream. All in all, this is such a calming cleanser especially when using retinol or other actives regularly."
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Patented technology exclusive to Neutrogena
- Builds up the skin barrier
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
Best foam hydrating cleanser
www.lookfantastic.com
This gentle yet powerful Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Wash formula deeply cleanses, removing impurities, makeup, and excess oil while safeguarding your skin's barrier. Its luxurious lather, enriched with glycerin and panthenol, prevents dryness, and aloe vera soothes with antioxidants. Niacinamide adds luminosity for a fresh, balanced complexion.
Customer review: "This is my third bottle, the only cleanser I’ve consistently stuck with. Love this foaming one so much more than the other one. I highly recommend it because it’s so gentle but effective."
Pros
- Easy to dispense
- Niacinamide ingredients make for brightening properties
- Takes make-up off too
Cons
- Foam may need a few pumps to work in
Best oil hydrating cleanser
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Another K-beauty find, the Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser makes way for clear, supple skin. The gentle, hydrating formula nourishes with antioxidants and amino acids, including rare white tea leaves from South Korea's Jeju Island. Dewy but cleansing with a milk-slash-oil hybrid formulation for even more moisture.
Customer review: "I only use this in the morning as it’s so gentle and non-stripping, I find it just wakes up my skin. Not sure if I would use it to remove makeup as it doesn’t feel like it would be able to provide that deep of a clean but I do love how it makes my skin feel which is why I use it in the mornings. My skin actually feels moisturised and so soft and supple after using it, I can’t live without it now."
Pros
- Full of antioxidants and amino acids
- Keeps skin nourished whilst cleansing
Cons
- May not be suitable for removing make-up
Best hydrating cleanser for radiance
www.lookfantastic.com
Introducing Purete Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel - a hot solution for city life skincare. Formulated to combat hard water effects and urban pollution, it deeply cleanses, removes impurities and also keeps your skin feeling fresh. You'll be looking extra radiant and fresh after this choice.
Customer review: "I started using this cleanser when I felt like my face started to get congested from other products. This has been a miracle worker for me. Along with this and the matching moisturiser I’ve never had such nice skin. Worth the price!"
Pros
- Made with pollution in mind
- Deep cleansing helps to remove impurities
Cons
- May not be as suitable if you live outside cities
Best high-end hydrating cleanser
www.paulaschoice.co.uk
Elevate your daily skincare routine with this Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Hydrating Cleanser. This first step is fortified with barrier-enhancing ingredients whilst keeping skin soft, smooth, and youthful. Hydrating and age-fighting in one.
Customer review: "I've been buying this product for a couple of years now and still love it. The silky, creamy formula leaves my skin super soft and hydrated. Will continue to buy again and again."
Pros
- Made with anti-ageing in mind
- Also works as a make-up remover
- Smooth texture
Cons
- Can be quite thick
Best hydrating cleanser to repair skin barrier
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
K-Beauty has become evergrowingly popular and you can get to understand the hype with Glow Recipe's Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser. Powered by a barrier-boosting blend with ceramides, this gentle, sulfate-free cleanser soothes and nourishes, leaving your complexion clean, clear, and radiant.
Customer review: "I honestly adore this product. It's so creamy and soothing, moisturising my skin effortlessly. I love using this as a second cleanse after taking makeup off, as it just soothes and refreshes my skin. My combo and sensitive skin loves it."
Pros
- Ceramide helps to improve your skin barrier
- Good for sensitive skin
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Includes acids so you'll want to double-check with your skincare
What is a hydrating cleanser?
There are so many cleansers out there, so a hydrating cleanser really focuses on cleaning skin without stripping moisture and hydration. Unlike some traditional cleansers that can remove natural oils and leave you feeling dry or tight, hydrating cleansers are formulated to be more gentle and to help maintain the skin's natural moisture balance. These are a great choice if you have dry or combo skin. It is less effective as a cleanser for oily skin.
What ingredients should I look for in a hydrating cleanser?
When looking for a hydrating cleanser, it's important to choose products that contain ingredients designed to nourish and hydrate the skin while effectively cleansing it. And - as we all know - when it comes to finding the right ingredients for our skin, it can be a pretty tough test.
The trick is to look for a cleanser that contains a combination of moisture-boosting ingredients. You can find these in choices such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, aloe vera and squalane to ensure that it effectively cleanses while also delivering hydration. It's really important to remember to choose a product that is suitable for your specific skin type and concerns, whether you have dry, sensitive, or normal skin - because, what works for one person may not work for another. For example, cleansers with salicylic acid are best for oily skin prone to breakouts, not so skin that needs hydration.
Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.