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Back to The Skin Edit

Toleriane Dermo Cleanser casting a shadow against a white background

What Are Our Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin?

12 Aug 2024

Best Overall Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Best Cleanser for Sensitive, Blemish-Prone Skin

Best Cleanser for Sensitive, Dry Skin

When selecting a face cleanser for sensitive skin, make sure you check the formula. The key? The fewer ingredients the better. Steer clear of fragrances, parabens or anything else that might trigger your sensitive skin’s reaction. Thankfully La Roche-Posay has a vast array of products to suit the needs of sensitive skin, including face cleansers. Discover which is sensitive skin cleanser is best for your individual skin needs below.

Close up texture shot of a bubbling white foaming cleanser

Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser - 200ML

Best Overall Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Toleriane Dermo Cleanser

With the UK British Allergy Foundation’s seal of approval, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermo Cleanser is a safe bet. Suitable for all skin types, it works for eyes and face, removing makeup and cleansing whilst also replenishing lipids in the skin. An ultra sensitive formula, it doesn’t need to be rinsed off, which means it not only cuts down on hassle but means those who find water too drying can use it. Practical, quick and efficient!

NEW

EFFACLAR PURIFYING CLEANSING GEL

Best Cleanser for Sensitive, Blemish-Prone Skin: Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Wash

For those who are concerned about blemishes and oil, yet still have sensitive skin - look no further. The Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is a fresh, foaming, gel facial wash specially formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin. The formula gently cleanses the skin to lifts dirt, grime and sebum away from the surface of the skin without disrupting its delicate balance, leaving the skin feeling clean and fresh. Proven to reduce the visibility of spots and blackheads and control shine.

Lipikar Syndet AP+ Cream Wash

Best Cleanser for Sensitive, Dry Skin: Lipikar Syndet AP+ Cream Wash

An ultra-gentle wash for dry or very dry skin that's also suitable for use on eczema-prone skin. Lipikar Syndet AP+ Cream Wash is enriched with Glycerine, Shea Butter, Niacinamide and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to gently cleanse dry skin while avoiding damage to the skin barrier. Immediately locks moisture into the skin to provide 24 hour hydration and protection against the drying effects of water.

Ensure to always complete your skincare routine with a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen. Discover our award winning sunscreen Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid, specifically developed for sensitive skin.

2 bottles of Anthelios UVMune Invisible Fluid SPF50+ standing against a blue background

For more products suitable for sensitive skin, check out our guide: The Best La Roche-Posay Products for Sensitive Skin. If you're specifically looking for a moisturiser, explore our guide on The Best Moisturisers for Sensitive Skin by La Roche-Posay.

Frequently Asked
Questions

What are the common symptoms of sensitive skin on the face?

If you have a sensitive skin type, you’ll most likely feel a flare-up coming before you see it. Many people report feeling skin tightness, tingling or even stinging when their skin becomes sensitive. The temperature of the skin can also feel warmer when it’s irritated. This is because the body’s inflammation response creates enhanced blood flow to the skin. You may also notice redness, patches of blotchy skin, and dryness. Very extreme reactions can include the skin becoming cracked or leathery in texture.

What factors can contribute to the development of sensitive skin on the face?

There are many environmental factors that can create skin sensitivity. Central heating; hot showers and baths; pets; certain foods; and harsh skincare are just a few common examples. You’ll also be more prone to sensitivity if you have skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea. If you’re unsure of what is causing your sensitive skin, try keeping a diary that documents flare-ups, including the skincare you applied before it, what you ate, and where you spent your time. Once you understand your triggers, you can start to prevent them a little more easily.

How can I control sensitive skin on the face?

While you can’t control every trigger in the environment around you, you can ensure that you aren’t adding irritants via your daily skincare routine. You can also help your skin to become more resilient to the aggressors it faces with a strong skin barrier function. You can do this with a gentle and hydrating daily routine that includes a cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser, and broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Look for ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and squalene as these all help to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the dermis hydrated and calm. It’s equally important to avoid products containing fragrance, alcohol, and harsh ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol. Need extra confidence in a product? Look for accreditations from organisations such as Allergy UK, as means they have been deemed safe enough for even the most reactive of skin. For example, discover Allergy UK approved Toleriane Dermallergo Sensitive 3-Step Routine from La Roche-Posay.

How can I introduce a new skincare product to my sensitive skin routine?

If you’re thinking of adding a new skincare product to your daily routine but are worried about it causing sensitivity and a flare-up, it’s advisable to do a patch test first. Dermatologists advise applying a little product behind your ear before you go to bed for a few days to see how your skin reacts. If that doesn’t cause any irritation, you can then do a patch test on a small area of your face such as near your eye or cheek. If this is ok, you can have confidence that it won’t cause sensitivity. Don’t forget to check how often the products in your routine are supposed to be used. For instance, certain serums and cleansers are suitable for use two to three times a day rather than daily. Using them more than the recommended amount may cause sensitivity. Finally, you can also slowly introduce new products into your routine until you have reached the recommended frequency.