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Best Hypoallergenic Gentle Skin Cleansers

Updated January 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
CeraVe Foaming Face Cleanser, Face Wash for Normal to Oily Skin
CeraVe
Foaming Face Cleanser, Face Wash for Normal to Oily Skin
Trusted Brand

Designed to remove oil without the use of harsh soap or chemicals.

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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Designed to remove oil without the use of harsh soap or chemicals.

Pros

Gently removes oil from skin while simultaneously moisturizing. Contains hyaluronic acid to help protect skin's natural moisture. Uses niacinamide to reduce redness and calm skin. Fragrance-free and is great at removing makeup.

Cons

For those who wear heavy foundation, an extra makeup remover may be needed.

Best Bang for the Buck
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena
Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser
Simple Yet Solid

This oil-free model gently removes oils and dirt without causing irritation.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This oil-free model gently removes oils and dirt without causing irritation.

Pros

Specially developed for sensitive skin, including acne, eczema, and rosacea-prone skin. Removes impurities while still preserving the skin barrier, and leaves it feeling clean and moisturized. Does not clog pores. Free from oils, soap, fragrances, and parabens.

Cons

A few reports of cleanser leaving the skin feeling tight.

Andalou Naturals Probiotic Cleansing Milk
Andalou Naturals
Probiotic Cleansing Milk
Most Versatile

A gentle, milky cleanser from a well-loved French beauty brand that is totally hypoallergenic.

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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

A gentle, milky cleanser from a well-loved French beauty brand that is totally hypoallergenic.

Pros

Suitable for all skin types. Contains grapeseed and almond oils to nourish skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Designed to moisturize dry skin and brighten up overall complexion. Also cruelty-free and vegan.

Cons

Too gentle for some users.

Block Island Organics Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser with Antioxidants Vitamin C and E
Block Island Organics
Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser with Antioxidants Vitamin C and E
Thoughtfully Formulated

Uses only natural ingredients to keep it safe for very sensitive skin.

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Thoughtfully Formulated
Bottom Line

Uses only natural ingredients to keep it safe for very sensitive skin.

Pros

Perfect for the most sensitive skin and those who have been affected by free radical damage. Nontoxic and sulfate-free formula. Uses vitamins C and E, as well as a variety of other gentle, natural ingredients. Vegan-friendly and never tested on animals.

Cons

For the price, 4 ounces is a small size.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Most Comprehensive

Consider this if you’re looking for an option with a creamy texture and hydrating effect.

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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Consider this if you’re looking for an option with a creamy texture and hydrating effect.

Pros

Contains glycerin and niacinamide that gently soothe and hydrate the skin. Has a milky texture that helps the skin retain its essential moisture and natural protective barrier. Does not leave any greasy or pore-clogging residue. Can be used daily.

Cons

Not the most effective at removing makeup.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
December 27, 2021
33
Models
considered
30
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researched
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Buying guide for Best hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers

Sian Babish
Written by Sian Babish

Updated January 2022

Do you have sensitive or acne-prone skin? If you do, you’ve probably tried myriad skincare products, many of which can cause irritation, breakouts, drying, or even peeling.

Cleanser formulas are designed to keep skin calm and eruption-free by leaving out these harsh chemicals and ingredients. That means you can wash your face or remove makeup without worrying about post-cleansing redness or breakouts. There are also some hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers with moisturizing or hydrating ingredients to keep your face supple and radiant all day long.

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Many consumers use hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers as an alternative to abrasive, harsh hand soap.

Key considerations

It often seems like a catch-22 situation when it comes to washing your face. Sure, you need to keep it clean from the oil and dirt that cause blackheads and pimples. But if you use products that are too strong or abrasive, you’ll end up with breakouts nonetheless. 

That’s why so many consumers have turned to hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers. They’re capable of removing oil, dirt, and pollutant buildup without causing redness or acne. In fact, they penetrate pores to pull out these particles without removing your skin’s natural oils and moisture. This in turn means your skin remains stronger and more supple as opposed dry, fragile, and susceptible to reactions from environmental irritants.  

Skin cleansers vs. soaps and washes

You’ve probably heard all these terms, likely used interchangeably: facial cleanser, facial soap, and face wash. Believe it or not, they differ quite a bit.

Soap: Facial soap is great for deep cleaning, but many soaps have complex formulas whose chemicals and ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. 

Wash: Facial wash, on the other hand, falls in between soaps and cleansers. It’s effective at cleaning pores, though the formula usually doesn’t strip oils from skin and so is less drying than soap.

Cleansers: Skin cleansers tend to have a lower pH than soaps or washes, so they’re less disruptive to your skin’s natural pH level compared to other products. Many skin cleansers lack the suds seen in soaps and washes, often produced by sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can have a drying effect on skin. Instead, many cleansers have moisturizing or hydrating ingredients to keep your skin soft and calm.

Hypoallergenic

When you choose a hypoallergenic gentle skin cleanser, you’re investing in a simpler, skin-friendly formula. It’s free of common ingredients that can be allergens or irritants, including dyes, fragrances, SLS, alcohol, parabens, phthalates, synthetic ingredients, and petrochemicals. There are also oil-free hypoallergenic cleansers, which are popular with acne-prone users.

Skin type

Most hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers can be used on all types of skin, including dry, oily, combination, or acne-prone. If you prefer a more targeted formula, rest assured you’ll find several hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers designed for your skin type or concern.

Ingredients

You’re probably wondering what makes hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers universally appealing, and it boils down to their ingredients. Many formulas utilize nontoxic, organic, or plant-derived ingredients, which interact better with skin than harsh chemicals. When you take a look at the label you’ll find aloe, rosehip, chamomile, avocado, or fruit extracts, just to name a few.

Hydrating

Hypoallergenic gentle skin cleanser formulas are also known for their moisturizing properties. That’s why it comes as no surprise that their consistency is somewhat similar to that of lotion. Depending on the formula, they’re usually clear, colorless, or opaque and have a texture somewhere between runny and creamy. 

Each formula is different, so you’ll find a wide variety of hydrating ingredients in these cleansers. Some include plant-based moisturizers like cocoa butter, avocado, or seed oil extracts. Others use hyaluronic acid, which promotes moisture retention, or niacinamides, which strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier. 

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Did you know?
Invest in TSA-approved travel bottles to make sure you can bring your hypoallergenic skin cleanser everywhere you, including to the gym or on vacation.
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Features

Basic ingredients

While the unique ingredients of hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers are important, it’s still important to take a look at their basic formulas. As expected, they vary considerably between brands.

Many hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers are water-based, which is why you’ll often find that as the first ingredient. It’s also common to see glycerin because it’s generally gentle yet effective at cleaning pores. Amino acids often make an appearance as well, especially those that increase hydration and improve skin’s texture.

Dispensers

More often than not, hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers are packaged in squeeze or pump bottles. Not only does this make it easy to dispense product, it protects the cleanser from contamination. It can be tricky to get the last bit of product out of the bottle, though, so you might want to remove the cap and scrape out the bottle, especially if you’ve shelled out big bucks for a premium product.

Safe for eyes

Hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers are lauded for how gentle they are on the face, so you’ll be pleased to know that some formulas are also safe for use around the eyes. Not all cleansers fall in this category,  but those that do will be marked clearly on the packaging. Another term to look for is “ophthalmologist tested,” which means the cleanser has undergone rigorous testing to make sure it won’t irritate eyes.

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Did you know?
Not all hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers are foam- or suds-free. There are some formulas that create quite a lather, which means they may have certain ingredients that could irritate your skin.
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Hypoallergenic cleanser prices

Hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers start at $6 and can cost over $100.

Inexpensive

Budget-friendly cleansers cost between $6 and $15 and mostly consist of drugstore brands. 

Mid-range

These cleansers cost around $20 to $40 and include some made by premium beauty brands as well as specialty skincare companies. These formulas tend to include more ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other nutrients. 

Expensive

If you’re looking for a high-end or specialty formula, expect to spend $40 to $100 on a luxury hypoallergenic gentle skin cleanser.

Tips

  • Try more than one cleanser. Each hypoallergenic gentle skin cleanser is formulated differently, so you might need to try more than one to find the best one for your face.

  • Cleanse your face twice a day. To get the most out of your hypoallergenic gentle skin cleanser, use it in the morning and at night.

  • Read ingredients carefully. Most hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers have simple formulas that won’t irritate skin, however certain ingredients may affect yours. Be sure to read the label carefully prior to buying.

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Hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers don’t contain bleach, so they can also be used as a gentle spot cleaner for garments or stuffed animals.

FAQ

Q. Can I use a hypoallergenic gentle skin cleanser on my body as well?

A. These cleansers are specially designed for your face, though some consumers use them on their bodies as well. With that said, they don’t lather as much as bodywash or bar soap, so one might end up being rather expensive to use all over. Many brands that manufacture these facial cleansers make bodywashes as well, so be sure to explore the product lines to see what’s available.

Q. Will hypoallergenic gentle skin cleanser be effective at removing heavy or waterproof makeup?

A. It might be a bit harder to remove these products with a cleanser, however some formulas are more effective than others. You might be better served by using a gentle hypoallergenic makeup remover prior to the cleanser to avoid excessive rubbing and tugging that could result in redness.

Q. Are there any hypoallergenic gentle skin cleansers specifically formulated for mature skin?

A. There are a few on the market. However, these cleansers can be used on all skin types, and that includes mature skin. If you’d like one with a more focused formula, you’ll need to examine the labels for specific ingredients. Those that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and biotin, for example, are ideal.

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