Gentle cleanser
A mild, fragrance-free face and body wash that cleans without stripping the skin. Often labeled soap-free, hydrating, or for sensitive skin.
Why it helps
Harsh soaps remove natural skin oils and can leave skin tight, dry, and irritated. A mild cleanser removes dirt, sweat, and sunscreen while helping protect the skin barrier, which keeps other products working better.
Look for
- Fragrance-free and dye-free
- Labeled soap-free, gentle, or for sensitive skin
- Creamy or lotion-like texture for dry skin
- Gel or foaming but mild formula for oily skin
- Alcohol-free
Avoid
- Bar soaps and strongly foaming washes that leave skin squeaky
- Scrubs, rough washcloths, and cleansing brushes
- Heavy scents and essential oils
Caution
Use lukewarm water and pat dry, because very hot water and rubbing hurt the skin barrier more than most cleansers do.
Sources
Products
- Dr. Haque recommends
Aveeno
Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Price: low price · For body
A fragrance-free liquid body wash made with oat, for sensitive and dry skin.
Dr. Haque's note
Excellent gentle cleanser especially for sensitive skin.
- Fragrance free
- Soap free
- Dye free
- Paraben free
- For sensitive skin (brand)
- Dr. Haque recommends
Cetaphil
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Price: medium price · Face and body
A mild, soap-free wash for the face and body for normal to dry, sensitive skin.
Dr. Haque's note
Works well as an acne wash for sensitive skin and also for eczema with dry skin. Especially in winter.
- Fragrance free
- Soap free
- Dye free
- Paraben free
- For sensitive skin (brand)
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Price: medium price · For face
A creamy, rinse-off face wash for normal to dry skin that contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
- NEA Seal
- Ceramides
Vanicream
Gentle Facial Cleanser
Price: medium price · For face
A gentle, rinse-off liquid face wash made without fragrance, dyes, or soap, for dry and sensitive skin.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Soap free
- Dye free
- Sulfate free
Vanicream
Gentle Body Wash
Price: medium price · For body
A gentle liquid wash for the hands and body made without fragrance, dyes, or soap.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Soap free
- Sulfate free
- Dye free
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
Price: medium price · For face
A creamy face wash for normal to dry, sensitive skin that contains ceramide and glycerin.
- Fragrance free
- Soap free
- Sulfate free
- Ceramides
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Pacifica
Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash
Price: medium price · For face
A light-foaming liquid face wash made with plant-based ceramides, marshmallow root and calendula, for sensitive skin.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Sulfate free
- Ceramides
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Weleda
2in1 Gentle Shampoo + Body Wash - Calendula
Price: medium price · For body
A gentle liquid wash for hair and body made with calendula, sweet almond oil and plant-based cleansers.
- Labeled natural
- Vegan
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Puracy
Natural Body Wash
Price: medium price · For body
A plant-based liquid body wash with coconut-derived cleansers, made for sensitive skin and sold in scented versions.
- Sulfate free
- Dye free
- Paraben free
- Vegan
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Acure
Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream
Price: medium price · For face
A creamy face wash made with peony extract and sunflower amino acids for dry, sensitive skin.
- Sulfate free
- Paraben free
- Vegan
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Burt's Bees
Sensitive Solutions Gentle Cream Cleanser
For face
A cream face cleanser from the Burt's Bees Sensitive Solutions line.
View product Sensitive Solutions Gentle Cream Cleanser (opens in a new tab)Tom's of Maine
Fragrance Free Sensitive Skin Natural Beauty Bar Soap
Price: low price · For body
A fragrance-free bar soap for sensitive skin that the brand calls a natural beauty bar.
- Labeled natural
- Fragrance free
- Paraben free
- Vegan
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Dr. Bronner's
Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Price: medium price · Face and body
An unscented liquid castile soap with organic oils, made for body, hands and face.
- Fragrance free
- For sensitive skin (brand)
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.