(Credit: @selenagomez via Instagram)
Cleansing is an essential part of our skincare routine. However, it’s easy to be put off by that taut, uncomfortable feeling post-cleanse.
If you’re reading this and can relate to the feeling, chances are you probably have dry or normal-to-dry skin and using a moisture-boosting cleanser is the best chance to inject some much-needed hydration into your skin.
The simple cleanser is an essential part of our routine. In fact, it’s recommended we double cleanse, stripping your skin of the grime and dirt built up over the day. The only problem? This can also strip our skin of moisture and nourishment our skin needs.
In order to prevent over-drying your skin while you cleanse, look for formulas that are specially made for dry to normal skin types.
The best cleansers to look out for are:
- Cream cleansers (or milks) have thicker textures that include deep-nourishing ingredients, which will cleanse while moisturising.
- Balms use oils and emollients (moisturising ingredients) to remove built-up grime over the day while keeping skin hydrated.
- Oil cleansers are the ideal cleanser for those with dry skin as they lift oily substances and remove dead skin and makeup while protecting the natural ‘lipid’ layer of skin and keeping it moisturised.
We’re taking a look at some of our favourite cleansers on the market for dry and normal skin to help you on your cleansing journey.
2025’s TOP HYDRATING CLEANSERS
- Is Clinical Cleansing Complex, $70.82 (usually $80), Amazon (here’s why)
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil, $32.49 (usually $35), Amazon (here’s why)
- No. Four The Cleanser, $80, Rationale (here’s why)
The best hydrating cleansers for normal to dry skin in 2025
01
Is Clinical Cleansing Complex
$70.82 (usually $80) at Amazon
A fan favourite of WHO and beauty editors, the Is Clincal Cleansing Complex has been described to “clear adult acne”, which makes this cleanser an obvious winner. Tapping into the hero ingredients of any good cleanser – Centella and White Willow Bark Extract, this one gently exfoliates the skin without stripping it of natural oils.
Key features:
- Bottle capacity 180ml
- Benefits: Deep-cleanses without drying the skin, smooths and softens
- Paraben-free
02
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
$32.49 (usually $35) at Amazon
Made with a blend of Centella Oil from Madagascar and six different plant-based oils, the Centella Light Cleansing Oil melts away makeup all while purifying the skin from the day’s pollution.
Key features:
- Bottle capacity: 200ml
- Benefits: removes makeup effortlessly, prevents skin irritation and purifies pores
Also available at:
- $20.25 (usually $33.90) from Beauty Amora
- $42 from Myer
03
No. Four The Cleanser
$80 at Rationale
Australian skincare brand, Rationale was pioneered on the founders’ understanding of skin anatomy and physiology. Using sweet orange extract to fortify the skin’s integrity, intercellular lipids to support the skin barrier, multi-vitamin complexes and ceramides to promote hydration and a smooth complexion, No. Four was designed with dry skin in mind.
Key features:
- Bottle capacity: 100ml
- Benefits: gently cleanses, nourishes and amplifies suppleness
- Key ingredient complexes include ceramides, multi-vitamin complex, intercellular lipids and sweet orange extract
04
Alpha H Balancing Cleanser
$56.95 at Adore Beauty
Infused with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, the Balancing Cleanser works to support the skin’s natural pH balance, preparing it for optimal ingredient absorption.
Key features:
- Bottle capacity: 185ml
- Creamy, non-foaming cleanser
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
- Benefits: Removes makeup and SPF. gently fragrant formula and non-greasy
05
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$32.95 at Adore Beauty
Known and loved by sensitive skin girlies, the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser from La Roche-Posay gently cleanses the skip without leaving that tight and dry feeling.
Key features:
- Bottle capacity: 200ml
- Gently cleanses without over-drying
- Fresh, milky texture gives soothing feel
- Moisturizes and calms sensitive skin
Also available at:
- $19.77 (usually $32.95) from Priceline
- $32.95 from La Roche-Posay
06
Banila Co Clean It Zero Nourishing Cleansing Balm
$36 at Adore Beauty
A Korean skincare favourite, this balm is designed to leave skin hydrated and cleansed. Apply it to dry skin and massage well to remove makeup and daily dirt, adding a splash of water to help emulsify the formula before rinsing thoroughly.
Key features:
- Bottle capacity: 100ml
- Benefits: Non-stripping formula
- Recommended for dry skin
- Fragrance, sulphate, mineral oil and paraben free
Also available at:
- $21.35 from Beauty Amora
- $10 (usually $36) from Priceline
07
Inika Organic Phytofuse Renew Cream Cleanser
$17.99 at Adore Beauty
A simple cleanser that does it all, including removing all of your makeup without disrupting the skin barrier with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine.
Key features:
- Bottle capacity: 473ml
- Free from artificial fragrance, sulphates, alcohol and parabens
- Suitable for both face and body
- Gentle on sensitive skin types
Also available at:
- $14.39 (usually $17.99) from Priceline
- $14.39 (usually $17.99) from Chemist Warehouse
08
Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser
$34 at Paula’s Choice
This cleanser is super gentle but effective. The creamy formula removes makeup and dirt, leaving skin glowing and dewy.
Key features:
- Bottle capacity: 237ml
- Suitable for very dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin
- Gently cleanses and removes makeup
What type of cleanser is best for dehydrated skin?
Dry and dehydrated skin can benefit from cleansers that promise to add moisture and oil back into the skin.
Dehydrated skin loves milky or cream cleansers that are packed with moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine.
Oil and balm cleansers can also be good for dry skin that is lacking oil. It’s best to avoid harsh or exfoliating products if your skin is suffering from dryness or dehydration.
Is a hydrating cleanser the same as a moisturiser?
Cleansers and moisturisers are two products that can support the skin’s needs – but they are separate steps in a beauty routine. Cleansing is the first thing you should do. It’s important for washing away makeup, SPF and daily dirt build-up.
You might want to try using a balm or cleanser as a first step and following up with a milk, hydrating cleanser to make sure your skin is fully clean.
Moisturisers should be used on clean skin, following any toners, essences or serums to help lock in moisture and boost the skin’s barrier.
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