We've Rounded Up the 7 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin in NZ
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Cleansing your complexion is a vital part of any skincare routine. But traditional cleansing agents can be harsh.
If you have reactive skin already, abrasive cleansers can lead to irritation and sensitivity. Therefore, choosing a mild cleanser for sensitive skin is a must.
Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or normal skin, we’ve rounded up the top cleansers for sensitive skin.
Watch the video below as Jo takes us through all the different types of cleansers for each skin type, and answers frequently asked questions about cleansing...
How To Choose a Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Cleansers that strip your natural moisture barrier can leave your skin vulnerable to flare-ups. So, when choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin, you want to pick mild, nourishing options.
First, avoid any ingredients that you’ve previously reacted to, as it’s likely that they’ll cause reactions again. You’ll then want to choose a cleanser suitable for sensitive skin.
Don’t worry: we’ve made that easy by curating our top 10 best cleansers for you!
If you’re sensitive, always patch-test your new cleanser 48 hours before using it. And always follow with a moisturiser to lock in hydration and keep your skin protected.
Find out more about selecting a moisturiser by reading What's the Best Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin?
Discover more about building your skincare collection for sensitive skin in our guides The Best Alcohol-Free Skincare for Every Skin Type and How to Choose Skincare That's Less Irritating to Sensitive Skin.
Learn about adapting your beauty routine in Can I Wear Makeup If I Have Sensitive Skin?
The 7 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin in NZ
This Clinique cleanser for sensitive skin can be used in your morning and evening skincare routine. Simply lather between wet palms and massage over your skin after makeup removal. Rinse thoroughly for a fresh finish.
The best cleanser for dry and sensitive skin is intensely nourishing Clinique Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam. This cleanser has been specially formulated for dry and very dry complexions that are prone to sensitivity. A velvet-soft mousse formula, this hydrating cleanser removes impurities without causing irritation, tightness, or dryness.
This non-rinse cleanser for sensitive skin can be used morning and evening to both remove makeup and cleanse the skin. Simply soak a cotton wool pad with the solution and carefully wipe your face and eyelids.
For a quick yet effective way to remove even the most stubborn makeup, reach for Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Solution Micellaire Cleanser. The mild cleansing water is perfect for sensitive skin, as it promotes hydration and works to restore moisture within the skin. This daily cleanser removes makeup, oil, and impurities to leave skin fresh and free from irritation.
The Best Foam Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
If you want a satisfying foaming cleanser but find traditional options too harsh, Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser skin is the perfect solution. You’ll get a thorough cleanse that removes even the most stubborn of makeup, sunscreen, oil, and harmful bacteria. This clever face wash offers a nourishing foaming action without causing irritation and redness.
This Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser is infused with Aloe Vera and Calendula. These ingredients work together to hydrate the skin and soothe sensitivity while locking in moisture from morning to night. Gentle Foaming Cleanser can be applied as part of your morning and evening routine. Simply squeeze a small amount onto moist palms to lather, and apply to your face and neck. Rinse with cool water in the morning for a wake-up call, and relaxing warm water in the evening.
The Best Gentle Cream Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser can be used daily for glowing results. Cleanse for 60 seconds. Then rinse thoroughly.
Cream cleansers are perfect for dry and sensitive skin. Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser is a clever cream formula that clears up troublesome complexions without causing the redness and irritation commonly associated with exfoliation. Instead, this cream cleanser leaves even sensitive skin purified, hydrated, and plumped. Gentle Cream cleanser uses natural Olive Leaf Extract, Yarrow Extract, and Red Seaweed Extract to prevent irritation, tightness, and dryness.
The Best Alcohol-Free Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
To cleanse your skin with this micellar water, soak a cotton pad with the solution and massage across your face, including the eyelids. For stubborn makeup, hold the cotton pad against the area to break down the product; then, go over the area again with a wiping motion. This cleansing water by the skincare experts at Biodermacan be used twice a day as part of your skincare routine.
Reducing the number of products you use is a good strategy for managing sensitive skin. Sensibio H2O Solution Micellaire Cleanse is a gentle, 3-in-1 makeup remover, toner, and cleanser that’s perfect for sensitive skin. Using water-soluble micelles, this powerful cleanser removes excess oil, impurities, and makeup to reveal a brighter and clearer complexion that’s free from irritation and dryness. Known as one of the best gentle cleansers for sensitive skin, a bottle of Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution is sold every 6 seconds around the world.
The Best Cleanser for Oily Sensitive Skin
For best results, use this foaming cleanser morning and night. Simply apply the foam to your whole face, gently massage into the skin, and then rinse.
Although many sensitive complexions become prone to dryness, some reactive skin can remain oily. However, facial cleansers designed for oily skin can be some of the harshest skincare products out there. Even if you’re a bit oily, it’s still important that you choose a mild solution for sensitive skin. La Roche-Posay Physiological Foaming Water is a soap-free formula that effortlessly removes excess oil, makeup, and impurities without overloading or drying the skin.
We recommend using PCA Skin Facial Wash in the morning and evening. Simply apply a coin-sized amount to damp skin, massaging without pressure into a low foam. Pay special attention to the T-zone area. Then rinse off.
Decongest your complexion without causing irritation by adding PCA Skin Facial Wash to your morning and evening skincare routine. This mild daily cleanser removes unwanted makeup, oil, and impurities. Containing Lactic Acid to boost skin cell renewal and Aloe Vera Leaf Juice to comfort sensitive skin, this is the perfect face wash for skin that’s both acne-prone and sensitive.
Which Ingredients to Avoid in Cleansers for Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin can be prone to dryness, especially during a flare-up. The stronger the cleanser, the harsher the cleansing agent and the more drying the product is. Try and avoid
- Cleansers formulated to eliminate acne and excess oil
- Drying ingredients to avoid include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which are commonly found in foaming cleansers.
You’ll also want to avoid cleansers that contain high concentrations of Glycolic Acid or Salicylic Acid, as these exfoliants can irritate reactive skin types.
Looking to discover more amazing ways to cleanse your face and makeup tools? Check out some of our guides...
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