When it comes to the cooler months, switching up your skin care products can make a big difference. And as the first step of your routine, browsing the best cream cleansers for dry skin is a good place to start.
Cream cleansers are excellent for removing dirt and impurities while keeping the skin comfortable. Hate getting that tight feeling after washing your face? A cream cleanser should stop that.
Along with their creamy texture, they typically feature hydrating and gentle cleansing ingredients. And even though they’re often labelled as the best type of cleanser for dry skin, they can be of benefit for anyone experiencing irritation or sensitivity too, or as a second cleanse after wearing heavy makeup.
Sound like something you need? Here are some of the top picks, as reviewed by our members.
The best cream cleansers for dry skin
Sukin Naturals Cream Cleanser
We say: With a 4.3/5 star rating from over 100 reviews, this is by far one of the most popular cream cleansers on beautyheaven. The lotion-like texture is very gentle on the skin but can be used to remove light makeup.
You say: “I have been using this cream cleanser for years and just love it. It’s natural ingredients, has a beautiful fragrance and leaves my skin feeling cleansed, hydrated and smooth. It doesn’t dry out my skin and a little bit goes a long way. I prefer the pump action bottles as you can easily dispense the cleanser and to the amount that you want and need. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of this cleanser.” – Kooshi
$11.99 at Priceline
Read more Sukin Naturals Cream Cleanser reviews
Trilogy Rosehip Cream Cleanser
We say: Evening primrose, jojoba, carrot and almond oils join Trilogy’s signature rosehip oil for a super nourishing cleanser formula.
You say: “This cleanser is lightly scented and creamy and gives a nice foam without being messy so nice and easy to use. I have sensitive skin and this is gentle and leaves my face feeling clean and soft. I use it with my battery cleansing brush and I can see from my brush that it removes all the grime and makeup from the day.” -JuJu47
$22.95 (100ml) at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Trilogy Rosehip Cream Cleanser reviews
A’kin Nourishing Cream Cleanser & Toner
We say: No time to cleanse and tone? Think again. This cream cleanser provides two steps in one and is still gentle enough for sensitive skin and eye makeup removal.
You say: “I’ve been using this combined cleanser/toner for over a year now, I love it! As a busy mum of 3 little ones, having a product that does double-duty is a massive help for me with my skincare routine. This cleanser/toner is thick and creamy, and is perfect for my combination skin, leaving it soft and nourished.” -Stakky32
$20.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more A’kin Nourishing Cream Cleanser & Toner reviews
Andalou Meyer Lemon + C Creamy Cleanser
We say: Dealing with skin that’s dull as well as dry? Add some zing to your cleansing routine with this vitamin C and antioxidant-rich formula.
You say: “I use this cleanser in the mornings due to its refreshing citrus scent. Really helps wake me up. It feels gentle and smooth on the skin and leaves my skin feeling cool and refreshed while keeping my skin feeling soft and hydrated.”
$19.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Andalou Meyer Lemon + C Creamy Cleanser reviews
Dr LeWinn’s Private Formula Gentle Cream Cleanser
We say: You won’t experience much lather with this soap-free formula but its super hydrating blend of vitamin A, apricot and avocado oils can’t be beat.
You say: “This cleanser is great because it does not cause my skin to feel dry after, cleansing, especially because I naturally have a dry skin type. It is a runny liquid that does not lather, I just massage and then rinse. This cleanser is good for use when I am not wearing makeup and just want to cleanse before my nighttime routine.” -GeeJ
$24.95 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Dr LeWinn’s Private Formula Gentle Cream Cleanser
The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser
We say: Luxurious yet light on the skin, this refreshing cleanser is perfect for those who like to use a cream formula year-round.
You say: “I find a lot of cream cleansers heavy – even for my very dry skin. This one is nice and light and leaves my skin feeling refreshed. I’m unlikely to use it in the summer or when I have a full face of makeup but it does a beautiful job on light makeup or as a morning cleanser.” – Steph Speth
$19 at thebodyshop.com
Read more The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser reviews
Ella Baché Rinse-Off Cleansing Cream
We say: Get that facial feeling at home with this non-greasy cream cleanser. Its a very soothing formula that’s ideal for those who experience redness.
You say: “I love this cleanser, it leaves my skin feeling nourished and balanced. I have sensitive skin so I like the fact that is doesn’t foam up as products like that usually irritate my skin and cause redness for me. This cleanser is calming and it leaves my skin feeling soft to the touch.” – Beautybabe140194
$70 at Adore Beauty
Read more Ella Baché Rinse-Off Cleansing Cream reviews
Keep It Simple Skin Whipped Clean
We say: Choose your cleansing experience based on how your skin is feeling with this powder-to-cream cleanser and exfoliator. Add a little water to form a gentle exfoliating paste or more for a creamy cleansing lather.
You say: “Use a 10 cent piece and mix with a little water, and it will foam up and be a lovely cleanser, that cleanses well, and leaves the skin feeling clean, soft and so hydrated, not dry at all. Use a little more product, and a little water, the paste will be thicker and creamier, and this is the exfoliator. It’s really gentle and soothing too, as well as satisfying as an exfoliator. I absolutely love it. It’s a new way to cleanse, and I can’t wait to try the other products in the range.” -Shop A Everyday
$49 at Priceline
Read more Keep It Simple Skin Whipped Clean reviews
Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk
We say: This creamy cleansing lotion is enriched with organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm to comfort the skin while it removes makeup and pollution.
You say: “This is a great cream cleanser that gets rid of the oil and sweat residue from my face from the day, without pulling and drying the skin out. I love using it in the mornings when I’ve to get up at 6 and be ready for a long day at college. I really don’t love using it to remove makeup once I’m home, but I find it really helps with gradually reducing my lumpy young skin texture.” – Lil_lou
$46 at Myer
Read more Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk reviews
John Plunkett’s SuperLift Super Fresh Cleanser
We say: With the gentlest formulation of all cleanser forms, cream cleansers are a must-have in the sensitive-skinned arsenal. This lightweight cleanser won’t lather up into a stream of bubbles that inevitably runs down your arms more than across your face. It works to gently buff away impurities and remove makeup, while still ensuring your skin is left with its needed natural moisturising oils.
You say: “This is a lovely cream cleanser. It’s fragrance free so would be great for those with sensitive skin. It doesn’t lather but still gives a great cleanse. I love that it’s a no tear formula so when I use it to remove my mascara it doesn’t sting if it happens to get into my eyes. It’s actually a really good make-up remover too. It also contains lLactic acid which exfoliates the skin. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated. No stripped. It’s very moisturising for a cleanser. Glad I tried this. Will buy this again” – Izzy09
Want to read more? Read John Plunkett’s SuperLift Super Fresh Cleanser Reviews here…
$13.95 at Plunkett’s
Dr Tanya Miracle Cream Cleanser
We say: This cleanser is here to disrupt the anti-aging cleansing routine. With an ultra-gentle cream consistency, it’s packed full of highly effective ingredients in the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory plight. Not to mention the ultra-luxe liquid utilises a mix of vitamins and botanicals to ensure that your complexion has never looked better.
Want to read more? Read Dr Tanya Miracle Cream Cleanser Reviews here…
$59.95 at Dr Tanya
Have you ever used a cream cleanser? Or tried any of the ones above?
I don’t like cream cleansers. Foaming cleansers are suited better to my combination skin.
I love cream cleansers and I am actually using the Dr LeWinns one at the moment which is lovely.
I use the Dr Lewinns cleanser in the winter, my skin gets so dry in the cold weather it just can’t handle anything else.
Wouldn’t mind trying that.
I love Sukin. It’s very affordable (often half price) and works really well.
Good to know!
Definitely need to try some of these great cleansers that are in this Article.
I’ve only tried the Sukin one and it works well. Definitely prefer a cream cleanser over a foaming cleanser, they leave my skin feeling softer and not dry. Some of these are a bit pricey considering they are on your skin for around 30 to 60 seconds.
I don’t use cream cleansers because of my skin type but I have tried them before
These sound great! The QV Gentle face cleanser comes in a huge container with a pump top and it’s great for times when I need a super simple and super gentle formula.
Yes, I’m a huge fan of QV Gentle Cleanser! Discovered it here on BH!
Actually I’ve used this and it is really nourishing and good to use on my skin.
Totally agree with you!
I am not a huge fan of cream cleansers – I find a wash off cleanser makes my skin feel cleaner and fresher.
I’ve never tried any of these cleansers. The Dr. LeWinns I wouldn’t mind trying
Cream cleansers are my favourite. Clarins discontinued my favourite, so maybe I’ll try the Clarins one listed here.
Love oil cleansers, balms as well to melt dirt. Then acid gel cleansers. Milk ones do nothing for me.
I use plain grapeseed oil as my oil cleanser- my skin loves it!
The Sukin one is amazing.
Lovely products and fantastic ones to try, thanks bh! a great read.
i wish cream worked for me but they dont
I’ve used a sukin one and a lovely Swisse almond cream cleanser, not sure you can still buy it anymore. I like using cream cleansers in winter.
Cream cleansers aren’t for me. I’ve tried a few though.
I regularly use cream cleansers, it works well for my aging dry mature skin. I’m currently using the Sukin one.
I love LRP Toleriane!
Some amazing options in there! Cream cleansers feel so luxurious.
I have used cream cleansers in the past, but I’ve switched to gel cleansers, I prefer the deep cleanse I get from them
I never used to like cream cleansers, but they work best with my Dermasonic+ Cleansing Device. I use the Sukin one.
I have repurchased Trilogy’s cream cleanser a couple of times, but now really love The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser.
I’ve used the Dr LeWinn’s cream cleanser but none of the other mentioned ones.
A whole bunch of reliable brands there – it’s Trilogy for me at the moment.
Beautiful cleansers, and love seeing my name and review up
I tried that Akin one years ago and I remember it becuase it was really good! Being a cleanser and toner in one I remember how it left my skin really toned looking. Not sure how it would be on my skin nowadays as my skin seems to have changed from oily combo to normal combo….. I need to go update my account details regarding this…
I prefer cream cleansers, they feel nice to apply.
I haven’t had much experience using cream cleansers, often opting for those that foam up a bit more. But I may be more tempted to try now.
Lots of good affordable options there.
I don’t think I’ve used a cream cleanser before.
I wash my face with a foaming cleanser in the morning and a cream cleanser in the evening to take my makeup off.
I prefer oil cleansers
Ella Bache cream cleanser is amazing… CeraVe and Qv Gentle Cleanser as cheaper alternatives.
I have not tried any of them.
Cream cleansers i feel are quite gentle on the skin.. so i love em. But sometimes some cream cleansers don’t clean very well you just need to find the right one
I find many foaming cleansers drying so prefer cream cleansers.
Foam cleansers can leave skin parched so I prefer cream cleansers.
I use Clinique’s Redness Solutions cream cleanser and I love it.