5 Hydrating Cleansers for Dry Sensitive Skin

During the winter it can be difficult to stay hydrated and prevent dry skin, especially when many face washes contain harsh ingredients that deplete moisture and cause discomfort. Applying rich creams or nourishing serum is helpful, but cleansing is crucial for eliminating impurities. If your skin has been flaky, irritated or a little rough this season, I've rounded-up 5 gentle formulas that may help replenish and calm sensitivity.

1. Rodial Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm ($59.00)

I’ve been using Rodial’s makeup and skincare for years and their products never disappoint! This luxurious cleansing balm is enriched with Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil and Rice Germ Oil to soothe, dissolve makeup, remove dirt, minimize fine lines, fade blemishes, reduce inflammation, eliminate sebum and rejuvenate. It also contains diamond powder to brighten and comes with a muslin cloth for exfoliation. The lightweight formula abolishes all traces of full-coverage foundation/concealer and lathers into a milk that rinses clean. (Available at Murale, Shoppers Drug Mart and beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca)

2. Eve Lom Cleanser ($105.00)

This bestselling balm has simplified my skincare routine by combining natural ingredients and powerful cleaners that vanquish waterproof formulas, long-lasting pigments and even stubborn lipstick stains. The botanical scent it quite strong because the balm contains Egyptian Chamomile, Eucalyptus Oil, Clove Oil and Hops Oil to smooth, soften, decongest pores, lift away pollutants and even skin tone without sulfates or phthalates. I love how the rich texture melts in and soothes sensitive skin while gently exfoliating and purifying to help prevent breakouts. (Available at Sephora).

3. Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser ($76.00)

If you’re suffering from parched, blemish prone skin, Pai’s cream cleanser is bursting with Omegas 6 and 9, vitamins and luscious butters that replenish your moisture barrier and balance pH. The cleanser is gentle on delicate skin and can be used around the eyes to remove stubborn mascara, liner and eye shadow with no stinging, irritation or greasiness. It also comes with a double-textured muslin cloth - one side for exfoliation and the other for sensitive areas. After a long day at work this cleanser quickly emulsifies makeup leaving my skin supple and silky. (Available at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca)

4. L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime Petal Cleansing Oil ($19.50)

If you look closely you will see that L’Occitane’s Oil Cleanser has real peony petals floating around in the velvety liquid. The hydrating formula glides across the skin to refresh and soften while obliterating makeup and dirt without clogging pores. The calming blend leaves skin revitalized, moisturized and glowing! (Available at L’Occitane boutiques and ca.loccitane.com)

5. Pixi Beauty Double Cleanse ($34.00)

If you aren’t double cleansing yet you should start immediately! Rinsing with face wash alone or using a makeup wipe is not enough to remove all the gunk that builds up in your pores throughout the day. Think about it this way – the initial cleanse removes most of the surface stuff and helps break down the oily layer that prevents cleanser from penetrating. Once that barrier has been dissolved, dirt, makeup and sunscreen can be effectively eliminated. Pixi’s Double Cleanse comes with a solid oil and a lightweight cream infused with vitamins and healing emollients that protect and alleviate discomfort caused by dryness. (Available at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca).