Dermo cleansers: gentle face wash for sensitive skin
Cleansing is the step in your routine that most often upsets sensitive skin. Harsh surfactants, high pH and hot water can strip the skin barrier and leave your face feeling tight, dry or red within minutes. Dermo cleansers are designed to do the opposite. They remove makeup, sunscreen, sebum and pollution with mild cleansing agents and a skin-friendly pH, and they're often free from added fragrance, soap and alcohol. The result is skin that feels clean and comfortable, never squeaky or stripped.
In this collection you'll find pharmacy cleansers from the brands dermatologists and pharmacists recommend every day: Bioderma, La Roche-Posay, Avène, Uriage, Vichy, Eucerin, SVR, A-Derma and Isdin. Whether you're looking for a micellar water for sensitive skin, a gentle foaming gel for oily and blemish-prone skin, or a creamy cleanser for very dry skin, there's a formula here to suit you. It's all part of our wider dermocosmetics range.
Micellar water, cleansing gel or cream wash? How to choose
Micellar water for sensitive skin
Micellar water is the original French pharmacy cleanser, and it remains one of the best-selling skincare products in Europe. Tiny micelles attract and lift away makeup, oil and impurities without rubbing, so it's ideal for reactive and intolerant skin, for removing eye makeup and for days when your skin needs a break. Iconic formulas include Bioderma Sensibio H2O, the micellar water many makeup artists keep in their kit, along with micellar waters from La Roche-Posay, Avène, Uriage and Vichy. Most are no-rinse, which makes them perfect for travel, gym bags and late nights. Browse every brand in our micellar water edit.
Cleansing gel and foam for oily and blemish-prone skin
If your skin gets shiny during the day or you're prone to blackheads and breakouts, a purifying cleansing gel is usually the best choice. Look for non-comedogenic formulas with gentle purifying ingredients such as zinc, salicylic acid or niacinamide. Pharmacy ranges like La Roche-Posay Effaclar, Avène Cleanance, Bioderma Sébium, Vichy Normaderm, Eucerin DermoPure and SVR Sebiaclear are developed specifically for combination and blemish-prone skin. They cleanse thoroughly without the over-drying effect that can trigger even more oil. Pair your gel with a niacinamide or salicylic acid serum from dermo serums and a lightweight gel cream from dermo moisturizers.
Cream cleansers and cleansing milks for dry and mature skin
Dry, dehydrated and mature skin often feels best with a cream wash, cleansing milk or cleansing oil. These textures cleanse while leaving a comforting layer of lipids behind, so skin feels soft rather than tight. Hydrating cleansers from ranges such as La Roche-Posay Toleriane, Avène Tolérance, Uriage Xémose and A-Derma Exomega are a good starting point if your skin feels rough, flaky or uncomfortable after washing. If you're also targeting fine lines, follow with a serum or night cream from dermo anti-aging.
Key ingredients to look for in a gentle cleanser
- Thermal spring water (Avène, La Roche-Posay, Uriage, Vichy) to soothe and calm reactive skin.
- Glycerin and ceramides to help protect the skin barrier while you cleanse.
- Niacinamide to help balance oily and blemish-prone skin.
- Zinc and salicylic acid to help purify pores in combination skin.
- Fragrance-free, soap-free and alcohol-free formulas for the most sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
How to cleanse sensitive skin the right way
- Use lukewarm water, never hot. Heat can increase redness and dryness.
- Massage gently for 30–60 seconds. There's no need to scrub.
- Pat dry with a soft, clean towel instead of rubbing.
- Apply your serum or moisturiser while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.
- Double cleanse in the evening if you wear SPF or makeup: start with micellar water or a cleansing oil, then follow with a gel or cream wash.
Build your complete dermo routine
A gentle cleanser works best as part of a simple, consistent routine:
- Cleanse: morning and evening with a formula from this collection.
- Treat: with a targeted serum from dermo serums, such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for blemishes or vitamin C for radiance.
- Moisturise: with a cream that matches your skin type from dermo moisturizers.
- Protect: every morning with a high-protection SPF from dermo sunscreen.
Don't forget the rest of your body. Soap-free shower oils and body washes for dry and itchy skin are waiting in dermo bodycare, and gentle baby washes and cleansing waters are in dermo baby & kids. Is your scalp sensitive too? Explore gentle pharmacy shampoos in dermo hair & scalp.
Looking for something for a specific skin need? Explore our edits for sensitive skin, acne and blemishes, redness and dry skin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cleanser for sensitive skin?
For very sensitive or reactive skin, a fragrance-free micellar water or a soap-free cream cleanser is usually the gentlest option. Pharmacy brands such as Bioderma, Avène and La Roche-Posay design their sensitive-skin cleansers with short ingredient lists and tolerance testing.
Do I need to rinse off micellar water?
Most micellar waters are no-rinse. If your skin is very sensitive or you're prone to breakouts, a quick splash of water afterwards can add extra comfort.
How often should I wash my face?
Morning and evening suits most skin types. If your skin is very dry, splashing your face with water or using micellar water in the morning can be enough.
Can I use micellar water to remove eye makeup?
Yes. Hold a soaked cotton pad over your eyes for a few seconds, then gently wipe away. For waterproof mascara, choose a biphasic (two-phase) makeup remover from our makeup removers.
Do I need a cleanser if I wear sunscreen every day?
Yes. Modern water-resistant sunscreens are designed to stay put, so an evening cleanse, ideally a double cleanse, helps keep pores clear. Find your daily SPF in dermo sunscreen.
Are dermo cleansers suitable for men?
Absolutely. Skin doesn't know your gender. Gentle cleansers are just as effective for men's skin, and especially helpful after shaving.
Want to save on your favourite pharmacy cleansers? Many are available as dermo testers: the same original formula at a lower price.
