Dermatologists share the best facial cleansers they recommend for aging skin, and explain how the right set of ingredients has the power to replenish moisture, boost collagen, and smooth fine lines.

Can’t seem to escape dry and dull skin textures? Try one of these cleansers instead.

In This Article

In This Article

Although potent serums and in-office treatments may be top of mind when it comes to targeting aging skin, facial cleansers shouldn’t be overlooked. The best facial cleansers for aging skin feature ingredients that help alleviate dryness and boost collagen. And as a regular part of your routine, they’re an easy way to give your skin what it needs.

To narrow down your facial cleanser search, abide by a few expert guidelines. “Cream cleansers, hydrating balms, and oil cleaners are ideal choices, as they effectively cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic. “Look for formulas that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin along with collagen-boosting components like peptides or vitamin C to promote long-term skin health.” Avoid cleansers with physical exfoliants, which Dr. Dendy says “can cause irritation and micro-tears on the skin which can worsen signs of aging.” 

Keep reading for dermatologist-recommended cleansers for aging skin, plus the ingredients people over 40 should look for. 

Our Top Picks Best Overall for Mature Skin: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Treatment Boosting Cleanser at Elizabetharden.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse at Amazon ($29) Jump to Review Best Exfoliating Cleanser: Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: MZ Skin The Calming Cream Cleanser at Net-a-Porter (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Facial Cleanser at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best for Travel: OLAY Cleansing Melts + Vitamin C at Olay.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Post-Procedure Skin: EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Dull Skin: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser at Nordstrom ($46) Jump to Review Best for Dark Spots: Sonäge Hydrating Cleanser at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best for Removing Makeup : ALPHA-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm at Nordstrom ($50) Jump to Review

Best Overall for Mature Skin

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Treatment Boosting Cleanser

View on Elizabetharden.com View on Dillards.com View on Ecosmetics.com

“The Elizabeth Arden Prevage Treatment Boosting Cleanser is a great option for mature skin, specifically formulated to promote anti-aging results,” says Dr. Engelman. It only takes a smudge of this cleanser to envelop the skin with a freshly cleansed glow while hydrating fine lines and prepping your skin for the potent anti-aging products to come. However, if you have rosacea-prone skin, its synthetic wax beads might be irritating.

Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse

$29 at Amazon $27 at Dermstore View on Medik8.com

If you’re acne-prone, try Medik8’s Surface Radiance Cleanse, which features an exfoliating blend of mandelic, lactic, and salicylic acid to unclog pores and even out skin texture. “It’s formulated with key acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and glycerin, as well as gentle exfoliating AHAs and BHAs that work to decongest the skin without drying it out,” explains Dr. Engelman. This facial cleanser has the potency to target blemishes without damaging the skin barrier, thanks to nourishing ingredients like antioxidants and mangosteen peel extract.

Best Exfoliating Cleanser

Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser

$40 at Amazon $40 at Dermstore $40 at Skinstore.com

“As we age, our cell turnover slows down and our skin is more prone to dryness and irritation as it thins,” says board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD. This Epionce gel cleanser “soothes [the skin] as it gently exfoliates and removes oil and makeup,” Dr. Cheung confirms. Menthol brings a tingling sensation on the EpiK complex balances sebum.

Best for Sensitive Skin

MZ Skin The Calming Cream Cleanser

View on Net-a-Porter View on Spacenk.com $75 at Saks Fifth Avenue

My skin is endlessly prone to redness, and this is the one creamy cleanser that visibly soothes it after facial treatments. It leaves my skin so soft that I can easily forget to apply moisturizer. It’s perfect for post-procedure skin, as prebiotic extract fortifies the skin barrier while jojoba and vitamin E oils leave the skin supple and fresh. It's a key ingredient in MZ Skin's calming skin-care range, all formulated to alleviate signs of inflammation, dryness, and aging.

Best for Dry Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Facial Cleanser

$15 at Amazon $12 at Dermstore $19 at Ulta

Rich with ceramide-3 and glycerin, this $18 buy is gentle yet hydrating on experienced skin. This cleanser targets dryness, helping skin build resilience against age-related moisture loss. Luxurious textures do exist on a drugstore scale, and this pick is perfect for a double cleansing routine that won’t strip the skin or leave it tight.

Best for Travel

OLAY Cleansing Melts + Vitamin C

View on Olay.com View on Walmart $10 at Target

OLAY’s Cleansing Melts feel refreshing on the skin, and it only takes one little square activated with water to cleanse away makeup, dirt, and excess oil. This facial cleanser is the legacy brands first cleansing innovation in 20 years, and we chose to highlight the vitamin C variant since Dr. Engelman highlighted it as a collagen-boosting ingredient. When using this cleanser alone, I look forward to the subtle and natural glint it highlights at the top of my cheekbone.

Best for Post-Procedure Skin

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

$20 at Amazon $35 at Dermstore $35 at Skinstore.com

If laser treatments are part of your routine, follow up with gentle beauty products like the Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser. Dr. Cheung says it’s “gentle enough to use after a laser treatment, but is still effective at cleansing.” It clears the skin of pollutants and targets inflammation with bromelain enzymes.

Best for Dull Skin

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

$46 at Nordstrom $46 at Sephora View on Bloomingdales

This Tata Harper cleanser uses BHAs sourced from apricot microspheres to refine the pores, aloe vera to hydrate the skin, and pomegranate enzymes to chemically exfoliate dull skin. It’s free of the harsh ingredients, like alcohols and fragrances, that Dr. Engelman warns against. 

Best for Dark Spots

Sonäge Hydrating Cleanser

$26 at Amazon View on Sonage.com View on Theglowtique.com

This cream cleanser does a miraculous job of helping dry skin feel soft and cushiony. It's powered by sesame seed and wheat germ oils to reduce the appearance of fine lines and acne scars while gently removing even the toughest mascara.

Best for Removing Makeup

ALPHA-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm

$50 at Nordstrom $50 at Dermstore View on Lovelyskin.com

If cleansing balms are integral to your cleansing experience, this ALPHA-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm is a must. It dissolves every trace of makeup and doubles as a hydrating face mask. It's the one cleansing balm I've come to love using. It melts away skin impurities and SPF without leaving a film on the skin. Plus, it's made with anti-inflammatory Australian sandalwood seed oil to support a healthy skin barrier.

Best 2-in-1

Prequel Glycerin Cleanser

View on Prequelskin.com

This cleanser is packed with glycerin, the greatest rival to dry, dehydrated aging skin, plus aloe vera and arginine, for hydration and enhanced elasticity. It’s formulated for both the face and body, supporting the skin barrier from head to toe.

What to Keep in Mind

• Exfoliants: The facial cleansing product category has two major exfoliating themes: physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants. Because cell turnover slows with age, chemical exfoliants are great for sloughing away dead skin cells. “I like cleansers with a mild glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or enzyme to remove dead skin without causing too much dryness or irritation,” confirms Dr. Cheung. It is best to avoid physical exfoliants as the skin thins as it ages and becomes more prone to tears.
• Hydrating Ingredients: “Opt for gentle cleansers with nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts to support the skin's moisture barrier and overall health,” says Dr. Engelman. Hydrating ingredients help skin glow at every age, especially as the skin barrier becomes moisture-deficient. 
• Signs a Facial Cleanser Is Working Against Your Mature Skin: Aggressive facial cleansers can strip the skin’s natural oils, which already decline with age. “If a facial cleanser leaves your skin feeling excessively dry, tight, or irritated, it may not suit your skin type,” advises Dr. Engelman. 

Why Shop With Us

Chelsea Avila is a freelance editorial writer who is passionate about reporting on beauty. Both Dendy Engelman, MD, and Jessie Cheung, MD are board-certified dermatologists with a breadth of knowledge in skin health.