11 Best Facial Cleansers for Aging Skin

“Elizabeth Arden Prevage Treatment Boosting Cleanser is a great choice for mature skin, specifically formulated to promote anti-aging benefits,” says Dr. Engelman. Just a dab of this cleanser envelopes skin in a freshly washed glow, hydrates fine lines, and primes skin for stronger anti-aging products. However, if you have rosacea-prone skin, the synthetic wax beads may be irritating.

If you’re prone to acne, try Medic8’s Surface Radiance Cleanse, which features an exfoliating blend of mandelic, lactic, and salicylic acids to unclog pores and refine skin texture. “It’s packed with key acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and glycerin, along with gentle exfoliating AHAs and BHAs that unclog skin without drying it out,” explains Dr. Engelman. This cleanser works to target blemishes without damaging the skin’s barrier, thanks to nourishing ingredients like antioxidants and mangosteen peel extract.

“As we age, cell turnover slows and skin becomes thinner and more prone to dryness and irritation,” says board-certified dermatologist Jesse Chan, M.D. This gel cleanser from Epionce: [the skin] “It gently exfoliates and removes oil and makeup,” says Dr. Chang. The menthol gives the skin a tingling sensation, while the EpiK complex helps balance sebum.

My skin tends to get red all the time and this is the only creamy cleanser I’ve found that soothes my skin after facial treatments. It leaves my skin feeling soft so I often forget to apply moisturizer. Perfect for post-treatment skin as the prebiotic extracts strengthen the skin’s barrier while Jojoba and Vitamin E oils leave skin supple and fresh. A key ingredient in MZ Skin’s soothing skincare range, it is formulated to relieve inflammation, dryness and signs of ageing.

Packed with ceramide 3 and glycerin, this $18 product is gentle yet hydrating. The cleanser targets dryness and helps skin better fight moisture loss caused by aging. Available in a luxurious texture from the drugstore, this product is perfect for a double-cleansing routine without drying or tightening skin.

OLAY’s Cleansing Melt leaves skin feeling refreshed, washing away makeup, dirt, and excess oil in one tiny, water-activated drop. This cleanser is the long-established brand’s first cleanser in 20 years. We decided to focus on Vitamin C varieties, as Dr. Engelman has focused on Vitamin C as a collagen-boosting ingredient. When using this cleanser on its own, you’ll enjoy the subtle, natural glow that appears on the tops of your cheekbones.

If laser treatments are part of your routine, use a gentle beauty product like Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser. “It’s gentle enough to use after laser treatments, but still has great cleansing properties,” says Dr. Cheung. The product helps remove pollutants from the skin and reduces inflammation with the enzyme bromelain.

This Tata Harper cleanser contains BHA from apricot microspheres to tighten pores, aloe vera to hydrate skin, and pomegranate enzymes to chemically exfoliate dull skin—all without the harsh ingredients Dr. Engelman warns against, like alcohol and fragrance.

This cream cleanser is fantastic for leaving dry skin feeling soft and cushioned, and is infused with Sesame Seed Oil and Wheat Germ Oil to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and acne scars whilst gently removing even the most stubborn mascara.

If a cleansing balm is an essential part of your cleansing experience, then this ALPHA-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm is a must-have. It removes all traces of makeup and doubles as a moisturizing face mask. This is my favorite cleansing balm. It melts away impurities and sunscreen without leaving a film on your skin. Plus, it’s made with anti-inflammatory Australian Sandalwood Seed Oil to support a healthy skin barrier.

This cleanser is packed with glycerin, your biggest enemy against dry, dehydrated, aging skin, plus aloe vera and arginine to boost moisture and elasticity. Formulated for use on both the face and body, it supports the skin’s barrier function from head to toe.