A few years ago, I wrote about the best cleansers for sensitive skin*, and while I still stand by those choices, the skincare world has since expanded with even more great options.
As I mentioned back then, switching products when you have found something that works can be nerve-wracking—so I did the heavy lifting for you! I tested each of these cleansers by using the entire bottle to see if any issues would arise over time. I even discovered a Canadian brand that performed exceptionally well.
One caveat: I always remove my makeup before washing my face—I’ve yet to find a cleanser that removes every trace of makeup while also properly cleansing the skin.
One tip: If you have sensitive skin, always do a patch test when trying new face cleansers to see how your skin reacts.
Here are five more cleansers for sensitive skin that deserve a spot on your shelf:
BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser – Shoppers Drug Mart – $17.99
BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser was a pleasant surprise! The K-beauty cleanser contains a tri-ceramide complex, licorice root and green tea. It is also part of the Thoughtful Choices at Shoppers Drug Mart lineup which to remind you means:
- No animal testing
- Formulated without the following Parabens, Phthalates, SLS, SLES, Triclosan, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Releasing Agents, Hydroquinone
It is also recyclable and refillable. All of this is nice to know, but the question is how does it perform? It is a solid cleanser. The fragrance-free formula begins as a gel and then foams up. I have combination skin with dry cheeks and a more oily T-zone. This cleaned my skin without it feeling tight or dry, there was no irritation and it did not burn my eyes. The cleanser also has a pump that is easy to use and doesn’t dispense too much product. What makes it affordable is not just the $17.99 price tag, each bottle lasts for months. It is definitely a winner.
Buy NowElizabeth Arden White Tea Skin Solutions Gentle Purifying Cleanser – Shoppers Drug Mart – $40.00
Elizabeth Arden White Tea Skin Solutions Gentle Purifying Cleanser is also part of Shoppers Drug Mart’s Thoughtful Choices line up. The hero ingredients are bioengineered EGCG and Myrtle leaf. While pricey for a cleanser, a little goes a long way. One tube lasted for almost six months (one use per day so that I could test another cleanser at the same time). This is also a very good cleanser. Elizabeth Arden is a heritage brand with many great products. This is one of them.
Buy NowVivier HEXAM Gentle Cleanser – VivierSkin.ca – $60.00
Vivier is a proudly Canadian pharmaceutical grade skin care brand. You can only buy their products online or at select clinics. The products are expensive, but it is yet another case of a little going a long way. You are also getting high quality ingredients. Vivier’s HEXA Gentle Cleanser is formulated with Hexamidine, an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent. It effectively cleaned my skin without stripping it or causing any reactions. It also comes with airless packaging, which means you use only the product you need. It extends shelf life and locks securely, making it travel-friendly.
Buy NowCeraVe Hydrating Cleanser For Normal to Dry Skin – Shoppers Drug Mart – $6.49
CeraVe is recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association. Their hydrating cleanser contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. I ended up trying this because it is one of the few face cleansers that comes in a travel size. It is my go-to for travel because I can rely on it to clean my sensitive skin, and I can use it as an eye makeup remover if I run out of my cleansing cloths. The full size contains 562ml and retails for $24.99.
Buy NowKylie Skin Makeup Melting Cleanser – Shoppers Drug Mart – Clearance Price $20.50
I may have been a little biased when I was sent Kylie Skin to review. I was wrong. This is a solid cleanser. While it doesn’t completely melt away makeup, it cleanses nicely and didn’t cause any breakouts or rashes. Sadly, it looks like it is being discontinued but it is a good price since it is on clearance at Shoppers Drug Mart. At $41.00, it was too expensive for me to include, but it is worth the clearance price of $20.50.
Buy Now*All cleansers except CeraVe were sent to me for review purposes. Opinions are my own.
