Dry UK skin plus a foaming gel is how barriers fail. Cream and milk cleansers take makeup off without the squeak. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is the obvious start. The other two links from the original page are supporting textures — a soothing lotion and a repair balm — not a second foaming wash.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Hyaluronic acid and three ceramides. Fragrance-free, non-foaming, the right first cleanse for normal-to-dry skin.
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion
Not a cleanser — the lotion to use after one. Prebiotic oat for skin that still itches once it is clean.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
Soothing balm for irritated, dry patches after cleansing. Panthenol and madecassoside. Use as a spot seal, not a wash.
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How to cleanse without stripping
Skip foam if you feel tight. One gentle cleanse is enough for dry skin unless you wear heavy makeup, in which case an oil or balm first is kinder than a second foam.
Hot water makes dryness worse. So does rubbing with a towel.
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Read guide →Frequently asked questions
What is the best cleanser for very dry skin?
A non-foaming cream such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
Should I use a foaming cleanser on dry skin?
Usually no. Cream, milk or balm formulas are gentler.
How often should I double-cleanse?
Mostly when you wear sunscreen and makeup. Dry skin rarely needs two foams.