Finding the best cleansers for mature skin isn’t just about getting your face clean—it’s about giving your skin the care it needs as it changes over time. With age, skin tends to get drier, less elastic, and a bit duller, thanks to slower cell turnover and a weakening moisture barrier. That’s why choosing the right ingredients is so important. “A cleanser with hyaluronic acid or squalane can work wonders by hydrating dry skin and supporting elasticity,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin.
If age spots, fine lines, or dullness are your focus, Dr. Collins recommends “looking for a cleanser with niacinamide, vitamin C, or gentle exfoliants to brighten and even out skin tone.” Avoiding certain ingredients in cleansers for mature skin is also essential. “Harsh detergents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) can strip the skin of moisture, and avoid potentially drying or irritating ingredients like clay, alcohol, charcoal, and essential oils,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Our Top Cleansers for Mature Skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re into creams, balms, or gels, the right cleanser can do more than just wash your face—it can nourish, refresh, and prep your skin for everything else in your routine, leaving it soft, smooth, and glowing. Without further ado, here are the best cleansers for mature skin.
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Why we love it: When it comes to a minimalist formula that delivers maximal results, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser stands out as a soothing solution for mature skin prone to sensitivities. “It gently cleanses away dirt, makeup, and impurities without compromising the skin’s natural moisture barrier,” says Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists, based in Los Angeles. “Formulated with ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide, it hydrates while soothing the skin. Glycerin acts as a humectant to draw in moisture, while niacinamide is particularly unique—it not only helps restore the skin’s barrier but also fades dark marks and calms irritation.” The brand’s signature prebiotic thermal spring water is rich in selenium, a powerful natural antioxidant known for its soothing and protective properties.
As your skin matures, you may find that you no longer need to cleanse twice a day. “Cleansing at the end of the day before bedtime is particularly important. Some people prefer to only rinse with water in the mornings. This can depend on the person’s skin type and lifestyle,” says Dr. King.
- Key ingredients: selenium, ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
SkinMedica
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Why we love it: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, salicylic acid…sounds like a lot, right? But hear us out—SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is the ultimate cocktail of good-for-your-skin ingredients. This formula gently exfoliates while helping to smooth wrinkles and refine your skin’s texture for a fresh, healthy look. And yes, it is as gentle as possible: “If my skin is greasy and clogged, I start with [this],” Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. “It has gentle beads that help exfoliate in addition to the acids.”
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“This exfoliating cleanser does the impossible: It leaves my skin super-soft and smooth, even when I’m dealing with hormonal breakouts, but never feeling squeaky-clean or overly tight. That’s a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup. Plus, the combo of AHAs and BHA targets my two primary concerns, hyperpigmentation and acne, respectively.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, salicylic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dryness: Tatcha The Rice Wash
Why we love it: Inspired by the traditional Japanese practice of cleansing with nutrient-rich rice water (komenuka), Tatcha’s The Rice Wash takes this age-old ritual to the next level. It’s packed with rice powder, a chef’s kiss of skin-loving enzymes and vitamins (A, B2, B12, and E) that soften, brighten, and give your skin a plump, healthy glow. “The creamy texture feels incredibly luxurious as it smooths and brightens the skin,” says Dr. Collins. But this cleanser goes beyond surface-level results—Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid strengthen your skin barrier and lock in hydration. That’s a major bonus for mature skin, especially since retaining moisture gets more challenging as we age.
Like all Tatcha products, The Rice Wash incorporates the brand’s signature complex of green tea, rice, and algae that nourishes and revitalizes the skin.
- Key ingredients: Okinawa algae, hyaluronic acid, rice powder
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Fine Lines: Mara Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Mara
Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Why we love it: Mara’s signature algae-infused approach to skin care—the brand name itself inspired by “mar,” meaning “sea” in several languages—anchors this 2024 Best of Beauty winner in deep hydration. “I love that the Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil is both nourishing and exfoliating, two important properties in a cleanser for mature skin,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada. Spirulina and kelp team up with four gentle fruit enzymes—papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, and pumpkin—to lightly exfoliate and refine texture without irritation. “As we age, cellular turnover slows, which leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, and our skin becomes thinner and drier. These plant-based enzymes work within a base of rich oils like jojoba, sunflower, and squalane to whisk away debris without compromising the skin barrier,” says Dr. Yadav.
Chia and moringa round out this oil cleanser to help leave skin soft, supple, and perfectly balanced.
- Key ingredients: jojoba seed oil, papaya enzymes, chia, moringa, squalane, spirulina, kelp
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Redness: EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
EltaMD
Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
Why we love it: Turns out, for some people, getting older doesn’t mean you magically outgrow acne or oily T-zones. EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser is a dream for mature skin that still battles breakouts—whether they’re triggered by shifting hormones, stress, or pore-clogging products—but can’t afford to compromise its delicate moisture barrier. “Though many foaming facial cleansers can strip the skin barrier, this formula actually strengthens it with a blend of essential amino acids, soothing extracts, and gentle hydrators,” says Dr. Yadav. As it lifts away sunscreen, makeup, and environmental grime, it doesn’t just stop there. “It’s also clinically proven to reduce facial redness in just two weeks and relieve dryness in only one,” says Dr. Yadav.
Bisabolol and ginger root extract work together to calm irritation and visibly reduce redness, making them ideal for oily skin that’s also stressed out.
- Key ingredients: amino acids, bisabolol, ginger root extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Grown Alchemist
Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Why we love it: Blending plant-based ingredients with advanced skin science, Grown Alchemist has earned a reputation as a go-to for effective, fuss-free skin care. Its Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser captures that approach with a lightweight gel texture that thoroughly cleanses without stripping or irritating the skin. Its ingredient list is refreshingly streamlined, focusing on mild surfactants, aloe, chamomile, and a few plant extracts. “Mature skin begins to lose elasticity and can look dull due to hormonal shifts. This daily cleanser is gentle and lightweight so that it won’t strip your skin,” says Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Although this gel cleanser contains no added fragrance, the natural orange peel extract imparts a light, citrusy freshness while providing a subtle antioxidant boost to the skin.
- Key ingredients: aloe vera, chamomile, orange peel extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Post-Procedure: Alastin Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream
Alastin
Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream
Why we love it: Whether your skin is reactive after an at-home exfoliant or tender post-laser, Alastin Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream is specifically designed for sensitive, easily irritated complexions. This ultra-gentle, non-foaming cleanser sweeps away impurities, sunscreen, and light makeup without compromising a fragile barrier. Its creamy, milky texture is enriched with linoleic acid to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and oat protein extract to calm and soothe irritation. “Since mature skin tends to be drier and more reactive, it benefits from this formula that also features tremella mushroom, an adaptogen that helps skin adapt to stress and self-regulate. It’s even a more powerful humectant than hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Yadav.
Panthenol (vitamin B5) and soybean sterols help calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier—another reason this cleanser is a solid choice for sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: silver mushroom, linoleic acid, oat protein extract, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Makeup Removal: Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
Tula
The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
Why we love it: They don’t call it The Cult Classic for nothing—Tula’s Purifying Face Cleanser has earned devoted fans for its ability to refine uneven texture without ever feeling harsh. “If you happen to have a slightly heavier hand with your makeup in an effort to blur fine lines, this is a great option for mature skin that needs a gentle, non-stripping cleanser but still removes makeup and impurities effectively,” says Dr. Greenfield. Probiotics (bifida ferment lysate) and prebiotics (chicory root) help maintain the skin’s microbiome balance, while their light refining action works over time to smooth the skin’s surface. “Turmeric, white tea, and blueberry deliver antioxidant benefits, which are especially helpful as skin accumulates more environmental stress over the years,” Dr. Greenfield adds.
Hydrolyzed rice protein also gently promotes a smoother, more even-looking complexion over time.
- Key ingredients: bifida ferment lysate, chicory root, turmeric, white tea, blueberry, hydrolyzed rice protein
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Why we love it: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, one of the OG products when the drugstore brand launched 20 years ago, was created with a mission to focus on what matters: keeping your skin barrier happy. Packed with three essential ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and a creamy, non-foaming texture, it gently cleanses while locking in moisture. It’s no wonder derms still swear by it. “This gentle formula is amazing for supporting the skin barrier, plus, it’s affordable, accessible, and fragrance-free—a win for mature skin that is sensitive or dry,” says Dr. Collins.
Hyaluronic acid is essential for maintaining your skin’s moisture levels. It helps your skin stay smooth, hydrated, and plump.
- Key ingredients: ceramide, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently asked questions
What is the best facial cleanser for mature skin?
The best facial cleanser for mature skin should check off a few boxes—namely, they should “prioritize hydration, barrier support, and gentle cleansing,” says Dr. Collins, who cites ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, as well as green tea extract and vitamin E for antioxidant protection. “Cream cleansers and oil-based formulations are ideal as they effectively remove impurities without stripping natural oils,” she adds.
What should an older woman wash her face with?
As your skin gets older (and wiser!), it needs a little extra TLC in the cleansing department to keep it looking and feeling its best. Natural oil production decreases, leading to dryness and a weakened skin barrier, so older women benefit from using hydrating cleansers to restore moisture. Dullness becomes more noticeable as cell turnover slows, so incorporating a cleanser with mild alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid can help gently exfoliate and reveal brighter, smoother skin. “Those with mature skin should avoid sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh alcohols, and high concentrations of acids, as they can strip moisture and exacerbate dryness or sensitivity,” says Dr. Collins.
What is a good skin-care routine for mature skin?
A solid skin-care routine for aging skin focuses on three key things: hydration, protection, and repair. According to Dr. Collins, your morning routine should include a cream or oil-based cleanser to gently remove impurities, followed by an antioxidant serum, like vitamin C, to brighten skin and fight free radicals. Afterward, apply a moisturizer to hydrate and finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with SPF 30 or more) to shield against UV damage.
For the evening routine, Dr. Collins recommends starting with a face wash, either a single or double cleanse, depending on your needs. “Next, incorporate a retinol or peptide serum to boost collagen and improve skin texture. Wrap up your routine with a hydrating cream or moisturizer to seal in moisture and give your skin the overnight support it needs to recharge and repair,” Dr. Collins says. With this simple yet effective routine, you’ll address common concerns like dryness, fine lines, and dullness while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.
How do you double-cleanse mature skin?
Double-cleansing mature skin involves two non-stripping formulas to thoroughly cleanse without compromising hydration or irritating delicate skin. “People may prefer this method, particularly if they are wearing heavy makeup, or if they like to use an oil-based cleanser but don’t like the residue that some oil-based cleansers leave behind,” says Dr. King. “Start with a cleansing balm or oil onto dry skin to remove makeup and sunscreen, then rinse or gently wipe away with a soft cloth. Follow with a gentle cream or gel cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup stragglers,” says Dr. Collins.
Meet the experts
- Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists, based in Los Angeles
- Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin
- Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, based in New York City
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in New York City
- Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, based in Toronto, Canada
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
