Dermatologists Say These Cleansers Are Perfect for Mature Skin (2025)

Washing your face is an important first step in any skincare routine, no matter your age. However, not all face washes are suited for every skin type. Those looking to combat fine lines, wrinkles, or other visible signs of aging may consider opting for the best cleanser for mature skin to achieve a more youthful-looking complexion.

You may not think of a cleanser as an integral part of an anti-aging regimen, but “cleansing is a fundamental step in any skincare routine because it removes dirt, oil, makeup, and environmental pollutants that can clog pores and cause skin issues,” explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in NYC. “Proper cleansing ensures that the skin is clean, which allows subsequent skincare products [like targeted wrinkle creams or anti-aging serums] to penetrate better and work more effectively.”

Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in NYC; Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center; and Mina Amin, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists

Choosing the right cleanser is especially important for mature skin to maintain the protective moisture barrier—which often becomes drier and more sensitive with age, says Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center.

So, which cleansers are best for mature skin? We tapped leading dermatologists to find out what exactly to look for in a cleanser—and rounded up the very best picks that can help you achieve a smooth, vibrant complexion.

“Containing ceramides to support the skin barrier and green tea antioxidants to soothe the skin, this gel-to-foam cleanser helps to effectively remove oil without leaving the skin feeling dry or stripped,” explains Dr. Garshick. Additionally, this cleanser is “great for preserving the skin’s moisture barrier,” which is key for a healthy complexion, says Mina Amin, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists.

If you have skin that leans more oily, consider this cleanser from La Roche-Posay which is formulated to help keep shine and sebum (oil produced by skin) at bay. It contains zinc pidolate, an ingredient that Dr. Shirazi says helps “target excess oil and reduce shine.” Also formulated with niacinamide to regulate oil production and nourish the skin barrier, “this cleanser is great for oily skin prone to breakouts, offering a deep cleanse without harshness,” Dr. Shirazi adds.

Not only is this industry-favorite cleanser super affordable—but its gentle formula effectively cleanses and nourishes the skin too. It “helps to get rid of makeup, dirt, and excess oil but is free of common irritants found in other cleansers such as fragrance, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, and other preservatives,” says Dr. Garshick, who adds that it’s great for all skin types, including those with sensitive complexions.

“This creamy, soap-free cleanser is designed for sensitive skin,” explains Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center. “It contains soothing ingredients like thermal spring water to calm and hydrate while gently removing impurities.” The unique, milky texture helps remove makeup, dirt, and oil while softening, hydrating, and providing comfort to irritated or sensitive skin.

This brightening cleanser has over 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon attesting to its ability to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Lipo-hydroxy acid is the cleanser’s star ingredient, a derivative of salicylic acid that helps exfoliate the skin—leading to a brighter, more clear complexion. “The feel on my skin is amazingly soft, and the smell is pleasant but not overpowering. I’ve also noticed my hyperpigmentation getting lighter,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. Another added: “This product has made my face so silky smooth and also lightened my dark spots!”

Thanks to ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, Dr. Garshick says this cleanser from CeraVe is “great for dry skin” as it helps “restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.” Dr. Amin is also a fan of this option for dry and sensitive skin types for its ability to cleanse and hydrate “without stripping moisture.” It’s also accepted by the National Eczema Association, meaning the formula meets strict criteria for avoiding sensitivity, irritation, and toxicity.

Dr. Garhsick calls this popular cleanser from Neutrogena “ideal for combination skin,” thanks to its balanced formula. “This gel cleanser is infused with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and leave the skin feeling supple and refreshed without leaving behind an oily residue. It is lightweight and won’t clog the pores,” she explains. Plus, this cleanser produces a foaming lather that effectively cleanses the skin without stripping the moisture barrier. It’s also fragrance-free for those who struggle with sensitivity.

A great makeup remover is key for any evening skincare routine. “This fragrance-free balm effectively melts away makeup, including waterproof formulas, while being gentle on mature skin,” explains Dr. Shirazi. “It transforms into a silky oil that cleanses without leaving a greasy residue.” For best results, the brand says to massage into the skin and then rinse with water before using a traditional cleanser.

“Formulated with urea, this cleanser gently exfoliates and hydrates, helping to reduce flakiness and smooth the skin’s texture,” explains Dr. Shirazi. This option, suitable for both face and body, also contains citric acid to help maintain optimal pH balance of skin plus glycerin for hydration. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, dye-free, and is formulated for dry and sensitive skin types.

With over 36,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.6 stars, it’s safe to say this classic cleanser from Cetaphil is a true fan favorite. The brand notes that this face wash not only clears away dirt and oil but also defends against five signs of skin sensitivity: dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier. “I have sensitive maturing skin that is making me reevaluate my whole skincare routine,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “This was recommended to me and it hasn’t let me down yet. It’s very gentle and it’s quite a bit of product they give you. I like the thickness of the product and it feels soothing on my skin.”

As collagen production drops, enlarged pores often become a concern for those with mature skin. While you can’t shrink your pores, some pore minimizers may help reduce their appearance. This hydrating cleanser “incorporates a skin-smoothing peptide complex, which helps to visibly reduce the pores and improves skin tone,” explains Dr. Garshick. It also is formulated with “hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and biomimetic barrier shield technology which helps to protect the skin barrier. ”

If you’ve recently undergone a procedure such as microneedling, botox, or a chemical peel, it’s important to be extra gentle with your complexion. For post-procedure skin, Dr. Garshick recommends using this cleanser that contains a “patented complex of 3 amino acids, which works to strengthen the skin barrier while also calming the skin.” Dr. Garshick adds that this cleanser effectively removes sunscreen and makeup without irritation, and is “ideal for all skin types, including sensitive.”

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.