Washing your face is an important first step in any skincare routine, no matter your age. However, not all face washes are suitable for every skin type. Those looking to combat fine lines, wrinkles, or other visible signs of aging should opt for the best cleanser for mature skin to achieve a more youthful complexion.
You may not think that a cleanser is an essential part of an anti-aging regimen, but “cleansing is a fundamental step in any skincare routine as it removes dirt, oil, makeup and environmental pollutants that can clog pores and cause skin problems,” explains Marisa Garshick, MDa board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York. “A thorough cleansing ensures that the skin is clean so that subsequent skin care products (such as targeted anti-wrinkle creams or anti-aging serums) can penetrate better and work more effectively.”
Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, MDa board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in NYC; Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center; and Mina Amin, MD, FAAD, 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 as we age, says Azadeh Shirazi, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center.
So which cleansers are best for mature skin? We asked leading dermatologists what to look for in a cleanser – and have rounded up the very best products that can help you achieve a smooth, radiant complexion.
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1
best overall cleanser for mature skin
RoC Barrier Renew Gel-to-Foam Cleanser
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- Helps maintain a healthy moisture barrier
- Moisturizes the skin
- Effectively removes oil and dirt
Disadvantages
- Some reviewers didn’t like the scent
“This gel-foam cleanser contains ceramides to support the skin barrier and green tea antioxidants to soothe the skin. It helps to effectively remove oils without leaving the skin dry or parched,” explains Dr. Garshick. Additionally, this cleanser is “great for preserving the skin’s moisture barrier,” which is crucial for a healthy complexion, says Mina Amin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists.
| Active ingredients | Ceramides, glycerin, green tea |
|---|
2
best cleanser for mature, oily skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Foaming Gel
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- Ensures thorough cleaning
- Designed for oily, normal and sensitive skin types
- Helps regulate oil production
Disadvantages
- May not be suitable for dry skin
If your skin tends to be oily, consider this cleanser from La Roche-Posay, which keeps shine and sebum (oil produced by the skin) in check. It contains zinc pidolate, an ingredient that Dr. Shirazi says helps “fight excess oil and reduce shine.” It also contains niacinamide to regulate oil production and nourish the skin barrier. “Great for oily, breakout-prone skin, this cleanser provides a deep clean without being harsh,” adds Dr. Shirazi.
| Active ingredients | Zinc pidolate, niacinamide, La-Roche Posay thermal water |
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3
The most affordable cleanser for mature skin
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Now 13% discount
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- Gentle, non-irritating formula
- Ideal for all skin types
- Affordable
Disadvantages
- Some reviewers found that it was not gentle on their skin
Not only is this industry-favorite cleanser super affordable, but its gentle formula effectively cleanses and conditions skin. It “helps remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil, but is free of the common irritants found in other cleansers, like fragrances, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, and other preservatives,” says Dr. Garshick, who adds that it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
| Active ingredients | glycerin |
|---|
4
best cleanser for mature, sensitive skin
Avène Gentle Cleansing Milk
Per
- Gentle, nourishing formula
- Designed for sensitive skin
- Cleanses and moisturizes
Disadvantages
- Some reviewers don’t like the scent
“This creamy, soap-free cleansing lotion is designed for sensitive skin,” explains Azadeh Shirazi, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center. “It contains soothing ingredients like thermal water to calm and hydrate skin while gently removing impurities.” The unique, milky texture helps remove makeup, dirt and oil while softening, hydrating and soothing irritated or sensitive skin.
| Active ingredients | Avène thermal water, glycerin |
|---|
9
best exfoliating cleanser for mature skin
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser
Now 11% discount
“Formulated with urea, this cleanser gently exfoliates and hydrates, helping to reduce flaking and smooth skin texture,” explains Dr. Shirazi. Suitable for both face and body, this option also contains citric acid to maintain skin’s optimal pH and glycerin for hydration. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, dye-free, and formulated for dry and sensitive skin types.
| Active ingredients | Urea, glycerin, citric acid |
|---|
12
best cleanser for mature skin after treatments
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Facial Cleanser
Per
- Gentle formula
- Helps with skin regeneration
- Suitable for all skin types
Disadvantages
- Small quantity for the price
If you’ve recently had a treatment like microneedling, Botox, or a chemical peel, it’s important to be extra gentle on your complexion. For post-treatment skin, Dr. Garshick recommends using this cleanser, which contains a “patented complex of 3 amino acids that strengthens the skin barrier while soothing the skin.” Dr. Garshick adds that this cleanser effectively removes sunscreen and makeup without irritation and is “ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.”
| Active ingredients | Amino acids (taurine, glycine, arginine), glycerin |
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How to choose and use the best cleanser for mature skin
✔️Pay attention to certain ingredients. “When choosing a cleanser for mature skin, it’s important to prioritize ingredients that nourish, hydrate and protect,” explains Dr. Shirazi. Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to improve hydration, and ceramides to lock in moisture and nourish the skin barrier..
If you’re looking for a more targeted cleanser, there are several effective active ingredients you can look for in a cleanser for mature skin. Peptides can support collagen production; antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea can protect skin from environmental damage; exfoliants like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or enzymes can help exfoliate – improving skin texture and brightening the complexion.
✔️Avoid potential irritants. Dr. Garshick recommends avoiding harsh ingredients that can cause dryness or irritation, including abrasives, harsh soaps, alcohol and fragrances.
✔️Think about the frequency of use. For mature skin, Dr. Garshick recommends cleansing skin every night “to remove makeup, sunscreen and debris from the day.” Although cleansing in the morning can be a helpful first step in a skincare routine, Dr. Garshick recommends that people with dry or sensitive skin skip washing in the morning to avoid potential dryness.
This is how we selected the best cleansers for mature skin
Why you should trust us
For more than 70 years prevention is a leading provider of trusted health information, offering readers practical strategies to improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help us select our health-focused products. In addition, prevention also reviews hundreds of reviews and often conducts personal testing by our staff to help you make your decision.
Shannen Zitz is an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she writes about everything related to lifestyle, wellness, beauty and relationships. Previously, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York at Cortland. When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll probably find her in the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or at the squat rack at the gym.
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