Why Foaming Cleansers Worsen Dry Skin (And What to Use Instead)

Why cleansing matters more than you think for dry skin

If your skin feels tight, rough or uncomfortable after cleansing, the problem often isn’t your moisturiser; it’s your cleanser.

For dry skin, cleansing is the step that most often sets the tone for the entire routine.

And foaming cleansers are a common culprit.

What foaming cleansers actually do

Foaming cleansers rely on surfactants that bind to oil and debris so they can be rinsed away.

While effective at removing impurities, many foaming formulas dissolve protective skin lipids, disrupt the natural barrier, and increase water loss from the skin. This can ultimately lead to an increase water loss from the skin (known as transepidermal water loss, or TEWL: 

• dissolve protective skin lipids
• disrupt the natural barrier
• increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
• leave skin feeling squeaky-clean — but compromised

For dry skin, this creates a cycle of tightness and sensitivity that’s hard to repair later.

Why dry skin struggles to recover after foaming cleansers

Dry skin already has fewer natural lipids and slower barrier recovery:

• fewer natural lipids
• slower barrier recovery
• reduced water-holding capacity

When those limited lipids are stripped away during cleansing, the skin:

• loses moisture more quickly
• feels tight or itchy
• becomes more reactive to products applied afterwards

No serum can fully compensate for a compromised barrier at step one.

Signs your cleanser is worsening dryness

You may need to rethink your cleanser if you notice:

• tightness immediately after rinsing
• a need to “rush” moisturiser on
• flaking despite using rich creams
• redness or sensitivity that worsens over time

These are not signs of “deep cleansing”, they’re signs of barrier stress.

What dry skin needs instead

Dry skin benefits from low-foam or non-foaming cleansing that removes impurities without stripping lipids. 

Many people with dry or sensitive skin find that combining an oil cleanser with a gentle gel cleanser helps maintain comfort without heaviness.  → Cleansing Duo PDP

Look for:

• oil-based or balm cleansers
• gentle gel cleansers with minimal surfactants
• formulas that leave skin comfortable, not squeaky

Cleansing should feel like a reset, not a correction.

How to cleanse dry skin without heaviness

A simple, barrier-friendly approach:

1. Use an oil or gentle gel cleanser

2. Massage slowly, no aggressive rubbing

3. Rinse with lukewarm water

4. Skin should feel calm, soft and comfortable after

If your skin feels tight, the cleanser is too strong, regardless of how “gentle” the label claims.

Which routine is best for dry skin?

If your skin feels persistently dry, rough or uncomfortable:

→ Explore Dry Skin routines designed for lipid support and long-term comfort.

If dryness comes with tightness or fine lines:

→ Start with Dehydrated Skin routines to restore water balance first.

Not sure where your skin sits?

→ Take the Skin Quiz to find the routine best suited to your skin’s current needs.

The takeaway

Dry skin doesn’t need harsher cleansing.

It needs protection, lipids and consistency, starting with step one.

Barrier repair begins at the sink.