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If your skin feels tight after cleansing (or your cleanser never seems to remove all your makeup), it may be time to skip the water. Enter dry cleansing, a gentle, oil-based method that melts away makeup and impurities without stripping your skin.
Here’s everything you need to know about this cleansing method and why it may be time to rethink the first step of your skincare routine.
What is dry cleansing?
Dry cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: applying a cleansing balm or oil directly onto dry skin as the first step of your morning and/or evening routine. Instead of activating the cleanser with water, simply massage the product straight onto your face to help break down impurities, makeup, and SPF.
This method uses “like dissolves like” chemistry—oil-based cleansers melt away oil-based impurities that traditional foaming cleansers can miss. Once you’ve massaged it in, add a bit of warm water to emulsify, then rinse (or follow with a second cleanse if you’re double cleansing).
The benefits of dry cleansing
Dry cleansing gently deep-cleans without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. Unlike harsh soaps or foaming washes that may leave that tight, squeaky feeling, balm and oil cleansers leave skin soft, nourished, and balanced.
Who it’s best for
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Dry and Sensitive Skin: Perfect for nourishing and maintaining moisture without stripping the skin.
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Normal to Combination Skin: Helps balance sebum levels while leaving skin clean and comfortable.
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Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Oil cleansers can help dissolve pore-clogging sebum and makeup residue without over-drying.
How to dry cleanse
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Start with dry hands and skin.
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Scoop or pump a small amount of cleansing balm or oil into your palm.
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Gently massage it onto your face using circular motions for about 30–60 seconds.
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Add a splash of warm water to emulsify (with many products, you’ll notice the texture turn milky).
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Rinse thoroughly, or follow with your favorite water-based cleanser for a double-cleanse.
Dry cleansing for your skin type
Not sure where to start? Explore some of our favorite dry cleansers, organized by skin type and concern to help find your perfect match.
For dry/dehydrated skin
Dry skin needs formulas that go beyond cleansing, so opt for buttery textures and barrier-loving oils that melt makeup while locking in moisture.
For sensitive/easily irritated skin
When your skin feels reactive, soothing ingredients and minimalist formulas can make all the difference.
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Indie Lee Cleansing Balm – A skin-smoothing balm rich in plant-based oils and fatty acids that melt away makeup while calming signs of redness.
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NUDESTIX Cica Cleansing Jelly Milk – This gentle, milky cleanser combines centella asiatica (cica) and plant milks to soothe and restore balance. (Also ideal as a second cleanse.)
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MIXIK Cleansing Oil – A simple blend of blue agave and rosewater extracts that hydrates, soothes, and rinses clean without irritation or residue.
For normal/combination skin
If your skin needs balance (think hydrated but not greasy), these multitasking cleansers deliver.
For oily/acne-prone skin
Even breakout-prone skin benefits from dry cleansing, so reach for lightweight, balancing formulas that remove oil and buildup without clogging pores.
Sunday Riley Blue Moon Clean-Rinse Cleansing Balm – This balm-to-milk cleanser is formulated with blue tansy, cocoa butter, and essential oils to gently clarify congested skin.
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