Creamy, non-foaming cleanser that removes sunscreen while keeping flaky, irritated skin calm during tretinoin use.
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If you are anything like me, you start tretinoin for smoother texture and brighter dark spots, then suddenly your face wash is the thing that makes you feel like you messed up. My old foaming cleanser went from “fresh and clean” to tight, squeaky, and flaky around my mouth and nose by lunchtime. Once I switched to a gentle, creamy cleanser, my skin stopped feeling stripped, and my makeup did not cling to dry patches the next morning.
In-depth Reviews
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
- Cleans without that squeaky, tight finish
- Plays well with dryness and visible flaking
- Comfortable for daily, long-term use
- May not fully remove heavy makeup without a first cleanse
- Can feel too rich for very oily skin in humid weather
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Very gentle for daily use while adjusting to tretinoin
- Helps reduce that tight-after-washing feeling
- Easy to find and typically affordable
- Does not give a “deep clean” sensation for oily skin
- May leave a slight film if you use too much
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Minimal formula that is less likely to irritate
- Cleans well without heavy foam
- Good option during peeling or sensitivity flare-ups
- Can feel slightly drying if you overwash
- Not the most luxurious texture
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
- Balances oil without a harsh stripped feeling
- Rinses clean and works well for sweaty days
- Pairs well with lightweight moisturizers
- Can be too drying if you are actively peeling
- Less ideal for very dry or eczema-prone skin
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
- Very calming when skin feels sensitized
- Gentle enough for morning cleansing
- Helps routines feel more comfortable during adjustment
- Not strong enough alone for heavy makeup
- Some people prefer a cleaner rinse
Buying Guide
What We Wish We Knew Before Cleansing on Tretinoin
More cleansing is not better. The fastest way to make tretinoin miserable is to over-wash. If your skin is dry or peeling, try cleansing once at night only, then doing a simple morning rinse. When you do cleanse, keep it quick, use lukewarm water, and skip washcloth scrubbing, cleansing brushes, and long “massage” sessions until your skin is stable.
Make your cleanser do less work. If you wear long-wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, use a gentle first cleanse (like a basic cleansing balm) so your second cleanser can stay mild. You want the second cleanse to be the barrier-friendly step that resets your skin, not a harsh product that has to fight through layers of makeup.
Watch for sneaky irritation triggers. Mentholated “cooling” washes, heavily fragranced formulas, and strong acne cleansers can feel fine for a week, then suddenly start burning once tretinoin makes your skin more sensitive. If your moisturizer stings right after washing, treat that as a signal to simplify: switch to a gentler cleanser, reduce cleansing frequency, and keep the rest of your routine very plain for a couple weeks.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: For most tretinoin users, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is the best overall pick because it cleans thoroughly without that tight, stripped feeling that can derail your routine. If you want solid performance for less, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is the dependable budget choice.
See also
If you are getting dryness or flaking, start with our guide on starting retinol without peeling your face off and pair it with these gentle exfoliation schedules for different skin types.
- Best face wash for clogged pores
- Best face wash with glycolic acid (when your skin is ready)
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser review
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Is there actually a “face wash with tretinoin”?
In most routines, tretinoin is a leave-on prescription treatment, not something found in an over-the-counter cleanser. Wash-off formulas are uncommon because tretinoin works best when it stays on the skin long enough to do its job. For most people, the smarter approach is choosing a gentle cleanser to use while you are on tretinoin.
Should I cleanse once or twice a day on tretinoin?
If you are dry, tight, or peeling, cleansing once at night is often plenty, then just rinse with lukewarm water in the morning. If you are oily, sweat a lot, or wear heavy sunscreen, a gentle morning cleanse can still work, but keep it mild and avoid “squeaky clean” formulas.
What ingredients should I avoid in a face wash when starting tretinoin?
Skip scrubs, strong acids, and high-foam cleansers that leave your skin feeling stripped, especially in the first 4 to 8 weeks. Also be cautious with heavily fragranced cleansers if you are already irritated. You want low drama: gentle surfactants, soothing ingredients, and a rinse that feels comfortable, not tight.
Can I double cleanse if I wear makeup and sunscreen?
Yes, but keep it gentle. Use a mild cleansing balm or oil first, then follow with one of the cleansers below, and stop there. If your skin starts stinging when you apply moisturizer afterward, that is a sign your cleansing step is too aggressive or too frequent.
My skin burns when I wash my face on tretinoin. What should I do?
First, back up to lukewarm water, shorter cleansing time, and a more hydrating cleanser. If it still stings, pause tretinoin for a couple nights, focus on moisturizing, and restart more slowly. Ongoing burning, swelling, or rash is worth a check-in with your dermatologist.
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