Cream cleansers for bitter cold

Cream cleansers are the best choice for extremely cold, dry climates because they clean without stripping your skin’s moisture barrier.

Gel cleansers are the enemy here. They’re designed for oily skin and will leave tight, angry, flaky patches in a dry climate. Oil cleansers can work if you follow with a second cleanse or use a gentle emulsifying formula, but most people are better off skipping the extra step.

Cream cleansers (often labeled “milk” or “cream”) are basically lotions that dissolve dirt and makeup while leaving lipids behind. That’s what you want when the air is stealing every drop of moisture. Brands like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating are cheap and effective. No fragrance, no foam, no problems.

Your face will thank you when you don’t have to reapply moisturizer five times a day.