La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

What the experts use it for.

The concerns the experts tie this product to, in their own words. Paid and founder takes don't count.

Skin barrier support9 experts

“Helps support your skin barrier.”

Dr. Aleksandra Brown, watch at 4:05

Breakouts and acne1 expert

“I love using this for Accutane patients, acne patients, and rosacea patients, as well as anyone who has a damaged skin barrier from using maybe too many actives.”

Tea with MD, watch at 4:09

Excess oil and shine1 expert

“Great cleanser if you have more oily skin.”

Hyram, watch at 6:38

Dark spots and post-acne marks1 expert

“It has ceramides and niacinamide in [...] it, which is really good for restoring the moisture barrier, fighting off oxidative stress, and also good for redness and hyperpigmentation.”

Dr Dray, watch at 4:12

Redness1 expert

“It has ceramides and niacinamide in [...] it, which is really good for restoring the moisture barrier, fighting off oxidative stress, and also good for redness and hyperpigmentation.”

Dr Dray, watch at 4:12

Irritated or reactive skin1 expert

“whenever my skin is really sensitive or irritated, this is my go-to.”

Tea with MD, watch at 4:09

Calming retinoid irritation1 expert

“So this product by La Roche-Posay the gentle cleanser is a perfect example of a cleanser that you should use at night with your retinoid product.”

The Budget Dermatologist, watch at 2:56

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

Dr. Aleksandra Brown

153k subs

✓Yay

"La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is one of the most recommended cleansers online, and honestly for good reason. It's really gentle and non-stripping like the Avène, but it's a true rinse-off cleanser with that soft, creamy feel that leaves skin really comfortable instead of tight. What sets it apart is that it actually supports your barrier while it cleanses, with ceramides built in."

All 4 takes from Dr. Aleksandra Brown

Skin Barrier Damage Explained + How to Fix It

"Helps support your skin barrier. It leaves your skin really nice and soft and comfortable. Never tight. There is no squeaky feeling afterwards. [...] This cleanser plays really well with your actives. If you're going to switch to a cleanser that you want to use later on when you reintroduce your actives, this is a really good one. Once you reintroduce your retinoids, your AHAs and BHAs, this cleanser is going to help repair your barrier to allow you to use those actives."

The Best Drugstore Skincare for Mature Skin, According to a Derm

"It does remove all your daily dirt, oil, and sunscreen without stripping your skin. It's completely fragrance-free, soap free, and supports a healthy moisture barrier and leaves your skin feeling really soft, comfortable, not really tight and dry. It works really well alongside active routines, including your retinoids and exfoliating acids. The key ingredients here are the ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and of course the La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water."

Sensitive Skin Skincare Routine with the Best Drugstore Products | Derm Approved

"The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a milky non-foaming cleanser that gently removes dirt and sunscreen while supporting your skin's barrier. Doesn't leave your skin feeling dry or tight at all. It does contain ceramides and niacinamide and La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water. It's very similar to Cetaphil, and I will often exchange this for my kids in their bathtub. I love it for head to toe cleansing."

Which French Skincare Brand Is Best for Your Skin? Avène vs La Roche-Posay

"La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is one of the most recommended cleansers online, and honestly for good reason. It's really gentle and non-stripping like the Avène, but it's a true rinse-off cleanser with that soft, creamy feel that leaves skin really comfortable instead of tight. What sets it apart is that it actually supports your barrier while it cleanses, with ceramides built in."

Hyram

4.33M subs

✓Yay

"I equally love the Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser from them, which is kind of like a similar formula, but designated for combination to drier skin types. [...] One of the primary selling points for that cleanser is that it's a great bang for its buck. Normally La Roche-Posay products I don't find myself frequently using because they are so expensive, but that one is a really good price point. For a giant bottle, you can find it for like $20."

All 6 takes from Hyram

Mind-Blowing Skin Transformations 😱

"I love that one, I'm constantly recommending it. You probably saw it in my La Roche-Posay 60 second review. I've always loved that product. Great cleanser if you have more oily skin."

Daisy Edgar Jones, Your Skin Care Routine Is Absurd

"I equally love the Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser from them, which is kind of like a similar formula, but designated for combination to drier skin types. [...] One of the primary selling points for that cleanser is that it's a great bang for its buck. Normally La Roche-Posay products I don't find myself frequently using because they are so expensive, but that one is a really good price point. For a giant bottle, you can find it for like $20."

Brands I Hated that I Now LOVE

"The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser is amazing for when I'm traveling in dry climates, when my skin needs a cleansing experience but not too stripping on the skin."

Blind Girl Gives Me a FACIAL (ft Molly Burke)

"It's good, it's a good simple non-irritating cleanser which is good for my skin, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser. [...] I feel like it's good for dry skin, very non-irritating. There's nothing special about it, but there's nothing bad either."

Specialist Reacts to Chloe's Skin Care Routine

"If she does have more dry skin, there's the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser. That one's always been one of my favorites, as it works well to cleanse the face but not be overly stripping."

Why Your Cleanser is NOT Working

"If you have more dry skin, I recommend the La Roche-Posay Hydrating Cleanser. This one is always a favorite for me when I'm traveling during the winter months and I notice that my skin is extra dry, because it does a good job of cleansing but doesn't strip the moisture barrier."

Dr Dray

2.69M subs

✓Yay

"It breaks up that cosmetic residue and then you hop in the shower and use a gentle cleanser to wash your face properly. Works wonderfully. [...] It's not as stripping and it's like you're rubbing a moisturizer on and then you rinse it off. You don't have to get the skin wet before using this. [...] I really ended up enjoying using it in that way quite a bit."

All 4 takes from Dr Dray

Dermatologist Skincare Empties: What I Repurchase and What I Skip

"It breaks up that cosmetic residue and then you hop in the shower and use a gentle cleanser to wash your face properly. Works wonderfully. [...] It's not as stripping and it's like you're rubbing a moisturizer on and then you rinse it off. You don't have to get the skin wet before using this. [...] I really ended up enjoying using it in that way quite a bit."

Skincare Dupes At CVS Drugstore

"CVS does have some dupes of La Roche-Posay like they have the hydrating facial cleanser which is really creamy and gentle"

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"I really like the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. It's fragrance free, which I love, and it comes out almost like a cream, so it's super gentle. It has ceramides and niacinamide in [...] it, which is really good for restoring the moisture barrier, fighting off oxidative stress, and also good for redness and hyperpigmentation. It'll gently cleanse off cosmetic residue without further stripping your skin."

How to double cleanse| COMMON MISTAKES | Dr Dray

"The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Cleanser is fantastic for the second step of double cleansing. I'll list it in the description box as an example of a gentle cleanser."

No BS Beauty

89k subs

✓Yay

"This one's a cleansing gel. It gives no lather, so it's kind of strange, but it's very nice. Non-drying for the most part. It's got their spring water in there and niacinamide. Very gentle, no scent. Not having a lather is weird. I kind of prefer a lather, I think, but for the dry winter, this was perfect. Got me through no issues."

All 4 takes from No BS Beauty

Best Gentle Calming Cleansers for Winter Weather & Dry Sensitive Skin Types

"This one's very gentle, it's very affordable, it comes in a giant bottle which is nice. In terms of ingredients, it's got a really short ingredient list: panthenol, vitamin E, and ceramide at the end of it. Super gentle cleansing ingredients and agents, and it does a pretty good job as a second cleanse or a morning cleanser, or if you're not wearing makeup it does a pretty good job with that. And it's super affordable."

Best Winter Body & Hand Care Products - Fragrance Free Moisturizers & Body Cleansers

"The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser is really nice and non-drying, with a little bit of suds which is nice. It's a hydrating cleansing product for face and body, and [...] you can use it for shaving your legs and stuff like that as well. It's [...] unscented, but it does have [...] lemon extract in it, [...] which is a fragrance ingredient, so it's [...] unscented but not fragrance-free because of that lemon extract. I've repurchased this one."

Skincare & Beauty Product Empties - What I've Finished in March & What I've Repurchased

"This one's a cleansing gel. It gives no lather, so it's kind of strange, but it's very nice. Non-drying for the most part. It's got their spring water in there and niacinamide. Very gentle, no scent. Not having a lather is weird. I kind of prefer a lather, I think, but for the dry winter, this was perfect. Got me through no issues."

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"It's fragrance free. [...] It's a non lathery formula, so when you apply it, it doesn't foam up, which for some people makes it less drying on your skin. It's also got a ton of their probiotic thermal water in there as well as ceramide and panthenol. Really nice short ingredient list, but great for super sensitive skin for cleansing. Rinses clean, but leaves your skin feeling nice and soft."

Dr. Jenny Liu

324k subs

✓Yay

"The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser is a gentle one that I feel like does a pretty good job at removing the debris from overnight. If you wear a lot of heavy makeup and mascara, it's not going to do such a good job, so this is why I recommend using it in the morning or as the second step for those who double cleanse. For people who just have moisturizers on from overnight or like nonwater resistant sunscreen, I do feel this does a pretty decent job."

All 3 takes from Dr. Jenny Liu

Winter Skin Survival Guide from a Derm | Dr. Jenny Liu

"The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser is a gentle one that I feel like does a pretty good job at removing the debris from overnight. If you wear a lot of heavy makeup and mascara, it's not going to do such a good job, so this is why I recommend using it in the morning or as the second step for those who double cleanse. For people who just have moisturizers on from overnight or like nonwater resistant sunscreen, I do feel this does a pretty decent job."

10 winter skincare hacks from a dermatologist | Dr. Jenny Liu

"I recommend La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, and this is a great one if you have dry sensitive skin and you don't put a lot of products or makeup on your face. It is for the most part pretty effective at cleansing while at the same time keeping your skin hydrated and almost imparts this hydrating film on your skin after you are done cleansing."

Your Skin After 40: A Derm’s Guide to Menopause & Perimenopause Skincare | Dr. Jenny Liu

"La Roche-Posay's hydrating cleanser helps to remove kind of buildup and sebum that our skin has accumulated overnight but without stripping your skin barrier. It's creamy. It's going to cleanse well but it's not going to make your skin feel really tight and irritated. It contains ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water."

Tea with MD

115k subs

✓Yay

"I featured the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser in my winter skincare video. And spoiler alert, I'm still using it. [...] It's milky, creamy, non-foaming, fragrance-free, and packed with niacinamide, ceramides, and panthenol to support hydration and that healthy skin barrier."

All 3 takes from Tea with MD

Winter Skincare Swaps: How to Transition Your Routine for Dry, Cold Weather

"I featured the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser in my winter skincare video. And spoiler alert, I'm still using it. [...] It's milky, creamy, non-foaming, fragrance-free, and packed with niacinamide, ceramides, and panthenol to support hydration and that healthy skin barrier."

Dermatologist's Pregnancy Safe Skincare Routine

"The other cleanser that I've been reaching for a lot is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane hydrating cleanser and this is made for sensitive skin. This one contains ceramide 3 as well as LRP Prebiotic thermal water which has these soothing antioxidant hydrating properties. It also has glycerin which is a nice humectant and niacinamide which is another antioxidant and can also help brighten. I've been using this one for a really long time as well. It's great for sensitive skin."

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"I love using this for Accutane patients, acne patients, and rosacea patients, as well as anyone who has a damaged skin barrier from using maybe too many actives. This one contains ceramides, niacinamide, which is an antioxidant and can help with brightening some dark acne marks, and it also has the La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water. It comes out like a moisturizing gel cream cleanser. I really like the texture, and whenever my skin is really sensitive or irritated, this is my go-to."

April Basi

72k subs

✓Yay

"For dry skin, finding a cleanser can be like finding a needle in a haystack, but I really love this [...] hydrating gentle face cleanser. I love it because it's cream based. You want a cream or lotion based cleanser because you really need that hydration on your skin."

All 2 takes from April Basi

You’re Probably Using the Wrong Cleanser 😬 | Chemist Explains How to Fix It

"For dry skin, finding a cleanser can be like finding a needle in a haystack, but I really love this [...] hydrating gentle face cleanser. I love it because it's cream based. You want a cream or lotion based cleanser because you really need that hydration on your skin."

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"For cleanser I'd choose a gentle hydrating cleanser because it cleanses without stripping your skin's natural oils. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser is a good option."

Skin Obsessed Mary

33k subs

✓Yay

"This is probably my favorite drugstore cream cleanser. It's gentle but it gets all the stuff off my skin and I just always repurchase it."

HotandFlashy

1.23M subs

✓Nay

"I switched right before the holidays to La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, and I actually talked about this in my best skincare of 2024 video. I was so high on it the first month that I used it. [...] But one month into using this it started stinging and burning my face, and every time I wash my face, morning or night, it would start to sting and burn. So this is out."

All 2 takes from HotandFlashy

Anti-Aging MORNING Skincare Routine | Over 60 | WINTER 2025

"I switched right before the holidays to La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, and I actually talked about this in my best skincare of 2024 video. I was so high on it the first month that I used it. [...] But one month into using this it started stinging and burning my face, and every time I wash my face, morning or night, it would start to sting and burn. So this is out."

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"It's very soothing, it's very mild, it doesn't burn my eyes or anything. My favorite is still the Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm for the first step in my double cleanse with the Wonder Cloth, but this for the second step, I love. On days where I'm just wearing sunscreen and I don't even put on mascara, this is getting off my sunscreen really, really well with the Wonder Cloth."

208SkinDoc

2.10M subs

✓Yay

"It's very gentle for all skin types and it's not going to strip your skin barrier. La Roche-Posay products all contain thermal spring water, which is high in mineral content and helps to increase microbial diversity on the skin, strengthening your microbiome and helping to prevent so many different skin problems like acne, rosacea, dryness, and irritation. It's a really great suite of products, [...] and this is just one great cleanser option."

Alexandra Anele

1.45M subs

✓Yay

"This is the cream cleanser hydrating cream cleanser so this is what I keep in here obviously to cleanse my face especially on the nights when I'm using my tretinoin"

Mixed Makeup

1.46M subs

✓Yay

"If you have sensitive skin, if you have dry skin, all of the products in that collection are really great. They're very basic but they really do their job well and they help to nourish your skin. This one's really nice because it has niacinamide in it. We know niacinamide is an ingredient that helps to balance oil production, but that's in higher percentages. It's also a really great ingredient to help soothe and nourish and kind of balance your skin barrier."

Dr Sam Bunting

240k subs

✓Yay

"I like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo cleanser, which is excellent for extremely sensitive skin that's also prone to congestion."

All 2 takes from Dr Sam Bunting

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"One of the cleansers I use for those with hypersensitive skin who find they are frequently getting recurrence of perioral dermatitis no matter what they cut out is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser, which is [...] fragrance free and preservative free. This tends to be tolerated by almost everyone."

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"I like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo cleanser, which is excellent for extremely sensitive skin that's also prone to congestion."

Sincerely Miss Ash

196k subs

✓Yay

"This is amazing for removing your makeup, removing your sunscreen, and just cleansing your skin on an everyday basis. [...] If you're looking for something that is extremely gentle, very moisturizing on the skin, but also something that is fragrance free, then this would be a great option. [...] You are getting 400 mL of product, and [...] all you need is basically one pump to cleanse your skin in the morning, one pump to remove your makeup and sunscreen."

Dr. Whitney Bowe

74k subs

✓Yay

"One of them is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. This retails for like just under $20. It's great in the morning when you're just rinsing off the skincare you applied the night before, though it's not really great at removing makeup."

Kelly Driscoll

91k subs

✓Yay

"It's not filmy, it's not thick, and it's not going to feel like your skin's not clean. But if your skin is very dry and ailing, you'll notice that this just kind of lightly helps to balance those dry areas out just a little bit. It's not the most moisturizing, but [...] if you're looking for that kiss of moisture, something that adds a little bit into your skin, doesn't take anything away but doesn't leave a heavy layer either, this would be a great one to check out."

Dr. Sam Ellis

902k subs

✓Yay

"The La Roche-Posay hydrating cleanser is one of my favorites. It's super delicate, it doesn't sting, and it's just a great way to clean that area postpartum. You can even put a little squirt of that in your peri bottle and then fill it up in the shower and apply it that way."

All 3 takes from Dr. Sam Ellis

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"A gentle cleanser, whether that's like Prequel cleanser or the Cetaphil hydrating cleanser or the La Roche-Posay gentle cleanser, and then following that with what I would consider a bland moisturizer, a moisturizer that does not have active ingredients in it."

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"The La Roche-Posay hydrating cleanser is one of my favorites. It's super delicate, it doesn't sting, and it's just a great way to clean that area postpartum. You can even put a little squirt of that in your peri bottle and then fill it up in the shower and apply it that way."

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"I have been using this for a while and probably will continue to because this bottle is enormous, but this is just a very gentle cleanser and like it says in the name of the cleanser it's hydrating. [...] The real point of the second step of the double cleanse is just to remove any remaining residue so for me it's just like a double check that you got everything off. [...] I find that my skin responds best to a double cleanse."

Nipun Kapur

413k subs

✓Yay

"La Roche Posse subplast"

Dr Alexis Stephens

582k subs

✓Yay

"An excellent facial cleanser with prebiotic benefits, helping to repair and rebalance the skin microbiome, is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser."

All 2 takes from Dr Alexis Stephens

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"An excellent facial cleanser with prebiotic benefits, helping to repair and rebalance the skin microbiome, is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser."

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"I really like the product by La Roche-Posay, they have a nice hydrating cleanser that can help to remove any excess dirt and debris from the skin without stripping or disrupting your skin barrier."

Dr. Shereene Idriss

1.73M subs

✓Yay

"I like this one because it is a Milky cleanser that feels nice and lightweight like a lotion. It's a very hydrating cleanser with no scent, really nice and really gentle, and honestly it does make your skin feel softer."

All 2 takes from Dr. Shereene Idriss

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"Use ombrelease which will act as a primer this is a trick that a lot of makeup artists have used over the years it's a French moisturizer I do love the scent of it"

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"I like this one because it is a Milky cleanser that feels nice and lightweight like a lotion. It's a very hydrating cleanser with no scent, really nice and really gentle, and honestly it does make your skin feel softer."

The Budget Dermatologist

725k subs

✓Yay

"For a gentle cleanser in this routine, I have this one by La Roche Posay [...] linked below. You can see it is one of my favorites."

All 2 takes from The Budget Dermatologist

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"For a gentle cleanser in this routine, I have this one by La Roche Posay [...] linked below. You can see it is one of my favorites."

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"The other thing to look for in a cleanser with your retinoids is one that has niacinamide that can help repair and strengthen your skin barrier, which is always under attack by retinoids, and ceramides, ceramides can also help that skin barrier. So this product by La Roche-Posay the gentle cleanser is a perfect example of a cleanser that you should use at night with your retinoid product."

Dr. Daniel Sugai

723k subs

✓Yay

"As we get older, [...] we tend to gravitate towards the La Roche-Posay line, and their Toleriane line is great. You either have the hydrating white bottle, which is for dry skin, or their blue purifying foaming cleanser for oilier skin types. All very affordable."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide has evidence behind it for redness, uneven tone and supporting the skin barrier, and it is usually well tolerated even by skin that reacts to most things.

Source: DermNet

Ceramides

Ceramides are part of the skin's own barrier, and moisturisers built around them have evidence for holding water in and settling the tightness and flaking that come with a damaged barrier.

Source: DermNet

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Frequently asked.

What is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser?

A fragrance-free, non-foaming cream cleanser from La Roche-Posay's Toleriane line, designed to gently cleanse and hydrate sensitive skin without stripping the skin barrier.

Is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser worth it?

Mostly yes. 21 of the 22 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 83%.

What is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser's Guru Score?

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser holds a Guru Score of 83%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 22 expert reviewers we have collected.

Who is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser best for?

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is generally suited to dry skin and sensitive skin.

What is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser good for, according to the experts?

In their reviews, experts say La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is good for skin barrier support (9 experts), breakouts and acne (1 expert), excess oil and shine (1 expert), dark spots and post-acne marks (1 expert), redness (1 expert) and irritated or reactive skin (1 expert).

Is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser good for skin barrier support?

9 experts who reviewed La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser say it is. Dr. Aleksandra Brown put it this way: “Helps support your skin barrier.”