13 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin We Tried in 2026

We Tested Over 95 Face Washes — Here Are the Ones That Cleanse Well Without Irritating Sensitive Skin

Ever wondered if the tightness, stinging, or redness that you’ve noticed after using a cleanser or face wash is normal? You may have sensitive skin.

“People with sensitive skin tend to react to many skin care products, as well as environmental factors such as temperature or climate changes, pollution, extreme heat or cold, and stress,” says Kate Viola, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners in Sparks, Maryland. This type of reaction may show up as burning, stinging, itching, redness, or dryness.

Unfortunately, these symptoms aren't normal, and they may be signs that your skin barrier is compromised. That could lead to skin conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema.

 But using a gentle cleanser or face wash can remove dirt, excess oil, and cosmetics from your face without damaging your skin barrier.

Our team tested over 95 face washes and cleansers. Based on our testing results and after speaking with two board-certified dermatologists, we narrowed down the best face washes for sensitive skin. Find them below, along with what we loved about them, their downsides, and more information on what to look for in face washes for sensitive skin.

Our Top Picks for the Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

face wash

Best Luxury Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser

Pros

  • Contains soothing ingredients like oatmeal
  • Cleans well
  • May help hydrate skin

Cons

  • Mildly unpleasant smell
  • Difficult to get product out of container

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Cream
  • Notable ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, marula seed oil
  • Fragrance-free: Yes
Drunk Elephant is a popular, high-end skin care brand, and their Mello Marula Cream Cleanser is gentle and calming. It contains colloidal oatmeal to help soothe redness and irritation. It also contains marula seed oil, which may help keep your skin hydrated.

 

The cleanser has a creamy texture but foams into a light lather when applied to a wet face. According to Drunk Elephant, you can use it once daily in the evening. It contains no essential oils or potentially irritating artificial fragrances.

Editor Nicole Bonaccorso says it has two minor drawbacks: The smell is a bit unpleasant, and the small opening in the cap made it difficult to get enough product out without squeezing the bottle very hard.

Still, she liked the cleanser overall. “Though light, this lather could remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and grime. It cleans very well,” she says. “My skin felt squeaky clean, but not stripped. It was hydrated and smooth.”

face wash cloths

Best Face Wipe for Sensitive Skin

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths

Pros

  • Convenient for travel or quick cleansing
  • Doesn't dry out skin too much
  • Contains meadowfoam seed oil, which may help prevent moisture loss

Cons

  • Contains alcohol and fragrance
  • More expensive than other makeup wipes

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Cleansing wipe
  • Notable ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil
  • Fragrance-free: No
If you prefer face wipes for travel or convenience, these from Philosophy are gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. The meadowfoam seed oil is rich in fatty acids and could help preserve moisture, although there's currently not a lot of research on this ingredient for its moisturizing properties.

Each package contains 30 soft cleansing cloths. We like how they didn’t make our faces feel stripped or overly tight — a common problem with other makeup remover wipes. Our faces felt fairly cleansed; not exactly hydrated, but also not too dry. To sum it up: normal.

There are some drawbacks to be aware of, though. These wipes contain alcohol and fragrance, ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin, says Dr. Viola. They're also significantly more expensive than other makeup wipes. 

Best Budget-Friendly Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel

$11.97 at Amazon

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Contains rosewater and pineapple extract to help with inflammation
  • Affordable

Cons

  • May not be cleansing enough for some
  • Can cause breakouts on acne-prone skin

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Gel
  • Notable ingredients: Rosewater, pineapple extract
  • Fragrance-free: Yes
For less than $15, Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel is a highly rated cleanser that works on all skin types, including sensitive skin. It's fragrance-free and contains rosewater and pineapple extract. Rosewater may help reduce skin inflammation, and enzymes from pineapple may help prevent acne.

The gel lathers very lightly on your face and can be part of a morning and evening skin care routine. “This was a super-refreshing cleanser," says writer Kara Wahlgren. “My skin felt soft, hydrated, and clean after washing. Within a few days, I noticed my pores were clearer — especially in my normal trouble spots around the T-zone. It also noticeably evened out my skin, which normally has some redness in the heat.”

We think it’s an all-around great cleanser. That said, our research found that the cleanser isn’t strong enough for some skin types, and it may not be the best option for those with acne-prone skin. 

Best Gel Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Simple Micellar Gel Wash

$4.36 at Amazon
$8.99Now 52% Off

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Fragrance- and soap-free
  • Micellar water is a gentle cleanser

Cons

  • May be difficult to fully rinse off
  • Can be drying for some

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Gel
  • Notable ingredients: Micellar water
  • Fragrance-free: Yes
Gel cleansers may offer more of a lather than other types. This one from Simple contains micellar water, which cleans off stubborn oils and grime easily. It also may be more sensitive skin–friendly than other cleansing ingredients.

Plus, it's free of fragrance and contains no soaps, which may excessively strip the natural oils on your face.

Writer Brittany Scanniello, RD, says her face felt clean, but not overly tight, after she used this cleanser. “Post-wash, I still had moisture,” she says. “I don't have overly sensitive skin, but I felt this was a gentle formula, and this product cleaned my skin well.”

Still, it took some time and care to fully cleanse the wash off of her face — more so than with other cleansers she's used. During our research, we also found that this cleanser can cause excessive dryness for some.

cleanser

Best Cream Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Alpyn Hydrating Cream Cleanser With Vitamin C and Juneberry

Pros

  • Moisturizing cream formulation
  • Contains vitamin C for improved skin tone
  • Can be used as a moisturizing mask

Cons

  • Contains alcohol
  • Contains physical exfoliants, which may be irritating for some people

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Cream
  • Notable ingredients: Vitamin C, jojoba beads
  • Fragrance-free: Yes

If you have severely dry skin, a thick cream cleanser can help lock in moisture. Alpyn’s Hydrating Cream Cleanser is “very thick and feels more like a hand lotion than a face cleanser,” says writer Mary Dennis. But it's “absolutely bursting with moisture,” and she loved the way it felt.

The cleanser contains vitamin C to help brighten your skin and small jojoba beads to provide some physical exfoliation for better cleansing and smoothness.

 Apply the cream to a wet or dry face, or use it as a moisturizing mask by leaving it on for five minutes before rinsing. It's fragrance-free, but it contains some essential oils that provide a mild camphor and menthol smell.

This cleanser also includes some ingredients, like alcohol, that may irritate sensitive skin. Physical exfoliants like jojoba beads may not be a good choice for all people with sensitive skin, either, says Viola.

face cleanser

Best Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser

Pros

  • Made for all skin types
  • Free of soaps, alcohols, and fragrance
  • Lathers and cleans well

Cons

  • Slight medicinal smell
  • May not easily cleanse heavy makeup

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Foaming
  • Notable ingredients: Glycerin
  • Fragrance-free: Yes

Foaming cleansers typically contain soap, which can strip your skin excessively. But the SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser foams without it, so it's ideal for people with sensitive skin. It's also free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and alcohol. What's more, one of its key ingredients is glycerin, which can help with hydration and skin barrier protection, says Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Derm & Rejuvenation Institute in Santa Monica, California.

The cleanser is appropriate for all skin types, and it can be used after procedures such as chemical peels, microneedling, or non-ablative laser treatments. It's also gentle enough for morning and evening use, and you don’t need much: just a single pump to get it super foamy. Although we’re not fans of the slightly medicinal smell of the face wash, our skin looked and felt cleaner after using it regularly. 

Best for Rosacea and Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

$11.39 at Amazon
$11.99Now 5% Off

Pros

  • Made to target rosacea
  • Can be used twice daily
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Contains artificial fragrance and alcohol
  • Strong smell

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Foaming
  • Notable ingredients: Glycerin, allantoin
  • Fragrance-free: No
If you have rosacea or excessive facial redness, this Cetaphil face wash targets redness and can be a helpful addition to your skin care routine. It contains glycerin to improve skin moisture. It also has allantoin, which can help improve facial redness caused by rosacea.

Writer Amy Marschall, PsyD, tested this face wash. “It seemed to reduce redness from my rosacea right away,” she says. And at less than $15, it's an affordable choice. This foaming cleanser also removes daily dirt, debris, and makeup well. You can use it twice a day.

Just be aware that it contains ingredients that some people may react poorly to, including alcohol and artificial fragrance. While our tester didn't have any issues with the fragrance, others found it too strong.

face wash

Best for Dry, Sensitive Skin

Topical Skin Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Contains allantoin and glycerin
  • Cleans well with no tightness or stinging

Cons

  • More expensive than many other face washes
  • Easy to dispense too much product

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Cream
  • Notable ingredients: Ceramide, allantoin, glycerin, oleosomes
  • Fragrance-free: Yes
Many people with dry skin also have sensitive skin. If this is you, it's important to find a cleanser that addresses both issues at the same time, like Topical Skin's Hydrating Facial Cleanser. It contains allantoin and glycerin to help support your skin barrier, reduce redness, and moisturize your skin.

 It's also fragrance-free.

I tried this cleanser, and I love it. I have dry skin that gets flaky easily, and most face washes cause some degree of tightness or stinging for me. This one is an exception. It makes me feel totally clean with no tightness, stinging, or redness. It feels really great for my skin, and I'm still using it daily.

However, it’s more expensive than many other face washes, and it’s easy to dispense too much product from the tube if you're not careful.

face wash

Best for Eczema and Sensitive Skin

Skinfix Eczema+ Prebiotic Foaming Oil Face + Body Cleanser

Pros

  • Designed for face and body
  • A little goes a long way
  • Contains colloidal oatmeal and glycerin

Cons

  • Flip-top isn't convenient for showering
  • May be expensive if using for face and body

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Foaming
  • Notable ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, lipid blend
  • Fragrance-free: Yes
This cleanser is gentle enough to use on your body and your face, even if you have eczema. It's a foaming oil that contains calming colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, and a lipid blend that may help keep your skin more supple and moisturized. It's also fragrance-free and can be used twice daily.

“A little goes a long way with this cleanser. When you use a little, it lathers nicely,” says writer Nicole M. LaMarco. “My eczema-prone skin felt calmer, less itchy, and more hydrated than with regular soap.”

Still, the flip-top lid isn't the best for use in the shower, she says. And be aware that you’ll likely need to rebuy this product more often if you use it for both your face and your body. Just keep that in mind as you consider the price.

Best Travel-Friendly Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Olay Cleansing Melts + Vitamin C

$13.29 at Amazon
$19.99Now 34% Off

Pros

  • Lathers nicely into a soapy foam
  • Contains vitamin C
  • Less messy than other cleansers

Cons

  • Cardboard packaging may get ruined easily
  • Contains alcohol and artificial dye

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Dry (activates in water)
  • Notable ingredients: Vitamin C
  • Fragrance-free: Yes

Looking for a convenient, sensitive skin–friendly cleanser to travel with? Olay Cleansing Melts with vitamin C are dry sheets of face cleanser that work with water, making them ideal for tossing into a carry-on or suitcase.

“The small square is a cloth-like texture before adding water,” says LaMarco. “After adding water, it becomes like a gel liquid. When you rub it in your hands, it lathers up nicely into a soapy foam.”

The fragrance-free formula contains vitamin C to help brighten and improve skin tone.

 However, it also contains certain ingredients that may be irritating for some: alcohol and an artificial dye (black 2).

Still, LaMarco says that using it helped her skin feel “the cleanest it's felt in a long time. It's so refreshing.” A downside is that the cardboard packaging isn't her favorite. “It can easily be dented or get wet,” she says. “It's a new, fun packaging for face wash, but [it] may need an upgrade.”

cleanser

Best for Mature Sensitive Skin

Hydrinity Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser

Pros

  • Targets multiple issues, including redness and signs of aging
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cleanses well with no irritation, according to our tester

Cons

  • Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can be irritating for some
  • More expensive than other cleansers

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Gel
  • Notable ingredients: AHAs, fulvic acid
  • Fragrance-free: Yes
For mature skin, this luxury cleanser is gentle and targets inflammation, redness, dullness, and signs of aging. It does this by using ingredients like plant-based AHAs and fulvic acid.

 It can be used twice daily, and it contains no added artificial ingredients.

Writer Amy Fischer, RD, says her skin felt moisturized after using it, with no tightness or dryness. “I was really impressed with this cleanser,” she says. “I loved it, and it smells so clean and light. I've tried so many that irritate my skin, but this one is perfect.” She recommends it for anyone with dry, sensitive, or mature skin, or people dealing with excessive redness.

It's a more-expensive option, but it may be worth it if you're looking for something that targets so many different skin issues at once. However, Dr. Kormeili cautions against AHAs and other acids for people with highly sensitive skin.

Best Fragrance-Free Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Fragrance Free Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

$56.72 at Amazon

Pros

  • No alcohol, soap, or dyes
  • Contains moisturizing glycerin
  • Rinses easily without stripping skin

Cons

  • Pump dispenser may not always work well
  • May not remove eye makeup well

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Foaming
  • Notable ingredients: Glycerin
  • Fragrance-free: Yes

Artificial fragrance, listed as “fragrance” or “parfum” on skin care products, can be very irritating to sensitive skin, according to both Kormeili and Viola. Choosing a fragrance-free cleanser, like this one from Neutrogena, can go a long way toward reducing skin irritation.

In addition to being fragrance-free, it’s also free of other irritating ingredients, including alcohol, soaps, and dyes. Plus, it contains glycerin, a moisturizing ingredient that Kormeili and Viola both recommend for sensitive skin.

That said, our research found that many customers have issues with the pump dispensing product adequately. Others say it's not the best for removing eye makeup.

Still, “I've tried a lot of cleansers, and this one was honestly one of the best I've tried,” says writer Kimberly Dawn Neumann. “I'm a big fan of simple products that are ‘clean’ and also don't break the bank.” She says the cleanser rinses off easily and leaves your skin feeling clean but not overly stripped.

face wash

Best Twice-Daily Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Face Cleanser

Pros

  • Designed for twice-daily use
  • No fragrance, alcohol, or artificial colors
  • Contains glycerin and aloe

Cons

  • Some may find it drying
  • Not ideal for eye makeup removal 

Key Specs

  • Cleanser type: Cream
  • Notable ingredients: Aloe, glycerin
  • Fragrance-free: Yes

Looking for a cleanser that's gentle enough to use twice daily? Consider this one from First Aid Beauty. “This is a good daily cleanser that will clean your face, remove make-up, and not dry your face out,” says writer Raki Swanson. She adds that it leaves her face feeling clean and moisturized, and not tight or dry.

This cream cleanser is fragrance-free and includes soothing aloe and moisturizing glycerin. It's also free of alcohol, artificial colors, and other irritating ingredients.

Still, our research found that this formula can be drying for some, and it can cause irritation when removing eye makeup.

Comparison Table

Best
Cleanser Type
Notable Ingredients
Fragrance-Free
Luxury cleanser
Cream
Colloidal oatmeal, marula seed oil
Yes
Budget-friendly cleanser
Gel
Rosewater, pineapple extract
Yes
Gel cleanser
Gel
Micellar water
Yes
Foaming cleanser
Foaming
Glycerin
Yes
Dry skin
Cream
Ceramide, allantoin, glycerin, oleosomes
Yes
Eczema
Foaming
Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, lipid blend
Yes
Travel-friendly cleanser
Dry (activates in water)
Vitamin C
Yes
Twice-daily cleanser
Cream
Aloe, glycerin
Yes

Other Noteworthy Face Washes for Sensitive Skin We Tried

Our team tested over 95 cleansers, and we narrowed down our selections to 13 of the best ones for sensitive skin. Here are a few that didn't quite make the cut but are still worth your consideration:

How We Chose the Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin

To choose the best face washes for sensitive skin, our team tested over 95 cleansers for at least one week each. Not all of these were specifically made for sensitive skin, but many of them were. With the detailed testing data we collected, we were able to create our list of finalists based on:

  • Which cleansers were made specifically for sensitive skin
  • Cleansed adequately
  • Didn't cause side effects like tightness or stinging
  • Received a stamp of approval from our testers as a product they would either buy again for themselves or recommend to a friend

To ensure we were on the right track, we also spoke with two experts about what to look for in cleansers (and how to approach skin care) for people with sensitive skin:

  • Kate Viola, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners in Sparks, Maryland
  • Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Derm & Rejuvenation Institute in Santa Monica, California

What to Look for When Buying Face Washes for Sensitive Skin

There's always some degree of trial and error involved in finding the right cleanser for your skin. But here are a few things to look for to help ensure that you hone in on products that are easy on your skin but still effective:

  • Ingredients to Look For “Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are crucial for skin hydration and barrier protection,” says Kormeili. Squalene can also boost hydration and help protect your skin from environmental stressors, says Viola.

  • Ingredients to Avoid Some ingredients can be particularly harsh for people with sensitive skin and should be avoided. These include artificial fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), acids such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA), physical scrubs, artificial dyes, harsh preservatives, and alcohols, says Kormeili. She adds that SLS, although fairly common in skin care, is a harsh surfactant. That means it can clean your skin but can also strip healthy oils, leading to irritation and marked sensitivity in some.



  • Branding Cleansers and face washes that are marketed as “gentle,” “fragrance-free,” or “safe for sensitive skin” are good starting points when shopping, says Viola. These products are more likely to not have some of the potentially irritating ingredients listed above.

  • Price Once you find a cleanser that seems right, you'll want to consider if it's something you’ll be able to afford long-term. Many sensitive skin–friendly options are available at a variety of price points. So you don't have to use an expensive cleanser if it doesn’t fit in your budget beyond one use.

How Do You Know if a Cleanser Is Good for Your Skin?

The best way to know if a cleanser is good for your skin is to test it. “A good cleanser will be calming and non-drying,” says Viola. On the other hand, she says your skin may become “angry” if a product doesn't work for you by reacting in one or more of the following ways:

  • Burning
  • Stinging
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Dryness
  • Rash
  • Visible veins on your face

Kormeili says that tightness and flaking are common complaints as well.

What Cleansing Routine Is Best for People With Sensitive Skin?

For sensitive skin, a simple routine is best. Kormeili recommends that you wash your face gently, pat your skin dry, and apply moisturizer immediately — especially if you have dry skin. “Don't over-wash,” she cautions. “It is a myth that you can get rid of deep acne lesions with a strong cleanser. Over-cleaning can actually cause acne, eczema, and other skin issues.”

Viola says that you can moisturize several times a day if needed. She also recommends switching to fragrance-free skin care and body care products, including laundry detergent. “Fragrance-free is not the same as unscented,” she says. “Unscented skin care will use a chemical to cover up the scent from other ingredients in the product, so stay clear of these products.”

Finally, because hot water can strip your skin's natural oils, she recommends taking warm baths and showers. Limit them to five minutes each.

FAQs

What should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
Kormeili says it's helpful to avoid the following ingredients if you have sensitive skin: artificial fragrance, SLS, acids (such as AHAs and BHAs), scrubs, dyes, and alcohols.
The terms cleanser and face wash are used interchangeably. Instead of looking for one of these specific terms, search for products that are made for sensitive skin. They shouldn't have artificial fragrance and ingredients that you know your skin will react to. 
You can wash your face every day if you have sensitive skin. But it may be best to use an extremely gentle cleanser or even just plain water.

Why Trust Everyday Health

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SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD

Author

SaVanna Shoemaker is a registered dietitian and health writer. As a registered dietitian, SaVanna has worked with pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children, people with chronic kidney disease, and people who are critically ill. She is particularly interested in culinary and functional nutrition for weight loss and female hormone health.

She's currently a contributor for Everyday Health and Yahoo Life, and her work has also appeared in Forbes Vetted, Healthline, Greatist, mindbodygreen, and Bicycling magazine, among other outlets.

SaVanna lives with her husband and three kids in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing fiction, and weightlifting.

Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum laude from the City University of New York and then received his MD from the New York University School of Medicine. There, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and served as chapter president for two years. He completed his residency in dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center, and at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Dr. Radusky practices general and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on the early detection of skin cancer, and provides patients with a personalized approach to looking their best at any age. He has authored articles and textbook chapters on the clues that our finger- and toenails may provide us about internal disease, as well as on comprehensive therapies for cosmetic dermatology and reversing the signs of skin aging.

Complementing his medical practice, Radusky has a strong passion for the cultural arts, particularly in expanding access to youths and seniors. He previously served as an artist instructor for the Rockaway Artists Alliance, a New York City nonprofit arts and education organization, and then served as both a board director and treasurer of the organization throughout his medical school training.

Radusky enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Robyn, son Oliver, and poodle Lucy, where he can usually be found preventing photoaging and reducing the risk of skin cancer beneath an umbrella in a wide-brimmed hat. He is also the proud inventor of Sunshotz, the world’s only sunscreen measuring cup, designed to help patients of all ages apply the proper amount of sunscreen needed to enjoy all the sun without the burn.

Daniel Oakley

Fact-Checker

Daniel Oakley is a journalist, editor, and fact-checker. He has written, edited, taught, and produced media for Dow Jones, S&P Global, IHS Markit, Third Coast Studios Magazine, and 826 National.

Oakley's path has always been a health-and-wellness-focused one. A competitive triathlete and racing fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, he also spends summer weekends as an ISA-certified surf instructor and Red Cross professional water rescuer with Laru Beya Collective in Rockaway Beach, which helps kids master and delight in their own backyard — the ocean. It has taught Oakley that “optimizing body and mind” flourishes precisely at the wellspring of community.

Katrina Cossey

Katrina Cossey

Editor

Katrina Cossey is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in broadcast and service journalism. Over her career, she’s covered topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, newborn care, healthy skin-care routines, dental health, and more. She's also tested hundreds of products, ranging from fitness equipment and blood pressure monitors to car seats, toys, and kitchen items.

She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma with a focus on professional media. During her time at university, Katrina served as a reporter for the university’s news channel and webpage.

When she’s not working, Katrina is outside with her family. They love riding their bikes and walking various trails around their community.

Nicole Bonaccorso

Nicole Bonaccorso

Tester

Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.

Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.

In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

Kara Wahlgren

Tester
Kara Wahlgren is a New Jersey-based health and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Prevention, Good Housekeeping, Seventeen, Beachbody On Demand, Woman's World, and more. When she's not writing, she enjoys volleyball, traveling, photography, live music, and running half marathons (slowly).

Brittany Scanniello, RD

Tester

Brittany Scanniello is a freelance writer, registered dietitian-nutritionist, and owner of Eat Simply Nutrition, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition company and private practice.

As a lifelong and collegiate athlete, Brittany has always kept fitness and nutrition a top priority. Her expertise lies in pediatrics, sports, and functional nutrition, though she is experienced in all nutrition-related matters. She strongly believes that food has the power to reduce the risk of chronic disease and help people feel energized so she works hard to make nutrition information accessible and easy to understand for all.

Brittany received her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and dietetics from University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She also completed a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

As a freelance nutrition and fitness writer, her work has been published in Eat This Not That, PopSugar, and other outlets. She is the author of The Complete Macro Cookbook.

When Brittany is not counseling clients or writing, she enjoys working on her family's farm, golfing, playing with her three kids, and baking.

Mary Dennis

Tester

Mary Dennis is a Singaporean American health and science writer based in New York. Her work has been published in the Beijinger, Nautilus, South China Morning Post, Motherly, and Verywell Mind.

Her interest in covering mental health increased after the pandemic revealed our society's increasing need for care and information about how to manage our emotional health. She is passionate about maternal mental health issues in particular, and is the founder of Postpartum Brain, a website designed to educate and encourage people to learn more about perinatal mental health issues.

Mary has a masters degree in science journalism from Columbia University.

Amy Marschall, PsyD

Tester

Amy Marschall, PsyD, is a freelance mental health writer and a licensed clinical psychologist.

She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, in 2015. She completed her pre-doctoral internship through the National Psychology Training Consortium (Central Region) and her post-doctoral residency at Family Psychological Center P.A. in Harrison, Arkansas.

Dr. Marschall has been a licensed psychologist since 2016 and currently owns a private practice, RMH-Therapy, where she provides therapy primarily to children and adolescents and does psychological evaluations. Her clinical specializations include trauma-informed care, neurodiversity-affirming care, rural mental health, and tele–mental health. She is licensed to practice psychology in Florida, Montana, New York, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and is in the process of registering with PsyPact. She is also a registered psychologist in New Zealand and provides ADHD assessments through ADHD Online and therapy services through Spring HealthLyra Health, and Modern Health.

She is also the clinical director of A Change for Better, an organization promoting affordable and accessible mental health care and resources, and the chair of the clinical committee at the ACFB Fund, a charitable organization that funds mental health services. She is also the resident neurodiversity expert with Grayce.

As a mental health writer, she has contributed to Parents, Health, and Spring Health, among other outlets.

In her spare time, Marschall enjoys reading, making jewelry, and spending time with her cats.

SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD

Tester

SaVanna Shoemaker is a registered dietitian and health writer. As a registered dietitian, SaVanna has worked with pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children, people with chronic kidney disease, and people who are critically ill. She is particularly interested in culinary and functional nutrition for weight loss and female hormone health.

She's currently a contributor for Everyday Health and Yahoo Life, and her work has also appeared in Forbes Vetted, Healthline, Greatist, mindbodygreen, and Bicycling magazine, among other outlets.

SaVanna lives with her husband and three kids in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing fiction, and weightlifting.

Nicole M. LaMarco

Tester
Nicole is an Indigenous American freelance writer who is passionate about medicine, science, and everything health-related. She analyzes the latest studies — weeding through medical jargon — to write interesting and helpful articles. Nicole's goal is to empower readers to make informed decisions about their well-being. Her articles have appeared in Shape, Yahoo, Health, and more.
Amy Fischer

Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN

Tester

Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, is the former senior nutrition editor at Health. She is a dietitian with over 13 years of experience covering nutrition and health, specializing in product recommendations. Before Health, she covered nutrition, food, and supplements at Good Housekeeping.

She currently works at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City as a dietitian. She has authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks and has also worked in PR and marketing for food company startups.

She received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Miami University of Ohio and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from New York University. She completed her dietetic training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Raki Swanson

Tester

Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.

She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.

When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.

Eve Lederman

Eve Lederman

Tester

Eve Lederman is a senior developmental editor of work published by Dotdash Meredith, where she focused on Verywell Health during her nine-year tenure. She is also a freelance editor with U.S. News & World Report, contributing to health and wellness articles in the commerce space.

Previously, she was a freelance editor for Fitness magazine and worked with the former medical advertising agency Friedberg Feder DeMasi, spearheading market research.

Eve is also the author of several essays that have appeared in The New York Times, five published books, and two plays.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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