17 Best Non-Toxic Face Cleansers for Every Skin Type
When switching to non-toxic beauty products, finding the best non-toxic facial cleanser for your skin type is easier than ever with so many available options. When researching for this post, I was surprised at how many facial cleansers are available.
Why switch to a clean beauty skincare routine
Unfortunately, regulations in the U.S. allow the use of many potentially harmful chemicals and substances in personal care products, including known and potential endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. That means your skincare routine, a time that’s supposed to be about caring for yourself, could potentially expose you to substances that can contribute to other health conditions.
But before you go ditching your conventional cleansers, check it for the following ingredients.
Ingredients to avoid in your skincare
I have a few strategies for finding cleansers with natural ingredients. The easiest is to scan your items on EWG app to get general ingredient information. Usually, I only consider items with a three or below safe to use. Most cleansers that fall into this range don’t have the following ingredients:
- Artificial Fragrances (a huge no-no in my book) – Some brands have undisclosed ingredients that fall under “Fragrance”. It’s a tricky loophole that allows brands to hide more nasty ingredients.
- Butylated Compounds (BHT and BHA) These synthetic antioxidants may be carcinogens.
- Parabens – Used as preservatives. But they are potential endocrine disruptors.
- Phthalates – Usually, these fall under fragrance, so you may not see them listed on the label. But they are hormone disruptors.
Fibroid Fighting Quickstart Guide
Subscribe and get a guide to start fighting fibroids today. And be the first to know when my ebook is ready.
One thing I should point out is that I’ve noticed that EWG does tend to give products with essential oils a lower rating. There’s some controversy about whether essential oils are harmful or sensitizing to your skin barrier, so I recommend doing more research and using your own judgment on this.
Finding the best cleanser is a fresh start to your routine. But before we dive into finding a good cleanser, let’s talk skin types.
Tips for determining your unique skin type
The first step is going to be determining your skin type. If you don’t know it already or haven’t had a dermatologist or esthetician tell you, there’s a way I learned back when I used to work at makeup counters.
Don’t do any other steps after washing your face with whatever cleanser you already have. Wait about 10 or 15 minutes to see how your skin feels. If it’s dry, tight, or uncomfortable, you’re likely dry. If you start to get oily, there’s a good chance you’re oily. If you’re oily in some places, you may have combination skin.
This isn’t an exact science, but it can give you a pretty good idea of where to start for now. Getting a professional to tell you if you can afford it is best.
A little hack: Many insurances cover an annual screening with a dermatologist. So, if you want a professional opinion, that would be a good way to get one.
Now, if you have acne-prone skin, finding the best natural cleanser for acne-prone skin can be a little trickier depending on what’s causing your acne, but I will include some good options in this post.
Let’s start with gentle, non-toxic face washes.
Natural face wash for sensitive skin types
If you’re prone to skin irritation, these might be the best natural face cleansers for you.
Honest beauty
Even though I don’t have sensitive skin, I absolutely love this cleanser. It foams really nicely and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry or tight.
Youth to the People Superfood
This cleansing gel is a popular option, and I get why. It’s gentle, has a nice amount of foam, and does a pretty good job removing makeup.
Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
This kind-to-skin formula of plant-based ingredients like Aloe Vera and Chamomile.
Best non-toxic cleansers for all skin types
If you’re looking for a gentle cleanser for everyday use that can work for any skin type, these all work wonderfully and won’t dry out your skin.
OSEA Ocean Cleanser
This cleanser ranks high among non-abrasive cleansers that gently exfoliate. It gives a thorough cleanse while restoring your skin’s pH.
Kinship Naked Papaya Gentle Enzyme Milky Cleanser
If foaming isn’t your thing, this cleanser gently exfoliates while removing makeup.
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
A gentle foaming cleanser for clean, balanced skin.
Alaffia Everyday Coconut Face Cleanser
I love Alaffia’s body washes and bar soap, so I was thrilled to find out they have a gentle gel cleanser for the face.
Buy at Thrive Market (Use this link for $60 in FREE groceries)
Best non-toxic face wash for dry skin types
This list also includes some of the best non-toxic cleansers for aging skin since some people with more mature skin may benefit from more moisture.
Juice Beauty Organic Facial Wash
If you’re looking for an organic facial cleanser, Juice Beauty has USDA-certified, gentle ingredients on the skin.
Farmacy Green Clean Super Creamy Cleanser
This creamy cleanser hydrates and softens dry skin without harsh chemicals.
Biossance Squalane Antioxidant Makeup Removing Oil
This powerful antioxidant formula promotes healthy-looking radiance.
Best non-toxic face wash for oily skin
If you’re oily, you’ll want to find a cleanser that will reduce excess oil without stripping or drying out your skin.
Innis Free Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam
A deep cleansing foam with Volcanic Clusters and salicylic acid that helps lightly exfoliate and absorb excess oils.
Alpyn Beauty Plant Genius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser
A sudsy, non-stripping cleanser that melts away dirt, makeup, and other impurities.
Best natural face wash for mature skin
Non-toxic face cleansers for aging skin must promote moisture while removing debris. These cleansers have a creamy lather that doesn’t strip your skin.
Mad Hippie Jelly Cleanser
A hydrating, mildly acidic jelly-to-milk cleanser with rose, chamomile, and hyaluronic acid.
Josh Rosebrook Complete Moisture Cleanse
An ultra-gentle, pH-optimized cleanser that delivers potent herbal actives, rich plant oils, and ethically sourced honey.
Best non-toxic cleanser for acne-prone skin
These cleansers remove acne-causing bacteria and traces of makeup for a thorough clean that helps avoid future breakouts.
Cocokind AHA Jelly Clarifying Face Wash
A low-foaming gel cleanser with hibiscus flower acids and fermented grape to help dissolve buildup and smooth skin’s texture.
Primally Pure Oily Skin Cleansing Oil
This detoxifying oil cleanser deeply cleanses the skin while promoting more balanced oil production.
Goldfadden MD Detox Clarifying Facial Wash
Detoxify, exfoliate and balance skin with one pump.
All these clean beauty cleansers make it worth shifting to a routine without harmful ingredients. All of them are gentle yet effective. Simply figure out your skin type and choose the best clean beauty cleanser for you.
