23+ Best Natural Face Washes (Based on Ingredients!)

15 min reading time

When you were a child, you might have been told to wash your face with soap and water. While that may have been common back then, today’s skincare wisdom says that this is actually a bad idea.

Regular soaps—whether they’re bar or liquid—strip away oils from the skin, drying it out and doing more harm than good. With industrial surfactants, synthetic fragrances, harsh sulfates and more, plain soap can also damage skin microflora, impairing the skin’s function.

Dry skin stripped of its natural oils is not only less healthy, but also looks worse and skin is our primary protective barrier. 

Even those with the oiliest of skin shouldn’t be using plain soap—stripping away the oils can stimulate the skin to produce even more oil, making the problem worse.

Our Methodology

We looked at social media, popular online shops like Credo, Sephora, and iHerb, and reviews across the internet to find 21 of the most popular face cleansers.

Brands are rated on the three pillars as follows:

BEST

This ranking is for the best of the best. Only exemplary brands will receive a ranking of best for any category.

GOOD

This ranking is for brands that are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.

IFFY

This ranking is for when we find something we find iffy. Not a good sign.

AVOID

This ranking is reserved for the worst of the worst.

The Best Natural Face Washes

These natural face cleansers are the best ones we looked at. Any of these are a great choice for anyone looking for a natural, safe, and reliable face wash.

Rating: Best

Indie Lee

Brightening Cleanser
Brightening Cleanser
Rating: Best
Price: $34 ($8.1 per oz)

It’s possible to have a face wash with the simplest of ingredients. Rich in antioxidants and plant extracts, Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser can also work as a makeup remover and face mask. The natural formula won’t strip the skin of natural oils, nor will it dry the face. There’s even a fruity, strawberry scent due to the inclusion of strawberry seed oil. When you’re done with this product, the bottle is fully recyclable as well.

For those who may have certain skin allergies, be aware that this product contains ethylhexylglycerin. Make sure to take extra care when applying products with this ingredient around the face, as it can be a mild skin and eye irritant.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 1*

Rating: Best

Herbivore

Pink Cloud Rosewater + Squalane Makeup Removing Face Wash
Pink Cloud Rosewater + Squalane Makeup Removing Face Wash
Rating: Best
Price: $24 ($7.06 per oz)

With absolutely no ingredients of concern, nor potential irritants, this cleanser is one of the best ones out there. This face wash will give you the crispy clean feel without leaving your skin feeling dry, thanks to the added tremella mushroom, which hydrates and maintain moisture. Organic rose water and coconut water serves as a base of this cleanser, which products its pretty cloudy pink color and pleasant rose fragrance.

Ingredients

Rating: Best

One Love Organics

Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser
Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser
Rating: Best
Price: $25 ($3.97 per oz)

The Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser from One Love Organics is a combo of organic Chilean soap bark, cold-pressed apple oil, and vegetable glycerin. All this works to thoroughly clean the skin without stripping your skin, while providing a light, honeysuckle-like scent for an even more soothing wash. This non-drying, gentle cleanser has a clean list of ingredients with no potential irritants, and is suitable for those with sensitive skin to use twice daily. For this reason, we give it a top rating.

Ingredients

Rating: Best

Tata Harper

Regenerating Cleanser
Regenerating Cleanser
Rating: Best
Price: $84 ($20.49 per oz)

A balanced combination of exfoliating and cleansing properties can make for a great cleanser. Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser can buff and polish the skin using BHAs from white willow bark and perfectly-sized apricot microspheres that won’t scratch the skin, but are strong enough to smooth. Although on the pricier side of popular cleansers on the market, this one tops for its gentle exfoliating qualities.

A couple of ingredients in this product to be aware of are limonene and linalool. These are well-recognized consumer allergens and beware of this if you’re prone to skin reactions.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 4*

Rating: Best

OSEA

Ocean Cleanser
Ocean Cleanser
Rating: Best
Price: $48 ($9.6 per oz)

Apart from cleansing, this face wash from OSEA works to provide a healthier complexion using its natural ingredients, such as vegan (beet-derived) lactic acid, lime, cypress, and juniper. If the skin is looking a little dull or uneven, the Osea Ocean Cleanser will help it to look more energized. Its fresh, but not overbearing scent can also help with invigorating the skin. Although it’s one of our “best” rated cleansers, this one has a few potential irritants to watch out for in its ingredients list if you have sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 4*

Natural Face Washes Rated: Good

These natural cleansers are good, but have one or two ingredients that stop us from giving them a “best” rating.

Rating: Good

The Outset

Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser
Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser
Rating: Good
Price: $32 ($6.4 per oz)

This fragrance-free micellar water has a clean list of ingredients, with no harsh chemicals to remove makeup and impurities. The packaging is 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, and comes at a reasonable price.

Ingredients

Rating: Good

The Ordinary

Squalane Cleanser
Squalane Cleanser
Rating: Good
Price: $19.90 ($3.98 per oz)

There’s certainly nothing ordinary about this Squalane Cleanser’s ability to clean the face. The Ordinary’s cleanser is super gentle and can remove makeup effectively, leaving baby soft skin and zero residue afterwards. Its powerful cleansing ingredients make it suitable for acne-prone skin to keep the breakouts at bay.

This product does contain isoceteth-20, which can be an ingredient of concern. It can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are possible human carcinogens.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 2*

Rating: Good

Moon Juice

Milk Cleanse Gentle Wash
Milk Cleanse Gentle Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $32 ($8 per oz)

For something a little different, Moon Juice’s Milk Cleanse Gentle Wash is made up of milky ‘bubbles’ full of cleansing goodness. Their made from unique ingredients like coconut ferment, adaptogenic reishi, and silver ear mushroom. Its formula allows for pH matching on the skin, which means it won’t mess with your skin’s natural barrier. Fragrance wise, this face wash has a mild, woodsy rose aroma using essential oils, that doesn’t smell artificial or sickly sweet.

However, this cleanser also contains an ingredient that was named The American Contact Dermatitis Society’s “Allergen of the Year” in 2004: cocamidopropyl betaine. It can be contaminated with amidoamine and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine, both of which are potential skin and eye irritants.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 4*

Rating: Good

Acure

Brightening Cleansing Gel
Brightening Cleansing Gel
Rating: Good
Price: $9.99 ($2.5 per oz)

Good for fixing dullness and livening up uneven tones, the Brightening Cleansing Gel from Acure is definitely more than just a face wash. It cleans, hydrates, and has been said to brighten the skin in a few washes according to some users. This cleanser can feel and smell like a smoothie bowl for the face, as it’s nutrient-packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients like pomegranate, blackberry, and acai.

While it may sound like a fitting cleanser, it’s best to avoid this product if you’re prone to skin irritation or allergies, as it contains cocamidopropyl betaine.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 4*

Rating: Good

Ursa Major

Fantastic Face Wash
Fantastic Face Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $30 ($3.75 per oz)

The last thing you want your cleanser to do is to strip your skin of moisture and mess with its pH balance. Ursa Major’s Fantastic Face Wash won’t dare to do that, but can still provide thorough exfoliation and cleansing. In a foaming gel form, this fresh-scented wash can clean the most stubborn of eye makeup without over-drying the skin.

Ingredients of concern include glyceryl laurate, a penetration enhancer, which can be unsafe when included with other ingredients. There’s also sodium benzoate, a chemical preservative, which can induce contact allergy for those with sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 3*

Rating: Good

Drunk Elephant

Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Rating: Good
Price: $32 ($6.4 per oz)

Drunk Elephant is big on focusing on healthy pH levels and their Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is no exception. Formulated at a non-stripping pH level of 5.5, this face wash is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and will effortlessly lift makeup without leftover residue. Its various ingredients are mixed into what they call a ‘smoothie’, designed to support the skin’s acid mantle.

Be aware that this product contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which can potentially be skin and eye irritants if contaminated with amidoamine and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. It also contains preservatives, sodium benzoate and phenoxyethanol – which has shown to give skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 4*

Rating: Good

Evolve Organic Beauty

Daily Detox Facial Wash
Daily Detox Facial Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $22.98 ($6.76 per oz)

Even those with oily skin can’t be fully stripped off of their natural oils. A cleanser that re-balances the oils in the face is needed and the Daily Detox Facial Wash from Evolve Organic Beauty may be the solution. This foaming facial wash has organic papaya enzymes for exfoliation, and aloe vera for softening of the skin. Its soothing and natural scent, combined with other ingredients like goji berry and moringa peptides, helps with calming the skin from environmental stressors.

Potential irritants include cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium benzoate. There’s also “natural fragrance”, which we consider an “iffy” ingredient, as it’s a blanket term for unknown fragrance ingredients. This can be a skin irritation or cause an allergic reaction if you’re prone to these issues.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 5*

Rating: Good

Pacifica

Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $10 ($2 per oz)

You can turn to Pacifica for its interesting take on natural products and their Sea Foam Complete Face Wash is no different. As you can gather from its name, their cleanser uses marine phytonutrients, such as coconut water sea algae complex, and foams when applied on the skin. Even though it’s strong enough to clear waterproof eye makeup, there won’t be any feeling of tightness or itchiness post wash.

This product contains cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium benzoate, ethylhexylglycerin, and natural fragrances. Additionally, there’s also tocopheryl acetate, which is at risk of being contaminated with hydroquinone – a known human carcinogen. While we believe this risk to be small, we consider tocopheryl acetate an iffy ingredient.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 5*

Rating: Good

Andalou Naturals

1000 Roses Cleansing Foam
1000 Roses Cleansing Foam
Rating: Good
Price: $14.99 ($2.73 per oz)

A very science-forward cleanser, Andalou Naturals’ 1000 Roses Cleansing Foam is formulated with alpine rose stem cells to help with inflammation and premature aging. Making up the base of this cleanser is organic aloe and water, while pomegranate improves tone. Foams often leave the skin feeling stripped or dry, but the inclusion of aloe vera lifts the skin’s moisture barrier. Users also praise its easily spreadable consistency.

However, be aware of a few other ingredients such as cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium benzoate, and ethylhexylglycerin.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 7*

Rating: Good

Alba Botanica

Acne Dote Deep Pore Wash
Acne Dote Deep Pore Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $6.22 ($1.04 per oz)

Got problem with zits? Cleansers with salicylic acid are your best friend. Alba Botanica’s Acne Dote Deep Pore Wash is formulated with this magic ingredient, plus willow bark extract – for cooling – to unclog pores, as well as getting rid of and preventing future zits. With a few small drops daily, it can be the best treatment for acne.

This salicylic acid cleanser has mostly-clean ingredients, with a few exceptions: cocamidopropyl betaine, phenoxyethanol, and sodium benzoate.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 9*

Rating: Good

Paula's Choice

Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser
Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser
Rating: Good
Price: $18 ($2.69 per oz)

Dry skin will rejoice when being treated to a hydrating cleanser. The Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser from Paula’s Choice gives the right amount of hydration and moisturizes sans the greasy texture. It’s lightweight and non-abrasive but works efficiently to remove dead skin layers using the exfoliators, leaving your skin soft and plump.

There are potential irritants to take note of, including cocamidopropyl betaine and the common preservatives, phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. Also included are ethylhexylglycerin and pentylene glycol, which can cause contact dermatitis and is considered a sensitizing ingredient.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 7*

Rating: Good

Alpyn Beauty

PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser
PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser
Rating: Good
Price: $36 ($9 per oz)

The PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser from Alpyn Beauty contains their unique formula of botanicals that are grown in the mountains in Wyoming. Apart from cleansing and refreshing, it exfoliates using papaya and pomegranate extract, glycolic and lactic acid. It also has plenty of antioxidants, as well as a creamy consistency, making it the go-to choice for dehydrated skin. If you’re sensitive to fragrance or essential oils, this cleanser’s scent has a delicious citrus scent that is very subtle.

Only potential concerning ingredient is benzyl alcohol, which might concern you if you have sensitive skin. It’s listed by the The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) as a well-recognized consumer allergen.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 5*

Natural Face Washes Rated: Iffy

These cleansers have a few ingredients that we consider iffy, making these products some we wouldn’t recommend.

Rating: Iffy

Glow Recipe

Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
Rating: Iffy
Price: $34 ($6.3 per oz)

This cleanser has a clean list of ingredients until you get to the end: fragrance. The brand’s website states very little about the fragrance, saying:

“We formulate using the minimum amount of fragrance, when needed, to create a sensorial, enjoyable skincare experience. Fragrance is always less than 0.5% of our formulations, and all fragrances are vegan and free of PCM compounds, acetone, and much more.”

This implies that it’s not a natural fragrance, and therefore we cannot recommend this cleanser.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 2*

Rating: Iffy

Sukin

Foaming Facial Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Rating: Iffy
Price: $9.99 ($2.36 per oz)

We don’t recommend this cleanser because it contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which was named The American Contact Dermatitis Society’s “Allergen of the Year” in 2004.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 8*

Rating: Iffy

Youth to the People

Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
Rating: Iffy
Price: $36 ($4.5 per oz)

We don’t recommend this product because it contains polysorbate-20 and chemical fragrance.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 4*

Natural Face Washes Rated: Bad

For the reasons stated in our overview, we don’t recommend these face washes.

Rating: Avoid

Juice Beauty

Green Apple Brightening Gel Cleanser
Green Apple Brightening Gel Cleanser
Rating:Avoid
Price: $28 ($6.22 per oz)

This cleanser has a clean list of ingredients. However, lemon juice is the second ingredient, which may be a concern for a few reasons. (source)

Lemon juice is very low pH, making it extremely sensitizing to skin. Lemon juice applied to the skin can cause photosensitivity. This means that your skin will be much more sensitive to sunlight, even if applying sunscreen. There have been reports of people going into the sun with lemon juice on their hands, resulting is horrible blisters and burns.

Lemon juice has also been linked to chemical leukoderma – uneven lightened patches of skin.

For this reason, we don’t recommend this product.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 4*

Rating: Avoid

CosRx

Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Rating:Avoid
Price: $14 ($2.76 per oz)

We can’t recommend this product because of its inclusion of several ingredients we don’t recommend, including cocamidopropyl betaine, polysorbate-20, and ethyl hexanediol.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 6*

Rating: Avoid

Cetaphil

Gentle Skin Cleanser
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Rating:Avoid
Price: $9.59 ($0.6 per oz)

Cetaphil’s cleanser is one of the most popular cleansers on the market, but unfortunately, we can’t recommend it because it contains multiple types of parabens.

Ingredients

Potential irritants: 2*

The Problem With Conventional Face Washes

The products we use on our skin have a huge impact on our skin’s health. The prevalence of conventional face washes—which are often formulated with harsh detergents and cleansers—has unfortunately led to an abundance of skin problems.

Typically, conventional face washes promise a deep cleanse, removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. However, they often utilize harsh ingredients to deliver this “clean” result.

The impact of these ingredients extends beyond removing grime—they can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt the skin’s pH balance, and ultimately, lead to a range of skin complications, from dryness to heightened sensitivity and even breakouts.

The Damage from Harsh Ingredients

Harsh detergents and cleansers, such as sulfates, can be incredibly drying and irritating to the skin.

  • Disruption of Natural Oils — These detergents effectively remove oil and create that satisfying foam, but the problem arises when they remove too much. They strip the skin of its natural oils (sebum), which serve essential functions such as maintaining skin moisture and forming a protective barrier.
  • pH Imbalance — Our skin has a natural pH level of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidity helps protect the skin from bacteria and other potential infections. Harsh cleansers can disrupt this pH balance, making the skin more susceptible to damage and infection.
  • Skin Irritation — Many conventional face washes also contain fragrances and preservatives that can cause skin irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin.

Conversely, clean face washes are generally formulated with gentle ingredients that alleviate these problems. Packed with naturally derived substances and devoid of harsh chemicals, clean face washes offer a non-toxic approach to cleansing your face.

Ingredients To Avoid in Face Washes

Synthetic Fragrances

The term “fragrance” on product labels can obscure a range of potentially harmful chemicals, including known allergens, irritants, and endocrine disruptors. Certain fragrances contain phthalates, toxic compounds linked to hormonal imbalances and birth defects, and even classified as a probable human carcinogen at high levels. Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin and detected in urine following use of phthalate-infused products.

The vague term “fragrance” can hide up to 3619 different chemical ingredients, with some linked to serious health issues such as cancer and reproductive disorders. This label secrecy, permitted under the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) and the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA), allows manufacturers to include harmful ingredients without consumer knowledge.

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA), despite its role in fragrance ingredient safety, is tied to major fragrance companies, raising concerns of conflicts of interest. Furthermore, IFRA’s compliance guidelines are voluntary, implying not all companies follow their safety regulations. Given these complexities, we urge caution when using products with non-transparent fragrance labels.

Synthetic Fragrances

Parabens serve a critical role in cosmetics as they prevent bacterial growth and ensure the safety of the products. This is particularly crucial in often-used cosmetics like face washes, which are highly prone to bacterial contamination in the absence of preservatives. Nevertheless, the potential health hazards linked to parabens have resulted in a tainted reputation.

Parabens are commonly found in cosmetics under various names such as methyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, or propylparaben. These chemicals, utilized widely as cosmetic preservatives, can be moderately absorbed through our skin but repeated application increases the amount absorbed. Health concerns associated with high concentration exposures to parabens include cancer, hormonal disruption, and issues with reproduction but a recent review has shown their toxicity in humans has yet to be established. In addition, various research has identified a link between parabens and breast cancer but more research is still needed.

According to a review on the safety of parabens in cosmetics, despite the relatively low paraben concentrations in individual products, the cumulative use of multiple cosmetics can potentially lead to adverse health effects.

In light of these risks, the European Union banned the use of five specific parabens in cosmetic products as of 2014. The banned parabens include Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben, and Pentylparaben.

Parabens may appear in ingredient lists as the following:

  • Methylparaben
  • Ethylparaben
  • Propylparaben
  • Butylparaben
  • Isobutylparaben
  • Isopropylparaben
  • Benzylparaben
  • Phenylparaben
  • Pentylparaben

Synthetic Fragrances

This functions as both a cleanser and foaming agent. It’s an organic compound derived from coconut oil, and is found in several of the natural cleansers we looked at.

CAPB is known to cause skin irritation in some users. In fact, CAPB was named The American Contact Dermatitis Society’s “Allergen of the Year” in 2004.

It’s not the ingredient itself that causes contact dermatitis, but the residues of other chemicals produced during the reaction to form CAPB. While pure CAPB should not have the risk of causing irritation or dermatitis, it’s impossible to know whether a product is using pure CAPB or not.

While we don’t give a product a negative rating based on including this ingredient, we highlight all products that do so you can make a decision accordingly.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

None of the natural face washes we looked at contained SLS/SLES, but it’s a common ingredient in many cleaners you’ll find at the drugstore.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are commonly found in various cleaning products, including face washes. These surfactants are the powerhouse behind the rich, foamy lather associated with traditional shampoos.

However, the downside of SLS and SLES is their potential to cause skin and eye irritation. They excel at eliminating sebum and grime from the skin, but this comes with a price. These harsh ingredients can lead to skin dryness and long-term irritation.

Here are some critical insights about SLS/SLES:

The instances of allergic reactions to sulfates appear to be increasing, offering another reason to avoid these ingredients. Symptoms such as skin redness, rashes, swelling, itchiness, and hives can indicate a potential allergy to sulfates.

Given these potential adverse effects, it is our recommendation to opt for shampoos that are free from both SLS and SLES.

Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial agent that has been widely used in personal care products, including soaps, detergents, toothpastes, and face washes since 1972.

With its widespread use, concerns have been raised about triclosan contributing to antibiotic resistance, making some bacteria more resilient and harder to kill.

Triclosan has also been linked to potential thyroid function disruption as outlined in a 2009 study on male rats. Another 2015 study found a potential link between the chemical and potential endocrine-disrupting effects. A more recent review found that although individual studies found potentially harmful effects in animals, the true nature of its impacts is still unknown. 

Triclosan can be found in some face washes labeled as “antibacterial”.

This ingredient is used in toothpaste as an antibacterial agent, where it’s meant to help kill bacteria. In 2017, the United States Food & Drug Administration banned the ingredient from handwashes and sanitizers, but it still remains legal to use in cosmetics.

Drying Alcohols

Drying alcohols, also known as simple or volatile alcohols, are often incorporated into skincare products due to their fast-evaporating properties.

They quickly strip away oils and provide an immediate—albeit temporary—matte finish. This might initially seem beneficial, especially for those with oily skin, but the long-term effects of using products containing these alcohols can lead to dryness, irritation, and even damage to the skin’s protective barrier.

Key drying oils to watch out for.
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: Also known as rubbing alcohol, it is often used in skincare products for its antibacterial properties. It can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
  • Denatured Alcohol (Alcohol Denat): This is ethanol with additives to make it undrinkable. It’s often used in toners and other skincare products due to its quick-drying effects. However, it can be extremely drying and can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.
  • Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol): This alcohol is commonly used in many skincare products due to its ability to enhance skin absorption. Like other drying alcohols, it can dehydrate the skin and damage the skin’s barrier function over time.
  • Methanol: Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is not as common in skincare products but is still occasionally used. It’s even more potent and drying than the other alcohols and can lead to skin irritation and damage.
  • SD Alcohol (Specially Denatured Alcohol): This is a mixture of ethanol with a denaturing agent. Similar to other drying alcohols, it can have a dehydrating effect on the skin and damage the skin’s barrier with consistent use.

Debunking Skin Care Misconceptions: Oil is Not Your Enemy

A prevailing misconception in skincare dictates that every trace of oil should be wiped off your face, prompting a multitude of products aiming to strip skin of its natural oils.

However, it is vital to understand that this perspective is not only misguided but can be harmful to the skin’s overall health and vitality.

The Oil Balance Misconception

The myth of oil as a skin enemy arises from a superficial understanding of skin science. The belief is simple – oil leads to clogged pores and acne, therefore, to maintain clear skin, one should eradicate all oil.

Many conventional face washes buy into this narrative and incorporate harsh detergents and cleansers that leave the skin squeaky clean and extremely dry.

However, these intense cleaning rituals can paradoxically instigate more skin problems. Let’s explore why.

The Role of Sebum

Sebum, the oil our skin naturally produces, is not inherently problematic. In fact, it serves crucial functions:

  • Moisturizing the Skin: Sebum helps keep our skin moist and hydrated, preventing dryness and flakiness.
  • Protecting the Skin Barrier: Sebum forms a protective barrier on the skin, guarding against environmental pollutants and pathogens.
  • Preventing Aging: Oils on the skin help maintain elasticity, which aids in staving off signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Antimicrobial: Possesses antibacterial activity and has pro- and anti-inflammatory function.

The Repercussions of Over-Cleansing

When we use face washes that strip our skin of its natural oils, we disturb the skin’s balance, leading to several potential problems:

  • Dryness: Over-cleansing removes essential moisture, leading to dry, irritated skin.
  • Overproduction of Oil: When skin is stripped of oils, it can trigger an overcompensation of oil production, ironically leading to more oily skin.
  • Weakened Skin Barrier: Excessive cleaning can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it susceptible to environmental damage.

The Rise of Gentle, Oil-Based Cleansers

Recognizing the detrimental effects of harsh face washes, skincare experts are now advocating for a gentler, more balanced approach. Oil-based cleansers, typically containing molecules termed hydrophobically modified polymers (HMPs), and those made from natural, non-stripping ingredients have surged in popularity.

These products work on the principle that “like dissolves like”, meaning the oil in the cleansers dissolves the excess sebum on your skin, without stripping it of necessary moisture. It’s a more gentle and balanced way to clean your skin.

Not All Cleansers Are Good For Your Skin

Just because a product is labeled as a face cleanser doesn’t mean it’s any better than a regular soap. Like every other type of personal care product, cleansers can also have iffy ingredients.

From skin-drying alcohols and sulfates to parabens, there can be ingredients in face washes you’ll want nowhere near your face.

Understanding your skin’s needs and physiological functions is critical to maintaining its health. Everyone’s skin is different and requires different skin care approaches, which includes requiring different ingredients. 

For example, acne is one of the most common skin problems in the world, and some research has found tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and l-arginine containing cleansers improved facial acne in test subjects.

 Rather than striving for oil-free skin, focus on achieving balanced, nourished, and protected skin but remember skin care is different for everyone. Clean face washes that respect your skin’s natural oil production can be a vital ally in this pursuit, contributing to a radiant complexion and overall skin health.

The Difference Between Face Wash and Face Cleanser

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the skincare aisle, wondering about the difference between face cleansers and face washes, you’re not alone. Despite the terms being used synonymously in many instances, they each serve distinct roles in the realm of skincare.

The Lowdown on Face Cleansers

Gentle and often hydrating, face cleansers are primarily designed to remove dirt, sweat, excess oil, and makeup from the surface of your skin. Whether it’s a creamy cleanser, a milk, an oil or a micellar water, the aim remains the same—gentle, effective cleansing.

Spotlight on Face Cleansers:

  • Known for their gentleness
  • Perfect for wiping away light makeup
  • Typically no rinsing required (oil cleansers being an exception)
  • Prioritize maintaining skin hydration

The Lowdown on Face Washes

Contrastingly, face washes take on a role akin to soap. They’re formulated to dive deeper, tackling dirt, oil, and other unwelcome guests hiding within your pores. Ideal for a morning refresh or an end-of-day deep clean, face washes are especially valuable for those battling oily or acne-prone skin.

However, the trade-off for this deep clean can sometimes be skin dryness. Face washes are often more drying than cleansers, making a post-wash moisturizer a must-have to replenish your skin’s hydration.

Spotlight on Face Washes:

  • Champion deep cleansing
  • Great for managing oil production
  • Need to be thoroughly rinsed off
  • Post-use moisturizing is typically required

Ultimately, whether you should reach for a face cleanser or a face wash boils down to your skin type and individual skincare needs.

Dry or sensitive skin may love the gentle touch of a cleanser, while oilier skin might benefit from the deep cleaning action of a face wash. Some even opt for a double-duty approach—a cleanser for surface cleaning, followed by a face wash for a thorough cleanse.

Remember, the best skincare product is the one that works harmoniously with your skin, fitting seamlessly into your skincare routine and goals.

Conclusion

All of the products we looked at are marketed as being clean and natural. Like many other product categories, just because a product claims to be clean, it doesn’t mean it actually is.

For a simple choice in a cleanser, look at any of the products we gave a rating of “best”—any of them are a great choice.

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