Testers Agree: These Are the 14 Best Natural Faces Washes for Clean Skin (2024)

TL;DR

Natural skin care has progressed and gained traction in the last few years, and there are many natural face washes available. We chose theHonest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanserbecause it's vegan, cruelty-free, and made with soothing ingredients that effectively remove impurities from the skin. Additionally, we also love theJust the Goods VeganFace Wash because it is budget-friendly and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Reading beauty product labels can be a perplexing experience. So, it’s no surprise that dermatologists notice an increased demand foringredient transparencyand a preference for morenatural beauty formulas.It makes sense to start with products you use daily—like face wash—but they need to work just as effectively as their counterparts.

“Natural formulations tend to have shorter, more understandable ingredient lists,” explainsDr. Ahmad Chaudhry, M.D.of Scandinavian Biolabs. “They also tend to be more gentle, cleansing the skin without harsh surfactants which can have a drying effect.” Celebrity facialist and aesthetic nurseNatalie Aguilaradds that natural formulas are often better for sensitive skin types, as they reduce the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.

To deduce which natural face washes are worth investing in,we tested85 options for over a month, using them twice daily. We then combined those results and insights with intel from a board-certified dermatologist before naming these our favorite formulas.

Our Top Picks

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Best Chemical Exfoliator:

SALE

Cocokind AHA Jelly Cleanser at Amazon$16$13
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Best for Makeup Removal:

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Farmacy Clean Bee Cleanser at Amazon$29$21
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Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Kinship Gel Cleanser at Amazon

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What We Like

  • Gently cleanses all skin types

  • Leaves skin feeling refreshed

  • Very gently exfoliates skin with PHA

What to Consider

  • Container can leak

Key Ingredients: Chamomile and calendula extracts | Skin Type: All | Size: 5, 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The light, foamy simplicity of Honest Beauty’s Gentle Cleanser had us hooked from the first wash. Our tester, David, loved how gentle this face wash was—even on just-shaved skin. The smooth, cooling gel formula is enriched with a cocktail of botanicals, including chamomile and calendula extracts to calm and refresh, and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), to exfoliate the skin super-gently while also moisturizing and boosting the skin barrier.

It froths up nicely and left our complexion feeling clean and residue-free after rinsing. Although it’s a gel formula and not marketed as ultra-moisturizing, it never left his skin feeling stripped or dry—probably thanks to glycerin and hydrolyzed quinoa, which provide a dose of light hydration. Above all else, this face wash left his skin feeling delightfully refreshed; exactly how a good cleanser should feel.

David, tester, age 63 with balanced skin

“The cleanser was outstanding to use. It was very gentle and did not feel like it stripped my face of natural oils. I was able to use this both morning and night on a daily basis.”

What We Like

  • Cleansed skin without stripping it

  • Left skin noticeably softer

  • Minimal, natural ingredients list

What to Consider

  • Pump applicator sometimes gets clogged

  • Bottle doesn’t come with a safety/tamper seal

Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay, palmarosa essential oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Right off the bat, we appreciated that this budget-friendly face wash has a minimal ingredient list. Not only that, but those with sensitive skin can pare down the formula further by choosing to omit essential oils or exfoliating jojoba beads if they wish—the brand offers four versions of the cleanser.

A base of organic castile soap gives the wash a milky, slightly foaming consistency that our tester, Trevor, found easy to spread over his face. It’s packed with kaolin clay to absorb impurities and palmarosa essential oil to control sebum, leaving the skin clear and fresh but never dry. A single cleanse with this wash was enough to get the job done; he never felt the need to double up. That being said, he did find it a little irritating on the eyes, so have a contingency plan if you wear eye makeup regularly.

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Trevor, tester, age group 25-34 with dry skin

“I liked the minimal and clean ingredients used in this face wash. I also liked the effectiveness of the face wash. I always felt clean and refreshed after using it!”

What We Like

  • Calms breakouts and reduces redness

  • Lightweight, foamy formula gets skin very clean

  • Doesn’t leave skin feeling dry

What to Consider

  • Could be more effective at fighting acne

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, calendula, white and green tea | Skin Type: All/oily | Size: 5.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nothing compares to foaming formulas when you want that deep-clean feel; they cleanse without depositing any residue, leaving skin incredibly clean and fresh feeling (this makes foaming washes great for blemish-prone complexions, FYI).

This “cloud” cleanser builds on its blemish-abolishing abilities with aloe vera and calendula, which work to calm breakouts and reduce redness. Our tester, Sarah, was impressed with the formula’s ability to effectively cleanse in a single wash, leaving her dry skin super clean without any irritation or tightness. The lightweight, pillowy-soft formula seamlessly removed all traces of makeup and SPF and actually left her skin feeling a little moisturized (thanks, aloe).

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Sarah, tester, age group 25-34 with dry, acne-prone skin

“I like how this made my skin feel really clean! It foams up well and takes off all the makeup/sunscreen from the day.”

What We Like

  • Removes all makeup, including waterproof mascara

  • Hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid and glycerin

  • Gentle and effective

What to Consider

  • Very watery consistency

  • Strong scent

Key Ingredients: Hibiscus flower acids, fermented grape extract, betaine, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Skin Type: All/acne-prone | Size: 2.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Chemical exfoliants are actually plant-derived acids. They’re a derm-approved way to remove dead and dull skin cells, refreshing your complexion, evening skin texture, and banishing blackheads. They can even stimulate collagen production in some cases.

This jelly cleanser from Cocokind contains a cocktail of 4% AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) from hibiscus flower and fermented grape, which targets clogged pores and helps remove product build-up so skin stays clear and fresh. The texture of this cleanser is very liquid-y, which makes it a little tricky to apply without making a mess, but once it was on, it did a really good job of removing our makeup—even stubborn waterproof mascara.

Thanks to the addition of betaine, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, the formula didn’t make our tester, Katie's, dry skin more parched. It was super gentle; a great first step in our skincare routine. Her one complaint is that she didn’t love the scent, which reminded her of wine—but not the good stuff.

Katie, tester, age group 45-54 with dry skin

“This product is a nice, gentle cleanser that removed my makeup and left my skin feeling clean without feeling dry, tight, or stripped. It's definitely gentle enough for daily use.”

What We Like

  • Easily removes makeup

  • Lightweight and gentle

  • Lathers nicely

What to Consider

  • Can leave skin feeling a little tight

Key Ingredients: Honey, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, chamomile, calendula, aloe, licorice root | Skin Type: Dry/sensitive | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you wear makeup on a daily basis, then you know it can be a bit of a chore to remove before bed. This honey-infused cleanser is adept at washing everything away without the need for aggressive scrubbing, and it left our tester, Carolyn, with a clean complexion sans smudgy raccoon eyes.

The cleanser comes out thick, but once she added water, it lathered like a dream. The formula removed all debris and product buildup from her pores thanks to natural cleansers like coconut and amino acids, leaving her skin feeling fresh. Despite boasting a hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and antioxidant-infused honey, she didn’t find the formula super moisturizing. In fact, her skin felt a little tight after washing, but only to a degree that’s common among most cleansers. She also appreciated that it wasn’t heavily scented.

Carolyn, tester, age group 45-54 with dry skin

“The face wash lathers like a dream and spreads very evenly on my face. I wear pretty natural makeup and it all came off well with the cleanser. I didn't even need to use my make-up remover pads for my mascara.”

What We Like

  • Gently exfoliates for a glowy complexion

  • Hydrating formula with snow mushroom extract

  • Removes makeup easily

What to Consider

  • Scent could have been more fresh and light

Key Ingredients: Rice extract, AHAs, snow mushroom extract | Skin Type: Normal | Size: 1.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Never used a powder cleanser like this one? Here’s how it works: You shake a dime-sized amount into your wet palm and rub your hands together until it dissolves, creating a light, pillowy-soft foam.

It buffs away dead skin with rice powder (which gives it a slightly grainy texture) and doubles down on exfoliation with a blend of AHAs that left our tester, Ava's, skin smooth and glowy. The cleanser did a great job of wiping away makeup and excess sebum without being stripping, and hydrating snow mushroom extract kept her complexion moisturized and supple—even during freezing winter temps.

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Ava, tester, age group 13-25 with normal skin

“The thing I like most about this product is how soft and clean it makes my skin. My face felt glowy after using it.”

What We Like

What to Consider

  • Scent can be overpoweringly sweet

Key Ingredients: Lemon and lavender extracts, rose damascena, jasmine | Skin Type: Oily/acne-prone | Size: 1.01, 4.22 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Indie Lee’s Purifying Face Wash is loved for its detoxifying abilities (it contains lemon and lavender extracts to help dissolve excess oils without stripping skin) but our tester, Tatiana, found it to be a super effective skin softener, too. The lightweight gel is formulated with rose damascena and jasmine, which left her complexion moisturized and supple after every wash.

The cleanser lathers to a nice foamy consistency and removes makeup easily (although waterproof mascara required some extra work). It made her skin feel squeaky clean and refreshed without needing to double cleanse, and she even noticed a boost in radiance, which is always a plus. The one downside? It smelled overly sweet for her taste.

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Tatiana, tester, age group 25-34 with combination skin

“I felt refreshed and my skin looked more radiant. I believe it made my skin softer, too.”

What We Like

  • Produces a deep-cleaned feeling

  • Restores moisture balance

  • Lathers nicely

What to Consider

  • Stings eyes slightly

Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, glycerin | Skin Type: Combination and oily | Size: 7.7, 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This face wash comes out of the bottle in the form of a lightweight gel but lathers into a creamy foam, making it easy to spread. Every time our tester, Merrell, used it, she felt like her pores were purged of excess oil and product build-up.The formula contains calming calendula extract and hydrating glycerin, a combination that gently moisturized her dry skin and made it feel more balanced.

It removed makeup pretty efficiently but stung her eyes a little when she tried to remove mascara, so she would recommend using a gentler solution for that delicate area.While she didn’t notice any dramatic changes to the appearance of her complexion, she appreciates that this cleanser delivers a deep clean while still remaining gentle.

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Merrell, tester, age group 25-34 with dry skin

“I loved how thick and creamy it lathers up to be, resulting in my face feeling extremely clean afterward.”

What We Like

  • Helps treat breakouts

  • Cleans without stripping skin

  • Boost radiance

What to Consider

  • Scent can be overpoweringly sweet

Key Ingredients: Apple extract, niacinamide, lactic acid | Skin Type: Combination and oily | Size: 5.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for a cleanser to treat breakouts, Aguilar recommends foaming gel and powders. “They are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, as they help to control excess oil production and remove impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts,” she explains. This gel cleanser from Kinship builds on that blemish-banishing potential with a powerful blend of active ingredients, including niacinamide to balance oil production, lactic acid to exfoliate and clear pores, and green apple extract to soften.

While our tester, Elizabeth, didn't necessarily notice fewer breakouts while using this cleanser, she didn’t have any really bad zit eruptions. It could be a coincidence, but the face wash genuinely seemed to help. It thoroughly cleaned her pores without causing any uncomfortable tightness, and her complexion looked more radiant and healthier overall.

While she loved the packaging she wasn't wild about the scent, which is best described as green apple Jolly Rancher candy. Nostalgic, sure. But it’s not necessarily a smell you want slathered all over your face.

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Elizabeth, tester, age group 25-34 with blemish-prone skin

“I love the easy-to-use applicator, cute compact bottle, and the overall positive experience for my skin.”

What We Like

  • Hydrating formula enriched with plant oils

  • Leaves skin feeling soothed

  • Gentle, lightweight formula

What to Consider

  • Container needs to be assembled and can be tricky

Key Ingredients: Green and white tea, aloe, rosemary extract, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil | Skin Type: All types | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This gentle gel cleanser from Klur is a true all-rounder, making it a good choice for everyday use. It’s packed with a laundry list of organic botanical extracts that work in harmony to soothe, protect, and gently resurface the skin, including antioxidant green and white tea, antimicrobial rosemary extract, and a plethora of moisturizing plant oils including jojoba, sweet almond, and evening primrose.

The lightweight gel foams up just enough to feel like your pores are getting a good clean, and it removed our tester, Rebecca's, makeup effortlessly (although, she didn’t wear waterproof mascara, so can’t speak to its effectiveness on that). Her skin wasn’t dry afterward—in fact, it felt soothed and hydrated, and her complexion looked a little smoother. If you’re looking for a cleanser that’s gentle and effective on all skin types, we recommend this one.

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Rebecca, tester, age group 25-34 with combination skin

“It had a nice soothing effect on my skin and I think it was pretty moisturizing. My skin looked nice afterward; it smoothed out my complexion.”

What We Like

  • Packed with antioxidants

  • Contains hydrating ingredients

  • Refreshing jelly formula

What to Consider

  • Applicator can be messy

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, sea buckthorn berry, white tea, rose, chamomile | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This Mad Hippie formula comes out of the tube as a cooling jelly before turning into a slightly foamy milk upon application—a consistency that felt refreshing and lightweight on our tester, Alexa's, skin. It’s actually an oil-based cleanser with hyaluronic acid, vegan squalane, and glycerin, which surprised her because her skin did feel slightly tight after using it.

She loves that this formula is packed with antioxidants to help protect the skin and improve its overall texture and appearance, including white tea, rose, chamomile, and resveratrol—a potent anti-aging ingredient. It seemed to have an effect, because after using the face wash twice a day during the testing period, her skin was noticeably smoother and more glowy.

Alexa, tester, age group 25-34 with combination/sensitive skin

“It made my skin feel refreshed and glowy overall. And my skin definitely felt smoother.”

What We Like

  • Gentle on sensitive skin

  • Deeply hydrating oil-based formula

  • Protects and nurtures a healthy skin barrier

What to Consider

  • Pump applicator is easily broken

Key Ingredients: Safflower and sunflower oils, superoxide dismutase, pre and probiotics | Skin Type: Dry/sensitive/mature | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you believe a healthy, resilient skin barrier is worth investing in, this cleanser from Marie Veronique is for you. Microbiome-friendly and free from potentially irritating essential oils, it utilizes omega 6-rich safflower and sunflower oils to penetrate pores, clearing clogs and congestion. Additionally, it works to protect the lipid barrier with antioxidants like superoxide dismutase—a powerful antioxidant enzyme—and nurtures good microbes with a potent pre and probiotic complex.

First, our tester, Jordan, had to shake the bottle before applying, as the ingredients are different weights and tend to separate. Because this is an oil cleanser, it had a thick texture that effectively removed dirt and makeup (although she needed an eye makeup remover for her mascara). There’s no stripped-dry feeling after using this cleanser; her skin was soft, supple, and dewy-looking.

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Jordan, tester, age group 45-54 with dry skin

“It was definitely moisturizing. My face was dewy and supple afterward—just right!”

What We Like

  • Comes with a soft facecloth

  • Creamy, gentle formula for sensitive skin

  • Super hydrating

What to Consider

  • Didn’t provide a squeaky-clean feel

Key Ingredients: Camellia oil, sweet almond oil, castor oil, rose | Skin Type: All/sensitive | Size: 1.7, 5.1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding trusted beauty products can be a minefield for sensitive skin types—an expensive one, at that. This ultra-gentle cleanser has a dedicated following, so we had to see if it lived up to the hype.

The cream formula is enriched with a trio of nutrient-rich oils—​​camellia, sweet almond, and castor—that remove makeup, SPF, and debris while preserving the skin’s natural oils and pH balance. It goes on like a lotion—smooth and creamy—before foaming up. Our tester, Kathleen, loves that the cleanser comes with a super-soft facecloth to help swipe away the remnants of her makeup.

The formula is nourishing and moisturizing without an oily residue. She did experience some temporary breakouts, which is common while adjusting to a new product, but they cleared up quickly. Overall, her skin was undeniably smoother and softer after using this face wash.

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Kathleen, tester, age group 25-34 with combination skin

“This face cleanser left my skin feeling skin and moisturized. It does not over-strip my face at all. If anything, it felt more nourishing and left my skin more soft.”

What We Like

  • Gentle and non-irritating

  • Leaves skin soft and plump

  • Hydrates and preserves moisture barrier

What to Consider

  • Doesn’t completely remove eye makeup

Key Ingredients: Amino acids, aloe vera | Skin Type: Balanced/dry | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Three Ships’ Purify cleanser proves that face wash formulas can be harsh on dirt and debris while remaining gentle on skin. This refreshing gel boasts amino acids (aka the building blocks of proteins) to help plump and smooth the skin and soothing aloe vera to hydrate.

The brand recommends using this face wash as the second product in a double-cleanse routine, but we think it can easily stand alone. The gel formula doesn’t lather but is pleasant to use: smooth, gentle, and lightweight. It was very gentle on our tester, Anna's, skin and didn’t cause irritation around the delicate eye area (although it didn’t completely remove her eye makeup, either, so she recommends following with a swipe of micellar water). In general, she was impressed by how clean, soft, and healthy-looking her skin was after using this wash.

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Anna, tester, age group 35-44 with dry skin

“I feel like this face wash does a thorough job. I do not feel the need to double cleanse. My face feels clean and ready for moisturizer, but not tight.”

What to Look for When Buying a Natural Face Wash

  • Formula: Consider the type of formula that you prefer and what is best for your skin type when choosing a natural face wash. For instance, if you have dry skin, you may prefer a creamier, thicker natural face wash, while those with oilier skin may do better with a gel cleanser that’s more effective at breaking down oil.
  • Targeted Ingredients: Look for ingredients that work to address the specific skin concerns you have or are made for your skin type. For dry skin, you’ll want to ensure your natural face wash contains moisturizing ingredients, such as oils and butters. Face washes for oily skin are typically formulated to kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent acne, and include ingredients like willow bark, tea tree, and rosemary. If you have sensitive skin, a more minimal ingredient list may be best.
  • Scent: Washing your face should be an enjoyable part of your winding down routine at night or prep for the day ahead. Ensuring you like the scent of your face wash can help create a pleasurable routine. You may want to choose a face wash with an uplifting scent for the morning and a more subdued calming scent for bedtime. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend opting for a fragrance-free face wash to minimize potential irritation.

FAQ

  • What’s in natural face wash?

    Dr. Chaudhry recommends looking for natural cleansing agents like coconut or olive-derived sugars to help dissolve dirt and oil, herbal extracts like chamomile or green tea for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and hydrating oils like jojoba or argan to add moisture. If you have blemish-prone skin, Aguilar suggests clay and charcoal, which both possess purifying and detoxifying properties, and Willow bark, a natural exfoliant that helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts without causing irritation.

  • How do I choose a face wash?

    Choose a face wash that is designed for your specific skin type. “Gel or foam formulas work well for oily skin as they have lighter textures, explains Dr. Chaudhry, “while cream or milk-based washes are often best for dry or mature skin types looking to retain moisture after cleansing.”

    For combination skin, Aguilar recommends opting for a gentle foaming cleanser. “It effectively removes excess oil and impurities from the T-zone without over-drying the cheeks,” she explains. “Look for a formula that balances the skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed without causing any tightness or irritation.”

  • How often should I use a natural face wash?

    Proper cleansing and moisturizing are key for healthy, glowing skin no matter your product choices. In terms of cleansing techniques, Dr. Chaudhry recommends using a natural face wash once in the morning and again before bed. “Apply the cleanser gently in circular motions for 30 seconds or so, focusing on the T-zone or areas prone to oil or breakouts,” he advises. “Rinsing fully is important before following up with a hydrating moisturizer to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier.”

    Aguilar adds that cleanser foams better on clean skin, so it's advisable to cleanse a second time if you’re wearing makeup or SPF. “A great pre-cleanser or first cleanser can be a milk cleanser, oil cleanser, makeup wipes, or micellar water,” she says. “These products effectively remove large amounts of makeup, dirt, and SPF, making it easier for a second cleanser to do the job effectively.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Esme Benjamin is a freelance writer, editor, and podcaster based in New York. Esme joined Byrdie as a contributor in 2023. As a wellness expert, she has a particular interest in naturally-derived beauty ingredients and the intersection of beauty rituals and self-care.

Daley Quinn is a contributing writer for Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty, health, and lifestyle. Quinn has worked as a beauty journalist for ten years and has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Allure, Fashionista, Well + Good, Women’s Health, The Cut, WWD, Real Simple, Shape, and more. Quinn researched most (and has tested a few) of the best-selling natural face washes on the market to create this final list. When Quinn isn’t busy testing beauty products for an extensive review, you can find her writing for her lifestyle blog, TheDaleyDose.com.

Our writers sought additional insights from the following experts:

  • Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.D. of Scandinavian Biolabs.
  • Celebrity facialist and aesthetic nurse Natalie Aguilar
Testers Agree: These Are the 14 Best Natural Faces Washes for Clean Skin (2024)
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