There definitely isn’t a shortage of facial cleansers on the market; that’s no secret. And even when it comes to choosing something pure and natural, there are lots of options! It can be really overwhelming and confusing. And how do you know which one to choose, and what is going to be best for your skin type?
Well, we’re going to cover all of that in this post! First let’s talk about the types of cleansers and what makes them unique.
Types of Facial Cleansers
Balm: Balms are usually pretty heavy, so they are sometimes ideal for dry skin but also amazing at removing tough eye makeup. They are also nice for nighttime use since they are heavier and can be used as an overnight treatment.
Cleansing Oil: Contrary to popular belief, using oils for cleansing is actually very beneficial! A lot of people think it will make them break out or clog their pores. Let’s think back to science class on this one: like dissolves like, right? So by applying nourishing, beneficial (and non-comedogenic) oil to your skin, it actually helps break down and dissolve makeup and dirt from your skin. Without stripping it of its acid mantle or natural moisture barrier.
Foaming Cleanser: A lot of conventional foaming cleansers contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which are synthetic foaming agents that can majorly irritate skin and strip it of its natural moisture. That’s usually what gives skin the squeaky clean feeling. This is not always a good thing because then your skin will work overtime to produce more oil than necessary! However, not all foaming cleansers are bad. If they use gentle, natural ingredients, they can be really powerful cleansers without stripping your skin!
Gel or Cream: These are a good in-between option for those that don’t necessarily prefer a foam or an oil. Depending on the ingredients, some of them also produce a light foam when wet!
Natural Cleansers from The Choosy Chick
Look no further because you can find plenty of natural cleansers right here. Margot, The Choosy Chick herself, was recently on Better CT demonstrating some of these cleansers if you’d like to see them in action too. Let’s look at each one and see if it would work for your skin!
Dr. Alkaitis Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser
Type: Gel
Best for: All skin types, especially acne-prone
Made with an organic castile cleansing base compounded from organic jojoba, olive, and shea oils. This is a gentle yet highly therapeutic cleanser that will deep clean, repair, and moisturize.
H Is For Love Rapha Harmonizing Cleanser
Type: Oil
Best for: All skin types, including oily and acne prone
Rapha is made with herb-infused nutrient-rich oils along with antibacterial and highly soothing essential oils. It removes makeup effortlessly and contains a CO2 extraction of German chamomile which is known for its high levels of matricin for anti-inflammatory benefits.
Hollybeth Chamomile Facial Foaming Cleanser
Type: Foaming
Best for: Sensitive, normal to oily to slightly dry
A detergent-free aloe castile soap that will leave your skin feeling super clean. It’s infused with healing and soothing evening primrose oil, calming chamomile flower oil, and stimulating rosemary extract to leave skin looking and feeling radiant and refreshed.
Hollybeth Cleansing Gel with Chamomile & Rose Geranium
Type: Gel
Best for: Normal to dry skin, combo skin - all skin types!
While this bottle is little, you will be amazed at how long it lasts! This is a concentrated formula and all you need is a pea-sized amount to get the job done. It's made with coconut, olive and jojoba oils. It also has organic rose geranium and chamomile essential oils to help balance and soothe. While suggested by Hollybeth for use on normal to dry skin, we like this on all skin types, because Rose Geranium is a powerhouse for keeping blemishes at bay. So we say great for ALL skin types!
Kari Gran Cleansing Oil
Type: Oil
Best for: All skin types and for makeup removal.
This luxurious cleansing oil contains a blend of natural ingredients formulated to deep clean while balancing the skin’s natural oil production. Made with just 5 natural ingredients, including avocado, sunflower and lavender. It’s designed mainly for nighttime cleansing, leaving skin super nourished! You may find that you can skip moisturizer after. Kari suggests using her Hydrating Tonic and Treatment Oil for a complete 3-step skincare routine.
Kimberly Sayer Gentle Almond & Lavender Face Scrub
Type: Cream scrub
Best for: All skin types especially dry
This powerful two-in-one facial scrub and cleanser is non-abrasive and packed with shea butter, essential oils and organic grains. It deep cleans clogged pores and helps prep skin for moisturizing. If you are looking for an exfoliator that doesn't leave your skin feeling like the Sahara Desert, this is for you!
Kimberly Sayer Gentle Face Cleanser
Type: Cream
Best for: Normal to dry, sensitive skin
This is a cream cleanser made with rose and lavender, which help to draw out surface impurities while deep cleaning clogged pores. This is gentle enough to use twice a day without disrupting the skin's natural pH level. Economical choice - the bottle is huge!
Kimberly Sayer Light Cleansing Lotion
Type: Cream
Best for: Combination, oily, or blemish-prone skin
This gentle cleanser takes care of oily, clogged skin while balancing the skin's natural pH. It contains rosemary extract and lemon oil that gently draw out surface impurities to decongest oily or acne-prone skin. Economical choice - the bottle is huge!
Magic Organic Apothecary Daily Cleansing Ritual (Green Balm)
Type: Balm
Best for: Oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive skin, makeup removal
Okay now - you won't believe it, but this one is for ALL SKIN TYPES! This kit comes with the Green Balm and soft bamboo face cloth. It’s truly a ritual! The Green Balm is crammed with organic, healing yarrow which is naturally antiseptic. It helps remove excess oil and impurities, giving your skin a balanced cleanse. The Green Balm is well known for its ability to knock out blemishes and calm angry skin. Great for removing eye makeup!
Mun Akwi Purifying Cleanser
Type: Creamy oil based
Best for: All skin types, we like for dry skin.
This cleanser is unique because it’s creamy but oil-based! Made with a blend of synergistic natural ingredients, including castor oil (a soothing cleanser and powerful detoxifier), nutrient-dense argan oil, plus antioxidant camellia seed oil. Remove with a warm cloth to reveal healthy, moisturized skin. You may be able to skip a moisturizer after depending on your level of dryness.
Pleni Naturals Enzyme Deep Cleansing Oil & Mask with Papaya
Type: Oil
Best for: All skin types
This is a newly released product and highly anticipated! It's an oil cleanser, that foams slightly when water is added, and it rinses completely clean with NO cloth. This is a deep cleanser and also doubles as a face mask. It effortlessly lifts and removes dirt and debris while cleaning out pores. It contains papaya which also gently exfoliates, and cucumber seed oil which is rich in phytosterols to help soothe and restore moisture. Not recommended for removal of eye makeup.
Solavedi Organics Honey Blossom Daily Face Wash
Type: Gel
Best for: All skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone
This blossom scented, mild facial wash is made with honey which is antibacterial and a super humectant, maintaining the skin's natural pH and moisture balance. It also contains coconut manna, high in linoleic acids, that protect the acid mantle and melt away impurities! Very concentrated, only a pea size needed to do the job.
Wyld Konjac Sponges
Type: Sponge
Best for: All skin types
These small but mighty konjac sponges are awesome, gentle exfoliators and leave your skin nourished and soft! You can use them alone to cleanse or pair with your favorite cleanser. There's a divot in the center for your cleanser! The Charcoal sponge is ideal for normal to oily skin, and the French Pink Clay is great for dry or sensitive skin. Check out this blog post for all the details!
We'd love to hear...what's your favorite type of cleanser? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by: Organically Becca
Becca is a blogger, podcaster, wife, and dog mom from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She’s on a mission to get the word out about chemicals found in our everyday items like makeup, food, and personal care products. She provides education on ways you can live a more holistic life and easy swaps you can make in your routine to naturally safer products. Check out Becca’s blog organicallybecca.com and catch her on Instagram @organicallybecca.
