The 18 Best Natural Face Washes in 2024

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When it comes to skin care, there’s no doubt about it: Natural is best. But how do you know what “natural” really means? And how do you select from the hundreds of products out there that claim to be clean? Start with this list of the best natural face washes in 2024.

What Counts as Natural in Skin Care?

Unfortunately, the definition of “natural” is not regulated, so brands have a lot of leeway with the term. Dermatologists agree, though, that natural skin care typically means products free of artificial ingredients like synthetic fragrances, dyes, parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Often, natural skin care relies on ingredients that come from sources within nature, called botanicals. These botanicals originate in flowers, berries, nuts, fruits, roots, leaves and seeds.

Why Is Natural Face Wash Better?

While natural doesn’t necessarily mean better for your health (after all, some plant-based ingredients can irritate skin, too), it’s important to be aware of the ingredients that come into contact with your body. Products labeled “natural” or “clean” aren’t all created equal – at the end of the day, you still need to look through the ingredient list and have some idea of the benefits and drawbacks of popular skin-care ingredients to understand which products are superior.

The great thing about natural face wash is that it’s typically made without the most notorious skin-care ingredients, like sulfates, parabens and phthalates, which have been proven by studies to cause serious health problems. Products that are naturally scented as opposed to containing synthetic fragrance will be less irritating for skin, which is especially important if you have sensitive skin.

Another thing to pay attention to when it comes to natural skin care is how the ingredients are sourced. For example, vegan formulas are generally easier on the environment, as they don’t contain ingredients that come from animals. Organic skin care is a term that is more regulated than natural or clean, which is certainly something to keep in mind. While natural skin-care brands are often cruelty-free (meaning they don’t test their products on animals), that’s not always the case, so make sure to keep an eye out for that as well.

What to Look For in Natural Face Wash by Skin Type

Here are some of the best natural face wash ingredients by skin type:

• Dry. If your skin tends to be dry, it will often look flaky and feel itchy or tight. Look for aloe vera, which is a natural conditioner that also has the power to soothe skin, as well as natural oils like coconut, avocado and jojoba. Honey is another great ingredient, and vitamin E will help keep your skin in great shape.
• Normal. With normal skin, your complexion is already well balanced and just needs some extra exfoliating and nourishing power. Look for natural exfoliators like fruit enzymes that will clear away dead skin. Niacinamide, ascorbic acid, tocopherol and other vitamins will help address skin brightness and keep skin healthy, and antioxidants (like those found in green tea) will fight signs of aging.
• Combination. If your skin has both oily and dry patches, it’s characterized as “combination.” Natural exfoliators have got your back, like lactic or citric acids. For lightweight hydration that won’t clog your pores, look for jojoba oil (which mimics your skin’s natural sebum), hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
• Oily. Skin that tends to look greasy will benefit from tea tree, aloe vera, green tea, clay and salicylic acid. Since it still needs some moisture, opt for hyaluronic acid (a hero for all skin types), niacinamide and lightweight natural oils like jojoba or sunflower. Witch hazel is a great toning ingredient for those with oily skin, and retinol is a known acne fighter.
• Sensitive. You may have both sensitive skin and one of the skin types above. If that’s the case, look for ingredients that calm the skin and relieve symptoms. Aloe vera is a great option, as are green tea, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin and sweet almond oil. Mango and shea butter are helpful to sensitive skin that also tends to be dry, and sea buckthorn and panthenol work magic on reactive skin.

What Natural Skin-Care Ingredients Can Be Irritating?

There are a few natural skin-care ingredients that may aggravate skin, especially sensitive skin:

• Retinoids. Retinoids are forms of vitamin A, and are popular natural skin-care ingredients because of their ability to fight signs of aging as well as acne. The problem is that retinoids can be extremely irritating, and make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. If you insist on using products that contain retinoids, put them on at night instead of during the day.
• Some Natural Oils. While natural oils come with a whole host of benefits, some of them may be irritating to skin. Coconut oil is one that causes reactions in some people, as it’s highly comedogenic and may clog pores. Olive oil may have the same effect.
• Physical Exfoliants. These small, rough particles are included in scrubs to help you polish your complexion and get rid of old skin. For those with high skin sensitivity, however, these particles may be too rough. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid formulas with walnut shells, sand, grains of sugar and other abrasive ingredients.
• Peppermint. This may seem counterintuitive, because peppermint is known as a skin soother. However, if too much of it is included in a formula or you have particularly sensitive skin, you may have a reaction to peppermint rather than experiencing its intended effect.

Many of these ingredients are not necessarily irritating to all. The key to figuring out which ingredients work for your skin and which you should avoid is to do a patch test before using any product. Simply apply a small amount to a patch of skin on your arm and wait a bit to see what happens. If your skin reacts poorly, return the product and don’t use it on your face. If your skin shows no signs of irritation, you have the all-clear to apply it to your face.

1. Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser

It can be hard to find face washes that check all the boxes: clean formula, no artificial fragrance, safe on all skin types and extremely effective. The best natural face wash, which meets all these criteria and more, is the Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser. With a formula made up of 98% ingredients of natural origins, a number of skin-clearing, healing, softening, and even anti-aging benefits, and a choice of two different natural scents or an unscented product, this is one of the best options out there for daily use.

What makes this cleanser stand out? Let’s start with the inclusion of volcanic ash, which soaks up excess oil and impurities to give your pores a power clean. Even with such a powerful cleansing tool, this product is anything but irritating. It contains lactobacillus ferment filtrate, an ingredient that improves the skin’s microbiome health, helping to keep your complexion cool and calm. For antioxidants and essential nutrients, there’s pomegranate seed oil in here, plus glycerin to keep skin pleasantly hydrated.

What the Reviews Say: Rarely have we come across a product with such rave reviews. One user calls this “worthy of the hype,” and many echo the sentiment, saying that this is “an amazing product.” Men of all skin types have weighed in and agree that this wash takes excellent care of skin and produces visible results.

2. InstaNaturals Vitamin C Cleanser

Vitamin C is one of the most versatile natural skin-care ingredients out there, and it powers this cleanser from InstaNaturals. The clean formula is approved for all skin types, fighting dullness, signs of aging, and uneven tone and texture for a healthier complexion.

In addition to vitamin C, this cleanser includes jojoba esters and lactic acid for mild exfoliation, aloe vera to stave off skin reactions, grapefruit peel oil for a non-stripping clean, and coconut water to solve dehydration and make skin more elastic. There are plenty of other helpful botanicals, too, like meadowfoam seed oil as an emollient, cucumber to calm and matricaria for anti-inflammatory benefits.

What the Reviews Say: One reviewer sums up this product well, calling it “creamy, luxurious, smells great, and non-drying.” Several reviewers mention that their skin feels softer after use.

3. Earth tu Face’s Face Wash

Organic food-grade oils are behind this natural face wash, so you can be sure you’re treating your skin with the highest-quality ingredients. It was created by Californian herbalists, and is designed to remove dirt and buildup without stripping your skin of moisture. In fact, it gives back to skin, restoring moisture levels and calming aggravated skin, and is ideal for those who want to get rid of their oily look.

The natural foaming power comes from a blend of coconut-based surfactants, which work to empty your pores of all the bad stuff. Jojoba and plant-based glycerin provide moisture relief, aloe conditions while soothing inflammation, and palmarosa oil regulates sebum production to cut down on any excess oil. Other botanicals in this formula include ylang-ylang for balancing moisture levels and geranium to give skin the dewy look everyone craves.

What the Reviews Say: One reviewer comments that this is “great after exercise.” Many agree that it’s effective for oily skin, with one saying this wash leaves their skin “feeling clean and looking radiant, not oily.”

4. Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

This Sea Foam Complete Face Wash from Pacifica focuses on getting skin clean, setting you up for success no matter what your skin goals are. The budget-friendly, 100% vegan formula turns to the ocean for much of the ingredient list, including marine phytonutrients, which work against signs of aging and inflammation. It also contains hydrating coconut water, inflammation-busting white tea, and vitamins B and E for optimized skin health. With a formula that’s simple and effective at a price point comfortable for most, this face wash is an excellent choice.

What the Reviews Say: This cleanser gets dozens of positive reviews, with one sharing: “Makes my skin so, so smooth and velvety feeling while providing a gentle clean. Makes my face feel fresh every time.” People with every skin type have shared how effective this formula is.

5. Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser

Consumer studies are helpful for understanding what the actual effects of products are. In one study of this face wash from Biossance, 97% of users noted that their complexion seemed more refined and their skin was softer after two weeks of use. This wash is designed to give a satisfying clean while calming skin, making this a great choice for those of all skin types.

Sugarcane-derived squalane (a great alternative to shark-derived squalane) provides lightweight moisture to skin, aloe vera leaf juice calms and rejuvenates skin, and moringa extract prevents breakouts while supporting cellular growth. There’s moisturizing alfalfa to help glycerin and aloe to soften skin, plus clary oil to encourage epidermis healing.

What the Reviews Say: Even those with sensitive skin agree that this cleanser is a winner, with one saying: “It never leaves my skin feeling stripped.” Others claim this provides a spa-like experience, and one review even labels this a “perfect face cleanser.”

6. Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk

This product is both restorative and anti-aging, nourishing skin while banishing impurities and buildup for a cleaner, more youthful appearance. It’s best for those with maturing skin, as well as anyone suffering from dryness.

White water lily extract is one of the key ingredients in this formula, providing soothing and anti-inflammatory power. Safflower seed oil gets to work hydrating dry skin while taking care of inflammation, and red marine algae lends ocean power to the formula, tackling skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Amino acids contribute to protein production for greater skin firmness, and witch hazel works against swelling, damaged skin and bacteria.

What the Reviews Say: Many reviewers talk about how gentle this cleansing milk is, claiming it doesn’t disrupt particularly fussy skin. One says: “I know it’s definitely expensive but I want to take good care of my skin and my health and this brand helps!”

7. Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

This jelly cleanser has the power to melt away makeup, sunscreen and anything else getting in the way of clean skin. It’s free of harmful ingredients like silicones and artificial fragrance, turning instead to a blend of mild surfactants for a thorough clean, plus antioxidant-rich cantaloupe extract, hydrating glycerin, and marula oil, which is rich in fatty acids and micronutrients. By treating the most common causes of skin irritation and other annoying issues, this cleanser returns your skin to perfect health.

What the Reviews Say: One reviewer says: “I thought this jelly cleaner was fab at removing makeup and leaving the skin fresh and not tight.” Others agree, mentioning how well this cleanser removes dirt and oil.

8. Trilogy Rosehip Cream Cleanser

This Rosehip Cream Cleanser from Trilogy has a reputation for being one of the best natural face washes out there. It’s gentle but effective, hydrating skin as it washes away the grime that accumulates during the day. While it does a great job of cleaning, this cleanser won’t get in the way of your skin – after all, your skin knows how to take care of itself, for the most part.

Rosehip seed oil is a key ingredient, of course, encouraging skin-cell turnover while trapping moisture in the skin. Sweet almond oil nourishes and hydrates with its high fatty acid content, jojoba seeps into skin to provide weightless moisture, and rosemary fights bacteria and free-radical damage. There is fragrance in here, so keep in mind that it might irritate sensitive skin.

What the Reviews Say: One reviewer says: “I have rosacea and this is the best cream cleanser I’ve found that doesn’t irritate any of my skin conditions.” Others agree, and note that this product contributes to skin comfort.

9. Ursa Major’s Fantastic Face Wash

The Fantastic Face Wash from Ursa Major provides a handful of important benefits with a formula that is pure as can be. With no petrochemicals, SLS, SLES, synthetic dyes or fragrances, glycols, silicones or PEGs, you get only the best of nature from this brand. That includes aloe, a soothing superstar, sugar maple and lemon for natural exfoliation, and white tea to fight signs of oxidative stress. Rice extract is in here for its moisturizing benefits, and coconut-based surfactants get rid of buildup.

What the Reviews Say: Several reviews mention the natural fragrance of this formula, with one saying: “When I apply this to my face and let it sit for a bit, the aroma simultaneously opens up my airways and brings me a sense of calm.” Throughout the reviews, the word “refreshing” is used, indicating this formula’s nature-derived power.

10. Nourish Organic Moisturizing Face Cleanser

This natural face wash also happens to be USDA-certified organic, so you can ensure that your skin reaps the benefits of GMO-free plant-based ingredients. Its non-drying formula gets all the bad stuff out, replacing it with nourishing ingredients that improve your skin’s health and boost its radiance. There are superfoods in here, like watercress for its antioxidant and pore-clarifying properties, and cucumber to placate skin and deliver vitamin C. Neem leaf oil targets redness, coconut oil improves the moisture barrier, and sesame seed oil hydrates while targeting inflammation and harmful bacteria.

What the Reviews Say: One reviewer says that regular use of this product has given them “the best skin ever,” while another says this leaves their skin feeling “clean and fresh.” Some reviewers even claim that this has helped their skin stay young over the years.

11. Indie Lee Purifying Face Wash

If you feel like your whole face needs a fresh start, try Indie Lee’s Purifying Face Wash. The detoxifying formula is packed with antioxidants that help skin feel its best while pulling out impurities of all kinds. It will help you start each day anew.

Coconut-derived surfactants get the cleansing job done, while citrus extracts add a natural scent and get oil production under control. Tangerine extract tones the skin, and a host of emollients keep your skin moisturized, including burdock root, mango pulp and an extract from the yellow mombin tree. The result is silky-smooth skin that will ensure your complexion is the envy of all who see it.

What the Reviews Say: The overwhelming consensus from the reviews is that this face wash works best for those with combination skin. One user with this skin type says: “It’s neither drying, nor leaves a residue.”

12. Klur Gentle Matter

Foaming products are all the rage, but they often rely on drying chemicals for the lathering effect. This gel formula from Klur is a great option for even the most sensitive skin, sucking out impurities while keeping skin balanced and hydrated. The ingredient list is long and complicated, but we’ll highlight a few key items.

Green tea is a natural ingredient that does it all, treating acne, inflammation and oxidative stress. There’s white tea for antioxidant benefits, Ginkgo biloba to fight signs of aging, gotu kola for healing and aloe for lessening inflammation. A potent mix of natural oils works to moisturize skin, leaving your face soft and contented.

What the Reviews Say: Reviewers note that this formula provides a satisfying clean that feels great on sensitive skin. One excitedly shares that it “breaks down makeup and glides over my skin like silk leaves my skin hydrated and clean.”

13. Kinship Naked Apple Gel Cleanser

If you have oily skin, you know how hard it is to find a product that properly cleanses your pores but doesn’t leave your skin stripped, itchy or tight. That’s where this natural face wash from Kinship comes in, bringing you a thick gel that leaves skin blemish-free but properly hydrated so you’re ready to take on the world… or at least the busy day ahead!

Sustainably harvested apple extract is the key to this formula’s softening power, and niacinamide helps to balance your skin’s oil levels to keep your complexion even and your pores small and cleansed. Lactic acid provides exfoliation, and a plant-based probiotic supports that essential skin barrier. Plenty of herbs, fruits and vegetables go into this formula, including eggplant, raspberry and banana, all of which contribute to healthy and moisturized skin.

What the Reviews Say: Reviews love how foamy and bubbly this is, saying it provides such an exaggerated lather that it’s better used in the shower than at the sink. One reviewer claims: “This cleanser definitely helped with my acne and I’ve noticed that my skin is much softer than before.”

14. Avalon Organics Wrinkle Therapy Cleansing Milk

Why not fight signs of aging while you cleanse? With this cleansing milk from Avalon Organics, you prevent wrinkles from forming while treating your skin to a luxurious and creamy cleansing experience that detoxifies pores and leaves skin soft. It contains no GMOs, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances or phthalates, so you can be sure you’re getting a natural product full of skin-loving ingredients.

Rosehip helps your skin create new cells while locking in moisture, leading to a younger appearance. CoQ10 shields skin from oxidative stress and supports repair and collagen production for a firmer, more contoured look. There’s also borage oil for relief from dryness, kukui nut oil to fight inflammation and licorice root to brighten. Summer snowflake extract, a natural alternative to Botox, is in this formula to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, keeping your face rejuvenated.

What the Reviews Say: The one thing all reviewers seem to agree on is that this face wash leaves their skin well moisturized.

15. Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser

You probably know by now that cream cleansers get the moisturizing job done. This cleanser from Mad Hippie supplies skin with natural oils to reinforce the moisture barrier and deliver deep nourishment, then seals in moisture with shea butter and squalane. Green tea delivers antioxidants, while vitamin E works on inflammation.

What the Reviews Say: Reviewers claim a little goes a long way with this cleanser, and mention that it has a “silky and luxurious feeling.” A user with troubled skin goes so far as to call this a “game-changer.”

16. Acure Resurfacing Glycolic and Unicorn Root Cleanser

Pores feeling congested? It’s time to bring out this natural face wash, which sloughs off old skin to resurface your complexion. It uses amethyst, glycolic acid and unicorn root to get rid of all the bad stuff and replace it with all the good stuff. Shea butter, hemp seed and matricaria provide numerous moisturizing and calming benefits, while blackberry takes care of free radical damage, turning up the brightness on lackluster skin.

What the Reviews Say: One review gets right to the point: “Makes skin bright.” That’s what you can expect from this wash!

17. Pai Middlemist Seven

Pai’s Middlemist Seven doesn’t discriminate – it works well on all skin types, including sensitive. This cream cleanser combines a number of gentle ingredients that get skin back to its original state of calm. Plus, it comes with a cleansing cloth to make application a breeze. Camellia and rose are the key calming ingredients here, and castor and sweet almond oils work with shea butter to moisturize.

What the Reviews Say: “Gentle and moisturizing.” That’s what many of the reviews talk about, as users mention how well this works on their skin, no matter how sensitive and prone to reactions it is.

18. Yes to Tomatoes Fragrance Free Daily Clarifying Cleanser

Yes to Tomatoes is one of our favorite budget-friendly natural skin-care brands, and they’ve created this acne treatment cleanser that is gentle and suitable for daily use. It harnesses the power of salicylic acid to fight acne and excess oil, avocado oil for nourishment and moisture, plus vitamin E to settle inflammation and vitamin C for antioxidants.

What the Reviews Say: One reviewer says this product “smells good and is great for sensitive skin,” while others focus on its ability to stop breakouts.