Best Natural Face Cleansers: Non-Toxic Options for Every Skin Type

At Mindful Momma we only endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and honestly love. We may receive commissions from affiliate links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure

Quick Picks: My Top Natural Face Cleansers

Short on time? These are my top natural face cleanser recommendations based on skin type, budget, and personal experience. Scroll down for detailed reviews and more options by cleanser type.

If you want…	My Pick
⭐ Best Overall	OSEA Ocean Cleanser
💰 Best Budget	Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream
🌿 Best for Sensitive Skin	Annmarie Aloe Herb Cleanser
🫧 Best Foaming Cleanser	Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
💛 Best Cleansing Balm	True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm
🌊 Best Cleansing Oil	OSEA Ocean Wave Cleanser

How to Choose the Best Natural Face Cleanser

With so many face cleansers available — from inexpensive drugstore options to luxury beauty brands — choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The “best” natural face cleanser isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the one with the longest ingredient list. It’s the one that matches your skin type, addresses your skincare needs, and is made with ingredients that gently cleanse without disrupting your skin barrier.

After years of researching safer skincare products, I’ve learned that a good cleanser should do more than simply remove dirt and makeup. It should clean your skin effectively while helping maintain its natural moisture and balance.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a natural face cleanser.

Consider Your Skin Type

Your skin type is one of the most important factors when choosing a cleanser. A formula that works beautifully for someone else may not be the right fit for your skin.

Dry skin: Look for creamy cleansers, cleansing oils, and cleansing balms with moisturizing ingredients that help support your skin barrier. Avoid cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight or stripped after washing.

Sensitive skin: Choose fragrance-free formulas with soothing ingredients and simple ingredient lists that help minimize irritation.

Oily skin: A gentle foaming or gel cleanser can help remove excess oil and buildup without over-drying your skin. Avoid overly harsh cleansers that can strip your skin and potentially trigger more oil production.

Acne-prone skin: Look for cleansers with ingredients that support clearer-looking skin, such as gentle exfoliants, botanical extracts, or skin-balancing ingredients. The goal is to cleanse effectively without damaging your skin’s natural barrier.

Combination skin: Look for a balanced cleanser that removes impurities without drying out areas of your face that need extra moisture. Many people with combination skin do well with gentle foaming or gel cleansers.

Mature skin: As skin changes with age, it often benefits from more hydrating cleansers that help maintain moisture. Cream cleansers, cleansing oils, and balms can be especially beneficial for mature skin.

Quick Tip: Keep in mind that your skin type can change over time, so you may need to switch up your cleanser and other skincare products.

Look for These Clean Ingredients

A natural face cleanser should gently remove dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup while providing ingredients that support healthy-looking skin. Some beneficial ingredients to look for include:

• Aloe vera: A soothing plant ingredient that can help calm and hydrate skin.
• Glycerin: A gentle humectant that helps draw moisture into the skin and prevent dryness.
• Plant oils: Ingredients like jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and other botanical oils can help nourish skin while effectively cleansing.
• Gentle surfactants: Cleansers need some type of cleansing agent, but gentle plant-derived surfactants can clean skin without the harsh, stripped feeling that some traditional cleansers create.
• Antioxidants: Ingredients like green tea, vitamin C, berries, and botanical extracts can help support healthy-looking skin.

I also look for products made with carefully selected, minimally processed ingredients, transparent labeling, and certifications from trusted organizations when available, such as EWG Verified, MADE SAFE, or USDA Organic.

Ingredients I Avoid in Face Cleansers

While everyone’s skin is different, there are certain ingredients I personally choose to avoid when selecting skincare products. Some ingredients can be irritating, unnecessary, or raise concerns related to ingredient transparency.

• Synthetic fragrance: The term “fragrance” can represent a mixture of many undisclosed ingredients, some of which may trigger sensitivity or irritation.
• Harsh sulfates: Strong cleansing agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) can be too stripping for some skin types, especially sensitive or dry skin.
• PEG compounds and ethoxylated ingredients: These ingredients can potentially be contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a concern that many ingredient-conscious consumers choose to avoid.
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Ingredients such as quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea are preservatives that release small amounts of formaldehyde.
• Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, TEA): These ingredients may raise concerns because they can react with other compounds to form nitrosamines under certain conditions.
• Paraben preservatives: Some consumers choose to avoid parabens, including methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben.
• Petroleum-based ingredients: Many ingredient-conscious shoppers prefer to avoid petroleum-derived ingredients because of concerns related to sustainability and environmental impact.

Learn more about ingredients to avoid in personal care products.

The good news? There are now many effective natural face cleansers made with gentle, skin-supporting ingredients — without relying on harsh formulas. Now let’s look at the best options by cleanser type.

Best Natural Foaming Face Cleansers

Just because a face cleanser is naturally based doesn’t mean it can’t create a satisfying lather! If you prefer a foaming cleanser that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean, these non-toxic face washes are excellent options. The key is choosing formulas with gentle cleansing ingredients that remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture.

Foaming cleansers are typically a great choice for normal, combination, and oily skin types. If your skin tends to be very dry or sensitive, you may prefer a creamy cleanser, cleansing oil, or cleansing balm instead.

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash — Best Everyday Foaming Cleanser

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash is one of my favorite everyday foaming cleansers. This refreshing formula uses plant-based ingredients to cleanse and invigorate skin while helping maintain a healthy balance. It works well for many skin types, including combination skin, and has a fresh, outdoorsy scent.

• Best for: Normal, combination, oily skin

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser — Perfect for a Brightening Boost

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser is a gentle gel-to-foam cleanser featuring strawberry seed oil and tomato extracts for antioxidant support. I love the light strawberry scent and the way this cleanser leaves my skin feeling refreshed without that tight, over-cleansed feeling. A great choice if you want a foaming cleanser with a little extra glow-boosting power.

• Best for: Normal, combination, dull skin

Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel — Best Budget-Friendly Natural Cleanser

Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel is an affordable, widely available natural cleanser that uses gentle ingredients along with antioxidant-rich botanicals. Despite the name, this cleanser creates a light foam and leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed. It’s a great everyday option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly non-toxic face wash.

• Best for: Normal, combination skin; budget-friendly option

DERMA E Hydrating Alkaline Cloud Cleanser — Great for Hydration

DERMA E Hydrating Alkaline Cloud Cleanser creates a soft, cushiony foam that gently removes makeup, excess oil, and daily impurities without stripping your skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom extract, it helps replenish moisture while supporting a healthy skin barrier, making it an excellent everyday cleanser for skin that tends to feel dry or dehydrated.

• Best for: Dry, normal, and dehydrated skin

Earth Harbor Oasis Deep Pore Gel Cleanser — Best for Oily Skin

Earth Harbor Oasis Deep Pore Gel Cleanser is a refreshing gel cleanser designed to gently remove impurities while supporting healthy-looking skin. I love Earth Harbor’s focus on botanical ingredients, and this cleanser is a good fit if you prefer a deeper-clean feeling without traditional harsh cleansers.

• Best for: Combination, oily, congested skin

Graydon Face Foam — Fragrance-Free Foaming Cleanser

Graydon Face Foam is a great option if you’re looking for a gentle, fragrance-free foaming cleanser. The formula has a skin-friendly pH and uses soothing ingredients designed to cleanse without leaving skin feeling stripped. It’s a nice choice for those who want the experience of a foam cleanser without harsh ingredients.

• Best for: Sensitive skin, all skin types

Best Cream Cleansers for Dry & Sensitive Skin

If you have dry skin, a creamy cleanser may be more your thing. My skin loves these gentle, moisturizing cleansers, especially during the colder, drier months when my face needs a little extra hydration.

Unlike foaming cleansers that create more lather, creamy cleansers are designed to gently remove dirt, makeup, and impurities while helping maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier. They’re a great choice if your skin tends to feel tight or dry after washing, or if you prefer a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling soft and comfortable. Cream cleansers can be especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, and mature skin.

OSEA Ocean Cleanser — Best Spa-Like Cleanser

OSEA Ocean Cleanser is my personal favorite because I love the silky, creamy gel texture and the fresh citrus scent that makes cleansing feel like a little spa ritual. This luxurious cleanser gently removes impurities while nourishing skin with mineral-rich seaweed, hydrating glycerin, and botanical oils. It leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, and balanced without that tight, stripped feeling.

• Best for: Dry, normal, and mature skin

Annmarie Skin Care Aloe Herb Cleanser — Best Botanical Cleanser

Annmarie Aloe Herb Cleanser is a gentle, pH-balanced formula infused with soothing aloe vera, herbal extracts, and nourishing plant oils to cleanse while helping maintain skin’s natural hydration. I love that this cleanser is MADE SAFE® Certified, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a thoughtfully formulated botanical cleanser with a strong focus on ingredient safety.

• Best for: Dry, sensitive, and normal skin

Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream — Best Budget Pick

Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream is an affordable option that gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving skin feeling dry. Formulated with calming botanicals and moisturizing ingredients, it’s a great everyday cleanser for anyone with sensitive or easily irritated skin.

• Best for: Sensitive, dry, and combination skin

Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser — Best Everyday Cleanser

Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser is a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that moisturizes skin with organic jojoba oil and other nourishing ingredients. The creamy formula helps wash away dirt, makeup, and impurities while leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable rather than tight or stripped. It’s a great everyday option if you prefer a simple, hydrating cleanser.

• Best for: Normal, dry, and combination skin

Earth Harbor Aloha Love Nourishing Cream Cleanser — Best for Dry Skin

Earth Harbor Aloha Love Nourishing Cream Cleanser combines moisturizing plant oils, botanical extracts, and antioxidant-rich ingredients to cleanse while preserving your skin’s natural moisture. I love the pretty pink color and it leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated after every wash.

• Best for: Dry, dehydrated, and mature skin

Clean Journey Milk Cleanser — Best Milk Cleanser

Clean Journey Milk Cleanser features a lightweight, milky formula that gently removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup while helping maintain your skin’s natural balance. I love that it comes in a convenient squeezable tube, making it a great option for travel or tossing into your gym bag. If you prefer a soft, non-foaming cleanser that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated, this one is worth a look.

• Best for: Sensitive, dry, and mature skin

More Creamy Face Cleanser Recommendations

Best Natural Exfoliating Face Cleansers

I love a good multitasking cleanser that not only washes away dirt, oil, and makeup but also gently exfoliates at the same time. Used a few times a week, an exfoliating cleanser can help remove dead skin cells that leave your complexion looking dull, revealing skin that looks smoother, brighter, and more radiant—all without adding an extra step to your skincare routine.

There are two main types of exfoliating cleansers. Physical exfoliants use fine particles to gently buff away dead skin, while chemical exfoliants use ingredients like fruit enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells. I prefer gentle formulas that polish the skin without causing irritation or damaging the skin barrier. Whether you choose a physical or chemical exfoliant comes down to your skin type and personal preference.

Physical Exfoliating Cleansers

COUNTER Counterglow Silky Skin Cleanser — Best Luxury Exfoliating Cleanser

Counterglow Silky Skin Cleanser is a water-activated formula that includes oat flour for a gentle physical exfoliation and dissolves into a creamy, foamy cleanser. I’m obsessed with this product because it combines both cleansing and gentle exfoliation and leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft.

• Best for: Normal, dry, and dull skin

MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser — Best EWG Verified Scrub Cleanser

MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser combines fine sugar crystals with powerful peptides to gently buff away dry, flaky skin while cleansing. It leaves your complexion feeling refreshed and polished without being overly abrasive. I appreciate that it’s EWG Verified too.

• Best for: Normal, combination, and dull skin

Chemical Exfoliating Cleansers

MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser — Best Fruit Enzyme Cleanser

MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser uses naturally derived fruit enzymes (AHAs) to gently dissolve dead skin cells while cleansing away dirt and excess oil. It’s a great choice if you want brighter-looking skin without using a physical scrub.

• Best for: Normal, combination, and mature skin

Acure Resurfacing Glycolic & Unicorn Root Cleanser — Best Glycolic Cleanser

Acure Resurfacing Glycolic & Unicorn Root Cleanser combines glycolic acid with soothing botanical ingredients to gently exfoliate while cleansing. The result is skin that feels cleaner, smoother, and more radiant with regular use.

• Best for: Dull, uneven, and mature skin

Best Natural Cleansing Oils for Removing Makeup

Lately, I’ve been pretty obsessed with cleansing oils! Not only are they one of the best ways to remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup, but they also leave your skin feeling incredibly soft and moisturized — even before applying your regular moisturizer.

The oil cleansing method is simple: massage a cleansing oil onto dry skin, then rinse with warm water to gently remove impurities without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. If you have dry, mature, or sensitive skin, a nourishing cleansing oil can be a wonderful alternative to traditional face washes that leave skin feeling tight or dry.

OSEA Ocean Wave Cleanser — Best Luxury Cleansing Oil

OSEA Ocean Wave Cleanser is a next-level cleansing oil that you shake to activate. This bi-phase formula combines oil and water-based ingredients to dissolve makeup and impurities while leaving skin unbelievably soft and refreshed. I use it every night and I love the citrusy scent and the whole experience!

• Best for: Dry, normal, and mature skin

One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil — Best Exfoliating Cleansing Oil

One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil does more than remove makeup — it also contains fruit enzymes that provide gentle exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother-looking skin. The nourishing formula can even be used as a short facial treatment for an extra boost of softness and radiance.

• Best for: Normal, dry, and dull skin

Counter Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil — Best Antioxidant-Rich Cleansing Oil

Counter Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil is formulated with plant-derived oils and Counter’s Retinatural Complex, a botanical alternative designed to support smoother, healthier-looking skin. This lightweight cleansing oil melts away makeup and impurities while helping nourish and protect your skin’s moisture barrier. The light rosey scent is lovely too!

• Best for: Dry, mature, and normal skin

Best Natural Cleansing Balms for Makeup Removal

Cleansing balms have become one of my favorite ways to remove makeup. A cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser that starts out in a solid state and transforms into a silky oil as you massage it into your skin. It’s an amazing way to remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup while leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished.

Similar to a cleansing oil, cleansing balms are applied to dry skin and gently massaged in before rinsing with warm water. Some people also wipe with a lightweight washcloth to remove any remaining balm while adding a gentle exfoliating step. Cleansing balms can be a great option for dry, sensitive, and mature skin, and many people with combination or oily skin love them too — especially as part of a double cleansing routine.

Counter Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm — Best Overall Cleansing Balm

Counter Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm has been a longtime favorite of mine. The rich, luxurious texture melts beautifully into skin to dissolve makeup and impurities, and I love the subtle natural scent. It leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and nourished rather than dry or stripped.

• Best for: Dry, normal, and mature skin

100% Pure Blood Orange Cleansing Balm — Best for Blemish-Prone Skin

100% Pure Blood Orange Cleansing Balm combines nourishing plant oils with olive leaf and blood orange extracts to help cleanse away makeup and impurities while supporting healthy-looking skin. It’s a great choice if you want the benefits of a cleansing balm while looking for ingredients that work well with blemish-prone skin.

• Best for: Combination, oily, and blemish-prone skin

True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm — Best Texture

True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm is my current favorite because it melts so beautifully into skin. The rich balm texture transforms into a silky cleanser that effortlessly removes makeup while leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed. It’s a luxurious option for anyone who enjoys a more indulgent cleansing ritual.

• Best for: Dry, normal, and mature skin

If you’re into DIY we’ve got a recipe for a homemade cleansing balm too.

Best Natural Face Soap Bars & Solid Cleansers

If you’re trying to minimize waste in your beauty routine, you’ll appreciate these plastic-free facial cleansers. Solid face cleansers and facial bars provide a simple, low-waste way to wash your face while eliminating the need for traditional plastic bottles.

The best facial bars are formulated specifically for the delicate skin on your face, using gentle cleansing ingredients rather than the harsh, drying soaps that can leave skin feeling tight or stripped. They’re also convenient for travel since they’re lightweight, mess-free, and easy to pack.

Here are some natural face soap bars and solid cleansers worth trying:

Crunchi Charcoal Facial Bar — Best Charcoal Facial Bar

Crunchi Charcoal Facial Bar is a fan favorite for its ability to gently cleanse while helping remove excess oil and impurities. If charcoal isn’t your thing, Crunchi also offers a gentle facial bar option. Both provide a plastic-free alternative to traditional bottled cleansers.

• Best for: Combination, oily, and normal skin

Oceanly Solid Face Cleanser with Peptides — Best Solid Cleanser

Oceanly Solid Face Cleanser is an innovative waterless cleanser that comes in a convenient plastic-free format. It’s EWG Verified, unscented, and creates a satisfying lather while gently cleansing skin. This is a great option if you’re looking to reduce packaging waste without sacrificing the experience of a traditional face wash.

• Best for: Sensitive skin, all skin types

Seaweed Bath Co. Purifying Facial Bar — Best Budget-Friendly Facial Bar

The Seaweed Bath Co. Purifying Facial Bar is a budget-friendly option that comes highly recommended. Made with seaweed extracts and gentle cleansing ingredients, it’s one of the easiest ways to switch to a plastic-free facial cleanser without spending a lot.

• Best for: Normal, combination, and sensitive skin

Best Natural Face Cleansers for Acne-Prone & Oily Skin

Those with oily or blemish-prone skin may benefit from a cleanser specifically formulated to help remove excess oil, dirt, and buildup without over-drying the skin. While many traditional acne cleansers rely on harsh ingredients that can leave skin feeling stripped, there are now plenty of naturally derived formulas that gently cleanse while supporting healthy-looking skin.

The key is finding a balance — a cleanser that helps keep pores clear without disrupting your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Here are a few natural face cleansers that are worth considering if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.

Counter Clear Pore Cleanser — Best Multitasking Cleanser

Counter Clear Pore Cleanser is a favorite for its multitasking formula that combines cleansing with gentle exfoliation. I love that it leaves skin feeling refreshed and clean, and the bright citrus scent makes it a pleasure to use. It’s a great option if you want a cleanser that does a little more than simply wash away oil and impurities.

• Best for: Oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin

Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash — Best Budget-Friendly Option

Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash is an affordable option featuring tea tree oil, a popular botanical ingredient often used in products designed for oily and blemish-prone skin. It provides a refreshing cleanse and is a good choice if you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly natural face wash.

• Best for: Oily and combination skin

DERMA E Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash — Best for Deep Cleansing

DERMA E Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash combines salicylic acid and tea tree oil to help cleanse pores, remove excess oil, and support clearer-looking skin. This is a good choice if you prefer a cleanser with targeted ingredients while still looking for a formula focused on naturally derived ingredients.

• Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin

DIY Natural Face Cleansers You Can Make at Home

If you prefer a DIY approach to skincare, making your own face cleanser can be a simple, low-waste way to create a customized routine with familiar ingredients. Here are a few natural face cleanser recipes to try:

• DIY Milk Facial Cleanser — A creamy, gentle cleanser option made with nourishing ingredients for those who prefer a simple, traditional skincare approach.
• DIY Cleansing Balm — My homemade cleansing balm recipe is a nourishing, oil-based cleanser that melts away makeup and impurities while leaving skin soft and moisturized. It’s a great option for dry or mature skin and works beautifully as the first step in a double cleansing routine.
• DIY Honey Face Wash — This simple honey-based cleanser is a gentle, moisturizing option made with ingredients that help cleanse without leaving skin feeling stripped.

If you are specifically looking for cruelty free face wash and cleansers, I’ve got you covered!

A Vitamin C serum is a great next step after cleansing and we’ve got recommendations for you!

Where to Buy Natural Face Cleansers

One of the best things about shopping for natural skincare today is that you no longer have to search far and wide to find face cleansers made with thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Many natural and non-toxic skincare brands are now available both online and in stores.

When shopping locally, check out natural food stores, co-ops, beauty retailers, and even larger retailers like Target and CVS, which now carry a growing selection of skincare brands with more ingredient-conscious formulas.

If you prefer shopping online, these are some of my favorite places to find natural face cleansers and other safer skincare products:

• Credo Beauty – A great destination for clean beauty products with ingredient standards that go beyond conventional beauty retailers.
• The Detox Market – Offers a curated selection of cleaner beauty and skincare brands with a focus on thoughtfully formulated products.
• Thrive Market – A convenient option for finding natural personal care products along with organic groceries and household essentials.
• Amazon – A convenient place to find many popular natural skincare brands. I also share some of my favorite personal care products in my Amazon store.
• ShopMy – My ShopMy page features many of my favorite cleansers, moisturizers, and other skincare products from brands I trust.

Wherever you shop, I recommend checking the ingredient list and choosing products that fit your personal skincare needs, preferences, and ingredient priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Face Cleansers

Do you have a favorite non toxic face cleanser? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!