Clean Beauty On Budget: Face Wash Under $20
A roundup of non-toxic, clean, natural and organic face wash for those on a budget, including teens and tweens. Whether you’re looking for affordable face wash for dry, sensitive, combo, acne-prone or mature skin, I’ve got a list of budget-friendly clean, natural, organic, non-toxic face wash that’s under $20! From face wash to oil cleansers to exfoliators, these products all contain nourishing ingredients to treat your skin concerns and make your face happy!
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A good skincare routine starts with face wash that works for your skin type. My skin is super dry and sensitive – if I use the wrong type of face wash, I end up with inflamed skin and it throws off the rest of my skincare routine for days.
After trying a ton of face wash brands, from cheap to super expensive, I found one that has a low EWG score, is under $10 and keeps my skin happy, and I’ve been using it for years. But, what works for my skin type may not work for yours. High quality face wash doesn’t have to break the bank or contain harsh chemicals.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN FACE WASH
- Parabens– Parabens are a type of preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of lip balm, deodorant, lotion, and other beauty and personal care products. The most commonly used are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Based on a study conducted at the University of California Berkeley, researchers found that parabens were able to stimulate breast cancer cell growth, even at concentrations 100 times lower than the natural growth factor heregulin. These findings suggest that paraben exposure doesn’t have to be high to lead to cancer growth (1).
- Phthalates– Phthalates are used to increase the flexibility and transparency in plastics. They’re also found in personal care products, and they enhance product absorption, help products stick to your skin and keep fragrance smelling fresh. Phthalates mimic hormones, interrupting hormone production (2). A 2018 review found that current human exposure to phthalates may have effects on the male reproductive system (3).
- Polyethylene glycol– Polyethylene glycol is used to make personal care products thicker and better able to transport moisture to the skin. The manufacturing process introduces impurities and by-products, such as ethylene oxides and 1,4-dioxane, which are known carcinogenic materials (4).
- Synthetic fragrance- Personal care products can list fragrance as one ingredient and don’t have to disclose the fact that these formulations may contain hundreds of ingredients. Synthetic Fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals (5). Synthetic musks like galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption (6). Fragrance formulations also contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors.
- Sulfates– Sulfates like Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) are added to many personal care products to produce foam. SLS is irritating and can also cause perioral dermatitis (my daughter gets this stubborn rash from SLS).
I’ve rounded up affordable clean, non-toxic, natural face wash brands for all your skin care needs, and they’re all under $20! Swap out your conventional face cleanser for a more natural brand that nurtures your skin and makes your face feel great! *Cost was calculated at the time this article was published, and is subject to change.
Dry + Sensitive
- Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream ($9.47)
- Andalou Naturals Sensitive 1000 Roses Cleansing Foam ($12.95)
- Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser ($9.99)
- Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser ($18.00)
- Derma E Sensitive Skin Cleanser
- Desert Essence Gentle Nourishing Organic Cleanser ($13.99)
- Lily Sado Ultra Moisture Milk + Manuka Face Wash ($18.95)
- Nourish Organics Moisturizing Face Cleanser ($14.99)
- Rooted Beauty Sensitive Facial Cleanser ($9.95)
Acne Prone
- Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel ($7.11)
- Alaffia Neem Turmeric Cleanser ($11.19)
- Andalou Naturals Clear Skin Citrus Kombucha Cleansing Gel ($13.99)
- Andalou Naturals Meyer Lemon + C Creamy Cleanser ($13.99)
- Beauty by Earth Foaming Face Wash With Tea Tree Oil ($19.99)
- Derma E Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash ($12.40)
- Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash ($9.99)
- Earth Science Clarifying Face Wash ($12.00)
- Honest Beauty Clearing Cleanser with Alpha Hydroxy Acids & 0.5% Wintergreen-Derived Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment ($12.99)
- La Mav Sweet orange Foaming Cleanser ($14. 97)
- Mychelle Clear Skin Cranberry Cleanser ($16.00)
Combination
- Aleavia Purifying Facial Cleanser ($19.00)
- Avalon Organics Intense Defense Cleansing Gel ($7.15)
- Baebody Coconut Milk & Honey Face Cleanser ($14.95)
- Beauty by Earth Lavender Citrus Foaming Face Wash ($19.99)
- Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser ($12.99)
- Honest Beauty Calm On Foaming Cream Cleanser ($10.99)
- Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser ($15.99)
- Herbivore Pink Clay Bar Soap ($12.00)
Age Defying
- Acure Radically Rejuvenating Cleansing Cream ($9.99)
- Andalou Naturals Age Defying Apricot Cleansing Milk ($13.99)
- Avalon Organics Intense Defense Cleansing Gel ($8.16)
- Avalon Organics Wrinkle Therapy Cleansing Milk ($15.07)
- Eve Hansen Vitamin C Line Defying Face Wash ($19.98)
- Lily Sado Tea + C Superfood Face Wash ($15.95)
- Mychelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser ($16.00)
- Nourish Organic Age Defense Face Cleanser ($14.99)
Cleansing Oil
- Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil ($12.99)
- Desert Essence Creamy Oil Cleanser ($5.99)
- Mychelle Perfect C Cleansing Oil ($18.00)
Exfoliate
- Acure Brightening Facial Scrub ($10.00)
- Beauty by Earth Facial Scrub ($19.99)
- Cocokind Sea Moss Exfoliator ($17.00)
- Mychelle Fruit Enzyme Scrub ($19.00)
- Desert Essence Gentle Stimulating Facial Scrub ($8.29)
- Upcircle Coffee Face Scrub ($16.00)
MORE CLEAN BEAUTY INSPIRATION
- Affordable Clean & Natural Face Moisturizer
- Budget-Friendly Clean + Natural Makeup
- Clean, Natural + Non-Toxic Shampoo
- Natural Sunscreen Guide: Part 1
- Natural Sunscreen Guide: Part 2
- Make The Switch To Natural Deodorant
- Organic & Natural Lip Balm For Dry Lips
- The Best Natural Mascara
- The Best Clean & Natural Lotion For Dry Skin
- Make The Switch To Natural Dry Shampoo
- The Best Natural & Clean Eyeliners
REFERENCES
- Pan S, Yuan C, Tagmount A, Rudel RA, Ackerman JM, Yaswen P, Vulpe CD, Leitman DC. 2016. Parabens and human epidermal growth factor receptor ligand cross-talk in breast cancer cells. Environ Health Perspect 124:563–569; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409200
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1409200 - Patisaul, H.B. and Adawele, H.B. Long-Term Effects of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors on Reproductive Physiology and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci. 2009; 3: 10.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2706654/ - Adke, E.G. et al. Phthalate exposure and male reproductive outcomes: A systematic review of the human epidemiological evidence. Environ Int. 2018 Dec;121(Pt 1):764-793.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30336412 - Jang, H.J. et al. Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use. Toxicol Res. 2015 Jun; 31(2): 105–136.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4505343/ - Nudelman, J. and Engel, C. Right To Know. Exposing toxic fragrance chemicals in beauty, personal care and cleaning products. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. Sept. 2018.
https://d124kohvtzl951.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/26092837/BCPP_Right-To-Know-Report_Secret-Toxic-Fragrance-Ingredients_9_26_2018.pdf - Synthetic Musks. Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. A Project of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/synthetic-musks/
first image via depositphotos