The Best Affordable Clean & Non-Toxic Face Wash
I’m sharing a roundup of non-toxic face wash brands that won’t hurt your wallet. Whether you’re looking for affordable face wash for dry, sensitive, combo, acne-prone or mature skin, there’s a budget-friendly non-toxic face cleanser for every skin type!
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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 Moisturizer
- 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.
- 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. A 2018 review found that current human exposure to phthalates may have effects on the male reproductive system.
- Polyethylene glycol (& other ethoxylated ingredients like phenoxyethanol)– 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.
- 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. Synthetic musks like galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption. Fragrance formulations also contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors.
Beyond your face wash, swap out conventional face moisturizer for budget-friendly natural face moisturizer and natural body lotion. If your facial skin is super sensitive, you may need a face lotion specifically designed for sensitive skin. Since kids are more vulnerable to harmful chemicals in personal care products, use non-toxic lotion on the kids in your family.
I’ve rounded up affordable clean, non-toxic, natural face wash brands for all your skin care needs, and they’re all affordable! 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.
Normal/Combo
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cost: $13.97 for 20 oz ($0.70 per ounce)
From the Cetaphil website: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has a creamy formula that is clinically proven to provide continuous hydration to protect against dryness. Formulated with Micellar Technology that gently yet effectively removes dirt, makeup and impurities.
Shop: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Nourish Organic Moisturizing Face Cleanser
Cost: $15.48 for 6 oz ($2.58 per ounce)
From the Nourish Organic website: Nourish Organic Moisturizing Face Cleanser is an effective, gentle, and non-drying cleaner. Rich plant oils and active superfoods help detoxify and cleanse impurities while keeping skin hydrated, nourished and protected.
Shop: Nourish Organic Moisturizing Face Cleanser
Honest Gentle Gel Cleanser
Cost: $14.99 for 5 oz ($3 per ounce)
From the Honest website: Honest Gentle Gel Cleanser is made with soothing Chamomile and Calendula. This refreshing gel cleanser calms as it removes dirt and makeup.
Shop: Honest Gentle Gel Cleanser
Luma & Leaf Hydraglow Cleansing Gel
Cost: $12.47 for 3.8 oz ($4.74 per ounce)
From the Luma & Leaf website: Luma & Leaf Hydraglow Cleansing Gel is a gentle and effective face wash that will leave your skin feeling refreshed, brightened and revitalized. This face cleanser is formulated with a blend of Pineapple, Lemon and Grape Enzymes, which are natural exfoliants that gently remove dead skin cells and impurities, leaving your skin looking smooth and refreshed.
Shop: Luma & Leaf Hydraglow Cleansing Gel
Dime Beauty Gentle Jelly Cleanser
Cost: $22.80 for 4 oz ($5.70 per ounce)
From the Dime Beauty website: Dime Beauty Gentle Jelly Cleanser was carefully crafted using a blend of detoxifying and skin-soothing ingredients. A combination of two natural surfactants provides deep cleansing for the skin, followed by a soothing feeling.
Shop: Dime Beauty Gentle Jelly Cleanser
Christina Moss Facial Wash
Cost: $24.97 for 4 oz ($6.24 per ounce)
From the Christina Moss Naturals website: Christina Moss Facial Wash is rich, nutritious and will clean, nourish, and feed your skin with clean and pure ingredients, including extracts and essential oils, leaving it healthy and beautiful. Excellent for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. No SLS, SLES, parabens, propylene glycol or propylene glycol derivatives, sulfates, dyes, synthetic fragrance or anesthetizing agents.
Shop: Christina Moss Facial Wash
Dry + Sensitive
Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream
Cost: $10.99 for 4 oz ($2.75 per ounce)
From the Acure website: Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream is a blend of peony extract & sunflower amino acids, and is soothing on dry, irritated skin. Rich in hydrating goodness, this gentle creamy cleanser will have your face feeling calm, clean and collected.100% VEGAN. Paraben free, Sulfate free, Mineral oil free, Petrolatum free, Formaldehyde free, Cruelty free.
Shop: Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream
Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser
Cost: $16.99 for 4 oz ($4.25 per ounce)
From the Mad Hippie website: Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser supports the skin’s natural balance of protective oils. Many overly alkaline cleansers strip the skin of the acid mantle, a protective layer of oils, but this mildly acidic one is pH perfection. Additional antioxidants and hydrating oils leave the skin soft & smooth while gently washing away dirt & impurities.
Shop: Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser
Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser
Cost: $17.98 for 2.9 oz ($6.20 per ounce)
From the Cocokind website: Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser is a gentle oil cleanser that transforms into milk upon contact with water, leaving skin soft, replenished, and hydrated.
Shop: Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser
Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil
Cost: $15.29 for 2 oz ($7.65 per ounce)
From the Mad Hippie website: Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil is a radiance boosting blend that softens & smooths while gently removing dirt & impurities. It’s non-comedogenic & perfect for naturally removing makeup!
Shop: Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil
Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil
Cost: $15.49 for 2 oz ($7.75 per ounce)
From the Cocokind website: Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil removes dirt, makeup, impurities, and excess oil without stripping your skin or disturbing its pH.
Shop: Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil
Attitude Oceanly Solid Oil-in-Milk Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Cost: $20.79 for 1 oz ($20.79 per ounce)
From the Attitude website: Attitude Oceanly Solid Oil-in-Milk Cleanser for Sensitive Skin is a cutting-edge oil-to-milk face cleanser bar that combines sugar kelp extract, castor oil and bladderwrack extract to rid sensitive skin of impurities without leaving it dry. EWG Verified, plastic-free and vegan.
Shop: Attitude Oceanly Solid Oil-in-Milk Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Oily Skin
Attitude Micellar Foaming Cleanser
Cost: $15 for 5 oz ($1.00 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This extra gentle micellar foaming facial cleanser has a lightweight creamy lather, and it’s EWG VERIFIED™.
Shop: Attitude Micellar Foaming Cleanser
Good Molecules Acne Foaming Cleanser
Cost: $12 for 5 oz ($2.40 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Formulated with 2% salicylic acid to combat breakouts and clogged pores.
Shop: Good Molecules Acne Foaming Cleanser
Mad Hippie Jelly Cleanser
Cost: $16.90 for 4 oz ($4.23 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Without any harsh surfactants, this luxurious face wash easily melts away impurities, dirt, and makeup while protecting your skin’s natural acid mantle.
Shop: Mad Hippie Jelly Cleanser
Dore Gel To Milk Cleanser
Cost: $26 for 5 oz ($5.20 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Le Cleanser effectively removes excess oil and makeup without over-drying skin. Le Cleanser is gentle, fragrance free and suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. EWG Verified.
Shop: Dore Gel To Milk Cleanser
Three Ships Cleanser
Cost: $21 for 2 oz ($10.50 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Super gentle on your skin, and hard on dirt. Alcohol-free, it gently scrubs away any build-up while natural Amino Acids replenish your natural moisture barrier so it stays intact. Contains salicylic acid, papaya extract and aloe vera juice to tame breakouts.
Shop: Three Ships Cleanser
Anti-Aging
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Cleansing Cream
Cost: $10.99 for 4 oz ($2.75 per ounce)
From the Acure website: Acure Radically Rejuvenating Cleansing Cream features Olive oil & mint to rejuvenate and replenish | age performance. This foaming, creamy facial cleanser features the moisturizing benefits of olive oil, cocoa butter and the soothing deep cleanse of mint. It easily removes makeup, dirt and impurities from your pores while keeping hydration plentiful and your skin looking refreshed!
Shop: Acure Radically Rejuvenating Cleansing Cream
Mad Hippie Jelly Cleanser
Cost: $16.90 for 4 oz ($4.23 per ounce)
From the Mad Hippie website: Mad Hippie Jelly Cleanser is a hydrating, mildly acidic jelly-to-milk cleanser that gives your face an antioxidant boost as it melts away dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural acid mantle. This oil-based cleanser is completely free of harsh surfactants, yet it easily removes makeup, pollutants & grime, leaving skin silky soft and clean.
Shop: Mad Hippie Jelly Cleanser
Nourish Organic Age Defense Face Cleanser
Cost: $19.99 for 4 oz ($5 per ounce)
From the Nourish Organic website: Nourish Organic Age Defense Face Cleanser is a gentle, USDA Certified Organic cleanser that gently removes dirt, makeup, and other environmental impurities that build up on your skin throughout the day. It helps replenish the skin’s protective moisture barrier, leaving skin soft and supple. The Age Defense line is infused with a powerful blend of certified organic superfood actives and antioxidants to help guard skin against environmental stressors – like UV rays, pollution, stress, and digital overload – while helping to boost the skin’s natural protective barrier and microbiome.
Shop: Nourish Organic Age Defense Face Cleanser
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular 2-in-1 Cleanser
Cost: $34 for 4.48 oz ($7.59 per ounce)
From the Juice Beauty website: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular 2-in-1 Cleanser is gentle and removes makeup, oil, and sunscreen buildup while helping to enhance skin tone and suppleness.
Shop:Juice Beauty Stem Cellular 2-in-1 Cleanser
Evanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk
Cost: $38.99 for 4 oz ($9.75 per ounce)
From the Evanhealy website: Evanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk is a handmade, creamy cleansing milk with regenerating plant oils, antioxidant-rich gotu kola and purifying white kaolin clay. It leaves skin feeling clean, relaxed and refreshed – ideal for oily, dry, combination & mature skin. Vitalizing plant hydrosols combine with fresh steam-distilled rosy-leaf geranium to thoroughly cleanse combination skin.
Shop: Evanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk
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