:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/natural-face-washes-tout-80bf0c1ca9c74d47a4ba357f7c5cd679.jpg)
Brydie / Kevin Liang
When it comes to cleansing your skin, sometimes getting that “squeaky clean” feeling is exactly what you want to avoid. Unfortunately, many traditional cleansers formulated with preservatives, stabilizers, and artificial fragrances might do more harm to your skin than actually help it.
Opting for a natural face wash could be beneficial in keeping your skin microbiome in check while effectively removing dirt, grime, and makeup in the process. So, what do we mean by “natural?” A natural face wash is one that uses mostly ingredients derived from natural sources, like plant extracts. It’s a product that doesn’t include a ton (or any) artificial, man-made ingredients commonly found in skincare products today.
Below, we’ve rounded up the very best natural face washes on the market that are safe for everyday use and pass our Byrdie Clean Beauty Pledge, too.
Best Overall
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser 125ML
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tata-harper-regenerating-cleanser-9de42b2bc10d457bb872c1192d820527.jpg)
Amazon
Nice, citrusy smell
Gently exfoliates
Cleanses, clarifies, and tones
Pricey
Tata Harper dishes out some of the best natural beauty products we've used, and this cream cleanser is no exception. Ever the multitasker, it cleanses, clarifies, and tones the skin for flawless results.
The formula—made of 100% natural origin ingredients—rids skin of dirt and impurities while unclogging pores, softening the skin, and buffing away dead cells with a gentle exfoliating action. The smell, a fresh citrusy delight, is also to die for.
Like most Tata Harper skincare products, the price is nothing to ignore—this pick costs a hefty $88 per bottle. The reason for the high price tag includes multiple factors. For one, Tata Harper includes many active ingredients in her skincare line, which costs more money to produce. Additionally, the packaging feels high-end and luxe, and sourcing organic, natural ingredients for a skincare product can cost extra money, too.
Price at time of publish: $88
Active Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Rice Extract, Rose Clay | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz., 4.1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"As I rinsed away the cleanser, my skin felt smooth to the touch—textureless almost." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best Budget
Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pacifica-sea-foam-complete-face-wash-1ae71c6dfc6a4e7cad1d1b51e8222642.jpg)
Amazon
Smells great
Lightweight
Softens skin
Might not work for sensitive skin
Could be drying
Natural cleansers can get a bad reputation for not actually cleansing your skin, but this pick from Pacifica Beauty proves that myth wrong. It can wash away even the toughest makeup in one rinse, sans scrubbing or double-cleansing—and without any harsh sulfates that can strip the skin, leaving it parched.
The formula is infused with sea algae extract to normalize skin's moisture content and remineralize skin to enhance brightness, papaya extracts to naturally soften and gently exfoliate, and coconut water to tone, balance, and cleanse.
Although this face wash includes hydrating ingredients, some users found it to be a bit too drying for their skin. For those with sensitive or dry skin, consider opting for another cleanser on this list. This specific pick might be more suited for those with oily or combination skin types.
Price at time of publish: $10
Active Ingredients: White Tea, Coconut Oil, Sea Algae, Coconut Water | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
100% Pure Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Cleanser
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/100PureTeaTreeWillowAcneClearCleanser-5c644339c9e77c0001566e90.jpg)
Courtesy of Dermstore
Plumps, tones, and tightens skin
Combats acne-causing bacteria
Reduces inflammation
Pricey
Doesn't remove makeup well
Key Ingredients
Turmeric powder is made from the root of Curcuma zedoaria, a form of ginger native to Southeast Asia. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is what gives it that yellow-orange tinge; it's also what makes it such a potent anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is also found to lighten hyperpigmentation.
Botanicals are the driving force in this cleanser from 100% Pure, including rosemary, burdock, and neem, to kill acne-causing bacteria. There's also turmeric, willow bark, and tea tree oil to soothe and reduce inflammation, and parsley, an antifungal and antibacterial that wards off bacteria that trigger acne.
Besides keeping breakouts under control, it moisturizes, plumps, tones, and tightens skin. Because this cleanser is non-foaming, it doesn’t do the best job of removing makeup on the skin. We recommend using cleansing oil or some sort of makeup remover to remove makeup before using this as a second cleanse.
Price at time of publish: $34
Active Ingredients: Rosemary, Burdock, Neem, Willow Bark, Tea Tree Oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Dry Skin
Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nourish-organic-moisturizing-cream-face-cleanser-69837d5284504262bfd1854152c3ae50.jpg)
Walmart
Detoxifies
Relieves redness due to dryness
Gently cleanses
Water-like consistency
Unpleasant scent
If you have dry skin, you want to steer clear of harsh cleansers that can strip vital moisture. Instead, reach for one that is chock full of hydrating ingredients, like this one which includes cucumber, watercress, coconut oil, and sunflower oil to hydrate and soothe skin. The only things that'll be whisked down the drain are dirt, makeup, and impurities.
If you prefer creamier or foamy cleansers, this pick is not for you—it has more of a water-like, runny consistency that some might not love. Additionally, the scent isn’t the most amazing fragrance ever, but it’s worth dealing with for a skincare product with natural, effective ingredients.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Watercress Extract | Skin Type: Dry, Sensitive | Size: 6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Ye
Best for Sensitive Skin
S.W. Basics Cleanser
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sw-basics-cleanser-08ce1775185845dcbec62fec93de0f06.jpg)
Amazon
Tackles acne
Just three ingredients
Gentle enough for sensitive skin
A tad pricey
Not a lathering, foam cleanser
Key Ingredients
Glycerin is a naturally occurring compound in the body; in topical skincare, it is derived from plants. It functions to draw water to the skin and continue hydrating it, making it a great ingredient for extreme dryness.
It doesn't get any more basic than this cleanser (in the best kind of way). The ingredient list includes organic rosewater, organic vegetable glycerin, and organic tea tree oil—so natural, nourishing, and gentle.
We love how ideal this pick is for sensitive skin—it gets the job done without stripping your skin and leaving it dry and damaged. It’s important to note that this isn’t a foaming cleanser. According to the instructions, you’re supposed to apply it with a cotton pad and then rinse the product off once you’ve thoroughly cleansed your skin.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Rosewater, Vegetable Glycerin, Tea Tree Oil | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Brightening
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ursa-major-fantastic-face-wash-25808351caa747128f9dd27342fa54fc.jpg)
Amazon
Moisturizing
Good for sensitive skin
Exfoliating
Pricey
Might be drying for some
Get your glow on with Ursa Major’s Fantastic Face Wash. Worthy of its name, the cleanser is made from 99.5% natural ingredients and uses natural AHA/BHA fruit acids to exfoliate, making dead skin cells and a dull complexion a thing of the past. Aloe brings the hydration, while spearmint and lime deliver a glow. Plus, the fragrance will give you a burst of energy in the morning.
This pick is a little bit on the pricier side for a cleanser at $32 per bottle. Some folks complain that this cleanser dries out their skin. Because of this, we recommend oilier skin types opt for this cleanser. Finally, the scent might be a bit off-putting for some, so be aware of that if you have an aversion to some fragrances.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Glycerin, White Tea Extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Organic
Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pai-light-work-rosehip-cleansing-oil-9717956141b348abbfba3ffa52433f7e.jpg)
Dermstore
Cleanses makeup thoroughly
90% organic
Might leave skin feeling greasy
Natural and organic are not one and the same. An organic product means the ingredients are organically farmed, whereas natural products boast ingredients of natural origin. This cleanser, in particular, is 90% organic, 100% natural, and contains no GMO ingredients, parabens, synthetic colors, fragrances, sulfates, or phthalates.
What it does contain is a blend of multiple oils (think olive oil, rosehip oil, and sunflower oil) and works to remove makeup, grime, and debris from the skin after a long day. You can use this pick by itself or as a first step in your cleansing routine by following up with a cream or foaming cleanser afterward.
Price at time of publish: $49
Active Ingredients: Rosehip fruit extract | Skin Type: Normal | Size: 3.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Bar Soap
The Yellow Bird Peppermint & Tea Tree Soap Bar
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-yellow-bird-peppermint--tea-tree-soap-bar-e62afca4b9c14aed8574f2008cf071bb.jpg)
Amazon
Combats dryness and itchiness
Gentle for sensitive skin
Adds radiance
Scent possibly too much for some
This is not your grandmother's bar soap. It's a multitasking bar—good for face, body, and hands—formulated with many natural and organic ingredients, including peppermint, tea tree, and other essential oils to mask unwanted odors while soothing and clearing the skin.
It gives off a rich lather and an invigorating fragrance that'll have you seriously hooked. Some folks might find the scent a bit too strong, however. Additionally, others have complained that the bar soap doesn’t last as long as they hoped.
Price at time of publish: $10
Active Ingredients: Palm Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 4.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Powder
Humanrace Rice Powder Cleanser
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/humanrace-rice-powder-cleanser-07866482f7784c9bbd3261375683b976.jpg)
Humanrace
Innovative powder formula
Sustainably packaged
Powder-to-foam consistency
Packaging might make it hard to get the last bits of powder
Crafted by Pharrell Williams, Humanrace is a genderless skincare line dedicated to helping folks take care of their well-being. The Rice Powder Cleanser is, you guessed it, a powder formula that transforms into a creamy cleanser once you add water. It features ingredients like rice powder, kaolin clay, fruit alpha hydroxy acids, and snow mushroom extract to thoroughly cleanse the skin while leaving it hydrated and lightly exfoliated, too.
There is a lot to love about this product, but the packaging could be annoying for some. If you’re the type of person who needs to get every last drop of your product out, you might find the dispensing mechanism a nuisance. Because the powder comes out through a small hole, you might not be able to get all the powder out of the bottle effectively. However, it’s not a huge deal because you can unscrew the cap and dump the rest of the product into your palm before recycling the refillable packaging.
Price at time of publish: $36
Active Ingredients: Rice powder, fruit alpha hydroxy acids, snow mushroom extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Makeup Remover
Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/farmacy-clean-bee-ultra-gentle-facial-cleanser-42db79f509994263936a6fcff17f2683.jpg)
Sephora
Does an effective job of removing makeup
Non-stripping formula
Strong scent
Not ideal for sensitive skin
Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, or any other potentially harmful ingredients, the Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser works to cleanse without stripping or causing an imbalance in your skin’s pH level. We love this lightly foaming cleanser because it removes makeup really well but doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry after washing.
Although this product is geared toward those with sensitive skin, it unfortunately has a pretty strong scent that might be irritating to some. The fragrance is not made with synthetic ingredients, but if you do have sensitive skin or are normally sensitive to fragrance, you should always do a patch test on your wrist or neck before applying it to your face.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Coconut, sugar, and amino acids, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Gel
Klur Gentle Matter Daily Moisture Cleanser
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/klur-gentle-matter-daily-moisture-cleanser-1f487e7deaa24814bddbf68a41eecbf9.jpg)
Klur
Best Gel
Hydrating gel formula
Great for sensitive skin
Black-owned beauty brand
it's pricey
Not the best makeup remover
There’s nothing quite like a cooling, soothing gel cleanser to calm inflamed, irritated skin. This pick from Klur is a non-foaming gel formula that washes away impurities and grime while leaving your skin feeling super soft and supple, too.
Although we love how gentle this formula is, it’s important to note that it’s not the best makeup remover. We recommend using an oil cleanser or a foaming cleanser to remove makeup before using this on your face.
Price at time of publish: $40
Active Ingredients: Dandelion, olive | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Cream Cleanser
Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mad-hippie-cream-cleanser-640c11110f1c4d30bb6f18e8a7ec1003.jpg)
Mad Hippie
Best Cream Cleanser
It's a thick cream
Hydrating
Smells good
Not a great makeup remover
If you’ve got really dry, sensitive skin, the Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser is calling your name. This pick features so many hydrating ingredients like organic jojoba oil, macadamia oil, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and more. It’s a dream to apply to your skin, as the thick texture melts into your face and adds that kick of moisture you won’t get from a gel or foaming cleanser.
With most cream cleansers, you probably won’t find many makeup-removing properties with this one. If you wear makeup often, we recommend using another product to remove makeup, then using this pick on top. Or, use this cream cleanser in the morning and an oil cleanser or foaming cleanser at night to remove makeup.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, | Skin Type: All | Size: 4.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
Natural skin care has really progressed and gained traction in the last few years, and there are many natural face washes on the market to choose from. We chose the Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser because the formula is made with 100% natural origin ingredients and does a great job of effectively removing impurities from the skin. Additionally, we also love the Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash because it is budget-friendly, easily available at drugstores, and cleanses without harsh sulfates.
What to Look For in Natural Face Washes
Formula
Consider the type of formula that you prefer and that is best for your skin type when choosing a natural face wash. For instance, if you have dry skin, you may prefer a creamier, thicker natural face wash, while those with oilier skin may do better with a gel cleanser or lotion.
Targeted Ingredients
Look for ingredients that work to address the specific skin concerns you have or are made for your skin type. For dry skin, you’ll want to ensure your natural face wash contains moisturizing ingredients, such as oils and butters. Those with oily skin should look for washes that kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent acne, such as willow bark, tea tree, and rosemary. If you have sensitive skin, a more minimal ingredient list may be best.
Scent
Washing your face should be an enjoyable part of your winding down routine at night or prep for the day ahead. Ensuring you like the scent of your face wash can help create a pleasurable routine. You may want to choose a face wash with an uplifting scent for the morning and a more subdued calming scent for bedtime.
Why Trust Byrdie
Daley Quinn is a contributing writer for Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty, health, and lifestyle. Quinn has worked as a beauty journalist for ten years and has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Allure, Fashionista, Well + Good, Women’s Health, The Cut, WWD, Real Simple, Shape, and more. Quinn researched most (and has tested a few) of the best-selling natural face washes on the market to create this final list. When Quinn isn’t busy testing beauty products for extensive review, you can find her writing for her lifestyle blog, TheDaleyDose.com.