Your Ultimate Guide to Vegan Face Wash And Cleansers (By Skin Type)

October 1, 2019 Patricia Maroday

Is there anything more nerve-racking than experimenting with your daily skin care regime? Many factors go into having glowing skin and balancing all of them can be a delicate business.

However, shortly after going vegan, many of us start to question which of our products were produced in a way that harms animals. After all, veganism is a lifestyle; not just a diet.

So, if you find out that the cleanser you use is non-vegan, you may not feel comfortable repurchasing it. You may even consider going without it for a while, but that is NOT necessary! There are tons of vegan skincare products made without animal cruelty or animal-derived ingredients. However, finding the right one for you can be tricky at first.

Finding the perfect natural vegan face wash, one that leaves you with clean skin and a clean planet, makes the effort worth it. Since everyone’s skin is unique and comes with its own set of requirements, we put together some recommendations for all common skin issues and types. Whether you’re unhappy with your current cleanser or just interested in learning about the various types of natural face vegan products out there, we’ve got you covered.

For other types of cleansers, you can also check out our article about vegan micellar water.

How Natural Cleansers Beat Conventional Ones

Before we dig into the different options for vegan face wash, let’s look at a little of the science behind skincare. Your skin has something called an “acid mantle.” While that name sounds vaguely unpleasant, the acid mantle is actually a useful protector. Without it, your skin would be vulnerable to dehydration, bacteria, and environmental pollutants. This barrier is made of sweat, skin oils, and dead skin cells. Charming, we know.

Potential Symptoms Of A Compromised Acid Mantle

Acne
Dry skin
Inflammation and/or itchiness
Atopic dermatitis
Sensitive skin
Rosacea
Psoriasis

According to a study posted by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, it’s preferable for the acid mantle to have a PH balance under 5.0. Skin in a more acidic (4-4.5) range holds valuable bacterial flora better than at a more alkaline (8-9) level.

A non-toxic vegan face cleanser is less likely to include some of the harsh ingredients known to risk your skin. Instead, it will typically feature natural ingredients that can keep your skin soft, hydrated, and healthy. If your skin feels tight and stiff, especially after washing, that’s a sign you may have disrupted your skin's acid mantle.

Toners are commonly used to balance pH levels after cleansing. However, if you opt for a low pH facial cleanser, you may not need a toner at all.

Are Cleansers With a High pH Harmful?

For those with sensitive skin or dry skin, a low pH cleanser can be much gentler. After all, a cleanser with a high pH can easily dry out your skin, and you'd want to hold on to as much moisture as possible due to your specific skin type.

However, if you have an oily or combination skin type, this is less of a concern. Keep in mind that a heavy, creamy formula may do oily skin more harm than good. If you have oily skin, you can always try going for gel or foaming facial cleansers, then use a gentle toner after washing your face.

Foaming vs Non-Foaming Natural Vegan Face Cleansers

Your average vegan face wash comes in either a foaming or a non-foaming option. Many of the conventional cleansers use agitating ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, to get that foamy quality. Many vegan face cleansers take advantage of a lovely alternative called coco-glucoside, which provides foam without the “ick” factor.

A cleanser that foams is usually a sign of a high pH formula. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you'll typically want to avoid foaming cleansers, unless the brand specifically states that the product has a low pH.

Alternatively, you can opt for a product that doesn’t foam. It’s a misconception that soap needs to lather in order to do an efficient job. In truth, foaming agents are often added for a psychological effect. So, if you have sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin, try going for a cleansing gel, milky wash, or cream-type vegan face wash instead.

Whichever route you want to go, we’ve selected our absolute favorite options for natural, cruelty-free gentle face wash. It may take some trial-and-error to find your personal preference, as everyone’s skin responds differently.

Vegan Foaming Cleansers for Oily or Normal Skin

Alaffia Coconut Face Wash

Price | $9.99

Amount | 12 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | All.

A little goes a long way with this Coconut Face Cleanser. Just one pump foams up quickly for an easy application. With plant-derived ingredients like ethically traded virgin coconut oil, you get a gentle and moisturizing vegan cleanser.

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Fleur & Bee So Clean! Facial Cleanser

Price | $18.00

Amount | 3.7 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | All.

This lightly-foaming gel cleanser is perfect for dry or combination skin, as it leaves your skin feeling refreshed without drying it out! On the contrary, its gentle plant-based formula is meant to renew and nourish your skin, noticeably improving your complexion in just two weeks. However, it's also effective enough to remove makeup and leave you with the fresh and clean feeling you'd expect from your favorite face wash. Give it a try!

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Tree to Tub Soapberry Facial Cleanser

Price | $19.99

Amount | 4 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Sensitive.

Soapberry is a type of berry that creates lather naturally, has a PH of 5.5, and it naturally antibacterial. Cool right?

Just by rubbing it a little, the soapberry creates a gentle and creamy lather. While chemical lather strips your skin's natural oil, Soapberry’s lather protects and strengthens your skin's ability to lock in moisture. Also called soap nut, it is an ancient fruit of sub-tropical Asia. For thousands of years, the soapberry has been used to cleanse and nourish skin and hair.

This brand was started on Kickstarter. Foaming facial cleansers don’t come much gentler than this Soapberry Facial Cleanser. It’s hypoallergenic and comes in both an unscented and essential oil scented option. Regardless of your skin type, it’s worth giving this naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal cleanser a try.

Insta Natural Vitamin C Cleanser

Price | $20.00

Amount | 6.7 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Aging.

This vegan face wash with vitamin C features natural antioxidants that defend and hydrate the skin. Ideal for all skin types, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and other signs of aging. What’s not to like about that?

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No B.S. Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Price | $25.00

Amount | 5.4 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Oily or Combination.

We’re a little obsessed with this truly “No B.S.” Cleanser. With just one dollop of foam, this effective formula can quickly wipe off any makeup and debris. Since it includes aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea extract, you can see how this vegan cleanser has a soothing effect.

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Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

Price | $36.00

Juno Skin Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

Price | $14.95

Amount | 2 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Acne-Prone, Combination, or Uneven.

Have unpredictable redness or acne-prone skin? Try this oil-based cleanser with Thyme. Using a therapeutic blend of lavender, thyme, and geranium, this oil balances skin while maintaining moisture.

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Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Cleanser

Price | $30.00

Amount | 4 oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Dry or Normal.

Ideal for dry or normal skin types, this gentle cleanser is ultra gentle and free from common irritants and allergens like gluten and artificial fragrance! Formulated with soothing plant extracts like shea butter, oat kernel oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and fig extract, this cleanser soothers, softens, hydrates, and refreshes your skin every time. Nurture your skin's natural barrier with this natural cleanser today!

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100% Pure Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk

Price | $30.00

Amount | 3.4 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Dry or Normal.

Remove any dirt, sunblock, and environmental pollutants with 100% Pure's Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk! Made with entirely natural ingredients including aloe juice, calendula, rose hydrosol, chamomile, and natural essential oils, few vegan products come as clean as this one. However, keep in mind that essential oils, even when natural, may be quite irritating to sensitive skin. So, this product is better suited to non-sensitive dry or normal skin types.

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Farmacy Beauty Green Clean Balm

Price | $34.00

Amount | 3.4 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Dry or Sensitive.

While a Cleansing Balm may sound unusual, the Farmacy Beauty Green vegan balm is a cleansing powerhouse. It’s a gentle cleanser and exfoliant that will leave your skin feeling smooth. We love the scent, which is a blend of lime, bergamot, and orange essential oils. If you’re a traveler, you’ll enjoy the compact, TSA-approved jar.

Stratia Skin Velvet Cleansing Milk

Price | $52.00

Amount | 16.9 oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Dry or Normal.

Repair, moisturize, and cleanse your skin with this creamy vegan formula! Made with healing aloe vera, cleansing rice bran oil, and hydrating olive oil PEG-7 esters, this cleanser leaves you with the perfect foundation for your daily skin care products and makeup!

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Aesop Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk

Price | $53.00

Amount | 6.8 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Dry or Sensitive.

This non-foaming and soothing cleansing milk is formulated with natural, plant-based, and deliciously-scented ingredients! If you love scented skin care, you'll be obsessed with this cleansing milk's woody and herbaceous aroma. However, you'll be even more impressed with its gentle formula designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin types. Go for Aesop's cleansing milk for a refreshed, glowing complexion!

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Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk

Price | $54.00

Amount | 5 oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Dry or Sensitive.

Formulated specifically for sensitive and dry skin types, Osea's cleansing milk is both hydrating and age-defying! Use it as a daily cleanser or a gentle makeup remover for noticeably healthy, glowing skin. You'll also be happy to learn that this brand is entirely vegan and carbon neutral, meaning you can shop their collection with confidence!

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Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser & Cloth

Price | $59.00

Amount | 5.1 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Sensitive.

There’s a reason the Pai Hydrating Vegan Cleanser has been popular for almost a decade. Alcohol and detergent-free, this vegan, non-foaming face cleanser is extra kind to dry or acne-prone skin. It also comes with a convenient cloth specifically designed for delicate skin.

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Vegan Cleansing Oils

A guide to natural vegan face cleansers would not be complete without addressing oil cleansing. If you’re prone to oily skin, you might recoil at the thought of adding oil to your complexion. In reality, many people with an oily or combination skin type have found great success with the oil cleansing method. Oil cleansing is based on the premise that “like-dissolves-like.” When you wash off a cleansing oil, it removes makeup and debris along with it. Most importantly, it does this without stripping your face of its much-needed natural oils.

With all that in mind, here are our top picks for oil-based vegan facial cleansers:

Badger’s Damascus Rose Face Cleansing Oil

Price | $16.99

Amount | 1 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Dry or Sensitive.

If you’re new to cleansing with oil, this soothing Rose Face Cleansing Oil is a great place to start. It’s a clinically tested non-comedogenic product ideal for dry to delicate skin.

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Qēt Botanicals Balancing Cleansing Oil with Thyme

Price | $26.00

Amount | 2 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Acne-Prone, Combination, or Uneven.

Have unpredictable redness or acne-prone skin? Try this oil-based cleanser with Thyme. Using a therapeutic blend of lavender, thyme, and geranium, this oil balances skin while maintaining moisture.

Era Organics Cleansing Oil

Price | $34.00

Amount | 5 fl oz.

Ideal Skin Types | Dry or Sensitive.

If you’re looking to hydrate your skin, consider Era Organics Cleansing Oil . It’s strong enough to wipe off even stubborn waterproof mascara, while still only using ingredients that are soft on your

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