13 Best Cruelty-Free Face Washes To Keep Your Skin Soft & Hydrated
Gently nourish and nurture your skin without affecting the well-being of the animal kingdom.
Nichelle Temple is an NYC-based esthetician and the owner of Inderma Studio with over a decade of experience in microcurrent, HydraFacial, and holistic skin care treatments. She is passionate about using professional-grade and organic products as well as cutting-edge technology to help her clients experience instant and illuminating results.
Read full bio of Nichelle Temple
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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If you have decided to take the cruelty-free route, you may want to start by getting your hands on the best cruelty-free face wash! While it may seem like a small change, opting to go cruelty-free with a product you use frequently would make a significant difference to your skin as well as precious animals! To help you pick the best one, we have enlisted the 13 options for you to get started!
In This Article
13 Best Recommended Cruelty-Free Face Washes For Women
1. Best Gentle Formula: bliss Rose Gold Rescue Cleanser
The bliss Rose Gold Rescue is a gentle foaming cleanser for sensitive skin. It gently removes dirt, makeup, and excess oil from your skin without drying it out. It awakens the senses with its rose fragrance and makes you smell fresh and feel clean all day.
This non-irritating cleanser contains skin-brightening colloidal gold that fights free radicals and rose water that acts as a natural astringent to maintain the skin’s natural pH and support its moisture barrier. The results-driven willow bark extract gently exfoliates the dead cells and makes your skin look fresh and radiant. This cruelty-free face wash is free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Key Ingredients: Rose flower water, Colloidal gold, Willow bark extract, and Rose gold shimmer
- Pleasant fragrance
- Lathers well
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Drying
2. Best Natural Formula: S.W BASICS Cleanser
The S.W. BASICS Cleanser is a non-foaming cleansing water designed for everyday use and all skin types. This100% natural face wash made with organic rosewater, vegetable glycerin, and organic tea tree oil. The tea tree oil cleanses and heals problematic or acne-prone skin, while the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of rose water reduce redness and enhance your complexion. It is best to clean the makeup off with some micellar water and then apply this organic face wash for soft and clear skin. Moreover, no animal testing was done while determining the product’s efficacy.
Key Ingredients: Vegetable glycerin, Organic rosewater, and Organic tea tree oil
- Mild fragrance
- Gentle
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Off-putting smell
Remember3. Best Detoxifying: CIRCCELL Geothermal Clay Cleanser
The CIRCCELL Geothermal Clay Cleanser is a foaming cleanser with a non-drying formula that combines geothermal clay with essential oils. A little goes a long way with this product in removing dirt and impurities. It gently cleanses the skin, leaving it radiant and squeaky clean. It is suitable for combination and oily skin types and those who prefer deep cleansing once in a while. You can use this fash wash as a rinse-off cleanser as well as a 10-minute leave-on mask. The latter will help with deep cleansing and detoxifying the skin.
Key Ingredients: Geothermal arctic clay, Spearmint, Basil, Meadowfoam seed oil, Chilean soap bark, and Almond oil.
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phenoxyethanol-free
- Phthalates-free
- BPA-free packaging
- Not suitable for daily use on excessively dry skin
bliss Rose Gold Rescue Cleanser Best Gentle Formula | S.W BASICS Cleanser Best Natural Formula | CIRCCELL Geothermal Clay Cleanser Best Detoxifying | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | Sensitive | All |
| Dimensions | - | - | 1.5 x 1.5 x 6 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 6.74 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,534 | 524 | - |
| Price | $9.76 | $18.21 | $48 |
4. Best Hypoallergenic: COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser
The AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser from COSRX treats acne, repairs damage, and revitalizes the skin. It contains salicylic acid that exfoliates the dead skin cells and clear the pores.
The COSRX Centella AC-Rx Complex is made of three healing ingredients – Madecassic, Asiatico side, and Asiatic acids. Madecassicacid soothes skin irritation and forms a protective barrier, asiatico side acid clears the skin, and asiatic acid strengthens the skin barrier and helps maintain its balance. This cruelty-free face wash is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Centell AC-Rx Complex
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Drying
5. Best Alcohol-Free: bc BudHemp Brightening Facial Cleanser
The bc BudHemp Brightening Facial Cleanser’s natural formula has a creamy texture with a mild foaming action that gently cleanses away skin impurities without drying out your skin. It contains hemp oil that moisturizes and softens the skin, soothes it, and protects it against environmental damages. This cruelty-free face wash soothes, tightens, and brightens the skin with a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, and Japanese green tea extract. The natural healing properties also prevent skin irritation, redness, and breakouts.
Key Ingredients: Hemp oil, Aloe vera, Chamomile, Cucumber, and Japanese green tea extract
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Alcohol-free
- No harsh chemicals
- Non-greasy
- Light-foaming
- Pleasant fragrance
- Drying
6. Best Anti-Aging: natural outcomeOily Skin Cleanser
The natural outcome Oily Skin Cleanser remove sun wanted pore-clogging oils, cleans dirt, and prevents acne. It also clarifies blackheads and impurities to clear your complexion. The antioxidant-rich tropical citrus combination of grapefruit, orange, and lime works as a natural antiseptic to exfoliate impurities. These natural ingredients are loaded with vitamins C and E and AHAs to prevent aging and enhance skin clarifying.
Key Ingredients: Grapefruit, Orange, Lime, and Grapeseed
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- May not keep oil away for long.
7. Best Lightweight: Nourish ORGANICFace Cleanser
The Nourish ORGANIC Moisturizing Face Cleanser gently cleanses your skin without drying or irritating it. It deeply penetrates the skin and dissolves dirt, oil, and makeup. It also minimizes the pores to make your skin feel refreshingly clean and radiant. This cruelty-free face wash contains aloe vera, cucumber, and watercress extract that soothe, hydrate, and soften your skin. It is rich in organic plant oils and active superfoods that help detoxify, hydrate, and protect the skin. It is also free of harmful substances, such as parabens, mineral oils, and PEGs.
Key Ingredients: Water cress extract, Aloe vera, and Cucumber
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- GMO-free
- Fragrance-free
- PEG-free
- Lightweight
- Runny consistency
"This face wash does not clog large pores. It leaves my skin glowing without any synthetic fragrances. It has a watery consistency that absorbs without any greasiness."
8. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
The Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash has a built-in AHA exfoliating complex. It does not strip your skin of moisture or mess with your pH-balanced condition, making it ideal for normal, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types. This brightening face wash is formulated with naturally-derived ingredients, such as aloe that soothes the skin, sugarcane that brightens the skin, rice seed that moisturizers the skin, and coconut-derived surfactants that gently cleanse the skin. This cruelty-free acne-fighting face wash has a woodsy aroma with notes of cedar, black spruce, spearmint, lemon, lime, owyhee, rosemary, vetiver, and lavender.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Sugarcane, Rice seed, and Coconut-based surfactants
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Artificial dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Mild
- Drying
Pro Tip9. Best Vegan: poppy austinVitamin C Cleanser
The poppy austin Vitamin C Cleanser is packed with skin-loving antioxidants perfect for an anti-aging regimen. This cleanser brightens, refines, firms, and deep cleanses the pores without causing dryness or buildup. The fresh botanical extracts cleanse oily and acne-prone skin. The vitamin-rich emollients of aloe, rosehip, and tea tree moisturize even the driest and most sensitive areas of your face. This anti-aging product is perfect for women and men of all ages.
Key Ingredients: Organic aloevera, Rosehip, Tea tree oil
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Artificial color-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Drying
"I have included this cleanser in my skin care routine and the result is good. This cleanser deep cleanses my pores and makes my skin brighter and firmer. It does not cause any dryness and is devoid of artificial fragrances."
10. Best For Blemish-Prone Skin: I DEW CARE Namaste Kitten Cleanser
The I DEW CARE Namaste Kitten Cleanser removes base makeup and helps clarify blemish-prone skin without stripping it of its natural oils. This cruelty-free face wash contains cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil and heartleaf extract. The hemp seed oil nourishes the skin, thanks to its fatty acids and antioxidant-rich properties, while heartleaf extract clarifies and calms irritated skin. The maritime pine bark hydrates the skin and enhances its appearance.
Key Ingredients: Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil and Heartleaf extract
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Lathers well
- Suitable for all skin types
- Drying
11. Best Gluten-Free: Skinboscia Purifying Cleansing Gel
The boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel uses a blend of natural and nourishing botanicals that deeply cleanse the skin andfight free radical damage. The botanical amino acids remove dirt, oil, and impurities without drying or stripping the skin’s natural pH balance. The hydrangea leaf minimizes pores, while the antioxidant green tea soothes the skin. Reviews on e-commerce platforms have noted that this gentle and hydrating facial cleanser leaves the complexion looking healthy and refined.
Key Ingredients: (Jojoba) Leaf extract, Willowherb extract, Green tea, Botanical amino acids, and Hydrangea leaf
- Gluten-free
- Artificial color-free
- Fragrance-free
- Pleasant scent
- Non-lathering
- Drying
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 1,014 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
12. Best Organic Formula: Eve Hansen Vitamin C Face Wash
The Eve Hansen Vitamin C Face Wash is loaded with antioxidants that help cleanse, revitalize, and brighten your skin. This cruelty-free face wash gently cleanses the skin, leaving it feeling nourished with the help of organic aloe vera gel and rosehip oil. Regular use of this cleanser helps remove dirt and grime without drying out the skin. The face wash can also help reduce the appearance of blemishes and enlarged pores. It is best suitable for all skin types including normal, dry, combination, and oily.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Organic olive oil, Organic rosehip seed oil, Orange peel extract, Vitamin E, Tea tree essential oil, and Aloe vera.
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Plant-based
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
None
13. Best For Sensitive Skin: SeboCalm Facial Cleansing Soap for Sensitive Skin
The SeboCalm Facial Cleansing Soap for Sensitive Skin removes dirt and reduces blemishes without irritating the skin. This water-based, non-oily product is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients. Cornmeal and coconut offer gentle cleansing, seaweed conditions the skin and preserves its elasticity, while the concentrated chamomile extract supports skin soothing. However, ensure to conduct a patch test before committing to the product to check for skin allergies.
Key Ingredients: Cornmeal, Coconut, Seaweed, and Chamomile extract
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Alcohol-free
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Lathers well
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Strong smell
The Bottom Line
Cruelty-free products adhere to higher standards of ethical and sustainable beauty practices. As a consumer, making an informed choice about the products you use is extremely essential. Do your part in making the environment a better place! If you have sensitive skin, opt for the Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Cleanser that fights free radicals and does not dry out your skin. The W. BASICS Cleanser is a cruelty-free option with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while the COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser is ideal for oily, acne-prone skin and offers gentle exfoliation. Go through the above list and find the perfect cruelty-free face wash for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, opt for dermatologically approved ingredients that have proven efficacy in addressing your skin concerns.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who loves experimenting with skin care products. Her list of the best cruelty-free face washes is for those who like going guilt-free with their skin care products. She has reviewed these products carefully, spent hours researching, and checked user feedback on trusted platforms and brand websites to curate this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does animal-friendly and cruelty-free mean the same thing?
Yes. Both the animal-friendly and cruelty-free signify that neither the product nor any of its ingredients have ever been used on animals.
How can you tell a face wash is cruelty-free?
If a face wash from a brand is cruelty-free, you can easily identify it. Brands now recognize and take pride in what they do. They ensure the product has a cruelty-free bunny logo on the back so that it is obvious they made it without testing it on animals or harming them.
How is a cleanser different from a face wash?
Yes, a cleanser is usually either oil-based or water-based. On the other hand, face wash is always water-based. Face washes can be creamy, gel-based, or foamy. While a cleanser can remove makeup, a face wash only cleanses dirt and impurities.
How many times a day can I use a cruelty-free face wash?
You can use a cruelty-free face wash twice daily. However, if you workout and sweat a lot or have oily skin, you can use it thrice daily.
When’s the best time to use a cruelty-free face wash?
The morning and the evening is the best time to use a face wash.
Do I use my hands to face wash?
Yes, you have to use your hands to apply face wash.
What is the best water temperature while using a cruelty free face wash?
Always make sure to use lukewarm water to wash your face.
After face wash, should I air dry or towel dry?
You can use any one of the methods to dry your face. If you are using a towel to dry your face, make sure not to rub it too hard on your skin and be very gentle.
Read full bio of Nichelle Temple
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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