The Best Clean Face Washes Tested & Reviewed 2020
I love beauty and skincare! Now that I am “well into my 30s” as my father likes to remind me, I am really diligent about taking good care of my skin. And thankfully, I have not had any real skin issues and people always tell me I look way younger than I am. Part of that is genetics, sure, but also a big part of it is that I take really good care of my skin.
People always ask me what my “skincare routine” is and to be honest, I am not someone who sticks to ONE particular tried and true skincare routine. I like to test out and use a lot of different clean beauty and skincare products and decide what I want to use for a particular season.
I am also very passionate about CLEAN and nontoxic skincare and have been for quite some time. Years ago when I made the switch to clean beauty, there were not a ton of great options out there when it came to clean skincare… the industry has come A LONG way because people realize that what is in your beauty products MATTERS.
Needless to say, when I was asked to be a judge for the 2020 CertClean Clean Beauty Awards, I jumped at the chance! This is FULLY in my wheelhouse, so I was really excited to get the opportunity to put my love of testing skincare to the… well, test. 🙂
My category that I was assigned to was clean FACE WASH! I got to try out seven different clean face washes for a few months and then submit my scores. Then, the scores were compiled from other judges and the finalists were announced today!! Only one of my favorites is on the finalist list, but funny enough, it was actually my FAVORITE of them all that made the finalist list… so, clearly other people loved it, too!
In any event, I thought I would share the 7 different clean face washes I tried out and tell you my thoughts on each and which order they ranked for me!
ecologica Skin Care of Malibu – ecologica Soapless Cleanser
About: Ecologica Soapless Cleanser gently removes impurities and restores the natural balance of the skin. This 100% natural ingredient cleanser contains NO harsh soap and penetrates deep into the pores to remove embedded impurities with the therapeutic scent of Lavender and the active ingredient, White Oak Bark.
The American Indians have used this bark for hundreds of years because of its anti-mold, bacterial and fungal properties. Men love shaving with the Soapless Cleanser since it helps to fight nicks and razor burn, while giving a close, comfortable shave. White Oak Bark has natural astringent properties that aid in tighter pores and supple, healthy-looking skin.
Vegan, Cruelty Free, Made in the USA, Paraben Free, Free of Artificial Ingredients
My thoughts: This cleanser is amazing. To me, it is the best “every day” cleanser of the whole bunch. It’s really refreshing and leaves your skin feeling clean but not dried out at all. It smells great, but isn’t overpowering. It has a nice lather even though it is “soapless.” It is really gentle on all skin types!
My ranking: #2 out of 7!
Ao Skincare (Distil Skincare LLC) – Glacial Melting Cleanser
About: Cleansers can often dry out your skin. This is usually due to the high level of surfactant (soap) contained in the formulation. This low-soap formula cleans deeply and gently to remove dirt and makeup while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture levels – so skin feels soft, hydrated and fresh.
My thoughts: This was my “least favorite” of the 7, but I still think it is a great cleanser! I just think it wasn’t great for MY skin type which is combination / prone to be a little oily. If you have dry skin, this might be great for you!
Nontoxic, cruelty free, sustainable, ecofriendly, made without parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, fragrance, etc.
My ranking: #7 out of 7
Herbal Dynamics Beauty Vivid Revival – AHA Brightening Foaming Cleanser
About: Revitalize your complexion with this radiance enhancing cleanser Glycolic acid, grapefruit oil and rosehip seed oil fight environmental damage and help brighten areas of scarring and hyperpigmentation. Gentle olive-based cleanser breaks down oil and residue on the skin, as calendula and loquat nourish and calm.
My thoughts: While this ranked lower on my list, I actually did really like this cleanser. The one thing I did not like about it is I didn’t feel like it really got my makeup off which is what I really want my face wash to do really well. …Which is why I ranked this one a little lower. But it is definitely very refreshing!
Nontoxic, cruelty free, made without parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, fragrance, made in the USA.
My ranking: #6 out of 7
Derma E – Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash
About: DAILY CLEANSER: A daily cleanser that removes built-up oil and debris to help unclog pores, promote clear skin and prevent breakouts.
REDUCE BREAK OUTS: Regular use will help balance your complexion and your skin’s own oil producing capabilities to help reduce the occurrence of breakouts
SALICYCLIC ACID: is a beta hydroxyl acid that helps skin cells shed more easily.
ANTI-BLEMISH COMPLEX: is comprised of Tea Tree Oil, Willow Bark Extract, Lavender and Chamomile to help unclog pores and reduce redness.
My thoughts: This face wash is AMAZING – it was by far my favorite of the bunch and one that I am absolutely going to repurchase. I don’t even get breakouts a lot, but when I would have occasional hormonal breakouts, this face wash was a DREAM. My husband even started borrowing this every now and then. 😉 Seriously, it is SO good. You can definitely smell the tea tree oil in this face wash (which I love), so if you don’t like that smell you won’t like this. But I LOVE it.
GMO free, vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, soy free, sustainable, no parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, etc.
My ranking: #1 out of 7
WOODLOT – Fresh Face Exfoliant
About: Get fresh, smooth skin with our gentle facial exfoliant packed with healthy ingredients for fresh skin.
My thoughts: This is definitely the most unique out of the bunch! It is like a grainy container and you put a little bit on your hands and then add water to create a thin paste. It is definitely very exfoliating! I don’t think this is a daily “cleanser” in any way, and the smell is a little weird to me, but it does leave my skin feeling AMAZING after. I just wish the smell were a little different.
GMO free, vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, soy free, sustainable, no parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, etc.
My ranking: #4 out of 7
PAÑPURI – Lotus Defense Gentle Cleansing Foam
About: Meticulous Cleansing – Draw out dirt, excess oil, pollutants and other skin aggressors with the powerful Sacred Lotus water and extract, married with flavonoid-rich Dandelion that detoxifies skin.
Moisture Preserved – Purify without irritation with Black Willow bark and skin-soothing Cactus Stem extracts both regarded for their ability to preserve skin’s natural hydration barrier.
Petal-Soft Lather – Lather with a unique creamy soap-free foam imbued with refreshing hints of grapefruit zest, dermatologically-tested including sensitive skin.
My thoughts: This facewash has my favorite scent of ALL of them. It’s a REALLY light weight and gentle cleanser (the name is spot on) and has become a regular in my skincare routine lately. I also feel like it does a great job getting off my makeup which is also key!
Alcohol free, soap free, lightly scented, vegan, 99.7% organic and natural ingredients.
My ranking: #3 out of 7
OrgAngie – Anti-Aging Cleanser
About: Funny enough, I can’t find ANYTHING about this online! I can’t even find a link to it… my guess is it is super new. The bottle just says it’s anti-agine and natural 🙂
My thoughts: This one is just “okay.” It does smell nice and it is lightweight, but I don’t know how “anti-aging” it is. It also is not a good cleanser for taking off makeup… but it is a good just morning cleanser before toner and moisturizer! Sorry that might not be all that helpful, but I tried. 🙂
GMO free, vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, soy free, sustainable, no parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, etc.
My ranking: #5 out of 7
So there you have it! All 7 face washes that I tried and tested. Which one(s) have you tried? Will you try any of them? Check out ALL the 2020 Clean Beauty finalists here!
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