40 Best Organic Face Washes & Cleansers of 2021
WRITTEN BY: Â DIANE ELIZABETH K. | PUBLISHED: 11/10/2017 | LAST UPDATED: 12/06/2020
Organic facial cleansers are great additions to any skin care routine. The skin is the largest organ in the body and it absorbs a large amount of the chemicals that we apply to it on a daily basis. Therefore, it’s generally not a good idea to put anything on your that you wouldn’t put in your mouth. Organic cleansers leverage the power of nature’s most potent fruits, vegetables, herbs, and clays in order to dramatically cleanse, repair, and nourish — without using gnarly chemicals. Additionally, natural cleansers can be just as effective as their traditional counterparts (some even do an amazing job at removing super heavy makeup), so you don’t have to make any trade-offs for effectiveness. Whether you have dry, sensitive, acne-prone, aging, oily, or normal complexions, there is an organic face wash out there that’s sure to work wonders for you.
There are many kinds of face washes and cleansers on the market—each crafted for a different skin type. Most organic cleansers can generally be bucketed into two categories: foaming vs non-foaming cleansers. Foaming cleansers contain surfactants and natural foaming agents that work themselves into a lather to break apart dirt, oil, and impurities. Non-foaming cleansers do not create a soapy-lather and come in a variety of forms including oils, creams, and micellar water. Conventional wisdom claims that foaming face cleansers are bad for dryer types because the suds strip away natural oils; however, many modern organic cleansers use soaps made from vegetable oils (like coconut, jojoba, and sunflower) which can actually add moisture. With all this jargon, choosing the right cleanser type can be tricky. Check out our short guide on Choosing the Best Organic Face Wash for Your Skin Type at the end of this page for some tips. Still need help choosing the best organic products?
While organic face washes may be better for your skin’s overall health, organic products are not created equal. Many cleansers sold today are filled with cheap preservatives and harsh soaps that can actually irritate and exacerbate existing issues. Some cleansers that are branded as “organic” may actually contain cheap fillers and very little organic material. Others make wild claims about their results—all while overcharging for common and inexpensive organic ingredients. We tirelessly researched hundreds of organic brands, their claims, ingredients and their products to create this list of over 40 (actually) organic face washes. At the very minimum, the organic cleaners on this list will not include any ingredients from the “dirty dozen” like Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrochemicals + Mineral Oils, Synthetic Fragrances + Dyes, PEG compounds, and Ethoxylated Ingredients. Additionally, all organic cleansers on this list are made with high-quality organic + natural ingredients, contain no harsh soaps, and have a track record of satisfied customer reviews from across the web. These are truly some of the best of the best organic face washes we could find—Enjoy!
FILTER BY TYPE
![*Christina Moss Naturals — Organic Face Wash]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/christina-moss-naturals_organic-face-wash_vegan-gluten-freen-cruelty-free.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Christina Moss Naturals — Organic Face Wash")
![GET MATCHED! TAKE THE ORGANIC CLEANSER QUIZ]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cleansers-quiz_1st-ad.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "GET MATCHED! TAKE THE ORGANIC CLEANSER QUIZ")
![*Vered – Herbal Balancing Organic Oil Cleanser ($68)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/vered-organic-botanicals_herbal-balancing-organic-oil-cleanser-1.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Vered – Herbal Balancing Organic Oil Cleanser ($68)")
![Ox Box: Organic Beauty Box]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ox-box-organic-beauty-box-subscription_amala-e1591033548144.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "Ox Box: Organic Beauty Box")
![Simplified Skin – Vitamin C Facial Cleanser ($13.37)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/untitled-design-6.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "Simplified Skin – Vitamin C Facial Cleanser ($13.37)")
![*True Botanicals — Hydrating Anti-Aging Organic Cleanser ($48)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/true-botanicals_nourishing-organic-cleanser-for-anti-aging.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*True Botanicals — Hydrating Anti-Aging Organic Cleanser ($48)")
![*100% Pure — Tea Tree + Willow Clarifying USDA Organic Cleanser ($34)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/100-pure_tea-tree-willow-clarifying-usda-certified-organic-cleanser-e1575998948153.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*100% Pure — Tea Tree + Willow Clarifying USDA Organic Cleanser ($34)")
![*Pai – Light Work Rosehip Organic Cleansing Oil ($56)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pai_light-work-rosehip-organic-cleansing-oil.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Pai – Light Work Rosehip Organic Cleansing Oil ($56)")
![*Josh Rosebrook – Complete Moisture Organic Cleanser ($55)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/josh-rosebrook_complete-moisture-cleanse-organic-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Josh Rosebrook – Complete Moisture Organic Cleanser ($55)")
![*OSEA Malibu — Ocean Cleansing Mudd ($48)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/osea-malibu_ocean-cleansing-mudd_organic-face-wash-vegan-gluten-free.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*OSEA Malibu — Ocean Cleansing Mudd ($48)")
![*Osea Malibu – Ocean Cleanser Organic Face Wash ($48)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/osea-malibu_ocean-cleanser_vegan-cruelty-free-gmo-free-organic-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Osea Malibu – Ocean Cleanser Organic Face Wash ($48)")
![*Amala – Purifying Organic Gel Cleanser ($78)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/amala-beauty_pore-clarifying-certified-natural-gel-cleanser.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Amala – Purifying Organic Gel Cleanser ($78)")
![TAKE THE QUIZ & FIND YOUR PERFECT ORGANIC CLEANSER]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cleansers-quiz_2nd-ad.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "TAKE THE QUIZ & FIND YOUR PERFECT ORGANIC CLEANSER")
![*Annmarie — Aloe Herb Organic Cleanser ($32)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/annmarie_aloe-herb-organic-cleanser_organic-face-wash_vegan-gluten-free-cruelty-free.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Annmarie — Aloe Herb Organic Cleanser ($32)")
![*Alteya Organics — USDA Organic Rose Oil Face Wash]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/alteya-organics_bio-damascena-rose-otto-usda-organic-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Alteya Organics — USDA Organic Rose Oil Face Wash")
![*Acure – Brightening Cleansing Gel Face Wash]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/acure_seriously-brightening-organic-cleansing-gel-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Acure – Brightening Cleansing Gel Face Wash")
![Honey Girl Organics – Organic Foaming Facial Wash ($22.99)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/honey-girl-organics_organic-foaming-facial-wash_gluten-free-gmo-free.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "Honey Girl Organics – Organic Foaming Facial Wash ($22.99)")
![*True Botanicals — Nourishing Anti-Acne Organic Cleanser ($48)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/true-botanicals_nourishing-organic-cleanser-for-acne-prone-skin.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*True Botanicals — Nourishing Anti-Acne Organic Cleanser ($48)")
![*100% Pure — USDA Organic Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cleanser ($32)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/100-pure_coconut-oil-cleansing-milk-usda-certified-organic-cleanser.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*100% Pure — USDA Organic Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cleanser ($32)")
![*Pangea – Organic Facial Cleansers ($28)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pangea_organic-facial-cleansers.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Pangea – Organic Facial Cleansers ($28)")
![*Osmia — Organic Black Clay Facial Soap ($24)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/osmia-organics_black-clay-organic-facial-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Osmia — Organic Black Clay Facial Soap ($24)")
![*Odacite – Black Mint All Natural Face Wash ($39)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/odacite_black-mint-all-natural-cleanser-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Odacite – Black Mint All Natural Face Wash ($39)")
![*Laurel Skin – Effortless Organic Cleanser ($56)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/laurel-whole-plant_effortless-cleanser-organic-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Laurel Skin – Effortless Organic Cleanser ($56)")
![*Tata Harper — Regenerating Organic Cleanser ($84)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tata-harper_regenerating-exfoliating-anti_aging-organic-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Tata Harper — Regenerating Organic Cleanser ($84)")
![*Suki Skin Care — Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/suki-skin-care_exfoliating-organic-foaming-cleanser.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Suki Skin Care — Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser")
![*100% Pure — Charcoal Clay Organic Face Wash ($32)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/100-pure_charcoal-clay-organic-natural-cleanser_vegan-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*100% Pure — Charcoal Clay Organic Face Wash ($32)")
![*Beauty By Earth — Organic Foaming Face Wash]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/beauty-by-earth_foaming-organic-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Beauty By Earth — Organic Foaming Face Wash")
![*Juice Beauty — Green Apple Brightening Organic Gel Cleanser ($26)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/juice-beauty_green-apple-brightening-gel-organic-cleanser.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Juice Beauty — Green Apple Brightening Organic Gel Cleanser ($26)")
![*Tata Harper — Purifying Organic Cleanser]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tata-harper_purifying-cleanser-for-acne-organic-face-wash.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Tata Harper — Purifying Organic Cleanser")
![*Osmia Organics – Gentle Foaming Organic Cleanser ($42)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/osmia-organics_gentle-foaming-organic-cleanser.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Osmia Organics – Gentle Foaming Organic Cleanser ($42)")
![*Amala – Creamy Moisture Rich Natural Face Wash ($78)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/amala-beauty_silkening-creamy-moisture-certified-natural-gel-cleanser.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Amala – Creamy Moisture Rich Natural Face Wash ($78)")
![TOO MANY CHOICES? GET MATCHED! TAKE THE CLEANSER QUIZ]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cleansers-quiz_3rd-ad.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "TOO MANY CHOICES? GET MATCHED! TAKE THE CLEANSER QUIZ")
![*RoseMira — Aloe & Pink Grapefruit Gel Cleanser ($57)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/rose-mira_aloe-pink-grapefruit-organic-gel-cleanser.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*RoseMira — Aloe & Pink Grapefruit Gel Cleanser ($57)")
![*S.W. Basics — Organic Cleanser ($20)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/sw-basics-organic-cleanser-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*S.W. Basics — Organic Cleanser ($20)")
![*Dr. Alkaitis — Purifying Organic Facial Cleanser ($39)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/dr-alkaitis_purifying-organic-face-wash_vegan-gluten-free.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Dr. Alkaitis — Purifying Organic Facial Cleanser ($39)")
![*Pai – Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Organic Cleanser ($50)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pai_camellia-rose-gentle-hydrating-organic-cleanser.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Pai – Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Organic Cleanser ($50)")
![*Naturopathica — Organic Aloe Cleansing Gel ($36)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/naturopathica_certified-organic-aloe-cleansing-gel.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Naturopathica — Organic Aloe Cleansing Gel ($36)")
![*Ursa Major — Fantastic Face Wash ($28)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ursa-major-fantastic-organic-face-wash-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Ursa Major — Fantastic Face Wash ($28)")
![*Eminence — Firm Skin Acai Organic Cleanser ($42)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eminence-organic-firm-skin-acai-cleanser-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Eminence — Firm Skin Acai Organic Cleanser ($42)")
![*Herbivore — Pink Clay Cleansing Facial Soap Bar ($12)]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/herbivore-pink-clay-cleansing-facial-soap-bar-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Herbivore — Pink Clay Cleansing Facial Soap Bar ($12)")
![*Eminence — Clear Skin Probiotic Organic Cleanser]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eminence-clear-skin-probiotic-organic-cleanser-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Eminence — Clear Skin Probiotic Organic Cleanser")
![*Earth Tu Face — Palmarosa + Aloe Organic Face Wash]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/earth-tu-face-organic-palmarosa-and-aloe-face-wash-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Earth Tu Face — Palmarosa + Aloe Organic Face Wash")
![*Soapwalla — Activated Charcoal + Petitgrain Facial Soap Bar]({"default":"https://www.skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/soapwalla_glycerin-organic-soap-bar.jpg","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Soapwalla — Activated Charcoal + Petitgrain Facial Soap Bar")
which organic cleanser is best for your skin type?
There are many different kind of organic face washes on the market–each crafted for a specific skin condition. There are gel cleansers, cream cleansers, clay cleansers, foaming cleansers, non-foaming cleansers, oil cleansers, micellar cleansers, and bar cleansers (just to name a few!). With so much to choose from, here’s a quick and handy guide to selecting the best organic face wash for your skin type.
Dry Skin
Generally speaking, the best organic cleansers for dryer types are non-foaming cleansers. Non-foaming cleansers do not contain soaps which may strip away natural oils. Instead, they are packed with moisturizing ingredients and emollients that leave you very hydrated. Look for organic cleansers that contain hydrating oils (like coconut, sunflower, argan), honey, hyaluronic acid, exfoliants (to help clear way flakey/dead cells), and aloe vera.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive types simply refers to skin that is currently or can be easily irritated. Sensitivities can include rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or simply complexions that don’t react well to most products. The best organic cleansers for these are non-foaming and contain gentle ingredients like lavender, aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, jojoba oil, shea butter, borage seed oil, and sunflower oil to name a few. Avoid alcohols, foaming cleansers, and anything with strong chemical exfoliants.
Normal / Combo Skin
Normal and combination types can generally find both non-foaming and foaming cleansers to be effective. Great ingredients for normal/combo skin include vitamin C (sun protection), antioxidants (slow down the visible signs of aging), clays (help keep pores clear), and natural oils for moisture.
Oily Skin
The best organic cleansers for oily types are foaming cleansers. These cleansers are much stronger at removing oil, makeup, and dirt than their non-foaming counterparts. Additionally, oily types should look for cleansers that contain clay, citrus fruits, fragrance, or oils that balance sebum production like jojoba oil.
Acne-prone skin
Both foaming and non-foaming organic cleansers will work for acne-prone types—depending on whether you suffer from dry or oily acne. Acne-prone types should look for organic face washes that contain bacteria fighting ingredients like tea tree oil, honey, willowbark, clays (bentonite and kaolin clays), green tea, probiotics, and rose oil.
Mature / Aging Skin
Mature and aging complexions lacks moisture and elasticity, which causes wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines. Mature skin types will benefit from highly moisturizing non-foaming cleansers that are packed with antioxidants. Deep cleanses and exfoliators are also great as they help to speed up our natural cell turnover rate.
Diane Elizabeth K., Founder at SkinCareOx.com
Diane Elizabeth founded Skin Care Ox in 2016 after her personal struggle to find truly clean, natural, and organic products. Leveraging her background in biomedical engineering, scientific research + analytics, and entrepreneurship, she created Skin Care Ox to be an easy-to-use resource to find real clean beauty options. Since then, her articles have been read by over 3 Million people and have helped millions choose cleaner alternatives. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband and growing family.Review Standards & Process
Skin Care Ox product reviews are 100% brand neutral. Skin Care Ox does not accept compensation in exchange for reviews. Additionally, there are no paid advertisements on Skin Care Ox. From time to time, brands will submit products to our team for review. Whether we procure the products ourselves or they are submitted to our team for review—our reviews remain honest and neutral.
Skin Care Ox is primarily funded through affiliate commissions. Meaning, when you purchase a product via a link from our website, we earn a small commission on the sale from the retailer (at no additional cost to you). Skin Care Ox is a member of numerous affiliate networks representing hundreds of cleans beauty brands and retailers. Because of this, no single brand or company has control over our review decisions. See our Affiliate Disclosure for more information.
Finally, every product we review undergoes our Research and Review Process. This includes faithfully trialing the products for a minimum of two weeks, rigorously researching each ingredient, and consolidating real user reviews from across the web.
100% NATURAL
100% ORGANIC
GMO FREE
GLUTEN FREE
VEGAN
Love your website
Thanks! So glad to hear it!
Awesome website, so much good information. kudos!
Love all the good information here, thank you. I am 61 yrs old and in need of good skin care and your Skin Ox Box and all the information here really helps. Please keep the information coming. Thank you
Love your site! Any plans for redoing this article? I’d love to see an updated list!
Yes! We update the articles every year!
Love this site.
This blog is awesome. Thanks alot for sharing this article.
So only one of the 40 face washes is non comedogenic?
Your post is very helpful tips. I love your post, Organic facial cleansers is very important and effective. Organic is the best product.