The Best Cleansers in Clean Beauty

How is it even possible that I’ve never written a post specifically highlighting my favorite facial cleansers? I thought for sure I had, but nope, after doing a deep dive into the dusty corners of this here blog, not a facial cleansing round-up was found.

Well, let’s change that, shall we? Here are my 4 favorite facial cleansers in clean beauty!

The Best Cleansers In Clean Beauty

BEST OVERALL CLEANSER

*whispers* Y’all know what’s coming, right?

One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser simply has to be the most-mentioned product in my 10+ years of beauty blogging. (Just look at all the mentions on this blog over the years! Also, check out my “Skincare” highlights on my Instagram profile to see many mentions there as well.)

I have used this cleanser for years and years and it’s never let me down. It’s multi-purpose (you can use it as a body cleanser as well), is soap-free, and completely non-drying. Glycerin helps draw and retain moisture to the skin’s surface and apple seed oil acts as an excellent skin conditioner that helps soothe and soften, dry, stressed or mature skin. Also, the apple seed oil also gives it the most delicious scent. It’s for all skin types because it’s the bombdotcom.

Most importantly, this cleanser removes every trace of my makeup with just a light lather and a quick rinse of water. No vigorous rubbing, no washcloths, nothing. Did I mention I’m a contact wearer and can get this directly in my eyes without so much as the slightest sting? How is that even possible? Washing your face is just lovely, leaving your skin fresh and not stripped at all.

Nutshell – it’s the PERFECT cleanser for me – quick, gentle, easy, and painless. I adore it.

BEST EXFOLIATING CLEANSER

Okay, okay. I know what some of you are going to say…”Sarah, I want something a little bit more active! Give me all the exfoliating goodness!”

Well, let me introduce you to One Love Organics Botanical A Cleanser. This gel cleanser features an intelligent blend of two exfoliants: alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which scrubs away surface congestion and beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which penetrates to deeply cleanse pores. Combined with mild, plant-powered cleansers and Pro-Vitamin A, this lightweight formula purifies the skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Free from harsh sulfates and drying detergents, its pH lies between 4.9-5.2 — the ideal for rebalancing skin. Suitable for all skin types except those with ultra-sensitive skin, it produces a luxurious, cushiony lather for a soft, supple finish.

I have been loving this cleanser since it’s release last year. It’s like Easy Does It on steroids. The same lovely scent and overall cleansing abilities but throw in some serious AHA and BHA goodness. Those of you who want to uncover radiant skin, run, don’t walk.

BEST CREAMY CLEANSER

While I prefer a foaming cleanser on most nights, my skin occasionally begs for something a little creamier. It’s those times that I reach for African Botanics Baobab Clay Oxygenating Cleanser. African Botanics has become my #1 overall skincare brand (all of my favorites are listed here) and their cleansers do not disappoint.

This detoxifying and balancing cream cleanser is a silky smooth clay-gel that eliminates impurities and unclogs pores without over-drying or irritating. It’s ideal for people exposed to urban stress, pollution, harsh, dry climates or for frequent travelers and is recommended for dull, mature, unbalanced, seborrheic and sensitive skin.

The key active in this formulation is African Clay, which refines pores and accelerates the healing of acne and blemishes and removes excess oil and reduces pore size. Also, Kigelia Africana and Aloe Ferox firm, tone, and tighten the epidermis.

I massage this creamy, luxurious cleanser onto my dry face for a minute or two and then remove it with a warm washcloth. It’s quite lovely and the essential oils of Sandalwood and Cedarwood help calm, rebalance and rejuvenate my skin.

BEST CLEANSING OIL

Where my double-cleansing ladies at?! I know you’re out there!

Damn, I wish I wasn’t so lazy because double cleansing is the cat’s meow and I know I need to be doing it more often. However, in all honesty, I can’t stand most oil-based cleansers because I feel like they always leave a residue. You know what I’m talking about – having to repeatedly wipe your face with a damp washcloth to get everything off. Not my cup of tea.

But! There is a cleansing oil that doesn’t leave a residue AT ALL. In fact, you can get it all off easily with your hands and warm water! I know because I started using it this year and I’m obsessed.  It’s the Beautycounter Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil…have you tried it? YOU GUYS. This is what I’ve been dreaming of when it comes to oil cleansers.

This luxurious, lightweight cleansing oil gently (yet effectively!) removes makeup and impurities without stripping essential lipids from the skin. Rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and a plant-derived Retinatural Complex, the formula reinforces the skin’s fragile moisture barrier for a soothed, nourished complexion.

In a study of 32 users, 100% (ONE HUNDRED PERCENT) said it left no residue, 100% agreed it didn’t irritate the eye area, 97% said skin felt soft, smooth, and nourished, and 97% said it easily removed face and eye makeup. Dry skin and oily skin types will love this formulation.

This cleanser might be the product that gets me off my lazy bum and into double-cleansing on a nightly basis. Yes, it’s that good.

What are your favorite facial cleansers? Let me know if you have any questions about these products or skin care in general – always happy to help!