Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine. While regular cleansers get the job done, many contain harsh sulfates, fragrances, and preservatives that can irritate skin. Switching to a natural cleanser is gentler on skin and provides nourishing benefits.
Keep reading to discover the best natural cleansers tailored for sensitive, oily, dry and combination skin types.
Table of Contents
What Are Natural Cleansers?
Natural cleansers are formulated using plant, mineral, and botanically derived ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals. Some key differences:
Natural Cleansers Contain:
- Plant oils and butters: jojoba, coconut, olive, avocado
- Essential oils: lavender, tea tree, chamomile
- Soapberries and castile soap from plants
- Hydrating extracts: aloe vera, honey, seaweed
- Exfoliants: oatmeal, sugar, fruit enzymes
Conventional Cleansers Contain:
- Sulfates: sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate
- Preservatives: parabens, formaldehyde
- Foaming agents: cocamidopropyl betaine
- Thickeners: polyethylene glycol, polyquaterniums
- Synthetic fragrances and dyes
The natural ingredients in these cleansers are gentler on skin. Plus, the formulas often contain beneficial vitamins, antioxidants, and hydrating compounds.
Choosing the Best Natural Cleanser for Your Skin
With so many options, choosing the right natural cleanser takes some consideration:
- Skin type – Oily, dry, combination, sensitive, mature
- Skin concerns – Acne, redness, wrinkles, dark spots
- Hydration level – Gel, cream, oil, balm, micellar water
- Texture – Light liquid, foaming gel, thick cream, solid balm
- Scent – Essential oils, unscented, fragrance-free
Read on for the ideal natural cleansers tailored to specific skin needs.
Natural Cleansers for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Those with oily, acne-prone skin need a cleanser that removes excess oil without over-drying. Try these:
- Tea tree oil cleansers – Fights breakouts and reduces oil
- Gel-based cleansers – Light hydration won’t clog pores
- Soapberry cleansers – Naturally antiseptic and clarifying
- Salicylic acid cleansers – Gently exfoliates and clears pores
- Clay-based cleansers – Absorbs oil and draws out impurities
For oily skin, avoid thick, creamy cleansers which can be comedogenic (clog pores).
Natural Cleansers for Dry and Mature Skin
Dry, aging skin needs nourishing cleansers with emollient plant oils. Recommended options:
- Creamy milk or gel cleansers – Provide hydration as they cleanse
- Oil-based balms – Thick and rich to melt away makeup and sunscreen
- Hyaluronic acid cleansers – Boost hydration and retain moisture
- Avocado, olive, almond oils – Plant oils soften and protect dry skin
- Jojoba beads – Gently buff away dead skin cells
Avoid foaming cleansers and toners with alcohol which can strip away natural oils.
Natural Cleansers for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin
Those with sensitive, eczema-prone skin need the most gentle cleaner without any irritants:
- Unscented cleansers – No essential oils or fragrance compounds
- Soothing oat or aloe-based cleansers – Soothe redness and calm
- Hypoallergenic formulas – Free of common allergens
- Micellar waters – Gently cleanse without rubbing the skin
- Gel-cream cleansers – Lightweight yet hydrating feel
Steer clear of drying soap-based cleansers, alcohol toners, and any scrub particles.
Natural Cleansers for Combination Skin
For combination skin, target different areas with customized products:
- Gel-based cleanser – Use on oily T-zone to cut through oil
- Creamy cleanser – Use on normal or dry cheeks/jawline for moisture
- Clay mask – Weekly use on oily areas to decongest pores
- Sheet mask – Weekly hydration boost for drier spots
Tailoring your routine avoids over-drying drier zones or causing breakouts in oilier areas.
How to Use Natural Cleansers
Using your natural cleanser properly helps get the best results:
- Makeup removal – First remove makeup with a dedicated makeup remover or cleansing oil.
- Damp skin – Wet face with warm water before applying cleanser.
- Gentle motions – Massage cleanser into skin using light circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly – Rinse cleanser off completely after massage.
- Pat dry – Gently pat skin dry with a soft towel, don’t rub.
- Tone & moisturize – Follow up with a toner and moisturizer suited to your skin type.
Consistently cleansing day and night allows the natural ingredients to work their skin nourishing magic.
Give Your Skin a Gentle Cleanse with Natural
Harsher conventional cleansers can compromise skin’s natural moisture barrier with repeated use. Harness the gentle cleaning power of plant-based cleansers instead.
Tailor your choice based on your skin type and concern, whether oily and acne-prone, dry and mature, sensitive, or combination. Pick a texture and scent that appeals to you.
Give your skin a nourishing treat with a natural cleanser. Your complexion will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Cleansers
A. Product Questions
Do natural cleansers actually work well to clean skin?
Yes, natural cleansers are formulated with effective surfactants from plants that lift dirt, oil, and impurities from skin like conventional cleansers. Many even remove makeup.
Where can I buy natural cleansers?
You can find natural cleansers at health food stores, beauty supply stores, the natural section of drugstores, and online retailers like Amazon, iHerb, Thrive Market, and directly from brand websites.
Can natural cleansers be used on acne-prone skin?
Yes, many natural cleansers contain beneficial ingredients like tea tree, salicylic acid, and clay that help clear acne. Just avoid comedogenic oils like coconut oil.
Do natural cleansers expire?
Like conventional cleansers, natural cleansers expire within 12-18 months of opening. Unopened, they can last 2-3 years.
B. Ingredient Questions
What makes an ingredient “natural”?
Natural ingredients come from plant, mineral, or marine sources without any synthetic chemical modifications, like aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil, etc.
Are essential oils considered natural?
Yes, essential oils extracted from plants are considered natural ingredients. But they can cause skin irritation in leave-on products for some.
Are natural cleansers non-comedogenic?
It depends on the formula. Coconut oil and cocoa butter can clog pores. But cleansers without those heavy oils are non-comedogenic.
Treat your skin right with a tailored natural cleanser. Your skin will reap all the benefits!
