When it comes to picking the best cleansers, many consumers opt for cruelty-free face wash rather than skincare items that were tested or derived from animals. Even famous celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Huda Kattan are turning their backs on mainstream brands that use animals for testing. Opting out of these brands also means ditching the harmful chemical that can be bad for your skin.
Are you already planning on buying a new facial wash? Think before you purchase that product. As much as you want to grab any facial wash on the counter, you need to assess which ones fit your skin type. You also need to pick the best and the healthiest product for your skin. After all, you need to remove the unwanted oil and debris in your face, not purging your skin due to the harmful chemicals.
How would you know if it is a cruelty-free face wash? A cruelty-free product ensures that it has not been tested on animals. This includes all stages of production, supply, and ingredients. Moreover, a cruelty-free face wash has higher chances of being a vegan face wash wherein there are no animal-based ingredients used.
A good, clean, and cruelty-free face wash shall help you remove the dirt and grime from a long day. It also helps your skin to breathe and renew itself. However, picking the best ones can be tricky since you also have to consider your skin type.
Luckily, we created a guide for you to easily pick which facial wash is best for your skin. In this article, we’ll be giving you an in-depth analysis of the best cruelty-free facial wash for your skin.
Our recommendations are divided into three sections featuring the overall best cleanser:
- Dry Skin – No products found.
- Oily Skin – No products found.
- Combination Skin – No products found.
You can skip the section for your skin type. Rest assured that we provided only the best and most affordable facial washes on the market.
Best Cruelty-Free Face Wash for Dry Skin
Dry, flaky, and itchy skin are common signs of dry skin. If you have dry skin, you need a cleanser that will remove grime and impurities without stripping your body’s natural oils. Cleansers with high alcohol content are a big no for people with dry skin.
Use facial washes with essential oils or glycerin. You can also use micellar water. Here are some of the best cruelty-free facial washes for dry skin:
Budget-friendly: No products found.
- Vegan friendly and cruelty-free
- Balm to oil consistency
- 50ml tube for an accessible price point
- Removes dirt, makeup, and excess sebum without leaving an oily film
The Ordinary is no doubt one of the best and most affordable skincare brands in the world. It’s immensely popular and a cult favorite by many influencers, celebrities, and average Joe.
With their goal of offering simple and straightforward products to their consumers, it is no wonder that consumers are picking The Ordinary more than other brands. Consumers can easily choose which ingredients are applied on their face than products with an endless roster of hidden ingredients.
One of their most raved-about products is No products found.. You might be wondering what squalane is. Based on Healthline, squalane is a lipid with a similar structure to fats, and it doesn’t easily dissolve in water.
We actually produce squalane as part of our sebum. Many dermatologists recommend squalane due to its moisturizing properties that help in smoother and softer skin. Thanks to the moisturizing benefits of squalane, it can help firm your skin and increase its elasticity which can reduce fine lines.
The cleanser comes in a 50ml tube, and it has a consistency similar to a moisturizer. Once you massage it in your face, it will glide smoothly like a balm. The cleanser will easily trap makeup, dirt, and skin impurities.
Once you rinse off the cleanser, it won’t leave behind an oily film, unlike other cleansers. You will instantly feel hydrated, tight, and moisturized.
Related: Is CeraVe cruelty-free?
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- Glycolic acid helps in removing acne
- Best for acne-prone dry skin
- Soothes dry and irritated skin
- Lightens hyperpigmentation
If you have acne-prone dry skin, No products found. is one of our highly recommended facial cleansers. Mario Badescu is another cult favorite that many people have raved about, and we can clearly see why. The cleanser is infused with thyme, aloe, and chamomile extracts, which help soften dry and irritated skin.
It also has glycolic acid, which is an acid that aids in clearing those pesky red bumps without drying out your skin. Thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant activity, you can achieve a smoother and even skin tone. Aside from removing dirt, oil, and acne, this facial cleanser also helps in lightening hyperpigmentation.
Simply apply the cleanser to your face and thoroughly rinse with water. It doesn’t have any fragrance, and the gel-like consistency helps in removing dirt and grime. The six fl oz is a definite steal.
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Best Overall: No products found.
- Whipped to cream texture
- Paraben-free, allergy-friendly, gluten-free
- Infused with antioxidants
- Maintains skin’s natural pH level
Based on the American Academy of Dermatology Association, cleansers with no alcohol are highly recommended because it is gentle on the skin and non-abrasive. Luckily, First Aid Beauty is free from harmful chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, and oxybenzone. It’s also allergy-friendly, oil-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
The cleanser is infused with antioxidants to help protect your skin while fighting skin damage. It also maintains your skin’s natural pH level and reduces flare-ups. The facial cleanser also has a creamy and whipped texture, which helps trap dirt, leaving your skin smooth and clean.
The package comes in a tube, and it may be a bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth it. A little bit of the product definitely goes a long way. Besides, many people have shared that they have seen improvements in their overall skin texture after consistent use.
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Best Cruelty-Free Face Wash for Oily Skin
Every one of us has oil in our skin. We have sebaceous glands that produce these natural oils called sebum. As much as people think oil is bad, it’s actually not because it preserves our skin and reduces wrinkles. However, some people produce too much oil.
Too much oil in our skin can result in clogged pores that can turn into acne. To help control oil, dermatologists suggest using a gentle and foaming cleanser. The cleanser must be oil-free and non-comedogenic. It must also not be too harsh for your skin that it strips away your natural oils because it will trigger the sebaceous glands to increase oil production.
Here are some of the best cruelty-free and vegan facial washes for oily skin:
Budget-friendly: No products found.
- Best for acne-prone skin
- Reduced whiteheads and blackheads
- Contains 0.5% salicylic acid
- Travel-friendly and cruelty-free
If you mix safe, conscious, clean, and intuitive skincare science, you will most likely find Paula’s Choice topping the list. With their well-formulated and cruelty-free products backed by their own research, it’s not a surprise that Paula’s Choice has changed the skincare game for good.
The brand doesn’t just put out any product in the market, but they thoroughly pick the best ingredients without harming animals and the environment. Plus, they conduct well-defined and science-backed case studies on the different ingredients and their effect on different skin types. If you’re the type of person who loves to read facts and research the ingredients before trying out a new product, you will love Paula’s Choice.
That’s why we highly recommend their No products found.. This cleanser contains 0.5% of salicylic acid, which helps in reducing acne by exfoliating the skin. It will penetrate your skin and dissolve the dead skin cells that clog your pores.
Unlike other cleansers with salicylic acid, Paula’s Choice cleanser is non-irritating. It won’t cause dryness, redness, or flakiness on oily skin. Moreover, the cleanser targets acne-prone skin, and it’s part of their Acne Strength Kit.
As for its packaging, the No products found. comes in a light blue six fl. oz bottle. All the information is printed on the front, and it’s super travel-friendly. It may not be the most aesthetic product in the market, but we like how clean and simple it is.
The cleanser also has a gel-like consistency, and it can be applied after splashing your face with water. You can use a washcloth with a cleanser if you need to remove heavy makeup. Many users have seen an improvement in their complexion after consistent use. Overall, this cleanser is a good and affordable addition to your skincare routine.
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- Non-Comedogenic
- Controls oil in your skin
- Reduces large pores and smoothens the skin
No products found. is part of the Balance Collection, a set of cleanser, toner, and moisturizers that helps control oil production to leave skin clean, clear, and mattified. The collection is inspired by Ole Henriksen’s own experience when he struggled with oily skin. Using his experience, he created a set that has the necessary ingredients to fight excess oil and remove acne.
The Oil Control Cleanser is a mixture of potent active botanicals such as green tea, Irish moss, eucalyptus, and algae (kelp) extracts that helps in deep cleaning your pores without drying your skin. It also has glycolic and lactic acid which helps in exfoliating dead skin without causing irritation or redness.
As for the smell, it smells of eucalyptus and green tea, which helps in giving you a spa-like vibe. It has a creamy consistency but forms into a gentle cleanser when applied on a wet face. It indeed is a great steal!
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Best Overall: No products found.
- Paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, phthalate-free
- Rich in botanical amino acids
- Cruelty-free and vegan
If you are looking for a cleansing gel that effectively unclogs and purifies pores, then pick No products found.. Its ingredients are known for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, boosting collagen, soothing sensitive skin, moisturizing, and diminishing dark spots. One of its ingredients, Willow Bark Extract, is a Salicylic Acid that helps in minimizing hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts.
It has a gel-like consistency that foams when mixed with water. Damp your face with water and lather your face with the cleanser. Rinse thoroughly with water. It can also last for a few months. So, if you want a cleanser created specifically for blemish-prone skin, Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser is a must-have.
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Best Cruelty-Free Face Wash for Combination Skin
Most people have combination skin wherein they have dry or normal areas while oily in others, such as the T zone. If you are one of them, then you understand that picking the right cleanser for combination skin can be challenging. You need to address certain issues for certain areas.
Don’t worry because these are three cruelty-free cleansers for combination skin:
Budget-Friendly: No products found.
- Hydrating and cruelty-free
- Smoothens the skin without drying it
- Maintains the skin’s natural pH level
Achieve a clear and fresh face with the No products found.. This gentle cleanser comes in a squeezable tube that you can easily carry with you to work or out-of-town travels. Its liquidy and pearly white consistency makes it easy to apply on your face and wash with water.
As for its ingredients, Elf strives to only provide the best and paraben-free ingredients. Some of their ingredients are Decyl Glucoside and Citric Acid. Decyl Glucoside is a mild cleansing agent that helps remove dirt, while Citric Acid aids in removing the dead skin cells of your skin. Using this cleanser will help you remove the dry patches on your skin while regulating oil production.
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- Mineral oil-free, Formaldehyde free, paraben-free
- Nutrient-packed cleanser
- Packed with anti-aging ingredient
Get glowing skin while targeting your problem areas with No products found.. This super cleanser is packed with antioxidants coming from a blackberry, pomegranate, and acai berry. It will definitely get the work done while leaving your much-needed moisture untouched.
The best part about it is it infuses our skin with anti-aging ingredients leaving your skin fresh, youthful, and blemish-free. The runny gel consistency makes it easy to lather on your skin, and the yellow tube makes it easy for you to squeeze out the formula. Lastly, it has a citrus scent that reminds you of summer.
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- Soap and sulfate-free
- Minimizes pores
- Silky and non-irritating
If you need a gentle gel cleanser that removes and tones your skin, then No products found. is your answer. Formulated with hydroxy acids, it penetrates the skin unclogging dirt on pores, thereby reducing acne and minimizing the look of pores.
It’s also super gentle on the skin that you can use it around the eyes. Moreover, it’s soap and sulfate-free. The Alpha Beta acids help exfoliate dead skin cells, Willow Bark and Farnesol to remove impurities and bacteria deep in the pores. At the same time, Snow Ear Mushroom maintains the skin’s normal pH level.
It may be a bit on the pricey side, but it is definitely worth the purchase. Dr. Gross picks the best ingredients to treat your skin concerns, and he combines them in the most efficient delivery system so that you will enjoy the maximum benefits of these ingredients.
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How to Choose the Best Cruelty-Free Face Wash?
It can be overwhelming to pick the right facial wash. There are a lot of great brands that offer promising cruelty-free and vegan facial wash. We created a simple list of what you need to look out for to make it easier for you.
Ingredients
Always check the ingredients when picking a facial cleanser. Make sure it does not contain any harsh chemicals or parabens. A list of plant-based ingredients is always a good sign. Conduct your own research, too, by checking their website. It’s always best to arm yourself with science-backed research and factual information.
Skin Type
Always keep your skin type in mind when choosing your face wash. You need to think about what your skin needs for you to maximize the benefits of the ingredients in the facial wash. Try using a cream-based cleanser or water-based cleansers such as micellar for dry skin, foam cleansers for oily skin, and gel cleansers for combination skin.
Allergic Reactions
Always watch out for allergic reactions. May it be itchiness or redness, you need to check for these signs when using a new product. That’s why many dermatologists suggest conducting a patch test before using a product. With regards to ingredients, check if you have any existing allergies to avoid any allergic reaction.
Final Verdict
Picking the best cruelty-free face wash for your skin just got easier and better. We have given you the most affordable and effective ones. Each of these cleansers stays true to its claims of removing dirt while keeping your skin’s natural oils. Thus, we are making our skin healthier and radiant, and our conscious effort of choosing cruelty-free and vegan face washes has a more significant impact on our environment by reducing our ecological footprints.
But, if we are going to pick the best on each skin type, it will be the following:
- Dry Skin – No products found.
- Oily Skin – No products found.
- Combination Skin – No products found.
These products are simple yet effective. Their ingredients are handpicked to provide the necessary uses for each skin type. It’s also super affordable despite some not being in the price range because you can use the cleanser for a long time. So, if you are on the hunt for the best cruelty-free face wash, pick these three products.