Your skincare routine must start with a good cleanse. Your choice of cleanser determines how effectively the dirt and debris are removed from your skin while creating a clean canvas to layer on other skincare products.
There are a large number of cleansers on the market; determining the best face wash or face wash brand is really up to personal preference. Here are some guidelines that you should consider when choosing an organic face wash.
What Does Organic Mean?
Organic refers to the product being almost completely natural and free from harmful chemicals and additives. It is important to note that there is no standardized formula for crafting organic products.
In addition, the term ‘organic’ may vary in definition depending on the country of manufacture and/ or distribution. Companies can also misrepresent their product as organic by introducing products that contain ‘carbon,’ as they are referring to the chemistry definition of ‘organic.’
Additionally, companies can conceal a harmful preservative called Methyl Paraben within ‘organic’ formulas. As the chemical is derived from thousands of years old leaves and form oil, this can be grossly misleading and can cause skin problems like acne, irritation, etc.
Organic has become more of a buzzword rather than an indication of all-natural formula. So if you find organic listed on a product with an extended shelf life, it is safe to say the product is not organic.
Identifying Organic
It is also important to distinguish between natural ingredients used in their original state and natural ingredients that have been chemically modified and are still being called organic.
As per its definition, ‘organic’ means all the formula ingredients are retained in their natural state without any alterations. The easiest way to understand what a product is made from is to check the comprehensive ingredient list on the packaging.
If there are ingredients listed in brackets, it is safe to assume the product is made using a derivative and not the actual ingredient. If you find fragrance listed within the ingredients, the product definitely contains chemicals distilled from unnatural ingredients and cannot be organic.
It is also important to note that companies can sell ‘organic products’ but actually are not legally recognized or certified as organic companies. This is a big red flag if companies are trying to place an organic certification seal on their website but not on their products.
There is a lot of grey area around organic certification globally. Companies can mass-market their products to draw in followers of sustainable movements. It is up to you, as an educated consumer, to make the best possible decisions while opting for any organic face wash or organic skincare product.
Purchasing Organic
▪ Buy Handmade
A growing trend courtesy of Instagram-fueled eCommerce is the rise of handmade, organic skincare products made by small, up-and-coming companies.
These smaller, handmade beauty formula makers often minimize the number of ingredients they use to create gentle formulas that work well with all skin types. When hunting for the best organic face wash, do not be afraid to purchase from smaller stores.
They produce products in smaller batches due to their limited shelf lives from a lack of preservatives, you can rest assured the formulas are almost 100% organic. Send a message to inquire about the formulas and ingredients before purchase.
Getting in touch with smaller businesses is not only easier as they aren’t overwhelmed by demand but also allows you to get a feel for the product before you invest. Ask about the ingredients list for individuals with sensitive skin will help avoid irritating your skin.
While organic ingredients definitely have their benefits around soothing the skin, some ingredients, such as essential oils and hydrators might have an adverse effect on your skin.
Research Is Key!
▪ Look For Certified Organic Companies
The clean beauty boom has diversified the skincare market to offer more natural and vegan products available with ease.
However, beware of greenwashing. A certain product can be advertised as natural and/ or organic face wash but might have formulations that are a combination of natural ingredients affected by chemicals.
While the formula is devoid of harsh sulfates, stabilizers, preservatives, fragrances, and other unnecessary ingredients, the formulas are not organic; but they are definitely a better buy than chemical-ridden alternatives.
Always look for certifications such as USDA Organic or COSMOS ORGANIC, etc.
Some Organic Facial Cleanser Formulations We Recommend
1. Pink Cloud Creamy Jelly Cleanser – Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals is an American brand founded in 2011 focusing on skincare formulas built with natural ingredients, plant-based food-grade pressed oils, steam-distilled essential oils, GMO-free soy wax, and many certified organic ingredients.
The company has been firm in avoiding as many synthetic ingredients as possible, including parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fillers, animal testing, mineral oils, and petroleum.
We love the Pink Cloud Jelly Cleanser for its low-foaming formula. The gentle yet effective creamy gel formula is packed with rosewater, vegan squalane, and tremella mushroom.
These ingredients help with dry skin and redness. With a pH of 5.5, this formula is ideal for multiple skin types while balancing the skin. The gentle rose scent and the pink-tinged formula don’t strip the skin of natural oils and leave you with delicate, soft, and smooth skin.
2. Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser – Youth To The People
Youth To The People (YTTP) was founded in California in 2015. The male-run business is focused on creating skincare with consciously sourced and nutrient-dense superfood blends for 100% vegan formulas that focus on keeping the skin healthy.
Since its launch, YTTP has become a fast favorite for sustainable skincare enthusiasts looking for paraben-free face washes and mostly organic formulas.
A cult favorite, the Superfood Cleanser, has a reputation for being a powerful cleanser that easily cuts through impurities, oil, and makeup on the skin. The proprietary superfood blend consists of kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, Vitamin C, and Vitamin 3.
The gel texture of this organic face wash is accompanied by a herbaceous scent that feels clean and refreshing. We recommend this amazing organic face wash for oily skin as the formula can be a little drying on normal or sensitive skin types.
3. Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser – Marie Veronique
Founded by chemist Marie Veronique in 2002, the line was created to help with rosacea and the temperamental skin of puberty years. Since its inception, the math and science degree holder has evolved her line to include non-toxic skincare formulas that highlight natural ingredients and use science to innovate.
For individuals looking for an oil cleanser instead of a water-based cleanser, this microbiome-friendly and the essential oil-free formula works effectively to cleanse debris, sunscreen, dirt, and makeup of the skin without stripping the surface of protective oils.
The formula highlights Omega-6-rich oils to deeply penetrate the skin creating a truly clean base after wash. It really focuses on supporting the skin barrier.
The objective is to supplement the skin and not reprogram it. Ingredients of this cleansing oil also include a pre+probiotic complex, superoxide dismutase, and decyl glucoside.
Check your local retailers for more options around organic face washes and skincare. You’d be surprised what you’d find on the shelves!
4. Try An Ayurvedic Beauty Product Like Kumkumadi Brightening Cleansing Oil
Ayurveda is an Indian-borne system that uses natural ingredients, plants, and organic ingredients to take a holistic approach to medical treatments. Ayurveda is more than 5,000 years old and offers some of the most intriguing formulas for skincare on the market.
While there are several recipes, a quick google search could offer you, a handful of Indian skincare companies like Kama’s Kumkumadi Brightening Cleansing Oil, showcase the creme de la creme of ayurvedic beauty prepackaged conveniently for use.
Two Of The Best Ayurvedic, Organic Face Washes We Love
1. Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser – Kama Ayurveda
Kama Ayurveda was founded in 2002, bringing an array of ayurvedic treatments to the worldwide skincare market. It is in partnership with a 75-year-old pharmacy based out of Tamil Nadu, India.
The company prides itself on helping hair and skin concerns with effective and authentic formulas that have worked for generations. They offer natural, balanced solutions and focus on creating long-term results rather than instant gratification.
In fact, the company also holds the Cosmos Organic label to certify its standards around ingredients and care for the environment.
This organic face wash cleanser formula is jam-packed with rose and jasmine extract keeping skin soft and hydrated. This diminishes the appearance of marks and scars over prolonged use. It contains aloe vera, vetiver root, black cumin, and jojoba seed oil that works well with all skin types.
2. Mashobra Honey, Lemon and RoseWater Delicate Facial Cleanser – Forest Essentials
Forest Essentials is another authentic ayurvedic skincare brand that focuses on elevating traditional formulas. The luxurious formulas are developed using a pure, fresh, and natural approach to skincare and wellness.
The brand explains if an ingredient cannot be eaten, it should not be used on the skin. While the formulas may not be 100% organic, the rich textures are cruelty-free and made without harmful ingredients.
This cleanser is a bestseller! The honey offers antioxidant and anti-microbial properties to protect the skin while replenishing moisture. Other ingredients include Kerala Lime for a cooling effect, Rose for skin toning, and Vitamin E as a natural preservative.
These formulations are worth the adventure for beauty enthusiasts looking to venture internationally!
How To Make Your Facial Cleanser At Home
A foolproof way to introduce an organic face wash into your skincare routine is to make it yourself! Head into your kitchen or to your local supermarket and make your own gentle, 100% organic facial cleansers;
- Mix gram flour, honey, plain yogurt, and rose water for an acne-fighting, exfoliation and moisturizing facial cleanser.
- Mix one teaspoon of honey and three drops of lemon juice with water to thin down the consistency. Apply this to the face and rinse with water. This may irritate sensitive skin due to the lemon juice.
- Dilute two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water and gently massage like you would use an organic face wash. This cleanse helps unclog pores and balance the skin’s pH.
- If you have Fuller’s Earth, (more commonly sold in Indian supermarkets as Multani Mitti,) this ingredient mixed with rose water creates a formula that doubles as a mask and facial cleanser. Perfect for oily skin, consistent use of this formula leaves you with radiant skin every time.
- Mix powdered oats with buttermilk to a paste-like consistency and massage into the skin. The powdered oats act as a gentle exfoliant with the cooling and hydrating properties of the buttermilk. You could also soak whole oats in buttermilk for 15 minutes and then apply this facial cleaser on your skin.
There are several ways to approach buying an organic face wash. It truly is up to you as a consumer to decide whether what you’re purchasing meets your organic standards. Also, you can settle for a potent yet gentle formula that may not be 100% organic but sustainable, clean, and practical. There is definitely something for everyone with the number of skincare options available today.
Also, now that we’ve sorted out your organic face wash needs, you might want to explore these natural face moisturizers in the market. Hope you like them!