5 Cruelty-Free Face Washes for All Skin Types (2021 Edition)
Are you on the hunt for a holy grail cruelty-free face wash that is gentle and effective? If so, you’ve come to the right place. I don’t claim to be a skincare guru, but I have been seeking out cruelty-free beauty and skincare products for more than ten years. Regardless of how much I once loved a brand, if they weren’t cruelty-free, it was a no-go. I have also struggled with skincare woes so I am particular about what I use on my face.
Basically, I have tried many products and I want to share a bit of that knowledge with you! This list of five gentle face washes consists of skincare products I have used and loved. Many of these are also products I have purchased more than once.
I have always felt that over-drying your skin actually leads to breakouts—and evidently that is the truth. I think this is because it creates an imbalance and throws your skin ecosystem out of whack. The ideal face wash, in my opinion, maintains that perfect balance of not too oily and not too dry. That gentle, slightly moisturizing factor is what I look for in a face wash, as well as one that it is cruelty free. If you’re like me, keep reading.
Ready. Set. Suds! Photo courtesy Sora Shimazaki of Pexels.
What makes a great facial cleanser?
Though I believe these cruelty-free face washes are great for a variety of skin conditions, I will paint a picture of my current skincare needs because everyone’s needs will look a little different. I am a thirty-something woman who currently has combination skin. I experienced a lot of breakouts in my teens and twenties so I’m always aware of that when picking products, but I also find my skin veering toward the drier side now.
Even if you are, say, in your early twenties and battling breakouts, I would recommend these cruelty-free face washes for you. The reason is that they provide gentle cleansing that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Then, post-wash, you can apply another skincare product (serum, cream, spray, etc.) to treat your specific skincare needs (acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, etc.)
I believe these skincare products would work well for all skin types, whether oily, dry or somewhere in between (i.e. combination). So without further ado, here are five gentle cruelty-free face washes to make your skin glow with happiness.
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Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk
I have purchased Juice Beauty’s Cleansing Milk many times and really liked it. I’m not using it currently mainly because I wanted to change it up and try some different options. I like a lot of Juice Beauty’s skincare products and have used them for years. This cruelty-free face wash is gentle and genuinely lives up to its milky title. It’s soothing and moisturizing enough for the drying winter months, but not so moisturizing that it will make you oily in the summer. One of the only downsides of Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk is that it is a slightly more expensive product, though at $25 it’s certainly cheaper than some.
Get this cleanser if: you’re looking to spend a little more on a luxurious, creamy product.
I use these cleansing pads with Pacifica’s Micellar Water. One side is regular and one side is exfoliating—pick your poison.
2. Pacifica Micellar Water
Pacifica Micellar Water is simply an awesome cruelty-free face wash. Simply put some on a cotton pad or cotton ball and apply to your face and neck. You can use it to remove your eye makeup, as a toner after washing your face, or as a no-water-needed face wash. A lot of times I only use this product to cleanse my face, especially in the mornings when I don’t need to remove makeup. If you are currently struggling with acne, I might recommend you use a liquid face wash in addition to this, but that’s up to you.
Get this cleanser if: you want a quick cleansing option and/or you plan to use this product along with a liquid face wash for more thorough cleansing.
Learn more about Pacifica Micellar Water.
3. Pacifica Foaming Face Wash
This cruelty-free and vegan face wash is a no-nonsense cleanser that gets the job done and comes in at a great price. I love Pacifica for several reasons, namely that they are affordable, stylish, less toxic than some, and can be found at Ulta, Target and the like. I don’t find this cruelty-free face wash to be as luxurious and “milk”-like as the aforementioned Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk, but it is gentle enough, doesn’t seem to cause breakouts, and is priced right.
Get this cleanser if: you want a gentle, effective product at a highly affordable price point (about $10).
Learn more about Pacifica face washes.
4. Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser
I tried this face wash as part of a Drunk Elephant set that included both full size and sample size products. As this face wash came in a sample size, I wasn’t able to use it as long as the other cleansers. That said, this cruelty-free face wash performed well, kept my skin balanced, and got the job done. I didn’t adore it enough to buy it again, though that is a possibility in the future. This face wash is the priciest of the bunch at $33. Drunk Elephant, which does tend to be an expensive brand, is available at Sephora, among other retailers.
Get this cleanser if: you have been wanting to try the Drunk Elephant brand and you’re willing to spend a bit more.
Learn more about Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser.
5. PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser
I wasn’t sure what to expect of this cruelty-free face wash since I had never heard of or used this brand before, but I was happily surprised. This cleanser has a really creamy feel without being at all greasy. The PCA Skin face wash compares well with my tried-and-true Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk. In fact, the two are very comparable. I also have the PCA Skin toner but I have only used it once or twice as I fear it might be drying. Plus, the Pacifica Micellar Water can also be used as a toner. This cleanser is also one of the pricier options at about $33.
Get this cleanser if: you’re seeking something that is silky and moisturizing, and you don’t mind shelling out a few more bucks.
Learn more about PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser.
The Wrap-Up
I hope this list has demonstrated that there is a great cruelty-free face wash out there at every price point and for every skin type. Just like vegetarian options at the grocery store, vegan and cruelty-free skincare and makeup lines are much easier to find today versus ten years ago. It’s proof of what customer demand can do. By not putting your dollars toward products that are tested on animals, you make a huge statement. Maybe in the future, there will be no need for the cruelty-free label as all brands will be cruelty free. Here’s hoping!
Happy washing!
