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10 Best Cruelty-Free Face Washes in 2023 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

As the global cosmetics market increasingly moves towards being cruelty-free, it's time to make a change in our cosmetic choices as well! And we can start with our face wash, one of the must-haves in our daily skincare routine. Usually, cruelty-free face washes are crafted with you, animals, and the environment in mind. That means they tend to contain high-quality, sustainably-sourced ingredients that are safe for your skin. 


However, choosing a cruelty-free face wash can be a struggle you don't know if maker claims are accurate. So to help you out, we've combed through various reviews on Amazon and Sephora to create a list of the top 10 best products. We really love Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash, which is a certified cruelty-free product and infused with fruit enzymes to slough away impurities without overdrying your skin. For more tips in choosing a suitable cruelty-free face wash for your skin type, keep scrolling down to the end!

Last updated 06/15/2023
Dr. Lauren Levy
Expert
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Cruelty-Free Face Washes

Picking out a cruelty-free face wash can be challenging and time-consuming. It's tough choose a product with the right ingredients that's also confirmed to be cruelty-free! So, to save you some research, we've found what ingredients to look for and avoid, along with many other tips to help you pick out the most suitable product! 

① Look for an Official "Cruelty-Free" Label on Your Face Wash

Look for an Official "Cruelty-Free" Label on Your Face Wash

Many manufacturers might advertise their face washes to be cruelty-free, but that claim might apply to the final product only. They might still use raw materials that are not at all animal-friendly. You have to make sure that both the finished product and the raw materials involved in the production process are not tested on animals.


So to determine that your face wash is truly cruelty-free, look for those with the Leaping Bunny logo or PETA's bunny logo. These organizations have thoroughly investigated and supervised the materials and production processes to ensure that they actually comply with cruelty-free standards.


If the face washes you're looking at claim to be cruelty-free but do not bear any official seals, check the PETA or Leaping Bunny websites to see if they're approved or certified by these two organizations. You might also want to contact the manufacturer directly to see if they can provide proofs to their claims. 

② Know the Ingredients That Can Clear Out Impurities

Know the Ingredients That Can Clear Out Impurities

Depending on the cleansing ingredients, the effectiveness of a face wash varies. If you don't really wear makeup or have a sensitive skin, you might want to choose a mild cleanser formulated with ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or coconut oil


These ingredients can clear out impurities and remove light makeup without hurting your skin or stripping away any natural oils. But if you tend to wear water-resistant makeup or are struggling with excess sebum, you might need a face wash with strong exfoliating properties! 


Opt for ingredients like charcoal and fruit enzymes. They will draw out stubborn gunk from your pores, remove makeup residue, and leave your skin feeling squeaky clean. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are also excellent exfoliants that can make sure your face is completely grime-free after application.


These ingredients are also pretty gentle on the skin and don't usually trigger allergic reactions. However, be careful of mineral oil. It's one of the most effective cleansing ingredients, but can be irritating to sensitive skin. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified DermatologistDr. Lauren Levy

If you have oily skin or are acne-prone, look for glycolic acid and salicylic acid washes. These are gentle and effective chemical exfoliators that can help with whiteheads, blackheads, and even inflammatory acne. 


They can be used nightly and in combination with other acne or anti-aging products. Physical exfoliators should not be used for those with sensitive skin as they can be harsh. They can be used two to three times a week to exfoliate and clean out the pores.

③ Make Sure Your Face Wash is Suitable for Your Skin Type

Different skin types have different needs. So, you should pay attention to the ingredient list to make sure that the ingredients will keep your skin healthy.

Dry Skin Benefits From Ultra-Hydrating Ingredients

Dry Skin Benefits From Ultra-Hydrating Ingredients

Face washes with strong cleansing power might feel abrasive and drying. Some might actually strip of your skin's moisture and cause redness or rashes as well. So for those with dry skin, you should choose a product formulated with hydrating ingredients to keep your skin moisturized and healthy


Butter and oil-based ingredients, such as olive oil, avocado oil, and argan oil, are some ultra-hydrating options! They can restore your skin's protective barrier and ensure that no moisture is lost. Plus, they're packed with vitamins and fatty acids to protect your skin from free radical damage. 


However, these ingredients are quite rich and can leave behind a greasy film. In this case, you can opt for lightweight moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. They are naturally-occuring substances in the body and can help increase the level of moisture in your skin. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified DermatologistDr. Lauren Levy

Dry skin can benefit more from a wash that is cream-based rather than a gel-based one. Cream-based washes are more hydrating, but gel-based washes are water-based and can be more drying. If you have dry skin, look for a face wash with hyaluronic acid or glycerin and even consider using micellar water which can remove dirt, oil, and makeup without over-drying the skin.

For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin, Ingredients That Won't Clog Pores are Key

For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin, Ingredients That Won't Clog Pores are Key

Those with oily skin will definitely benefit from ingredients that can wash away excess sebum. While sebum is crucial to help skin stay healthy and not become overly dry, too much of it can turn your face into a greasy mess! 


Fortunately, antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as green tea, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and niacinamide, can help regulate sebum production and prevent breakouts. They can also prevent the effects of oxidation to give your skin a youthful, vibrant look. 


Got acne scars and skin blemishes? These ingredients can also help with those problems to leave your skin healthy and glowing! 


Also, keep in mind that nutrient-packed ingredients, such as coconut oil, almond oil, and apricot oil, can lead to clogged pores and acne. Undeniably, they are ultra-hydrating and can deeply nourish your skin. However, they are too rich for oily skin to handle and can exacerbate skin problems.


So, to be on the safe side, pick face washes labeled as "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free." By labeling their products as such, manufacturers are guaranteeing that their products contain ingredients that won't block your pores.

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified DermatologistDr. Lauren Levy

I tend to recommend not using an oil-based cleanser for those with acne-prone skin. Although part of the popular double cleanse technique, these oil-based cleansers can cause acne outbreaks and periorificial dermatitis. Look for products with AHAs, like glycolic acid, or salicylic acid if you have acne.

Antioxidants Can Improve the Appearance of Dull-Looking Skin

Antioxidants Can Improve the Appearance of Dull-Looking Skin

Lack of sleep, stress, and environmental stressors are some of the factors that can dull your skin and give it dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. But, there are ingredients that can help brighten your skin and improve its elasticity. 


Nourishing ingredients that are packed with vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, such as shea butter, argan oil, and rosehip oil, can help shield your skin against free radical damage and blur blemishes. 


Vitamin E is another renowned ingredient that has been shown to soften your skin and make age spots much less visible. 

Sensitive Skin Should Stay Away From Potential Irritants

Sensitive Skin Should Stay Away From Potential Irritants

Sensitive skin is tough to please, since it can get irritated easily from a change in environment or exposure to a harsh chemical. Those with sensitive skin might be allergic to different things. While some can tolerate an essential oil in a face wash, others might not. So to make sure a product is safe for you, always do a patch test first.


Also, you might want to avoid potential irritants like parabens, fragrance, and alcohol. Although most people are fine with them, those ingredients might cause inflammation and skin irritation on sensitive skin. 


To give yourself a peace of mind, you can choose products labeled "hypoallergenic" as well! This label indicates that the product does not contain irritating ingredients and is less likely to trigger allergic reactions. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified DermatologistDr. Lauren Levy

Parabens are safe to use on your skin if you have no known history of allergy to them. They are in many skincare products and usually do not cause an issue. If you are allergic to parabens, then avoiding them is key. 


Fragrances can cause flares of eczema or contact dermatitis, and fragrance-free products are generally recommended for those with a history of contact dermatitis or sensitive skin.

④ See How Much the Cleanser Foams

See How Much the Cleanser Foams

Usually, face washes foam up when applied. It's the fluffy, creamy foam that helps eradicate excess oil and clear out impurities from your face. So the more foam a face wash generates, the better its cleansing ability is


Moreover, with products that lather nicely, you don't have to use a huge amount at once. So compared to face washes that don't foam up, they can last a bit longer and save you money! 


But foaming agents, such as sulfates, can be a bit harsh on skin. They can strip the skin of its moisture and upset the overall PH balance. So try to look for mild, natural foaming agents derived from fruit sugars and coconut instead! 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified DermatologistDr. Lauren Levy

Foaming cleansers are very popular because everyone loves how clean the skin feels after and the lightweight nature of these products. They provide a great balance of removing dirt and makeup without stripping too many natural skin oils. Oily skin, combination skin, and even skin on the drier side can tolerate foaming cleansers.

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10
Best Cruelty-Free Face Washes Ranking

Here are the best Cruelty-Free Face Washes, ranked according to 10 Best Cruelty-Free Face Washes (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Kate Somerville

ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

Kate Somerville  ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash 1枚目

Fruit Enzymes to Gently Melt Away Impurities

2

Burt's Bees

Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Burt's Bees  Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin 1枚目

Dermatologist-Tested Face Wash With Rice Extracts and Aloe Vera

3

ALPYN BEAUTY

PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser

ALPYN BEAUTY PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser  1枚目

AHAs and Fruit Enzymes Exfoliate and Support Skin Regeneration

4

INDIE LEE

Brightening Cleanser

INDIE LEE Brightening Cleanser 1枚目

Tomato Extracts and Strawberry Seed Oil Nourish Your Skin

5

Pacifica

Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

Pacifica  Sea Foam Complete Face Wash  1枚目

White Tea and Sea Algae for Balanced and Glowing Skin

6

Ursa Major

Fantastic Face Wash

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash 1枚目

AHA Exfoliation for Clean, Balanced Skin

7

Beauty by Earth

Foaming Face Wash Peppermint Tea Tree

Beauty by Earth Foaming Face Wash Peppermint Tea Tree 1枚目

Tea Tree and Peppermint Oils to Prevent Acne, Eczema, and Dermatitis

8

LILY SADO

Milk & Manuka Ultra Moisture Face Wash

LILY SADO Milk & Manuka Ultra Moisture Face Wash 1枚目

Manuka Honey and Coconut Milk for an Ultra-Hydrating Effect

9

Neutralyze

Neutralyze Face Wash

Neutralyze  Neutralyze Face Wash 1枚目

Salicylic Acid and Mandelic Acid Help With Acne

10

Ktchn Apothecary

Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Ktchn Apothecary Hydrating Facial Cleanser 1枚目

pH-Optimized Formula to Enhance Your Skin's Health

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No.1

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash Image 1
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$38.00

Fruit Enzymes to Gently Melt Away Impurities

Infused with papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes, this frothy face wash gently rinses away stubborn impurities and makeup without making your skin feel tight or dry. For those with skin blemishes, this product is also a great choice for you! 


Glycolic acid and lactic acid rejuvenate your skin, blur fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten your overall complexion. And for those who are animal advocates, rest assured! Kate Somerville is officially certified as cruelty-free by PETA, so they are committed to not testing on animals. 


A few reviewers weren't a fan of the formula, saying it left behind a greasy residue that was quite tough to rinse off. Some also experienced breakouts. 


Nonetheless, many users were in love with how this face wash left their skin feeling super refreshed - not dry like other products. After using the product consistently, many also said that their skin had a healthy glow! Others also noted that the product lathered wonderfully, so a little went a long way! 

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No.2

Burt's Bees Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$6.99

Dermatologist-Tested Face Wash With Rice Extracts and Aloe Vera

What sets this face wash apart from other products is the blend of rice extract and aloe vera. Long revered for its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, rice extracts can reduce redness and prevent skin irritation


Not to mention, the addition of aloe vera helps deliver long-lasting moisture as well as improve your skin's complexion and elasticity. On top of that, Burst's Bees are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny


A few users didn't really like the thick consistency of the product and added that the face wash didn't lather that well. Still, most people seemed to agree that the formula was great for those with sensitive skin.


For most reviewers, the product worked like a charm in removing even the most stubborn makeup. They further noted that kept their skin smooth and hydrated without triggering any breakouts. The product seemed to be useful in healing skin blemishes as well.

No.3

ALPYN BEAUTYPlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser

PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser  Image 1
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$36.00

AHAs and Fruit Enzymes Exfoliate and Support Skin Regeneration

Worried about dull-looking skin? This face wash might be a great option! Enriched with enzymes extracted from papaya and pomegranate, it removes skin debris and unclogs your pores


The product also features glycolic and lactic acid, two AHAs that help accelerate skin regeneration to improve your skin's elasticity and complexion. And with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this face wash will keep dryness at bay to give your skin a plump, healthy look! 


Moreover, the product is approved as cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny! But, there are still some flaws in this product. Some reviewers complained that the wash didn't remove tough makeup and was more suitable for light makeup. 


Still, many users were infatuated with the product and noticed a major improvement in their skin; their pores looked smaller, and their skin was literally silky-smooth and soft to the touch! Others further added that the face wash lathered up well, so you don't have to use a lot at once.

No.4

INDIE LEEBrightening Cleanser

Brightening Cleanser Image 1
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$34.00

Tomato Extracts and Strawberry Seed Oil Nourish Your Skin

If you're struggling with dark spots, a dull complexion, or uneven texture, this face wash can help! It uses strawberry seed oil, an ingredient rich in vitamins and omega 3s to help moisturize and brighten your skin


Tomato extract is another superfood for skin since it's packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help regulate sebum, boost collagen production, and purify the skin. On top of that, the face wash contains hydrolyzed wheat proteins to keep dryness at bay!


A few users weren't a fan of this product and commented that it didn't lather well. Some added that they got breakouts after using the product. 


On the other hand, many reviewers called this face wash a life-saver, as it melted away makeup and impurities without stripping their skin of moisture. Those with sensitive skin complimented the product for being pretty gentle as well. 

No.5

Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

Sea Foam Complete Face Wash  Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99

White Tea and Sea Algae for Balanced and Glowing Skin

The combination of sea algae and white tea in this face wash will help guard your skin against aging and free radicals. It's also paired with coconut oil, which has strong antimicrobial properties to eliminate bacteria while preventing inflammation and infections.


Another selling point is that the product contains no harsh chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. So it's less likely to trigger allergic reactions! 


A few users loved the exfoliating effect of the face wash but were unhappy that it made their skin feel dry. They didn't recommend this product for those with dry or combination skin.


Meanwhile, various reviewers were obsessed with this face wash since it delivered a soothing, refreshing sensation. Many also complimented that the product lathered well, so they only needed to use a small amount. It also left their skin soft and glowing afterward. 

No.6

Ursa MajorFantastic Face Wash

Fantastic Face Wash Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$28.00

AHA Exfoliation for Clean, Balanced Skin

Looking for a moisturizing face wash that won't dry out your skin? Look no further! Formulated with alpha hydroxy acid, this product promises to thoroughly eliminate impurities without affecting your skin's pH level


What's more, this wash is infused with nutrient-rich ingredients, such as aloe vera, sugarcane, and rice seed, to help your skin stay hydrated and vibrant! And while the brand has not been officially certified as cruelty-free, they are confirmed as cruelty-free and have been added to multiple cruelty-free directories


Many reviewers liked that this face wash provided gentle exfoliation that didn't trigger any allergic reactions. However, a few people with sensitive skin did experience breakouts, so you might want to conduct a patch test beforehand just to make sure that this product is compatible with your skin!


On the other hand, other users added that the wash foamed up nicely, so a small amount was enough to thoroughly clean their skin. 

No.7

Beauty by EarthFoaming Face Wash Peppermint Tea Tree

Foaming Face Wash Peppermint Tea Tree Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.99

Tea Tree and Peppermint Oils to Prevent Acne, Eczema, and Dermatitis

This face wash is a great solution to acne, eczema, and dermatitis. Formulated with tea tree and peppermint oils, it contains strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to help clear out toxins and to keep all the acne at bay! And that's not even everything. 


This face wash is further fortified with sunflower seed, jojoba, and coconut oils to deeply nourish your skin and improve your overall complexion. A few reviewers noted that the product was quite drying to the skin, so it might not be suitable for those with dry skin


Regardless, many users complimented that the face wash delivered a refreshing sensation on the skin and actually left it feeling super clean. Those who were having acne problems found their faces much clearer and smoother. Reviewers also appreciated the natural formula that didn't really irritate their skin. 

No.8

LILY SADOMilk & Manuka Ultra Moisture Face Wash

Milk & Manuka Ultra Moisture Face Wash Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.95

Manuka Honey and Coconut Milk for an Ultra-Hydrating Effect

This versatile face wash is excellent for various skin types, including dry, sensitive, and oily skin. It's enriched with a powerful blend of coconut milk and manuka honey! These ingredients have tons of antioxidants and will help enhance your skin's complexion and elasticity


It's also infused with tea tree and rosemary oils to help shield your skin from free radicals and eradicate any excess oil or acne. Plus, the company is dedicated to no animal testing. All of their products are vegan-friendly too! 


Many users claimed this product to be perfection; it removed impurities without feeling abrasive or drying. Plus, after a couple of washes, reviewers found their skin looking more vibrant and feeling much softer. 


People also recommended this product to those with sensitive skin, since it felt gentle and didn't seem to trigger any reactions. 

No.9

Neutralyze Neutralyze Face Wash

Neutralyze Face Wash Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.95

Salicylic Acid and Mandelic Acid Help With Acne

Concerned about acne? This face wash will come to your rescue! The key ingredients, salicylic acid and mandelic acid, are renowned for their cleansing power. They can eradicate various types of acne including cystic acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. 


Plus, they can slough away skin debris and reduce fine lines. Also, the product is manufactured in the USA and is confirmed by the company to be cruelty-free. 


Some reviewers mentioned that the wash didn't foam up well and dried their skin a little. Nonetheless, many reviewers who were suffering from acne found the product to be a game-changer. It exfoliated their skin wonderfully and actually drove away acne.


After consistently applying the product, users saw a drastic difference in their skin's appearance. It was much brighter and more vibrant than before!

No.10

Ktchn ApothecaryHydrating Facial Cleanser

Hydrating Facial Cleanser Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$18.88

pH-Optimized Formula to Enhance Your Skin's Health

Packed with anti-aging botanicals, such as rosehip fruit oil, coconut, and avocado fruit extracts, this face wash can protect your skin from free radicals and accelerate collagen production to help improve the elasticity of your skin. 


This cleanser also boasts a pH-optimized formula that can reinforce the skin's natural pH balance and boost cell turnover. On top of that, the product is hand-crafted, made in the USA, and not tested on animals!


This face wash worked wonders for many reviewers. It washed away impurities and daily grime while keeping their skin hydrated and healthy. Some reviewers did note that the wash didn't work well for eye makeup, however. 


This product was also a go-to for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin since it didn't exacerbate their skin issues or trigger breakouts. Reviewers also loved the smooth consistency, as it was easy to apply.

In Collaboration With Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy

Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.


We asked her to evaluate our buying guide below for accuracy, and she also contributed some extra tips and advice. You can also follow her on Instagram for more skincare tips!

Treat Yourself to Some of Our Skincare Favorites

Cleaning your face is just the first step of a typical skincare routine. Many people like to use more products, like toner, serum, or moisturizer, to keep their skin healthy and hydrated! So check out these articles for our favorite highly-rated suggestions. 

Top 5 Cruelty-Free Face Washes

No. 1: Kate Somerville | ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

No. 2: Burt's Bees | Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

No. 3: ALPYN BEAUTY | PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser

No. 4: INDIE LEE | Brightening Cleanser

No. 5: Pacifica | Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

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