When it comes to skincare, choosing a suitable face wash and cleanser is essential for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Unfortunately, many conventional face wash products contain damaging additives that can do more harm than good. Oftentimes, navigating the skincare section can feel like an obstacle course when trying to avoid these toxic substances in facial washes. In this blog post, we'll explore adverse additives to avoid in cleansers as well as five non-toxic face wash options that support safer and more eco-friendly skincare.
The below list highlights harmful ingredients frequently present in facial cleansers and how they can impact your health:
Sulfates: Commonly found in face wash products, sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin. [1] Despite sulfates being recognized as irritants for many, they continue to be used in skincare products like face washes. This is because these products are not typically designed to stay on the skin for prolonged periods, so SLS wouldn't pose a significant risk to the applied area, and most countries have regulations limiting the concentration of SLS allowed in products. [2] If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to seek out sulfate-free cleansers and face wash. Be mindful as SLS may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both potentially carcinogenic (cancer causing), and they are sometimes found in other ingredients in facial cleansers as well. [3]
Petroleum: Petroleum is frequently found in facial cleansers and other skincare products. However, if the petroleum is not highly refined (which is uncommon), then there is a risk that it contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and these compounds are recognized as carcinogens. [4]
Fragrances: Fragrances in face wash products can contain hundreds of potentially toxic chemicals that do not have to be disclosed to the consumer, leading to skin irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and can interrupt hormone function. [5] [6] Even some facial cleansers labeled as ‘unscented’ may contain hidden fragrances, so be sure to double check all ingredients listed on face wash products to ensure no unwanted ingredients are present. [7]
Phthalates: This plasticizing group of chemicals can be disguised as many names including ‘fragrance’ on ingredient lists, and they have been linked to endocrine disruption (interferes with hormones), reproductive issues, cancer, and other adverse health conditions. [8]
Alcohol: Alcohols in face wash and cleansers can create irritation and dryness, especially for those with sensitive skin, but some people may not have any issues with alcohols in skincare. [9] Some fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are actually good for the skin, so be sure to check if and what type of alcohols are in face wash products to determine if it’s a good fit for your skin. [10]
Parabens (Preservatives): Exposure to parabens is common in not only skincare, but in food, beverages, and other goods as well. Preservatives like methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben are often added to face wash formulations to extend shelf life and prevent microbial growth, but they may be linked to hormone disruption. [11] Parabens serve a purpose in preventing the growth of mold and bacteria in products, but it's important to be cautious of excessive exposure to them as with most substances. [12] Keep in mind that products labeled as ‘paraben free’ are not always better as traditional parabens may be replaced by other harmful ingredients or less effective ingredients with regards to preservation. [13] Other preservatives to avoid include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), formaldehyde, and formaldehyde-releasers (like DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, glyoxal, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate and quaternium-15), which are all linked to cancer and other health concerns. [14]
Benzene: Benzene is an organic chemical compound found in many face washes directed toward acne prevention, but it is a known carcinogen, so it’s best to avoid this ingredient altogether. [15]
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): PEGs are used as thickening agents in soaps and other skincare products, but they are often contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are likely carcinogenic. [16]
Per- & Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS are human-made toxic fluorinated chemicals found in most daily use items and much more, but they are linked to numerous health effects such as immune and thyroid function concerns, liver disease, kidney disease, reproductive and developmental issues, cancer, and more. [17] It’s best to limit exposure to PFAS when possible.
Heavy Metals: Similar to PFAS, heavy metals are found in most products used regularly, so it’s important to limit exposure to these metals as they can accumulate and cause damage to neurological and immune systems. [18] Heavy metals will most likely always be present in products, food, drinks, etc. to some level, but it is important to remain vigilant to reduce your overall exposure to them when possible.
Also, be on the lookout for Triclosan (antibacterial agent) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, organic compound) as both have been cited as potentially posing health risks, with long-term effects that are somewhat unknown. [19] The scary part is that there are many other harmful chemicals commonly present in most facial washes and cleansers, this is why it is essential to know the processing methods and ingredients of every skincare product you use.
Opting for chemical-free cleanser is not just an important personal health choice, but an environmentally conscious one. Ingredients and additives found in many traditional face washes can have detrimental effects on wildlife and the environment. [20] By choosing eco-friendly face wash made with safe skincare ingredients, we support both our health and the planet's wellbeing.
Top Non-Toxic Face Wash & Cleansers
Non-toxic face washes and cleansers provide effective cleansing without the chemical load. The five options below offer gentler alternatives that are kind to your skin and the environment, providing peace of mind with every wash.
Please note, skincare can be complex because we all have different skin types, we all live in different climates, and we are exposed to different impurities depending on our location, in addition to other variables. I aimed to select gentle face wash options free from harsh chemicals suitable for most, including those with sensitive skin, while maintaining a focus on only selecting products with the safest ingredients. However, what works for each individual varies, making skincare a challenging topic. Hopefully, this list can offer some guidance on your skincare journey!
Farmstead Apothecary offers a face wash bar that’s vegan, plastic-free, and 100% plant based. They use sustainably sourced and non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients with no artificial fragrance. Instead, the bar is scented with real fruit and vegetable oil. They do not use any synthetic ingredients, allowing their products to be free of phthalates, sulfates, parabens, glycols, petrochemicals (petroleum), and other additives. Also, their product packaging is eco-friendly, typically using glass, aluminum, and cardboard as they work to go completely plastic-free, which you can learn more about here.
I reached out to learn more and confirmed that they do not use any harmful additives in their products with all of their ingredients being %100 natural and plant-based. They stated that their products do not contain any heavy metals or PFAS as they use natural ingredients, but testing is not performed to confirm this. However, they do not use any synthetic ingredients. Overall, this is a small business that's doing their best to provide safer, eco-friendly skincare alternatives.
Face Wash Bar Ingredients:
Sodium Cocoate (salt of fatty acids from coconut oil with low irritation, and ranked as a low hazard by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in regulated amounts)
Vegetable Glycerin (vegetable derived alcohol compound with moderate use restriction, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Jojoba Oil
Sodium Gluconate (a salt of gluconic acid and reviewed as a low hazard by EWG in regulated amounts)
Sodium Chloride (salt)
Vitamin E Oil (harvest from sunflowers, and generally considered low hazard by EWG when regulated)
Real Fruit Fragrance (citrus and fig with vegetable oil)
Carina Organics offers a vegan, natural skin cleansing solution that is gentle on the skin. It is free of parabens, SLS, synthetics, scents, and dyes. I followed up with them and confirmed that their face wash is free of petroleum and other preservatives. Also, all of their bottles are made of food-grade, number 2 plastic (most easily recyclable plastic) and are free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS). Additionally, their ingredients are independently tested for heavy metals and other toxins with the results continuously remaining under 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and they continue to strive to remove all impurities.
Currently, Carina Organics does not do third party testing for PFAS. However, as their business continues to grow, they are working toward testing all of their products. For now, to help ensure the quality of their ingredients, their suppliers provide them with detailed documentation to guarantee that their ingredients are free of synthetics. I appreciate their commitment to offer safe skincare products and I have had consistently positive experiences each time I reach out to them.
Daily Face Wash Ingredients:
Filtered Aqua
Capryl Glucoside (an alkyl glucoside of corn sugar/ fatty capric alcohol from coconut oil with low use restrictions, low endocrine disruption, and low irritation, and rankled as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Potassium Cocoate (saponified coconut oil - a salt of coconut acid with low irritation, and considered a low hazard ingredient by EWG in regulate amounts)
Glycerin (vegetable derived alcohol compound with moderate use restriction, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Pinus elliotti (pine) extract
Pinus banksiana (pine) extract
Magnesium Chloride (magnesium oil is an inorganic salt and is considered low hazard by EWG)
Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil
Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) flower extract
Urtica dioca (nettle) leaf extract
Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaf extract
Trifolium pratense (clover) flower extract
Acetic Acid (Apple Cider Vinegar)
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar/cluster bean) gum (resin-like substance obtained from the ground endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, with moderate allergies and immunotoxicity risk, and overall ranked as low hazard by EWG with regulated use)
Just the Goods Vegan Face Wash (for normal/sensitive skin with no palmarosa oil)
Just the Goods provides handcrafted (handmade to order) face wash that is Environmental Working Group (EWG) verified and made without artificial preservatives and emulsifiers. I followed up with them and learned that their products are free of petroleum, phthalates, sulfates, and parabens. You can learn more about the ingredients they use here. They do not do testing for heavy metals or PFAS. However, they stated that since their face wash is EWG verified, it had to pass a set of standards to be accepted as a ‘low risk’ product by EWG, which implies it is low risk regarding heavy metal content. Also, as far as PFAS, they only use plant based, non synthetic ingredients, helping to alleviate the risk of PFAS in their products.
The face wash comes in either Bisphenol A (BPA) free aluminum bottle or high density polyethylene (HDPE/ plastic code No. 2) that’s BPA free bottle, and they are working to transition all of their products to plastic-free containers. Learn more about their plastic-free movement here. Please note, as they use natural ingredients in their cleanser some particles settle to the bottom, so be sure to shake before each use.
Vegan Face Wash Ingredients:
Water
Potassium Oleate (a salt of oleic acid with low use restrictions, low multiple, additive exposure sources, and low irritation, and reviewed as an overall low hazard ingredient by EWG in regulated amounts)
Potassium Cocoate (a salt of coconut acid with low irritation, and considered a low hazard ingredient by EWG in regulate amounts)
Vegetable Glycerin (vegetable derived alcohol compound with moderate use restriction, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Potassium Citrate (a salt of citric acid and reviewed in low risk by EWG when use in regulated amounts)
Citric Acid (an alpha hydroxy acid that’s naturally occurring in citrus fruits with moderate use restrictions and considered a low hazard ingredient by EWG in regulate amounts)
Kaolin Clay (a type of clay mineral known as hydrated aluminum silicate with low non-reproductive organ system toxicity, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Find it on their website.
Butter Me Up Organics offers an organic facial cleanser that’s made with organic and non-GMO ingredients. It is free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, synthetic dyes, and fragrances, offering an organic skincare option. I followed up with them to learn more about their organic face wash, and they confirmed that their facial bar does not contain any petroleum or other harmful additives. They use both the olive and coconut oil to achieve desired soap consistency rather than damaging emulsifiers. As they are a small company, they do not test for heavy metals or PFAS as testing can be expensive, but they only use organic and natural food grade oils in their products. This helps to reduce the likelihood of any PFAS.
Facial Bar Ingredients:
Saponified Coconut Oil* (Saponified oil refers to a lipid that has undergone a process with sodium or potassium hydroxide, transforming it into soap and is ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Olive Oil*
Rose Kaolin Clay (a type of clay mineral known as hydrated aluminum silicate with low non-reproductive organ system toxicity, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
*Indicates certified organic
Find it on their website.
Coastal Classic Creations offers a facial wash that’s made with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Their face wash is free of synthetic additives, sulfates, chemicals, and fragrances. I reached out to them to learn more, and they confirmed that their sustainable face wash is free of phthalates, petroleum, and parabens. Also, they stated that the face wash contains no heavy metals or PFAS, but did not confirm if testing is performed to confirm this statement. Their suppliers do test all raw materials for foodborne/ aerobic bacteria, mold, yeast, E. coli, staphylococcus, and coliforms. Additionally, all of their products are free of chemicals and pesticide residue with their suppliers certifying that the products are free from over 100 well-known pesticides, organophosphates, and chemicals.
Sustainability Olive Oil Facial Wash Ingredients:
Purified water
Glycerin (alcohol compound with moderate use restriction, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Organic Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil
Organic Olea europaea (Olive Fruit) oil
Oleic acid (natural fatty acid with low multiple, additive exposure sources and low irritation, and is ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG when regulated)
Available on their website.
Prioritizing the use of non-toxic face wash options is crucial for protecting your skin and overall well-being. Look for face wash products and cleansers that are free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances by seeking out chemical-free skincare with ingredients that are gentle yet effective.
Opting for safer and more eco-friendly face wash will allow you to cleanse your skin without exposing it to harmful additives, so you can experience the benefits of healthier and more radiant skin, all while supporting a greener planet. Your skin and the environment deserve the best!
*If you have skin issues or conditions, be sure to consult your dermatologist to select the best face wash and cleanser for you to support healthy skin.
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