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Best Non-Toxic Face Washes

We vetted face washes against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.

Camille May

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Here's what we look for:

  • Formulas made with natural or synthetic ingredients that meet our standard
  • Free from parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, and undisclosed fragrance
  • Minimal, well-chosen preservatives
  • Trusted third-party certifications when available
  • Transparent sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing practices

Best Non-Toxic Face Washes

On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash

Top Pick

Ursa Major

Fantastic Face Wash

Free From
Cruelty Free
Certified
Certified B Corp, Certified Plastic Negative
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, No synthetic fragrance, Money-back guarantee, Gel, For Combination, Exfoliating

8.7

Performance score

Where to buy

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The 80/20 guide to going non-toxic the easy way.

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Arata Refreshing Face Wash With Ayurvedic Lemon Oil, Peppermint & Organic Flaxseed

Budget Pick

Arata

Refreshing Face Wash With Ayurvedic Lemon Oil, Peppermint & Organic Flaxseed

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
EWG Verified
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Recycled materials, For All skin types, Exfoliating

7.6

Performance score

Where to buy

PAI SKINCARE PHAZE Rebalance Clarifying Cleanser

PAI SKINCARE

PHAZE Rebalance Clarifying Cleanser

Free From
Cruelty Free
Certified
Certified B Corp, Leaping Bunny
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Made in EU, Fragrance-free, Gel, For Combination, Exfoliating

8.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Everyday Face Cleanser

Honest Beauty

Gentle Gel Everyday Face Cleanser

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
EWG Verified, PETA Certified
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, No synthetic fragrance, Recycled materials, Gel, For All skin types, Exfoliating

8.5

Performance score

Where to buy

Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser

Kora Organics

Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
Climate Neutral Certified, EWG Verified, PETA Certified
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Gel, For All skin types, Exfoliating

8.4

Performance score

Where to buy

Agent Nateur acid (wash) Natural Lactic Acid Skin Illuminating Cleanser

Agent Nateur

acid (wash) Natural Lactic Acid Skin Illuminating Cleanser

Free From
Cruelty Free
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Made in USA, Gel, For All skin types, Exfoliating

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Dore Le Cleanser Gel To Milk Daily Face Cleanser

Dore

Le Cleanser Gel To Milk Daily Face Cleanser

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Heavy Metal Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
Certified B Corp, Certified Plastic Neutral, EWG Verified
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Made in EU, Fragrance-free, Recyclable packaging, Recycled materials, 0.25 year warranty, Gel, For All skin types

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

HygieneLab Men's Face Wash

HygieneLab

Men's Face Wash

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Heavy Metal Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
EWG Verified
Highlights
Made in USA, Fragrance-free, Money-back guarantee, For All skin types, Exfoliating

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Typology Hydrating Cleansing Milk L14 0.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Chamomile Extract

Typology

Hydrating Cleansing Milk L14 0.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Chamomile Extract

Free From
Cruelty Free
Certified
Certified B Corp, PETA Certified, PETA Vegan
Highlights
Vegan, Made in EU, Recyclable packaging, Recycled materials, Milk, For Dry

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

How to Swap to Non-Toxic face washes:

Here's how to swap to non-toxic face washes:

What to know about face wash

Face wash is something most people use once or twice a day, directly on the face. Even though it's rinsed off, the skin on your face is thinner and more absorbent than most of your body, so what's in the formula still matters.

  • Welpr focuses on the overall formulation: clean ingredients, no synthetic fragrance, no harsh preservatives, and no unnecessary additives.
  • Products used on the face daily deserve more attention than ones used occasionally or on less sensitive areas.

Check your current face wash

Use the Welpr Personal Care and Cosmetic Scanner to check the face wash you're using now. It reads ingredient labels and flags anything that doesn't meet Welpr's standards.

  • Start with the face wash you use most often — if you rotate between a few, check your daily one first.
  • Look for "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label — these are common in face washes and are one of the easiest red flags to spot on your own.

Use your current face wash more safely

If you're not ready to replace your face wash right away, small adjustments can reduce how much your skin absorbs. Since face wash is a rinse-off product, how you use it makes a real difference.

  • Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and don't leave the product sitting on your face longer than needed.
  • Avoid using it around your eyes or lips where skin is thinnest, and skip any extra steps like letting it 'soak in' as a mask unless the formula is clean.

Choose a cleaner face wash

Look for face washes with simple, purposeful ingredient lists. Welpr prioritizes formulas that are fragrance-free, free from harsh sulfates and preservatives, and made without endocrine disruptors like parabens and phthalates.

  • Choose unscented options first — if you prefer scented, make sure fragrance comes from essential oils or plant extracts, not synthetic "fragrance" or "parfum."
  • Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved face wash.
Camille May

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...