If your skin reacts to almost everything you put on it - including face wash - it can be hard to find a cleanser that doesn't irritate. But there are plenty of natural options out there.
Why Natural Face Cleansers for Sensitive Skin Are Worth Seeking Out
The key is to understand which ingredients to look for, and which ones to avoid. We rounded up some face wash that's gentle enough to use daily. First, it's worth looking for face wash that doesn't contain harmful ingredients.
Researchers also found several cleansers containing parabens, another type of preservative that may irritate the skin.
Some cleansers are packed with dye that can irritate sensitive skin. But colorless face wash doesn't necessarily mean it's gentle. According to researchers, almost all cleansers have alkyl polyethylene glycol ethers (APEs) - sulfates, or alcohol ethoxylates - all ingredients derived fromethylene oxide, a carcinogen. Although these ingredients may not pose a threat when used on the skin, they can harm the environment when washed down the drain, according to the study authors.
How to Choose Gentle - Natural Face Cleansers for Sensitive Skin
According to the study authors, it's impossible to know what exactly is in the products you're buying because cosmetic companies aren't required to disclose everything on labels. One label that can help you make a more informed decision is the EPA's Safer Choice label. This label is given to products whose manufacturers voluntarily submit their formulas for review, meaning the ingredients and total pH are safe for both humans and the environment.
According to researchers, products with water, glycerin - and/or hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, aloe vera, or nourishing plant oils such as coconut - olive, sunflower, and sea buckthorn oil are good for sensitive skin. All of these ingredients help to cleanse the skin without stripping away essential moisture. And unlike some cleansers that dry out your skin, leaving you prone to irritation and a vicious cycle of over-cleansing, these ingredients help restore the skin barrier - allowing it to better defend itself against irritants.
In addition to nourishing ingredients, look for face wash that contains natural exfoliation, such as lactic acid or willow bark extract.
Cleanse your face twice a day with a cleanser formulated for sensitive skin. Wet your face, then gently apply the cleanser, using a soft towel or sensitive skincare brush - and rinse well. Then pat - don't rub - your skin dry.
A Note About Foaming Face Wash
Many many expect foam is proof that a face wash is working, but that's not necessarily the case. "It's more about the ingredients," says Dr. Shainhouse. Some nonfoaming cleansers pack more benefits for your skin than a soap that lathers up.
That said, if you like the feeling of foam, there are some sensitive-skin foams that deliver. If you enjoy lather - opt for a milk or cream cleanser that foams. Just make sure to rub it between your hands before applying it to your face, so the foam forms, says Shainhouse. "Otherwise, it could be quite greasy."
What to Avoid in a Face Cleanser
It's just as important to pay attention to what's in your cleanser as what's not. Avoid cleansers that contain artificial dyes or perfumes, alcohol - menthol, capsaicin, retinoids, salicylic acid, glycolic acid - witch hazel, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, or ammonium lauryl sulfate.
