If the name hadn’t already given it away, we’re about to dive into an edit of the best cleansers that don’t contain any soap. And while the concept of washing your skin without the one ingredient we’ve grown up being told we need to keep clean seems bogus, we promise there’s some benefit behind reaching for a soap-free formula.
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Yes, cleansers that contain soap are widely regarded for their ability to thoroughly clean the skin. When combined with water, they lather up and emulsify, effectively lifting oil and dirt from deep within our pores. However, this deep clean can often be at the expense of our skin barrier. The foaming consistency of soap and sulfates can often be too harsh, leading to irritation, itching and throwing our pH off balance.
Additionally, when making the switch, you need to choose wisely. Not all soap-free formulas are created with the same effectiveness and some have been known to leave dirt on the skin. You know when you swab a cotton pad over your skin post-cleansing and some makeup and dirt still comes off? Yeah, that.
That’s why we are here to point you in the right direction of all the best soap-free formulas. Our edit below features picks that will be gentle enough on your skin for twice-daily use and also leave no oil or dirt behind. Enjoy!
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser
We say: The Burt’s Bees sensitive skin-friendly formula has been carefully crafted with natural and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, cotton and rice extract. It helps to moisturise sensitive skin while gently removing makeup, dirt and oil sitting on the skin’s surface.
You say: “In my opinion, this is the best facial cleanser on the market. Great for my skin which is ever so slightly sensitive, and I love using a product that is all natural.” – lardeedah
Want to know more? Read Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser reviews here…
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser
We say: If you are typically prone to redness or acne, Avene’s non-comedogenic formula will leave your skin refreshed, clean and irritation-free. The addition of monolaurin (a by-product of coconut fat) works to remove impurities and reduce the production of excess serum without drying out your skin.
You say: “I loved this cleanser because it has a light, pleasant fragrance and it works well. I noticed that it doesn’t lather a lot but just enough to make sure that the face is thoroughly clean.” – neha.gamine
Want to know more? Read Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser reviews here…
The Body Shop Aloe Calming Foaming Wash
We say: So it turns out going soap-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the foaming action altogether. Formulated for all skin types, The Body Shop’s refreshing cleanser dissolves the day’s impurities and leaves the skin refreshed before you hit the pillow.
You say: “I love the really soft foam and how gentle yet cleansing it is on the skin. I use this with my cleansing device and it really does give the best clean without drying out the skin. Importantly for me, this facial wash doesn’t contain alcohol and using this regularly, I have really seen an improvement in the hydration of my skin. It’s also fragrance free which is a bonus.” – eskimo82
Want to know more? Read The Body Shop Aloe Calming Foaming Wash reviews here…
Trilogy Clarifying Cleansing Gel
We say: If you associate a deep and thorough cleanse with a tight and dry after-feel, get ready to change that. Trilogy’s deep-cleaning and gel textured cleanser uses salicylic acid to exfoliate, witch hazel to tone and an omega-rich combination of rosehip, jojoba and grapeseed oil to leave the skin nourished and soft.
Want to know more? Read Trilogy Clarifying Cleansing Gel reviews here…
A’kin Cleansing Micellar Water
We say: If soap-free and rinse-free formulas are more your style, keep the skin refreshed with Akin’s pH balanced cleansing water. The effective makeup remover contains a soothing blend of organic coconut water, green tea, cucumber and lavender for a complexion free from impurities.
You say: “I really liked using the A’kin Micellar Water. It was very effective in taking off my makeup and was gentle on my sensitive skin. It left no rash or tightness and the fragrance is lovely.” – Marclaire
Want to know more? Read A’kin Cleansing Micellar Water reviews here…
Essano Clear Complexion Purifying Gel Cleanser
We say: Containing the active ingredient Bio-D-Tox to control sebum, improve skin tone and retain moisture, Essano’s soap-free formula works as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial for acne-prone skin.
You say: “I love love love this face wash! I have had very bad acne and i am allergic to most face washes but not this one! It is so gentle on my skin.” – VeganLlama99
Want to know more? Read Essano Clear Complexion Purifying Gel Cleanser reviews here…
Novellus Fruit Enzyme Cream Cleanser
We say: In order to ensure your serums can work their magic, they need to be able to absorb into a clean, prepped base. Unclog pores and remove dirt, oil and environmental pollutants with this vitamin-rich cream cleanser from Novellus.
Want to know more? Read Novellus Fruit Enzyme Cream Cleanser reviews here…
A'kin sounds interesting. I'll need to study up on this product.
I would love to try the Novellus Fruit Enzyme Cream Cleanser.
I like that idea of an enzyme in a creamy cleanser so that Novellus one is a cleanser I'd like to give a go.
At the moment I'm using QV's Gentle Cleanser and love how it leaves my skin soft and clean.
Novellas sounds so luxe!
The only one of these I’ve tried is The Body Shop. At the moment I’m using Simple Micellar wipes or Bioderma to remove makeup and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser under the shower.
I haven’t tried any of these but I love the idea of gentle cleansers.
Love gentle cleansers. And love switching and trying new ones. Would love to try novellus and burt's bees
The micelles water one sounds worth trying
I have not tried any of these yet but I do have a bottle of the Akin Micellar Water on hand.
I’ve tried several on the list. I like cleansers that won’t strip your skin but leaves your face feeling clean
I haven’t tried any of these cleansers.
My teenage son just asked me to buy him a facial cleanser. he said he wants one that does not smell and one that will not sting his face. I think I might be him the Avene one.
I like the sound of the Novellus fruit enzyme claenser.
I'd recommend the Cerave cleansers. Fragrance-free, non-stripping and strengthens the skin barrier.
Burts Bees appeals to me – I am not so keen on Micellar water ones
Micellar water is a modern miracle, in my opinion.
Lots of Cleansers really need a cleanser have always used Micellar and Cucumber Wipes.
Would like to buy the Micellar Reusable Pads with the Micellar Cleansing bottle. Will buy it next week.
The burt's bees cleanser looks good would love to try it.
Good for sensitive skin
I would never use soap on my face, too drying.
I've never used any of these products. I will need to check them out
does micellar water count as a proper cleanser? :O
My skin isn't dry or sensitive, so I'm not fussed about whether a cleanser is soap-free or not. I used to prefer scrubs, but I now use cream cleansers because they work best with my Dermasonic+ silicone cleansing device.
I don't have a favourite cleanser. I tried the Cerave hydrating cleanser but I was underwhelmed.
I love the Trilogy one, it's a very gentle oil cleanser. Perfect for sensitive skin
How cute. Not very often you hear a boy ask for skincare 🙂
So many options!
I’ve not tried a soap free cleanser that I know of but would be open to trying one.
So many choices, where to start.
I just tried the Trilogy clarifying cleanser. such a nice one especially if you have congested skin .
BH introduced me to oil cleansers and I love them! I do love a foam sometimes but I love the silky feel of clean skin after using an oil cleanser. I’m using the one from Palmers atm and it’s fab!
I haven't tried any of these. I usually use a cream cleanser, currently using Clinique's Anti Redness Cream Cleanser.
some nice natural ones here – Trilogy and A'kin I like a cream cleanser
I haven't tried any of the mentioned products. I use a cream, balm or oil cleanser.
Simple does good cleansers too
Might start cleansing my skin this way
I love super gentle cleansers.
Same here!
Love this!!!
Very gentle and effective
As I don't wear foundation, I only ever need to use Micellar Water and I have been doing so for several years now and I find it very effective.
I think I'll try the burt's bees one since it's for sensitive skin
I need to try some of these.
Love to try these cleanser.
I have dry skin so I've always used creamy cleansers. I tried a few cleansing balms but I'm now trying different cleansing oils.
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Some great products featured! Thanks BH!
I swear by LRP.
I haven’t tried any of these products but good to know this information.