How to Choose a Vegan Face Wash

Pop quiz: what’s the first step in a skincare routine? Fingers crossed that you said cleansing! We can all agree that washing your face regularly is an essential part in maintaining your skin’s health and overall glow.

A good facial cleanser washes away oil, dirt, environmental pollutants such as urban dust and cigarette smoke, and anything else your skin was exposed to throughout the day. Skipping a nightly washing allows that gunk to sit on your skin all night long, so don’t be surprised if you wake up the next morning with a brand new breakout.

Consider Vegan Face Wash Options

Why choose vegan skincare? Choosing vegan options benefits both your skin and the planet. Like a vegan diet, vegan skincare products in general are animal-friendly, eco-friendly, and are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They also tend to be gentler on the skin because they primarily contain plant-based ingredients and aren’t formulated with harsh chemicals, harmful synthetics, and toxins.

However, it’s important to know that not all vegan products are cruelty-free so keep an eye out for options that classify as both. Feel good about your skincare routine by adding in a cruelty-free and vegan face wash.

What to Look For When Choosing a Vegan Face Wash

There are plenty of options out there, including cleansing gels, foams, scrubs, and oil cleansers, that help get rid of all the grime and reveal a squeaky clean, fresh face. But not all cleansers were created equal -- the trick is knowing what to look for.

Ingredients

Using a vegan face wash made with plant-based ingredients is one of the best ways to care for your skin and keep it clean. Chamomile in particular is rich in antioxidants and naturally restores hydration while evening skin tone and texture. Green tea is filled with powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals, clean, and detoxify the skin. To reduce irritation, use a face wash containing cucumber to help soothe and cool the skin.

All three ingredients can be found in Cleanse, our gentle vegan face wash that will leave your skin refreshed and soft.

Things to Watch Out For

Any uncomfortable or unusual sensations are red flags and indicate that your facial cleanser needs to be replaced. If your skin feels dry or tight after cleansing, that’s a sign your cleanser is too harsh for your skin. Monitor your skin for allergic reactions and other forms of irritation such as redness or itchiness, which are your skin’s way of telling you it has a sensitivity or allergy to a particular ingredient.

Keep Your Skin Type in Mind

Your skin type plays a critical role in knowing which products will work best for you. When choosing a vegan face wash, be sure to choose one specifically formulated for your skin type.

Oily Skin

We know dealing with oiliness can be a struggle. Washing regularly will help reduce oiliness and shine, so find a vegan face wash that helps regulate oil production and prevent breakouts.

Dry Skin

For those with dry skin, the last thing you want is to dry out your skin even more. Use water-based cleansers such as micellar water, or a cream cleanser containing hydrating ingredients to avoid stripping away the skin’s natural oils.

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, look for a gel or foam face wash that cleanses effectively to help control oiliness in the T-zone, but also helps hydrate the dry areas of the face.

Acne-Prone Skin

For those that often deal with blemishes, look for a vegan face wash for acne breakouts. Top acne-fighting ingredients include salicylic acid and tea tree oil. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the skin to clear pores of oil, dirt, and bacteria, while tea tree oil also kills bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Normal Skin

If your skin isn’t picky, you can go off your personal preferences when choosing a face wash. Try a lightweight option that’s both gentle and effective, and helps keep your skin moisturized.

Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin should be more careful when choosing a facial cleanser. Look for milder options with soothing ingredients such as aloe, and avoid any cleansers containing fragrance, which can irritate and aggravate the skin. Everyone has different triggers so it’s important to keep track of what your skin negatively responds to.

Face Washing Frequency

Your skin type will also affect how often you should wash your face. Washing your face in the morning is optional, but washing your face before going to bed is definitely a must. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, it’s best to wash your face at the beginning of both your morning routine and nighttime routine to help control oiliness and keep the skin extra clean to keep breakouts at bay. If you have normal, dry, or sensitive skin, washing your face just once daily may be enough. Overwashing can potentially dry out or irritate the skin so carefully monitor how your skin reacts to frequent washing.

Be Kind to Your Skin

In order for skincare products to work their magic, you need to use them on a clean face, which is why cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine. Give your skin the love and care it deserves by being more mindful of which vegan face wash you add to your routine.

Want more? Get your personalized skincare guide for extra tips on how to best care for your skin.

Abby Vinas

Abby Vinas has long been an active member of the holistic health community, advocating in favor of its benefits to both our physical and emotional well-being. Her commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle has made her an authority on self-care practices. Abby is passionate about fitness, nutrition, and proper skincare, and is also an avid lover of avocado toast and dog-petting.