At a glance
Skin type-specific ingredients to treat conditions such as extremely dry or oily skin differentiate facial cleansers from traditional body soaps. In fact, cleansers formulated specifically for the face may not contain soap at all. They tend to be milder and often contain moisturizing or astringent elements.
Natural and organic cleansers are often made with oils—such as coconut, almond, jojoba or olive oils—and usually without engineered petroleum-based detergents. Many marketing claims made by makers of facial cleansers are sources of controversy. For example, some mainstream products tout the fact that their products are “pH balanced,” while most makers of natural soaps and cleansers consider this a non-issue, because the soaps with the highest pH are natural bar soaps, which normally have a pH between 9 and 10, and are also considered the mildest and least likely to irritate skin.
Ingredients to look for
White, green or red tea
Pycnogenol and other antioxidants
Vitamins A, B, C and E
Aloe vera
Sea buckthorn
Spotlight on: Good for You Girls
Kimberly Grustas, co-founder of New Hartford, Conn.-based Good for You Girls, discusses why it’s important for tween girls to have their own natural skincare products.
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Editors’ picks
Good for You Girls Gel Cleanser: This soap-free cleanser is designed specifically for girls age 8 to 14. It contains organic aloe-leaf juice; white, green and black tea extracts; vitamin E; olive and avocado oils as well as a blend of essential oils and aromatics formulated with your tween in mind.
Sibu Beauty Cleanse & Detox Sea Buckthorn Facial Soap: Great for those who suffer from rosacea and eczema, this naturally astringent facial soap revitalizes skin cells and promotes tissue recovery and healing using its power-ingredient—sea buckthorn, which Sibu sources from Tibet through fair trade agreements.
derma e Organic Expressions Facial Cleanser: This olive-based cleanser contains certified organic botanicals, including green tea, chamomile and aloe vera. Witch hazel adds an astringent quality, while pomegranate and Pycnogenol pump up the antioxidant protection.
Astara Botanical Cleansing Gele: Suitable for all skin types, this is an all-purpose facial cleanser that also moisturizes, so it can be used for makeup removal and even shaving. Organic aloe vera mixes with oils of grapefruit and sweet orange as well as white tea extract.
Rachel Perry Herbal Antiseptic Skin Cleanser: A good product for those with acne-prone skin, this herbal astringent/antiseptic cleanser made with essential oils and botanical extracts removes dirt and excess oil to control breakouts. It features a complex of anti-inflammatory botanicals including camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol, peppermint oil, echinacea, comfrey root, sage, clove and Irish moss.