Here we are with our first post of 2020 and what better time to clear the cobwebs and get back into a routine? Maybe you feel like having a clear-out of your beauty cabinet or perhaps your skin has been playing up after the festive season. Whichever it is, we wanted to continue our Best of Natural series – today’s is our round-up of the best natural cleansers for sensitive skin…
WHAT ARE THE BEST NATURAL MAKEUP REMOVERS AND FACE CLEANSERS?
*OUR FOUNDER’S FAVOURITE*
Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
Oil-based cleansers like this one are suitable for both dry and oily skin types, making them a brilliant option to have in your bathroom. Our founder, Sofia, loves a competent multitasking product and Pai’s offering completely fits the bill by taking off all makeup, including on the eyes. She regularly does a double cleanse using this product only, making it a cost-effective and time-saving solution. It’s cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan, nut-free and has some of our favourite ingredients such as rosehip oil and jasmine oil.
If you’ve read our previous posts, you’ll know we care about supporting the skin barrier and this cleanser is designed to do exactly that. Suitable for all skin types, the probiotic ingredients including baobab, hibiscus, chamomile, and eucalyptus are omega-rich, antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory meaning they help to protect your skin from within. This particular product even comes with a bamboo muslin cloth! We love Aurelia as they are a cruelty-free brand sourcing ingredients responsibly, and promise not to include sulphates, parabens and mineral oils to name a few.
‘Natural’ is a term that’s thrown around a lot in the skincare industry, however, we’re pleased to say that Trilogy is a certified natural, organic, cruelty-free and sustainable brand. If you’re looking for a non-drying formula that’s especially gentle on dry, dehydrated and/or sensitive skin, a cream cleanser like this one could be for you. We’re fans of Trilogy’s as it contains rosehip oil, evening primrose and carrot oils which help to soften and refresh without stripping away the skin’s natural oils which are needed for a healthy skin microbiome. If you are experiencing stress eczema, rosacea or other uncomfortable skin conditions , this cream cleanser can be removed with a soft cloth without the use of water which can sting.
Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water
If you wear little to no makeup, a micellar water is a lovely product choice for you. It can also be used as an additional step before or after a cream cleanser to remove dirt, soothe and refresh. Water-based cleansers are ideal for dry and sensitive skin types as they don’t foam and are generally safe for use on eyes too. This one from Caudalie has been formulated to not affect the skin’s natural pH and doesn’t contain parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, mineral oils or animal-derived ingredients.
Hot Cloth Cleansers have become increasingly popular in recent years with the likes of Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish gaining cult status among beauty influencers. But we much prefer MOA and their Daily Cleansing Ritual Hot Cloth Cleansing Kit. There’s no petrochemicals, SLS or artificial preservatives here, just certified organic, vegetarian and cruelty-free ingredients. This works well for oily, sensitive skin but is suitable for other skin types too. The balm melts to form an oil to dissolve makeup and remove impurities. Is there anything better than taking a few minutes to massage in a product like this before sitting back and relaxing with a hot, damp bamboo cloth over your face to steam away the dirt from the day? We think not!
Maya Chia The Great Cleanse Nourishing Supercritical Cleansing Oil
The name might be a bit of a mouthful, but cleansing with this is easy. Another multi-functional product, The Great Cleanse works for all skin types to clean, hydrate and calm with its divine blend of oils including chamomile, lavender, neroli, jasmine, and chia. There aren’t many products that set you up for a good night’s sleep as much as this does! It’s vegan, free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs and SLS, as well as being ethically sourced and a brand that’s all about giving back, like we are here.
Weleda may be the most recognisable brand from this list but shouldn’t be discounted. The vegan cleansing milk is most suited to normal-dry skin with witch-hazel to refresh, refine, firm and preserve skin, and jojoba/sesame seed oils to moisturise and deeply cleanse. This isn’t suitable for the eyes, but don’t worry, we have a recommendation for you…
*FOR THOSE WHO WANT A SEPARATE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER*
Dr. Hauschka Eye Make-Up Remover
Although most of the cleansers we’ve included above are suitable for the eye area, we know some of you might like to use a product specifically created for such a delicate part of your face. The Dr. Hauschka bottle has both an oil-based and water-based formula which you shake to combine before applying to remove even waterproof eye makeup. The ingredients are all included to care for your eyes and preserve the lipid layer of your skin; with hydrating rose water, soothing fennel and nourishing sesame seed & sunflower oils for lashes and brows. It’s also free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, mineral oils, silicone, PEG, plus it’s cruelty-free, vegan, certified natural and organic, and sourced responsibly.
Remember, whenever you use a makeup remover or face cleanser, be gentle and avoid harsh rubbing. Sofia’s preference is Face Halo – a reusable, cruelty-free pad which is kind to skin and removes makeup with ease. She follows this with a soft muslin cloth for the second cleanse – also a great choice for reducing waste instead of wipes (which are unsustainable and are also often made with preservatives that can exacerbate skin allergies and sensitivities).
It’s about finding what works for you as what works for one person may not work for another. Your skin is also always changing so the products you use will need to reflect that so you can take the best care of it. Where possible, we recommend going for skin consultations with a dermatologist to find what you need. You can then combine this information with what is important to you, such as no mineral oils, a vegan formula, minimal packaging, etc.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE NATURAL MAKEUP REMOVERS / FACE CLEANSERS?
We’d love for you to tell us in a comment below!
This post is part of our ‘Best of Natural’ series, with more coming soon; including moisturisers, exfoliators, and more.
