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.
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
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser
The Body Shop Aloe Calming Foaming Wash
Trilogy Clarifying Cleansing Gel
A’kin Cleansing Micellar Water
Essano Clear Complexion Purifying Gel Cleanser
Novellus Fruit Enzyme Cream Cleanser
Main image credit: @summerfridays
Have you tried a soap-free cleanser? Which is your fave?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
My name is Jason, I base in Pacifica California in USA …My life has been complicated for the past 6 years of a Broken marriage, my wife left me all because i was sick . I felt like my life was about to end i almost committed suicide, i was emotionally down for a very long time. Thanks to a spell caster called ( DR Marabul), which i met online as I was browsing through the internet,I came across alot of testimonies about this particular spell caster. Some people testified that he brought their Ex lover back, some testified that he restores a broken marriage,cure cancer,and other sickness and so many other testified that he can cast a spell to stop divorce and so on. i also come across one particular testimony,it was about a woman called Hannah and Susan, she testified about how he brought back her Ex lover in less than 2 days, and at the end of her testimony she dropped ( DR Marabul) E-mail address. After reading all these,I decided to give it a try. I contacted him VIA Email and explained my problem to him. In just 48hours, my wife came back to me. We solved our differences, and we are even happier than before ( DR Marabul), is really a gifted man and i will not stop publishing him because he is a wonderful man… If you have any problem and you are looking for a real and genuine spell caster to solve all your problems for you. Try him anytime, he might be the answer to your problems. Here is his Email
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.
My name is Jason, I base in Pacifica California in USA …My life has been complicated for the past 6 years of a Broken marriage, my wife left me all because i was sick . I felt like my life was about to end i almost committed suicide, i was emotionally down for a very long time. Thanks to a spell caster called ( DR Marabul), which i met online as I was browsing through the internet,I came across alot of testimonies about this particular spell caster. Some people testified that he brought their Ex lover back, some testified that he restores a broken marriage,cure cancer,and other sickness and so many other testified that he can cast a spell to stop divorce and so on. i also come across one particular testimony,it was about a woman called Hannah and Susan, she testified about how he brought back her Ex lover in less than 2 days, and at the end of her testimony she dropped ( DR Marabul) E-mail address. After reading all these,I decided to give it a try. I contacted him VIA Email and explained my problem to him. In just 48hours, my wife came back to me. We solved our differences, and we are even happier than before ( DR Marabul), is really a gifted man and i will not stop publishing him because he is a wonderful man… If you have any problem and you are looking for a real and genuine spell caster to solve all your problems for you. Try him anytime, he might be the answer to your problems. Here is his Email
marabulspellcaster@gmail.com or whatsapp +2207835430
Some great products featured! Thanks BH!
I swear by LRP.
I haven’t tried any of these products but good to know this information.