Health
Facial cleansers

The 9 Best Cruelty-Free Facial Cleansers

A good skincare routine stars with cleanser.

If months of quarantine have led you to a newfound obsession with skin care, then you're certainly not alone.

We might all be struggling on the inside, but thankfully, taking care of your skin is a great way to give you some semblance of sanity and help instill a routine between your endless hours of Zoom calls. And what's a skincare routine without a good cleanser?


A good cleanser should be the first step in your skincare regimen (followed by moisturizer and SPF, of course). Here at Topdust, we also like to support cruelty-free brands that offer quality products without testing on animals. Below, we've listed just a few of our favorite face washes for any skin type and budget.

Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

There's a reason why social media skincare guru Hyram has suggested this foaming gel cleanser time and time again. Youth to the People's award-winning face wash is cold-pressed with spinach, kale, and green tea that soothe your skin and restore its pH balance while getting rid of your makeup and preventing buildup in your pores.

Buy it here!

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

For those who struggle with dry skin or conditions like eczema, First Aid Beauty's products are always a home run. Their Pure Skin Face Cleanser is a lightweight cream that hydrates your skin as it gently cleans, leaving you with skin that feels fresh without being stripped of its necessary natural oils.

Get yours here!

Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Foaming Cleanser

For a more affordable option, Bliss offers all the benefits of major clean skin care brands with a much less daunting price tag. Their Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Foaming Cleanser is formulated with sensitive skin in mind, gently lifting grime without being overly drying. It's also infused with soothing rose water and nourishing colloidal gold that give your skin a natural glow.

Find it here!

Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

Drunk Elephant Beste\u2122 No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

Drunk Elephant has become a go-to brand for skincare veterans and newbies alike. In addition to supporting the International Elephant Foundation, their cult-favorite products—like the Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser—use only ingredients that are necessary for ultimate results. This gel face wash is suitable for all skin types, giving you a gentle but effective clean.

Find it here!

Paula’s Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

Paula\u2019s Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

This smooth, lotion-based formula is a perfect option for those who struggle with parched skin year-round, effectively cleaning your skin while replenishing its moisture at the same time. Free of weird residue or irritating fragrances, Paula's Choice ensures that your face will never feel softer.

Check it out here!

Tatcha Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser

Tatcha Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser

Inspired by the centuries-old method of Japanese women using leftover rice water in their skin routines, Tatcha's Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser is backed by a storied history. This luxurious cream cleanser is formulated with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, making it a great option for those with skin on the drier side.

Shop it here!

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser

For sensitive skin, this cream-to-foam cleanser from KORRES finds its power in an unlikely ingredient: Greek yogurt. The pre- and probiotics found in Greek yogurt help to nurture the skin with a gentle clean and plenty of hydration.

Buy it here!

Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser

Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser

Another great cruelty-free brand for those on a budget is Honest Beauty, which is available at Target. Their Gentle Gel Cleanser is free of phthalates, parabens, and fragrances, making it a great choice if you tend to break out easily. Multiple rave reviews have mentioned that this cleanser has cleared even the peskiest cystic acne.

Find it here!

Versed Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser

Versed Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser

If you need a cleanser that packs a little bit more of a punch, this cream face wash from Versed is definitely worth a try. It's formulated with 1.5% salicylic acid to help keep pimples, blackheads, and clogged pores at bay, and it prevents your skin from producing excess oils that lead to breakouts.

Shop it here!

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