Since the FDA doesn't regulate clean and natural beauty products, definitions of what makes a product "good" can vary greatly by retailer and brand. One easy way to reduce confusion is to incorporate plant-based facial cleansers into your beauty routine. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi, M.D., describes plant-based facial cleansers as face washes that use plant ingredients, such as botanical extracts, oils, and other plant-based compounds. Since these face washes are infused with soothing ingredients, they can offer some major relief to the skin without irritation, sometimes caused by harsh chemicals.

　　Best Plant-Based Facial Cleansers

　　Best Overall: Best Budget Buy: Most Amazon Reviews: Best Cleansing Balm: Best Gel Cleanser: Best for Men: Jackfir The Classic Daily Facial Cleanser

　　What to Consider

　　Your Skin Type and Concerns

　　It sounds obvious, but someone's skin type will help them decide which face wash is best for their needs. "Some plant-based cleansers are more suited for oily or acne-prone skin, while others are formulated for dry or sensitive skin," notes Penzi. Shopping for a plant-based acne face wash? Opt for lightweight gel or foam cleansers made with pimple-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid, which is derived from a willow bark. Those with dry or mature skin types will love a creamy face wash that hydrates while cleansing away dirt, sunscreen, and other grime on the skin.

　　Best Ingredients

　　Penzi suggests checking the ingredient list thoroughly. "Look for high-quality plant-based ingredients and avoid products that have a lot of synthetic additives, fragrances, or harsh chemicals," she says.

　　A few standout plant-based ingredients worth considering include:

　　Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, softening, and soothing to irritated skin. It's found in plant-based facial cleansers from and . Penzi adds that aloe vera is a great lightweight moisturizer that doesn't leave a greasy residue. "Aloe has natural anti-inflammatory properties, effectively soothing sunburns, minor cuts, and irritated skin. It is also rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, which can help improve skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she explains.Green tea, found in the , is chock-full of antioxidants and minimizes redness and irritation caused by itching. Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial and does wonders for acne-prone skin. No wonder it's the main ingredient found in .Jojoba oil is an excellent, lightweight, and easily absorbed moisturizer for all skin types, according to Penzi. "It helps balance skin hydration without clogging pores, making it especially beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin. It regulates sebum," she says. It can be found in the Jackfir plant-based face cleanser.Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory effects that make it helpful in calming irritated or inflamed skin. Penzi gives this ingredient major snaps for alleviating redness, itching, and discomfort associated with skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. "Calendula also has been traditionally used for wound healing due to its ability to promote skin regeneration. It can aid in repairing damaged skin, minor cuts, and abrasions, accelerating the healing process," she says.

　　Consider Allergies and Sensitivities

　　Lastly, Penzi advises considering any allergies or sensitivities you or your giftee might have to certain plant-based ingredients. "Some essential oils or botanical extracts can cause irritant or allergic reactions in certain individuals," she says. My own gifting advice? Bring up allergies in passing conversation with your giftee or ask their mom or partner if they have any known allergies, then go from there. And for what it's worth, these picks don't contain any essential oils.

　　How We Chose

　　These plant-based facial cleansers were selected based on Penzi's guidance. Some are her no-fail recommendations, while others are aligned with her expert advice. For example, she highlighted several standout ingredients, so I made sure the included winners featured her dermatologist-approved suggestions. Some of these products were also selected based on brand recognition, price, and combing through thousands of online reviews to ensure I only share options that actually live up to their promises.

　　Now that you have a clear understanding of what plant-based cleansers are and how to shop for them based on their ingredient label, you’re ready to shop with your most trusted gifting website! These vetted recommendations start at just under $7 on Amazon — we love a good sale! — which is fantastic news because you can stock up on new favorites you discover from this story or you can treat yourself to a last-minute, cheap Valentine’s Day gift.

　　1Best Overall

　　Paula's Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser

　　ProsCons

　　Most ideal for combination, oily, and normal skin types. Kicking off this list is our best overall recommendation from Paula's Choice, a top-ranked brand that earned many fans through a ton of stellar reviews on TikTok. Our expert dermatologist's recommendation sealed the deal for the top spot in this story (I haven’t tried the RESIST cleanser, but I know and trust Paula’s Choice products with my life).

　　Penzi highlights this face wash as a must-have product because it contains aloe vera and sunflower seed oil. She calls it "a great" gentle cleanser that gets rid of gunk without stripping away skin's oil which keeps it feeling smooth and moisturized. "Great for calming sensitivity and soothing redness," she adds.

　　The foaming face wash also does an excellent job of removing sunscreen and excess oil while improving the look of large pores. It's also fantastic at treating uneven skin tone, lack of firmness, wrinkles, and acne.

　　2Best Budget Buy

　　Clean & Clear Aloe Vera Gentle Facial Cleanser

　　Pros

　　Ideal for sensitive skin, but anyone can use it

　　Clears up acne-prone skin

　　Fades dark spotsCons

　　Some reviewers say the 7.5 fl. oz size runs out relatively quickly when used twice dailyOnly have $10 to spend on a new plant-based facial cleanser? Clean & Clear, one of the most trusted names in drugstore beauty, has you covered.

　　This face wash forgoes harsh chemicals, fragrances, and parabens in favor of science-backed plant-based ingredients, such as aloe vera. You know, the ultra-calming skincare ingredient that's perfect for treating sunburns. Experts previously told me aloe vera products also target acne, moisturize skin, and fade dark spots. Talk about an underrated beauty workhorse!

　　3Created by a Dermatologist

　　Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser

　　Pros

　　Removes dirt, oil, and makeup

　　Balances sebum production and pH levels Cons

　　Skip if you don't like skincare products that provide a cooling sensationEpionce is a newer addition to my skincare routine, but I love almost everything I have tried, including the brand's fan-favorite Lytic Gel Cleanser. It removes oil, dirt, and even makeup without overstripping my skin.

　　I appreciate the inclusion of easy-to-pronounce ingredients we know and love, like willow bark extract, date fruit extract, lavender extract, marshmallow root extract, orange fruit extract, and menthol, for an invigorating cooling sensation. The plant-based facial cleanser calms problematic skin and removes oil, dirt, and even makeup.

　　This is the ideal plant-based facial wash for someone with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin like me. I can cleanse twice daily without worrying about my skin becoming dry and taut. It lightly foams, does a solid job of preventing hormonal acne, and keeps my overly oily skin in check, which is always appreciated.

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　　4Most Amazon Reviews

　　The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

　　Pros

　　Ideal for acne-prone skin

　　Contains community Fair Trade tea tree oil

　　Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobialCons

　　Mattifies skin, so it's not ideal for dryness, especially during the winterThe Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin cleanser is a wonderful addition to someone's acne-prone skincare routine. As its name implies, this acne face wash is chock-full of tea tree oil, a plant-based ingredient that effectively fights against mild to moderate acne. Additionally, tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, meaning it can help calm red zits without a color corrector.

　　This is also a fantastic option for anyone who appreciates skincare products with a refreshing, cooling sensation. Personally, I love the light-tingling effect of skin care products in the AM because it helps invigorate the skin and makes me feel more awake to start the work day.

　　5Best Cleansing Balm

　　Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Oil-to-Milk Cleanser

　　Pros

　　Doubles as a nourishing face mask

　　Effectively removes makeupCons

　　Too hydrating for oily and acne-prone skin typesAnyone familiar with skincare knows since it's well-regarded as an excellent winter face moisturizer. The brand's complementary face wash is one of Penzi's go-to recommendations. "It's formulated with nutrient-rich sunflower seed and chamomile oil that leaves skin feeling supple and refreshed," she says.

　　Penzi also appreciates that it contains rosemary, pansy, and calendula. It also effectively melts makeup and dirt away. Above all, she loves the formulation. "Its unique formula starts as a gentle oil and transforms into a soft, milky cleanser as it rinses clean," she says.

　　6Best Gel Cleanser

　　Youth To The People Kale and Green Tea Cleanser

　　Pros

　　Compatible with all skin types (normal, dry, combination, and oily)

　　Targets acne, congested pores, and dullness

　　Removes makeup and product buildup in poresCons

　　Requires time to lather effectivelyI recently named Youth To The People's body wash as a winner in our first-ever Best New Beauty Awards, so it should come as no surprise the brand makes an impressive cleanser. This plant-based option is pH-balanced, meaning it won't dry or strip the skin of necessary hydration.

　　It relies on antioxidants found in kale, spinach, and green tea for a gentle cleanse that removes product buildup in pores and removes makeup, like foundation and setting powder.

　　Pro tip: For the most effective makeup removal, massage one to two pumps of the plant-based cleanser into dry skin, gradually adding water while massaging for about one minute. Rinse thoroughly, and the skin will be makeup-free and rebalanced.

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　　7Best for Men

　　Jackfir The Classic Daily Facial Cleanser

　　Pros

　　Doesn't overdry skin

　　Helps with exfoliationCons

　　Scent may be disarming Guys don't actually need a separate face wash from us gals. However, they might feel more comfortable cleansing with a face wash that's marketed toward men. Skip the BS and opt for Jackfir, a brand I trust enough to include in our annual Best of Best awards.

　　I gifted my dad this face wash, and he likes how his oily skin looks and feels less shiny. But don't worry if your favorite dude has normal or dry skin. This plant-based facial cleanser contains fruit enzymes and jojoba beads that exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing smooth, healthy skin. There's also a soothing trifecta of aloe, calendula, and sunflower seed oil that hydrate and soothe the complexion.