Ingredients to Avoid in Facial Cleansers

Many conventional face washes rely on ingredients that clean aggressively but compromise the skin barrier over time.

We recommend avoiding cleansers formulated with:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine (can be irritating for some skin types)
• Alcohol Denat / SD Alcohol
• Undisclosed synthetic fragrance (parfum)

If your skin feels tight, squeaky, or dry after washing, that’s often a sign your cleanser is doing too much.

Clean skin should feel comfortable, balanced, and calm—not stressed.

Common Cleansing Mistakes We See

🚫 Over-Stripping Cleansers

Harsh foaming agents and aggressive surfactants can remove essential lipids along with dirt and oil, leading to dryness, irritation, and rebound oil production.

🚫 Fragrance-Heavy Formulas

Synthetic fragrance is one of the most common triggers for sensitivity and long-term barrier disruption—especially for reactive skin types.

🚫 “Squeaky Clean” Thinking

That tight feeling after cleansing is often a red flag, not a sign of healthy skin.

🚫 Using the Wrong Cleanser for Your Skin Type

Dry, oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin all require different cleansing approaches. One face wash does not fit all.

 

What to Look For in a Truly Clean, Non-Toxic Cleanser

At HeyBella, we curate facial cleansers that go beyond marketing claims. Our standards focus on:

✔️ Gentle, effective cleansing agents
✔️ Barrier-supportive ingredients
✔️ No harsh sulfates or drying alcohols
✔️ No unnecessary fillers or irritants
✔️ Thoughtfully sourced, skin-respecting formulas

The goal isn’t just clean skin—it’s healthy skin.

How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type

Dry or Dehydrated Skin

If your skin feels tight, flaky, or uncomfortable after cleansing, you need a cleanser that removes buildup without disrupting moisture.

Creamy or balm-based cleansers are ideal for dissolving impurities while leaving skin nourished and supported.

 

 

Our recommendation:
Josh Rosebrook – Essential Balm Cleanse

This luxurious balm-to-milk cleanser melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup while supporting the skin barrier. It rinses clean without stripping, making it ideal for dry, dehydrated, or barrier-compromised skin.

 

 

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skin still needs gentle cleansing. Over-stripping can actually trigger more oil production and irritation.

Look for gel cleansers that balance oil and support clarity without harsh surfactants.

 

Our recommendation:
The Body Deli – Sage & Grapefruit Cleanser

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid and tea tree oil, this refreshing gel cleanser helps keep pores clear while remaining mild enough for daily use.

Sensitive or Reactive Skin

Sensitive skin thrives on minimal, fragrance-free formulas that cleanse without triggering redness, stinging, or inflammation.

 

Our recommendation:
Fitglow Beauty – Ceramide Gel Cleanser

This vegan, fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested cleanser gently removes impurities and excess oil while supporting the skin barrier with ceramides and soothing botanicals.

Double Cleansing in a Non-Toxic Skincare Routine

Double cleansing isn’t about washing your face twice—it’s about cleansing strategically, especially if you wear makeup, mineral sunscreen, or are committed to a truly non-toxic routine.

In clean beauty, we avoid harsh detergents that aggressively strip the skin. Double cleansing allows you to remove buildup thoroughly while staying gentle and barrier-supportive.

Step 1: Start With an Oil or Balm Cleanser (First Cleanse)

Oil attracts oil. That’s why oil- and balm-based cleansers are ideal for the first cleanse—they gently break down:

• Makeup
• Mineral and chemical sunscreen
• Excess oil
• Environmental pollutants

Instead of forcing everything off with foam or friction, these formulas dissolve buildup and rinse away comfortably.

Our Non-Toxic First Cleanse Recommendations

 

Earth Harbor – Sunshine Dew Cleansing Oil
A lightweight cleansing oil with natural papaya enzymes that gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and surface buildup—leaving skin soft and comfortable.

 

Josh Rosebrook – Essential Balm Cleanse
A nourishing balm-to-milk cleanser that melts away buildup while supporting the skin barrier—especially helpful for dry or sensitive skin.

Step 2: Follow With a Gentle Gel or Cream Cleanser (Second Cleanse)

After the first cleanse removes makeup and sunscreen, a second gentle cleanse refreshes the skin—removing any remaining residue without over-cleansing.

This step:

• Leaves skin clean, not tight
• Helps prevent congestion
• Prepares skin to absorb serums and moisturizers

Do You Need to Double Cleanse Every Night?

Not necessarily.

• If you wear makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing is often beneficial
• If you don’t wear SPF or makeup, one gentle cleanse may be enough
• Very dry or sensitive skin may prefer double cleansing only a few times per week

Listening to your skin matters—more isn’t always better.

Pro Tip: Your Cleanser Should Change With the Seasons

Your skin doesn’t need the same face wash year-round.

• Winter skin often benefits from richer, nourishing cleansers
• Summer skin may prefer lighter gel or oil cleansers

Adjusting with the seasons supports long-term skin health.

 

The Hey Bella Cleanser Edit

We’ve curated facial cleansers that meet our strict non-toxic and clean beauty standards, so you don’t have to second-guess ingredients or performance.

✨ Whether you’re resetting your routine or upgrading one step at a time, this is the place to start.

👉 Shop all cleansers here: https://shopheybella.com/collections/cleansers

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Non-Toxic Facial Cleanser FAQs

What is a non-toxic facial cleanser?
A non-toxic facial cleanser is formulated without harsh surfactants, synthetic fragrance, and known irritants, while supporting the skin barrier and overall skin health.

 

Are “clean” and “non-toxic” the same thing?
Not always. “Clean” is often used as a marketing term. Non-toxic beauty focuses on ingredient transparency and long-term skin compatibility.

 

Is fragrance bad in facial cleansers?
Synthetic fragrance is a common trigger for irritation, especially for sensitive or reactive skin. It can also hide many endocrine disruptors. Many non-toxic shoppers prefer fragrance-free or naturally scented formulas.

 

Can switching to a non-toxic cleanser improve my skin?
For many people, yes. Removing harsh cleansers can reduce dryness, redness, and breakouts linked to barrier disruption.

 

Do non-toxic cleansers still remove makeup and sunscreen?
Absolutely. Oil and balm cleansers are especially effective at removing buildup without aggressive scrubbing or stripping.