5 Best Vegan Face Wash Products for All Skin Types

Dry, oily, combination, or typical, we’re here to tell you that your skin’s new best friend is a vegan face wash. Gently cleanses sensitive skin and fully hydrates parched skin, these all-organic solid cleansers are also zero waste and cruelty-free.

Whether you’re still trying to figure out your skincare routine or trying something new, take a look at some of our favorite vegan face washes to complete your beauty cabinet.

We admit: the best vegan face wash can be entirely subjective.

Let me explain. Everybody’s skin is different, and even our own skin may need something different throughout the week. It all boils down to your skincare routine, diet, stress levels, genetics, and personal circumstances.

We know--some of these things are fixed. However, there are little tweaks and changes we can definitely make in our daily lives. This is where vegan face wash comes in.

When you’re weighing your options, ask yourself three essential questions:

• Is this compatible with my skin type?
• Can I use it every day?
• Are the ingredients actually skin-safe?

Fortunately, we’ve listed five of the best vegan face wash products here and reviewed them in detail to help you answer these questions. Needless to say, all of these products are zero waste, plastic-free, and cruelty-free. Now, let’s take a look at our best contenders.

5 of the best vegan face wash soaps to try

1. Shea Rose Clay Soap

Recommended for: Moisturizing dry, dermatitis-prone skin

Smoldering summers and frosty winters are rough on your skin. The AC on full blast and the drying winter wind on full steam, you know how it goes. So we often turn this rose facial soap, one of the best vegan face wash products we know. It’s a floral-smelling, ultra-hydrating shield against dry skin, irritation, and itchiness.

Whenever you’re on the search for a new face wash, always go for the one that moisturizes. Even oily and combination skin types need hydration, but this shea rose clay face soap is especially fitting for folks with dry or dermatitis-prone skin. We’re talking about eczema and other types of dermatitis that might turn your skin sensitive, dry, and all-around grumpy.

Not to worry! Along with your dermatologist’s recommendations, this rose clay soap works wonders through shea butter, mango butter, rose petal and hip oil, and coconut milk. And yes, these are all as hydrating and nourishing as they sound. Hydration is crucial, but you may be wondering how this soap actually cleanses your skin.

Listen: we’ve incorporated French kaolin clay into the mix to gently exfoliate your skin on a daily basis.

The rosehips and rose petals make the soap smell and look yummy, but they also smooth and brighten skin. Other superstar ingredients include a multitude of wholesome oils like sunflower, virgin olive, canola, castor bean, palmarosa, lavender, ylang ylang, orange, and rosemary.

Palmarosa and ylang ylang essential oils, in particular, have antibacterial properties that help heal and soothe skin. Both reduce inflammation and prevent infections--a huge plus for easily-irritated skin.

The rose clay soap is available in a 5.8-ounce solid bar. To use, wet, and make a lather with your hands. In circular motions, massage the cleanser onto your face for at least 30 seconds. Rinse and dry. If you’re using this in the shower, feel free to use it as a body wash, especially on sensitive areas that tend to get dry.

2. Bamboo Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Soap

Recommended for: exfoliation and acne-prone skin

Most of us have a love-hate relationship when it comes to acne-prone skin. An unusually warm day, a stressful week, a scented toner--sometimes it feels like anything can set off an acne breakout. But the secret to keeping skin happy?

A facial moisturizer that brings much-needed balance and true clean to your skin.

Try our activated charcoal face wash to cleanse, exfoliate, and tone all in one step. You may be using top-of-the-line toners, serums, and moisturizes, but the point is this: acne shows up when oil and old skin cells block hair follicles on our skin. The great thing about bamboo charcoal soap is it naturally lifts dirt and skin cell buildup from your pores.

And that’s not all. We’ve combined charcoal with bentonite clay as a base to unclog pores. This soap gives you pure, smooth skin that’s as satisfying as a blackhead-extracting pore strip. Unlike pore strips and some deep-cleansing masks, this soap highlights the acne-fighting powers of tea tree oil that keeps your skin’s natural oils intact. Additionally, hemp seed oil replaces any lost moisture and nourishes skin with vitamin E.

Another ingredient that makes this one of the best vegan face wash products to try is sea salt. Not your regular kitchen flavoring, Mediterranean sea salt cleanses fussy skin and tones oily skin. With extra virgin olive oil and cocoa butter, you’ll be glad to know that all this detox still leaves your skin properly hydrated.

Our solid charcoal face soap comes in a 5.8-ounce bar that works best when massaged in circular motions with the tips of your fingers. Stash this soap in your shower caddy as a face and body soap or keep it on your bathroom sink for morning and nighttime routines.

3. Vegan Soap

Recommended for: full-body cleansing and everyday use

If you have naturally normal or combination skin, we highly recommend the vegan soap bar from Bell Mountain Naturals. Moreover, on days when you don’t need a deep clean treatment, this soap is your go-to.

Get this: all of the ingredients come from plants and are ethically sourced.

Each soap has a shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil base for a non-abrasive cleansing. Choose from four different scents: La Boheme, Metairie, Ocean Grove, or Santa Ynez. Not only do these soaps smell amazing in their own ways, they offer different benefits.

The La Boheme soap smells of bergamot and juniper, which is faintly citrusy and woodsy. Bergamot is known to prevent bacteria growth and inflammation. On the other hand, juniper is also an anti-inflammatory ingredient and it improves blood circulation.

Metairie offers a lime and geranium scent that’s a great perk-me-up if you’re a morning bather. Bergamot is an effective antibacterial agent, and is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety.

Similarly, Ocean Grove gives off a jasmine and lemon aroma that brings liveliness to your mornings. A true triple threat, Jasmine fights bacteria, inflammation, and low mood levels while lemon brightens and perks up skin.

Lastly, Santa Ynez smells like lavender and cedar, a winning combination that helps you de-stress before bedtime. You’ve probably heard a million times that lavender is a powerful calming ingredient, but it’s true! When you need something to soothe your skin and soul, lavender is a great option. Cedar complements lavender wonderfully and it supports acne-prone skin by preventing breakouts and inflammation.

This soap is one of the best vegan face wash products for traveling, as it comes with a compostable linen baggie. Each solid bar is 4 ounces and is handmade in small batches. Crafting smaller batches ensures higher quality products compared to mass-produced soaps that may not get the same amount of love as these vegan alternatives.

4. Soap Rocks Gems

Recommended for: Traveling or gift bags

Adorable and travel-friendly, a facial soap rock gem is just what you need for a weekend getaway at a bed and breakfast or a lakeside campsite. Ethically made and sourced, these soap gems work with any skin type to wash away dirt and moisturize skin.

If you’re like us and love to try new scents, you’ll love the four gem types. The blue gem is infused with lemongrass and clary sage to bring you a balanced citrus and earth combo. This one might be an acquired scent if you will, but the bright lemongrass notes combined with herbal and earthy clary sage is a refreshing alternative to sugary sweet synthetic fragrances.

On the other hand, the pink gem is a familiar geranium, sweet orange, and citrus grapefruit scent that’s all at once fresh and flowery. We recommend this one if you prefer floral notes. By contrast, the golden rock offers a stimulating mix of vetiver, bergamot, and lavender that feels invigorating but leaves you relaxed.

Lastly, there is an unscented option if you’re sensitive to smells or work with colleagues or clients who might be sensitive. Nevertheless, it still packs the moisturizing effects of our scented alternatives through shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.

Each gem is tinted with natural powders and plant-based colorings like indigo powder, turmeric, and annatto seed. The magic happens when we cut these beauties into their iconic gem shape that resemble healing crystals you might find at your local shop.

These 1.5-ounce stones are great for traveling, especially when you have a soap saver bag that acts as a loofah and container bag in one. Just make sure to dry both soap and bag completely before stashing it away into your backpack or suitcase. Read more about soap saver bags here.

Beyond personal use, these whimsical soaps are practical goody bag treats everyone will love. At your next social gathering, consider stashing these in between other zero waste goodies like bamboo toothbrushes and reusable cotton rounds.

5. Triangle Soap

Recommended for: Shaving and sensitive skin

This chic triangle soap is not only one of the best vegan face wash products, it also comes in handy as a zero waste shaving cream. Stubborn razor bumps are also unsightly as much as they’re comfortable, and this soap makes a rich lather to protect your skin.

Try any of the five scents available including 12 Apostles, Byron Bay, Call Me By Your Name, Osaka, and Kyoto. 12 Apostles is a classic floral scent tinged with sweet lavender and geranium with organic bergamot and lemon.

Byron Bay soap takes you to the beachy waters of Australia with tangy red mandarin, clarifying palo santo, and spicy frankincense. Like jumping into a crisp beach wave, this soap wakes your senses while leaving you a sense of calm.

Call Me By Your Name is pink thanks to kaolin clay that also exfoliates to reveal glowing new skin underneath. Bergamot, sweet orange, vetiver, and petitgrain make for an earthy scent with citrus notes.

Up next on our list is Osaka, which is infused with lemon tea and smoked sage, frankincense, lavender, and cypress leaf. Herbal and earthy yet fresh, this soap feels has the effect of a cleansing smudge kit to attract positivity and good vibes.

Last but not least, try the Kyoto-inspired soap imbued with revitalizing yuzu, grapefruit, juniper, and cypress leaf. Brazilian clay gives this soap its golden yellow tint and mild, skin-friendly exfoliating powers.

To protect the product during shipment and for aesthetic points, these handmade soaps come in recyclable paper packaging. For us at EcoRoots, the best vegan face wash products should not only treat your skin with respect, but it should also take into account its waste footprint, so this triangle soap ticks all the right green boxes for us!

Complete your vegan face care routine with these products:

When you’ve chosen one of the five best vegan face wash soaps in our lineup, consider other eco-friendly products that will elevate your skin game.

1. Vegan Toner

• Plant-based and vegan
• Suitable for all skin types
• Available in three scents

After you wash your face in the morning or before bed, apply a toner. This step is especially crucial if you have oily skin, wear sunscreen, or makeup. Toners balance out your skin’s pH and oil levels and they lift any traces of dirt that your cleanser may have missed.

This vegan toner by LuaSkinCare is zero waste, paraben-free, vegan, plastic-free, and organic. With three nourishing formulas to choose from, you’ll discover the best one to make your skin happy. Rose Mint smells of fresh blooms and utilizes argan oil to fight off free radicals and UV rays. Additionally, peppermint helps keep away bacteria that trigger acne breakouts.

Go for the Desert Garden tonic if you’re nostalgic for an adventurous journey gathering wild desert blooms, orange blossoms, white grapefruit, and wild creosote bush extract. This formula is slightly more astringent thanks to witch hazel and lemon oil, but jojoba oil and aloe vera replenish your skin’s moisture.

Finally, opt for the Wildflower tonic to experience the sweet scent of wildflower blossoms, chamomile, and lavender. Use it in the morning to help ground yourself or at night to reset your mind and body. Vanilla is naturally antibacterial and prevents blemishes.

Another deciding factor for us when it comes to zero waste skincare is the containers’ recyclability. Fortunately, the glass bottle and pump are both recyclable and we always ship plastic-free.

2. Love Your Face Vegan Oil

• Organic and vegan ingredients
• Suitable for all skin types
• Keeps pores unblocked

Listen: if you wear any sort of makeup, from full coverage foundation to blush, a makeup remover goes a long way. At the end of the day when makeup particles, skin cells, oils, and sweat have built up, your pores are more likely to clog up if you use only a cleanser.

LuaSkinCare’s natural makeup remover cleansing oil is filled with antioxidants and plant-based ingredients that remove dirt but give your skin a soft, smooth feel. For instance, organic hemp seed oil restores your skin’s moisture without feeling greasy. On the other hand, sea buckthorn oil improves overall skin health by increasing elasticity, encouraging cell growth, and boosting hydration.

To top it off, rosemary extract helps reverse sun damage and prevents free radicals from wreaking havoc on skin. Many people balk at the idea of an oil cleanser, but it’s easy to use and infinitely beneficial. Pump a small amount onto your fingers and then massage into your face--including your eyelids--and wipe with a wet, warm washcloth or reusable cotton rounds.

Each recyclable (and reusable!) glass bottle contains 2 ounces of oil. Check it out here.

3. Vegan Face Mask

• Organic and vegan
• Suitable for all skin types
• Recyclable glass packaging

A face mask is an optional step for most people, but when used at least once a week, it does wonders for the skin. As we mentioned, your skin might need something different every day of the week, and these needs might differ every week, too. On one of these days, your skin could be yearning for a deep exfoliation and hydration treatment.

This is when you reach for the matcha face mask, made with antioxidant-rich matcha tea, aloe, marshmallow root powder, and green clay. It’ll leave your face smelling fresh with mint, lime, peppermint, and bergamot.

The cool thing about this mask is it comes in powder form which you add with water to make a thick paste. Massage it into your skin and neck then rinse after at least two minutes, but no more than four. Rinse the mask off once dry spots pop up but not before the mask dries off completely on your face.

You’ll witness the best results when you combine this with toner and face oil, but using it after your regular face wash also works. Note that the 1.5-ounce glass jar with aluminum lid can be recycled or reused for storing small trinkets or other personal care products. Think homemade deodorants, toothpaste, and face masks--get creative!

What else can I add to my skincare routine?

If you feel like you want to expand your skincare routine even more, here are some easy steps to work in.

1. Zero Waste Sunscreen

There are lots of zero waste options for sunscreen, so skipping out on this step is inexcusable! Of course, your first line of defense against the sun should always be wearing proper clothing and sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved, breathable shirts. However, a layer of sunscreen prevents sun damage and premature signs of aging.

If you’re still on the hunt for a good sunscreen that’s safe for you and the planet, try our favorite the Raw Elements SPF 30+ sunscreen. Sadly, most commercial sunscreens damage coral reefs, but this sunscreen is biodegradable and gentle on the environment. It’s safe for children and adults alike.

When you’re out in the water or sweating hard in the sun, reapply every 80 minutes to reap the full benefits. Ingredients include sunflower oil, green and black tea, hemp seed oil, cocoa butter, and mango butter. Beeswax helps give this sunscreen body and keeps it from melting during hot days.

Another option is LittleHands’ sunscreen face stick available in plain zinc oxide white or tan which is tinted by natural iron oxide. It’s reef safe, comes in a biodegradable paper tube, and waterproof.

2. Tinted Moisturizer

Another step you can add to your routine is a tinted moisturizer with or without sunscreen. Of course, you can always layer sunscreen before you apply your moisturizer. What most folks enjoy about tinted moisturizers is it provides light coverage on days when you don’t want to apply a full face of makeup or if you just prefer a more natural look as your go-to routine.

Moisturizers with sunscreen provide even more protection when combined with a separate mineral sunscreen, so keep this in mind when looking for your next favorite product.

3. Zinc Oxide Powder

One easy way to cut out plastic in your skincare routine and ensure your face stays healthy is zinc oxide powder. Available in large paper containers or reusable glass jars, zinc oxide powders are a great alternative to store-bought sunscreen.

For starters, powder lasts longer on a shelf than a cream or spray. What’s more, it’s less likely to block your pores, especially if it’s oil- or chemical-based. Lastly, zinc oxide powder doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances that are common in commercial sunscreens.

What now?

If there’s anyone secret to great skin, it’s consistency and listening to your body! For what it’s worth, using one of the best vegan face washes doesn’t hurt either. However, if you need ideas to pamper your skin all over, take a peek at our 9 Zero Waste Skin Care Products guide.

Here, we reveal our absolute favorite soaps, oils, and moisturizers to achieve glowing skin!