The 17 Best Natural Face Washes For Acne in 2022

PUBLISHED: 07/02/2019 | LAST UPDATED: 07/09/2021

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WRITTEN BY: TAMRYN BURGESS
Licensed Aesthetician

This article may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more details. To learn more about how we selected the products featured on this list, check out our product review & research standards.

Organic and natural face washes can be just as effective (if not more effective) at treating acne-prone skin than their conventional counterparts. A high-quality organic acne cleanser should be packed with gentle ingredients that soothe your acne from the ground up.

There’s a myth that oily and acne-prone skin types need to use potent soaps and astringents in an effort to completely remove every drop of oil from the skin. As a result, many conventional cleansers are loaded with very powerful detergents and astringents like sodium lauryl sulfate and denatured alcohol. In reality, this is the exact opposite of how you should treat your acne.

Acne is a skin condition when the oil glands become overloaded with sebum and dead skin. These clogged pores become breeding grounds for the bacteria responsible for breakouts. There are many causes behind excess sebum production (hormonal changes, oral contraceptives, naturally oily skin, or stress) and many of them are temporary occurrences such as stress. While you may think that removing all of the oil on your skin is a good idea, aggressive cleansing disrupts the skin’s protective acid mantle and pH balance. This actually causes your skin to overproduce oil in response and can lead to further acne breakouts (1).

By incorporating a natural face cleanser specifically designed to fight acne into your skincare routine, you’ll be removing excess oil, clearing away dead skin, and killing acne-causing bacteria every day without stripping away the beneficial oils which keep your skin in balance. Use the right cleanser twice per day and you could seriously reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts.

Our team of beauty experts have put together this guide to the best organic facial cleansers for acne. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, or sensitive skin, this guide will help you find the perfect natural cleanser to combat your acne breakouts.

How Do Organic Cleansers Fight Acne Effectively?
Instead of those harsh soaps and alcohols that we discussed, organic cleansers fight acne by using gentle yet potent ingredients. Some of the best acne-fighting natural ingredients include tea tree oil, neem oil, black cumin seed oil, blue tansy, honey, rosemary extract, and willow bark (contains natural salicylic acid) (2, 3, 4). Aloe, green tea, oatmeal, and probiotics help to soothe redness, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds (5, 6, 7,8). Tamanu oil is a fantastic ingredient to treat acne scars as it penetrates the skin deeply to repair damage. Ingredients like rose oil and vegetable glycerin are useful for maintaining moisture levels and fading acne scars (9, 10).

Which Type of Organic Cleanser is Best for Your Acne?
The two types of facial cleansers: foaming cleansers and non-foaming cleansers. Foaming cleansers are fantastic for oily and combination skin types. The foaming action helps to break up oil and dirt to give you a nice clean feeling without stripping the skin.  Dry skin types will benefit from using a non-foaming or oil-based cleanser. These creamy cleansers (often called cream cleansers, cleansing milks, or cleansing oils) dissolve away dirt, excess oil, and can even remove heavy makeup without causing dryness. In fact, they leave your skin feeling silky smooth and soft. If you have dry skin and haven’t tried a non-foaming cleanser, then you’re in for a real treat when you do!

Organic Skin Care Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
The key to natural skin care is to use high quality products and give your skin time to heal. Excessively cleansing, exfoliating, and treating your skin will only make your acne worse. Follow this simple skin care regimen for acne-free skin:

  • Cleanse your face with an organic cleanser for acne
  • Use an organic toner after cleansing to remove any grime left behind after cleansing, fight bacteria, and prime skin for your serum.
  • Apply an anti-acne serum or spot treatment to breakout areas
  • Finally, apply a lightweight organic facial moisturizer for acne.

Follow this routine twice per day (morning and night) and watch your skin improve each day. If you want to take this routine a step further, then use an organic mask once per week for deep pore cleansing and exfoliation.

How to Find the Best Organic Cleansers for Acne?
The internet is filled with companies claiming to have “all natural” and “organic” products. Unfortunately, many of those products are filled with ingredients that are neither organic nor natural. Petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetics, fillers, and industrial detergents are amongst some of the cheap fillers, preservatives, and additives you may find when shopping for a new cleanser. As experts in identifying authentic organic and natural skin care products, we went out and did the heavy lifting for you! After researching and testing hundreds of cleaners, we designed this top list of the best natural face washes for acne. Enjoy!

1. *100% PURE – TEA TREE OIL & WILLOW ACNE CLEAR USDA ORGANIC CLEANSER

*100% PURE – TEA TREE OIL & WILLOW ACNE CLEAR USDA ORGANIC CLEANSER | $34 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $34

Acne sufferers rejoice! This USDA certified organic tea tree oil face wash gets in deep to clear pores, kill bacteria, and soothe inflamed skin. It contains a powerful dose of anti-bacterial tea tree oil (to combat acne), yet this cleanser is still non-drying and won't strip your skin's natural oils. Other potent blemish-fighting ingredients include neem oil, rosemary, lemon, and turmeric. Best for all skin-types with acne.

Shop *100% PURE – TEA TREE OIL & WILLOW ACNE CLEAR USDA ORGANIC CLEANSER

2. *OSEA MALIBU — OCEAN CLEANSING MUDD

*OSEA MALIBU — OCEAN CLEANSING MUDD | $48 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $48

A pleasantly invigorating face wash specifically designed for acne-prone skin, oily skin, and those with large pores. This face wash gets in deep. The soothing blend of tea tree oil, peppermint, and rosemary create a gentle cooling, tingling, and minty sensation that is sure to wake your skin up. Although it removes excess oil and grime, this wash also leaves your face feeling plump and moisturized.

Shop *OSEA MALIBU — OCEAN CLEANSING MUDD

3. *SUKI SKIN CARE — EXFOLIATE FOAMING CLEANSER

*SUKI SKIN CARE — EXFOLIATE FOAMING CLEANSER | $32.95 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $32.95

An all-natural and organic exfoliating treatment for all skin types. This neat little jar of face wash exfoliates the skin with granular sugar (non-abrasive) and natural AHA. These organic ingredients gently remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from pores which helps to greatly minimize the occurrence of future whiteheads and blackheads. This is a great weekly treatment for cystic/hormonal acne.

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4. *ODACITE – BLACK MINT ALL NATURAL FACE WASH

*ODACITE – BLACK MINT ALL NATURAL FACE WASH | $39 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $39

A super foamy, deep-cleansing, minty fresh cleanser designed for oily skin, blemish-prone skin, and those with congested pores. This natural face wash is such a joy to use! The rhassoul clay and activated charcoal do a fantastic job at absorbing grime and balancing excess oil within clogged pores. At the same time, refreshing peppermint and tea tree oil work their antibacterial magic to soothe breakouts. Leaves skin super clean and hydrated.

Shop *ODACITE – BLACK MINT ALL NATURAL FACE WASH

5. *AMALA – PURIFYING ORGANIC GEL CLEANSER

*AMALA – PURIFYING ORGANIC GEL CLEANSER | $78 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $78

A fantastic all-natural and organic foaming facial cleanser that goes deep to clear pores, remove dead skin, and balance excess oil. Ideal for those with blemish-prone skin, uneven skin tone, and large/congested pores. Formulated with some seriously high-end ingredients like rose gold, a signature fermented pre/probiotic blend, and vitamin C rich amla fruit. Best of all, its all backed by third party clinical trials.

Shop *AMALA – PURIFYING ORGANIC GEL CLEANSER

6. *TRUE BOTANICALS — NOURISHING ANTI-ACNE ORGANIC CLEANSER

*TRUE BOTANICALS — NOURISHING ANTI-ACNE ORGANIC CLEANSER | $48 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $48

A luxurious balancing face wash for oily skin types. Deeply cleansing, yet gentle, this organic cleanser creates a light foam that easily removes dirt and oils (not the best at heavy makeup removal). Some oil-fighting face washes can be a little drying, but this cleanser actually balances the skin's natural sebum so that your skin is left soft/hydrated with a slight matte finish. Great for stubborn acne.

Shop *TRUE BOTANICALS — NOURISHING ANTI-ACNE ORGANIC CLEANSER

7. *OSMIA — ORGANIC BLACK CLAY FACIAL SOAP

*OSMIA — ORGANIC BLACK CLAY FACIAL SOAP | $24 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $24

This tiny little bar of organic facial soap packs a mega punch and lasts a long time (up to 12 weeks)! The saponified oils in this bar create a light, non-drying lather that leaves the skin feeling really clean and soft. Dead Sea mud soaks up impurities while the other 93% certified organic ingredients (like mango, coconut, avocado, coconut milk, rosemary, and sweet almond oil) rejuvenate the skin.

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8. *100% PURE — CHARCOAL CLAY ORGANIC FACE WASH

*100% PURE — CHARCOAL CLAY ORGANIC FACE WASH | $32 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $32

Don't let the name fool you, this clay cleanser is actually quite thin and easy to apply. It is made with a variety of powders and clays (like bamboo charcoal, activated charcoal, and kaolin clay) which work together to absorb impurities and detoxify the skin. The formula is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin types, but it can be a bit too drying for normal & combination skin types.

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9. *PAI – CAMELLIA & ROSE GENTLE HYDRATING ORGANIC CLEANSER

*PAI – CAMELLIA & ROSE GENTLE HYDRATING ORGANIC CLEANSER | $50 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $50

A great cleanser for dry, sensitive skin types! This uber creamy non-foaming cleanser feels almost like a moisturizer upon application. The cream easily breaks apart makeup, dirt, and excess oil without the suds. Add a little warm water and the cream transforms into a milky cleanser that easily rinses off. Made with 100% natural and 71% organic ingredients all designed to pamper sensitive skin. Also comes with a gentle exfoliating cloth!

Shop *PAI – CAMELLIA & ROSE GENTLE HYDRATING ORGANIC CLEANSER

10. *JUICE BEAUTY – BLEMISH CLEARING ORGANIC ACNE CLEANSER

*JUICE BEAUTY – BLEMISH CLEARING ORGANIC ACNE CLEANSER | $24 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $24

Designed for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types, this blemish-clearing organic and all natural face wash will help to make blemishes a thing of the past. Crafted from certified organic lemon, cherry fruit acids, algae, and aloe juices, this acne cleanser clarifies and hydrates the skin the same time. It also a great job of giving you that super clean feeling without causing dryness. It has a subtle scent that works for both men and women. Can be used on active breakouts (no burning!)

Shop *JUICE BEAUTY – BLEMISH CLEARING ORGANIC ACNE CLEANSER

11. *LAUREL WHOLE PLANT ORGANICS – ORGANIC SUPPORT CLEANSER

*LAUREL WHOLE PLANT ORGANICS – ORGANIC SUPPORT CLEANSER | $56 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $56

This detoxifying organic acne cleanser is designed for oily and combination skin types. It is made with 96% organic ingredients and nothing synthetic. Stars include Roman chamomile, honey, apple cider vinegar, echinacea, and pink clay. These ingredients promote cell turnover, soothe the skin, remove impurities, and clear congested skin. Also helps to remove blackheads and clogged pores. This cleanser must be shaken before use--if it's not pink and creamy, then it wasn’t shaken well enough.

Shop *LAUREL WHOLE PLANT ORGANICS – ORGANIC SUPPORT CLEANSER

12. *SW BASICS – USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC TEA TREE OIL CLEANSER

*SW BASICS – USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC TEA TREE OIL CLEANSER | $20 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $20

This 100% USDA certified organic tea tree oil face wash is made with just three ingredients: organic rose water, organic vegetable glycerin, and organic tea tree oil. Simply soak a cotton pad with this cleanser, apply to the face (gently scrubbing to remove impurities), and then rinse off with water. It takes some getting used to, but it really does leave the skin clean, soft, and hydrated. Perfect for problem and sensitive skin.

Shop *SW BASICS – USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC TEA TREE OIL CLEANSER

13. *JOSH ROSEBROOK – COMPLETE MOISTURE ORGANIC ANTI-ACNE CLEANSER

*JOSH ROSEBROOK – COMPLETE MOISTURE ORGANIC ANTI-ACNE CLEANSER | $29 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $29

A pH balancing organic acne face wash that gently cleanses and renews skin. Formulated with tons of yummy organic ingredients like African Black Soap (antibacterial and helps combat acne), honey (hydrating and antibacterial), and broccoli seed oil (anti-aging), it's a truly effective face wash against acne, acne scars, and aging. As a bonus, it also has antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties which will help to calm and renew sensitive skin while preserving it's natural moisture barrier.

Shop *JOSH ROSEBROOK – COMPLETE MOISTURE ORGANIC ANTI-ACNE CLEANSER

14. *SOAPWALLA – ACTIVATED CHARCOAL & ORGANIC TEA TREE OIL FACE WASH

*SOAPWALLA – ACTIVATED CHARCOAL & ORGANIC TEA TREE OIL FACE WASH | $18 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $18

Not your grandmother's soap bar! This fan-favorite organic tea tree oil facial cleansing bar from Soapwalla is a real hidden for those with sensitive, oily, acne-prone, or generally problematic skin. It's made with the cleanest food-grade + organic ingredients (like tea tree oil, saponified oils, coconut fatty acids, and bamboo charcoal) that work to kill bacteria, tame oil, and gently remove impurities from the skin.

Shop *SOAPWALLA – ACTIVATED CHARCOAL & ORGANIC TEA TREE OIL FACE WASH

15. HONEY GIRL ORGANICS – ORGANIC FOAMING FACIAL WASH

HONEY GIRL ORGANICS – ORGANIC FOAMING FACIAL WASH | $22.99 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $22.99

A fantastic organic face wash for those with oily and acne-prone skin! This cleanser from Honey Girl Organics uses 70% organic ingredients that are known for minimizing oil production and killing acne-causing bacteria. Some of the stars include witch hazel (astringent), raw organic honey and propolis (anti-bacterial + antiseptic), aloe vera (anti-inflammatory), and neroli oil (cell regeneration).

Shop HONEY GIRL ORGANICS – ORGANIC FOAMING FACIAL WASH

16. *HERBIVORE BOTANICALS – BAMBOO CHARCOAL & NATURAL TEA TREE OIL FACE WASH

*HERBIVORE BOTANICALS – BAMBOO CHARCOAL & NATURAL TEA TREE OIL FACE WASH | $12 |
Ethics : 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Price : $12

This potent little bar from Herbivore Botanicals works wonders for cleansing and balancing oily, combination, and blemish prone-skin. Each bar is hand-crafted with a combination of activated bamboo charcoal (draws out impurities from pores, purifies skin), tea tree oil (clarifies and fights blemishes), and bergamot oil (balances oil production). This natural tea tree face wash is gentle yet effective, and perfect as a daily cleansing facial or body bar.

Shop *HERBIVORE BOTANICALS – BAMBOO CHARCOAL & NATURAL TEA TREE OIL FACE WASH

FILTER BY TYPE

*100% Pure – Tea Tree Oil & Willow Acne Clear USDA Organic Cleanser ($34)

Acne sufferers rejoice! This USDA certified organic tea tree oil face wash gets in deep to clear pores, kill bacteria, and soothe inflamed skin. It contains a powerful dose of anti-bacterial tea tree oil (to combat acne), yet this cleanser is still non-drying and won't strip your skin's natural oils. Other potent blemish-fighting ingredients include neem oil, rosemary, lemon, and turmeric. Best for all skin-types with acne.

GET MATCHED! TAKE THE ACNE FACE WASHES QUIZ

Need help finding the perfect natural acne face wash for your skin? Take our Organic Acne Face Washes Quiz & get matched with the best organic and all natural acne cleansers for you! We've created a custom quiz to help you quickly find the top 5 products from our list. Takes just a few seconds to complete---click to get started.

The Ox Box: Organic Beauty Box (No Subscription!)

SPECIAL EDITION! 77% OFF one of the world's most premier certified natural skin care brands with this Limited Edition Amala Beauty Ox Box. Experience six Amala bestselling, clinically proven skin care products, like their Advanced Firming Complex Moisturizer and Skin Plumping Hyaluronic Serum, in this exclusive Skin Care Ox bundle!

*SW Basics – USDA Certified Organic Tea Tree Oil Cleanser ($20)

This 100% USDA certified organic tea tree oil face wash is made with just three ingredients: organic rose water, organic vegetable glycerin, and organic tea tree oil. Simply soak a cotton pad with this cleanser, apply to the face (gently scrubbing to remove impurities), and then rinse off with water. It takes some getting used to, but it really does leave the skin clean, soft, and hydrated. Perfect for problem and sensitive skin.

SOURCES & REFERENCES

1. (2017) Skin Surface pH in Acne Vulgaris: Insights from an Observational Study and Review of the Literature; The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605222/

2. (2017) Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 week uncontrolled, open-label phase II pilot study; Australasian Journal of Dermatology https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ajd.12465

3. (2011) Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity; Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/

4. (2013) Comparative Antibacterial Activity of Different Plant Extracts in Relation to their Bioactive Molecules, as Determined by LC-MS Analysis https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.844.8955&rep=rep1&type=pdf

5. (1999) Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness. British Journal of General Practice https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1313538/

6. (2016) Anti-inflammatory Action of Green Tea.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27634207

7. (2007) Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry, and clinical properties. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17373175

8. (2019) Studying the Skin Microbiome and the Potential of a Topical Probiotic Cream for Patients With Acne; U.S. National Library of Medicine https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03469076

9. (2018) Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils; International Journal of Molecular Sciences https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

10. (2002) A double-blind study comparing the effect of glycerin and urea on dry, eczematous skin in atopic patients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12013198

PRODUCT BADGES LEGEND
100% NATURAL

100% NATURAL

The product contains only natural ingredients (non-synthetic or lab created). It does not contain anything artificial or synthetic.

100% ORGANIC

100% ORGANIC

The product has been formulated with 100% organically sourced and/or certified organic ingredients.

GMO FREE

GMO FREE

This product does not contain ingredients which have been genetically modified.

GLUTEN FREE

GLUTEN FREE

All of the ingredients contained in the product are free from gluten, wheat, and ingredients which are commonly contaminated with gluten.

VEGAN

VEGAN

The product is made without animal products or byproducts such as beeswax, honey, milk, eggs, etc.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

The product has received an official organic certification from a third party organization such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Certified Organic), ECOCERT, Australian Certified Organic, and others.

8 Comments

  1. Friederike April 28, 2019
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