So, by now you’ve probably heard how bad sulfates* are for you, but I know many of you can’t live without a foaming facial cleanser.  I get it; you just don’t feel like you can get all your makeup off without it, you don’t feel truly clean unless you see bubbles, etc.

I like a foaming cleanser for Friday nights when I’m wearing extra makeup and feeling to lazy to double-cleanse at midnight, so I feel your pain.  Luckily, there are some really great Green foaming cleansers out there these days.  (Instead of conventional sulfates, they usually contain a saponified vegetable oil, like coconut to give you that luxurious lather you crave.)  I’ve rounded up my favorites for you to choose from.

Left to Right:

Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap: I’m not usually a fan of bar soaps, but this is a gem and I’ve blogged about it before here.  It’s great for oily or blemish-prone skin, as black Australian clay and Dead Sea mud balance, while organic almond, avocado, and castor bean oils condition.  It’s also effective for those with perioral dermatitis.  A plus: it doesn’t contribute to your ziplock bag of liquids while traveling and it lasts a long time.  Cost: $24 for 2.25 oz.

One Love Organics Chia Whip Fragrance Free Foam Cleanser: An Organic castille soap base effectively washes the day away.  Omega 3 fatty acids from supercritical chia oil, combined with organic aloe vera, olive and jojoba oils help soothe any redness or irriitation while moisturizing skin.  This cleanser is perfect for those who are blemish-prone, but sensitive (and it’s my current favorite).  Cost: $28 for 5 oz.

Medik8 Porecleanse Gel: . The powerful foaming formula thoroughly removes oil, dirt and bacteria while unplugging pores and balancing skin’s hydration levels.  Its exfoliating ingredients will help smooth fine lines and brighten.  This cleanser is wonderful for those who are fighting clogged pores and acne as well as aging.  Cost: $35 for 5 oz.

Naturopathica Aloe Cleansing Gel: Over 50% Organic Aloe Vera, this cleanser lathers beautifully and washes off everything, even stubborn sunscreen, but it doesn’t leaving you feeling tight or dry.  Gentle and refreshing, it’s great for all skin types.  I’ve blogged about it before here.  Cost: $28 for 5 oz.

Acure Organics Superfruit and Chlorella Growth Factor Cleansing Gel: This gentle foaming cleanser washes away dirt, oil and makeup while an antioxidant dense cleansing complex that maintains your skin’s natural acid mantle.  Great for combination-oily skin.  And you can’t beat the price.  Cost: $15 for 4 oz.

*Why Sulfates are bad: (For a quick summary, See This isn’t Pretty.)  Sulfates are listed as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Sulfate, PEG Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, or Sodium Salt Sulphuric acid on an ingredient label.  These are the exact same cheap surfactants (foaming agents) used in industrial-grade detergents.  They strip the protective barrier of the skin, washing away good bacteria and causing oil glands to go into overdrive.  But, that’s the least of it.  Sulfates are skin and eye irritants (contact dermatitis, anyone?) and they are proven endocrine disruptors.  Aaaaand, your liver is incapable of metabolizing them.  Think about how many products you use each day that produce a lather….  Yikes!

I’ve also got posts coming on exfoliating facial scrubs and cleansers for dry/sensitive skin.  What else do you want to see?  Send me some requests!

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