The Best Natural Makeup Remover (19+ Products Ranked)

makeup remover
5 min reading time

Traditional makeup removers that you’re likely to find in a drugstore aren’t always easy to work with, and often have a long list of ingredients that we’d prefer to avoid.

Conversely, makeup removers in the form of oil or balm make it so much easier and quicker to remove makeup. Not only that, but using an oil-based cleanser will clean the face of excess sebum, dirt and grime that may have accumulated over the day.

This is where clean beauty comes in, where you can choose a natural, gentle makeup remover that will not only effectively remove makeup without damaging the skin, but is full of natural ingredients and is often better for the environment, too.

Common oils used in clean makeup removers include:

  • jojoba oil
  • roeship oil
  • sunflower seed oil
  • olive oil
  • sweet almond oil
  • castor seed oil

All you have to do is apply a bit of the product to your hands, then massage it all over your face. You can add a bit of water to help the product emulsify, then use a damp cloth to easily remove even waterproof mascara and lipstick in an effective way.

Balms are essential an oil cleanser in a different format. These are typically hard oils that come in a jar, and are used in essentially the same way as a cleansing oil. I find cleansing oils to be a bit quicker because they don’t have to dissolve in your hands, but balms are great too because they feel luxurious to use.

The great thing about oil and balm makeup removers is that they often contain a much shorter list of cleaner ingredients compared to traditional makeup removers, sometimes being even good enough to eat (if, for some reason, you felt hungry for a makeup cleanser.)

Micellar Water

Also known as cleansing water, micellar water is an effective makeup remover typically made from purified water and suspended surfactant molecules which attract dirt and oil.

Micellar water can also be used as a first cleanse, and makes the routine of washing your face even quicker. Micellar water is also handy for easily removing eye makeup, plus it’s great for travel because it can be used in multiple ways. For example, it can be used to retouch makeup on the go when you mess up, plus it’s harder to spill a micellar water as compared to an oil.

Micellar water needs a cotton round to be used. To remove makeup with micellar water, just apply some to the cotton round and use it to remove the makeup all over your face. Keep using it until the cotton round is clean, and all of the makeup is removed from your face.

To efficiently use micellar water to remove eye makeup, hold the cotton round on your eyes for about 10 seconds, then wipe.

The Double Cleanse

While you can use all of the cleansers on our list on their own, we recommend using them as part of a double cleanse routine.

Japan and Korea are the founding mothers of the double cleanse technique. Apparently, cleansing oils were the only method of removing the white paint-like makeup that 14th century women in these countries wore. The oil cleanse was followed up with a foaming cleanser.

It’s as simple as it sounds—you can use and oil cleanser, balm, or micellar water as your first cleanse, and follow it up with a foam or gentle cleanser.

Our Methodology

We looked at social media, popular online shops like Credo, Sephora, and iHerb, and reviews across the review 15+ of the most popular clean and natural makeup removers available. They’re rated on this scale:

Best ???? – These products are the best of the best. They contain all-clean ingredients, are non-toxic and are often the best choice for our environment.

Good – These products are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.

Iffy – These products are typically okay, but have some issues that make us unable to give them a “Good” rating. Often times they contain ingredients that are questionable.

Bad – These products typically have toxic ingredients or issues that make them dangerous or unsuitable to use. These products should typically be avoided.

The Best Natural Makeup Removers

Of the makeup removers we looked at, these has the cleanest and safest list of ingredients. Any one of these is a great choice if clean ingredients are a priority for you.

OSEA

Ocean Cleansing Milk
Price: $54 ($10.8 per oz)

Osea’s Ocean Cleansing Milk has a great list of ingredients. There’s no concerning ingredients here, and the main ingredients (in particular, the oils) are all organic.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Organic Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil),
  • White Water Lily Extract (Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract),
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Sorbitan Olivate,
  • Organic Glycerin,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate,
  • Organic Gigartina Skottsbergii Extract,
  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Alkyl Glucoside,
  • Glyceryl Stearate,
  • Cetearyl Alcohol,
  • Stearic Acid,
  • Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids,
  • Organic Lemon Peel Oil (Citrus Limon Peel Oil)*,
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose,
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Sodium Palmitoyl Proline,
  • Capryloyl Glycine,
  • Undecylenoyl Glycine,
  • Cassie Flower Wax (Acacia Farnesiana Flower Wax),
  • Cabbage Rose Flower Wax (Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax),
  • Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis Virginiana Extract),
  • Organic Roman Chamomile Flower Extract (Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract),
  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Potential irritants: 1*

Pai Skincare

Light Work
Price: $49 ($14.85 per oz)

This oil-based makeup remover has 90% organic ingredients, and none that are toxic. For its great list of ingredients, it gets a top rating.

Citronellol is naturally occurring but can also be made synthetically. This ingredient falls into the list of allergens under the EU legislation. It may cause pigmentary anomalies, known as melanosis faciei feminae. This ingredient may also cause contact allergy. (source)

Ingredients

  • Organic Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil),
  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate,
  • Organic Castor Seed Oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil),
  • Organic Rose Hip Fruit Extract (Rosa Canina Fruit Extract)*,
  • Organic Jasmine Flower Extract (Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract),
  • Organic Lime Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Oil)*,
  • Organic Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Organic Geranium Flower Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil),
  • Organic Basil Oil (Ocimum Basilicum Oil),
  • Tocopherol,
  • Organic Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract),
  • Squalane,
  • Beta-Sitosterol,
  • Limonene*,
  • Citronellol*,
  • Geraniol*,
  • Citral*,
  • Linalool*

Potential irritants: 8*

Tata Harper

Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
Price: $82 ($20 per oz)

This cleanser consists of a majority of organic ingredients, all of which are clean. The only ingredients to look out for are the four ingredients at the end of the list, all of which are derived from essential oils and can be potentially irritating to sensitive skin.

Citronellol is naturally occurring but can also be made synthetically. This ingredient falls into the list of allergens under the EU legislation. It may cause pigmentary anomalies, known as melanosis faciei feminae. This ingredient may also cause contact allergy. (source)

Ingredients

  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Organic Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil),
  • Organic Green or White Tea Oil (Camellia Sinensis Oil),
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquioleate,
  • Shea Butter Ethyl Esters,
  • Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate,
  • Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Isopropyl Shea Butterate,
  • Organic Camellia Oil (Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil),
  • Castor Seed Oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil),
  • Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend)*,
  • Elder Fruit Extract (Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract),
  • Tocopherol,
  • Squalane,
  • Organic Inca Inchi Seed Oil (Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil),
  • Organic Arnica Extract (Arnica Montana Flower Extract),
  • Organic Borage Leaf Extract (Borago Officinalis Leaf Extract),
  • Organic Calendula Flower Extract (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract),
  • Organic Alfalfa Extract (Medicago Sativa Extract),
  • Organic Meadowsweet Flower Extract (Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract),
  • Silybum Marianum Ethyl Ester,
  • Organic Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil),
  • Organic Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil),
  • Organic Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil),
  • Limonene*,
  • Citronellol*,
  • Geraniol*,
  • Linalool*

Potential irritants: 4*

Badger

Unscented Face Cleansing Oil
Price: $15.99 ($8 per oz)

With all organic ingredients and no irritants, this cleanser has the best ingredients of all of the makeup removers we looked at. For this reason, we give it a top rating.

Ingredients

  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil,
  • Organic Castor Seed Oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil),
  • Organic Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil),
  • Sunflower Vitamin E,
  • Organic Calendula Flower Extract (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract)

Andalou Naturals

Age Defying Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk
Price: $14.99 ($2.5 per oz)

Ethylhexylglycerin can be a mild skin and eye irritant. Extra care should be taken when using products with this ingredient around the face. (source)

Ingredients

  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Water,
  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Ethylhexyl Palmitate,
  • Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil),
  • Glyceryl Stearate,
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Stearic Acid,
  • Cetyl Alcohol,
  • Sucrose Cocoate,
  • Lecithin,
  • Organic Borage Oil (Borago Officinalis Seed Oil),
  • Bacillus Coagulans,
  • Fruit Stem Cells (Malus Domestica, Solar Vitis),
  • Organic BioActive Berry Complex,
  • Resveratrol,
  • Ubiquinone (CoQ10),
  • Panthenol,
  • Organic Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)*,
  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate,
  • Organic Coconut Milk (Cocos Nucifera Milk),
  • Allantoin,
  • Tocopherol,
  • Organic Roselle Flower Extract (Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract),
  • Phenethyl Alcohol,
  • Ethylhexylglycerin*,
  • Apricot Isolates,
  • Vanilla Isolates,
  • Organic Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*

Potential irritants: 3*

Makeup Removers Rated: Good

These natural cleansers are good, but have one or two ingredients that stop us from giving them a “best” rating.

BYBI Beauty

Swipe Clean Oil Cleanser
Price: $26.99 ($7.99 per oz)

This cleanser has a total of 8 oils, and no concerning ingredients nor potential irritants.

Ingredients

  • Sesame Seed Oil (Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil),
  • Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil),
  • Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate,
  • Plum Oil (Prunus Domestica Oil),
  • Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil),
  • Moringa Seed Oil (Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil),
  • Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Papaya Seed Oil (Carica Papaya Seed Oil),
  • Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquioleate,
  • Black Cumin Extract (Nigella Sativa Extract),
  • Tocopherol,
  • Calendula (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract),
  • Roselle Extract (Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract),
  • Bisabolol,
  • Carrot Root Extract (Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract),
  • Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract)

Kopari Beauty

100% Organic Coconut Melt
Price: $28 ($5.49 per oz)

The only ingredient in this product is organic coconut oil. User reviews state that it applies more smoothly than store-bought coconut butter, but this product does come at a significant markup versus regular coconut oil.

Ingredients

  • Organic Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)

Drunk Elephant

Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Price: $34 ($8.76 per oz)

While the ingredients of this Drunk Elephant cleanser aren’t all-natural, none of them are of concern. For this reason, we give a “good” rating to this popular cleanser.

Ingredients

  • Ethylhexyl Palmitate,
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil),
  • Lauryl Laurate,
  • Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate,
  • Polyhydroxystearic Acid,
  • Sunflower Seed Wax (Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax),
  • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate,
  • Marula Seed Oil (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil),
  • Acai Berry Fruit Oil (Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil),
  • Kiwi Fruit Extract (Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract),
  • Strawberry Seed Extract (Fragaria Ananassa Seed Extract),
  • Cranberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil),
  • Borage Oil (Borago Officinalis Seed Oil),
  • African Baobab Seed Oil (Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil),
  • Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate,
  • Watermelon Seed Oil (Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil),
  • Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)*,
  • Mongongo Kernel Oil (Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil),
  • Blueberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract),
  • Hog Plum Seed Oil (Ximenia Americana Seed Oil),
  • Tocopherol,
  • Glycerin

Potential irritants: 1*

Mad Hippie

Cream Cleanser
Price: $15.99 ($4 per oz)

With a clean list of ingredients, some of which are organic, this popular cream cleanser gets a “good” rating.

Ingredients

  • Deionized Water,
  • Sesame Seed Oil (Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil),
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter),
  • Cetearyl Glucoside*,
  • Carrageenan Gum,
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Caprylhydroxamic Acid,
  • Caprylyl Glycol*,
  • Sodium PCA,
  • Green or White Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract),
  • Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Squalene,
  • Organic Macadamia Gympie Nut Oil (Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil),
  • Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Yeast Extract,
  • Glucosamine HCL,
  • Tocopherol,
  • Sodium Hyaluronate,
  • Algae Extract,
  • Orchid Extract (Orchis Mascula Extract),
  • Titanium Dioxide

Potential irritants: 2*

Desert Essence

100% Pure Jojoba Oil
Price: $13.99 ($3.5 per oz)

This product is 100% jojoba oil. While it’s not organic, it is a clean product and therefore gets a good rating.

Ingredients

  • Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil)

Purito

From Green Cleansing Oil
Price: $21 ($3.11 per oz)

This product contains 5 natural oils and no toxic ingredients. It does contain one potential irritant to note, however.

Ethylhexylglycerin can be a mild skin and eye irritant. Extra care should be taken when using products with this ingredient around the face. (source)

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil),
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate,
  • Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Glyceryl Caprylate,
  • Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)*,
  • Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil),
  • Ethylhexylglycerin*,
  • Vegetable Oil,
  • Tocopherol

Potential irritants: 2*

Glow Recipe

Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover
Price: $32 ($9.41 per oz)

Pentylene glycol has shown evidence of being an irritant. Studies show that it can cause contact dermatitis, which indicates that Pentylene Glycol is a sensitizing ingredient and can be considered as an allergen. (source)

Ingredients

  • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate,
  • Sorbitan Oleate,
  • Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil),
  • Polyethylene,
  • Water,
  • Japanese Camellia Seed Oil (Camellia Japonica Seed Oil),
  • Papaya Seed Oil (Carica Papaya Seed Oil),
  • Papaya Fruit Extract (Carica Papaya Fruit Extract),
  • Papain,
  • Blueberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract),
  • Strawberry Fruit Extract (Fragaria Ananassa Fruit Extract),
  • Alkanet Root Extract (Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract),
  • Cayenne Pepper Fruit Extract (Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract),
  • Maltodextrin,
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Levulinic Acid,
  • Pentylene Glycol*,
  • Sodium Metabisulfite*

Potential irritants: 2*

Biossance

Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
Price: $30 ($4.48 per oz)

This makeup remover from Biossance has no ingredients of concern and is safe to use. It does contain 4 potential irritants, which may be a concern for those with sensitive skin, however.

Ingredients

  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate,
  • Squalane,
  • C13-15 Alkane,
  • Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquioleate,
  • Triethylhexanoin,
  • Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Oil),
  • Musk Rose / Rosehip Oil (Rosa Moschata Oil)*,
  • Oat Kernel Oil (Avena Sativa Kernel Oil),
  • Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis Oil),
  • Moringa Seed Oil (Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil),
  • Lavandin Oil (Lavandula Hybrida Oil),
  • Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract),
  • Roman Chamomile Oil (Anthemis Nobilis Oil),
  • Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Tocopherol,
  • Limonene*,
  • Linalool*

Potential irritants: 4*

Acure

Brightening Micellar Water
Price: $9.99 ($1.25 per oz)

This micellar water makeup remover has a clean list of ingredients, with only one worth pointing out.

Sodium benzoate is a chemical preservative. Reports show that people with sensitive skin should not use products which contain sodium benzoate as it may induce contact allergy. (source)

Ingredients

  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Propanediol,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sorbitan Oleate Dexylglucoside Crosspolymer,
  • Panthenol,
  • Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil),
  • Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil),
  • Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Lactobacillus Ferment,
  • Lactobacillus,
  • Coconut Extract (Cocos Nucifera Extract),
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Allantoin,
  • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate,
  • Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Oil),
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • Resveratrol,
  • Citric Acid

Potential irritants: 1*

Sukin

Micellar Cleansing Water
Price: $10.99 ($1.3 per oz)

While most of the makeup removers on our list are oil-based, this is a micellar water cleanser. There are two ingredients worth mentioning, neither of which are concerning enough to warrant less than a “good” rating.

Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. Typically, this ingredient is considered safe in products not meant for babies. An EU study found skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts. (source)

Benzyl alcohol is listed by the The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) as a well-recognized consumer allergen. (source)

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Glycerin,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Lecithin,
  • Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract),
  • Matricaria Extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract),
  • Vanillin,
  • Alcohol (Denatured),
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*

Potential irritants: 2*

Makeup Removers Rated: Iffy

These cleansers have a few ingredients that we consider iffy, making these products some we wouldn’t recommend.

Drunk Elephant

E-Rase Milki Micellar Water
Price: $28 ($3.5 per oz)

This popular micellar water gets an iffy rating because of its inclusion of polysorbate-20.

Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. Typically, this ingredient is considered safe in products not meant for babies. An EU study found skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts. (source)

Polysorbate 20 can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, possible human carcinogens.

Ethylhexylglycerin can be a mild skin and eye irritant. Extra care should be taken when using products with this ingredient around the face. (source)

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Cetearyl Isononanoate,
  • Propanediol,
  • C15-19 Alkane,
  • Dicaprylyl Carbonate,
  • Heptyl Undecylenate,
  • Marula Seed Oil (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil),
  • African Baobab Seed Oil (Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil),
  • Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)*,
  • Mongongo Kernel Oil (Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil),
  • Tocopherol,
  • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer,
  • Watermelon Seed Oil (Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil),
  • Hog Plum Seed Oil (Ximenia Americana Seed Oil),
  • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate,
  • Ceramide AP,
  • Ceramide EOP,
  • Ceramide NP,
  • Cholesterol,
  • Phytosphingosine,
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • Carbomer,
  • Sodium Hydroxide*,
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Polysorbate 20,
  • Ethylhexylglycerin*

Potential irritants: 4*

Farmacy Beauty

Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Price: $34 ($10 per oz)

While this makeup remover is often considered a clean beauty staple, the inclusion of the following ingredients make us unable to recommend it over other cleansers on our list.

Glyceryl Triisostearate (PEG-20) can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, possible human carcinogens.

PEG-10 Isostearate can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, possible human carcinogens.

Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative. Typically, this ingredient is considered safe in products not meant for babies. An EU study found skin irritation in animal studies even when exposed to very low amounts. (source)

Ingredients

  • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate,
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate,
  • PEG-10 Isostearate,
  • Polyethylene,
  • Purple Coneflower Extract (Echinacea Purpurea Extract),
  • Papaya Fruit Extract (Carica Papaya Fruit Extract),
  • Drumstick Tree Seed Extract (Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract),
  • Moringa Seed Oil (Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil),
  • Ginger Root Oil (Zingiber Officinale Root Oil),
  • Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Sorbitan Sesquioleate,
  • Lime Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia Oil),
  • Bergamot Fruit Oil (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil),
  • Glycerin,
  • Chinaberry/Neem Leaf Extract (Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract),
  • Chinaberry/Neem Flower Extract (Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract),
  • Coral Weed Extract (Corallina Officinalis Extract),
  • Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Amber Powder,
  • Ylang Ylang Flower Oil (Cananga Odorata Flower Oil)*,
  • Ivy Gourd Fruit Extract (Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract),
  • Eggplant Fruit Extract (Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract),
  • Turmeric Extract (Curcuma Longa Extract),
  • Holy Basil Leaf Extract (Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract),
  • Water,
  • Butylene Glycol,
  • Disodium Phosphate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Citral*,
  • Limonene*,
  • Linalool*

Potential irritants: 6*

One Love Organics

Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover
Price: $42 ($10.5 per oz)

This product reports to have fragrance/parfum, which we always consider an ingredient to avoid. However, since it’s not clear if this fragrance is natural or synthetic, we give this product an iffy rating.

The ingredient “fragrance” means that there is a mixture of several essential oils or synthetic or natural chemicals that makeup the scent of the product. According to European and US legislation, the ingredients of the fragrance do not have to be revealed on the product’s ingredients list. Because these ingredients are not disclosed, we always consider this a “bad” ingredient.

Ingredients

  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate,
  • Polyglycerol-3 Beeswax,
  • Papaya Seed Oil (Carica Papaya Seed Oil),
  • Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil),
  • Tocopherol,
  • Ascorbyl Palmitate,
  • Organic Papain,
  • Organic Lecithin,
  • Fragrance

Derma E

Universal Cleansing Balm
Price: $15 ($4.29 per oz)

Retinol is a controversial ingredient and there are a number of conflicting studies on the ingredient. Read our full description on retinol above to see why we give it a bad rating.

There is some concern that tocopheryl acetate is at risk of being contaminated with hydroquinone, a known human carcinogen. While we believe this risk to be small, we consider tocopheryl acetate an iffy ingredient. (source)

Polysorbate 20 can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, possible human carcinogens.

We consider “natural fragrance” to be an “Iffy” ingredient simply because it is a blanket term for unknown fragrance ingredients. Because these are natural fragrances, the main concern is skin irritation or allergic reaction, but this shouldn’t be a concern if you aren’t prone to these issues.

Ingredients

  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Ethylhexyl Palmitate,
  • Lauryl Laurate,
  • Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil),
  • Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate,
  • Polyhydroxystearic Acid,
  • Sunflower Seed Wax (Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax),
  • Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao Butter),
  • Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter),
  • Glyceryl Stearate Citrate,
  • Cetyl Alcohol,
  • Rose Hip Oil (Rosa Canina Oil)*,
  • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate,
  • Camellia Oil (Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil),
  • Retinol,
  • Tocopheryl Acetate*,
  • Polysorbate 20,
  • Bergamot Fruit Oil (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil),
  • Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Natural Fragrance*

Potential irritants: 4*

Conclusion

All of the products we looked at are marketed as being clean and natural. Like many other product categories, just because a product claims to be clean, it doesn’t mean it actually is.

For a simple choice in a cleanser, look at any of the products we gave a rating of “best”—any of them are a great choice.

 
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