Cleansing Creams (Scented)
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August 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
The products listed on this page contain a substantial noticeable scent. Most contain either processed botanical fragrances (such as linalool or limonene), essential oils, or unspecified “natural fragrance.”
Gel cleansers as well as cream cleansers are included.
Although I am not a big fan of having fragrance in my skincare, I am a little less concerned about this when it comes to cleansers since the product is in contact with the skin for such a brief period of time.
Gel and cream cleansers that do not contain fragrance – as well as various makeup removers – are discussed on additional pages of this website.
Cleansers that contain substantial amounts of exfoliants are discussed on the Exfoliating Scrubs or Hydroxy Acids Resurfacers pages of this website rather than on this one.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
+Annmarie Aloe Herb Cleanser ($57)
+Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser ($18)
+Fitglow Calm Cleansing Milk ($39)
+True Botanicals Renew Nourishing Cleanser ($48)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Burt’s Bees Renewal Refining Cleanser ($10)
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($38)
Honest Gentle Gel Cleanser ($13)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
+Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser ($26)
W3LL People Juice Cleanse Face Cleanser ($18)
♠ Trash Can:
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser ($36)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
√ Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser ($18)
Fitglow Calm Cleansing Milk ($39)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
Annmarie Aloe Herb Cleanser – $57
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Ruby Red Grapefruit Oil, Italian Lemon Oil, Green Mandarin Oil
The description of the product on the Annmarie website reads, “Cleanse and lift excess oil with this pH-balanced, aloe vera-based cream cleanser. Infused with beautifying herbs and a light blend of natural oils containing essential fatty acids, to keep your skin naturally hydrated. Gently removes makeup and impurities without drying or leaving any residue. Leaves your skin feeling nourished, soft and beautiful.”
This is a light cleanser made entirely of natural ingredients that I have found to be pleasant to use.
Although it includes some citrus oils, I have not found them to be irritating in this product. They are pretty far down on the ingredients list, and so maybe the amounts are not very high.
Probably I wouldn’t buy this product again because it is quite expensive and it seems to me that there are less expensive options that also work well for me.
I don’t think this is a bad choice for those who are looking for an all-natural scented product with quality ingredients, though.
Size: 3.4 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars (105 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Grapefruit peel oil (3), Lemon peel oil (6).
Fragrance Ingredients: Calendula flower extract, Hyssop extract, Lavender flower extract, Lemon balm leaf extract, helichrysum arenarium flower extract, Neem leaf extract, Aspen bark extract, Ruby red grapefruit peel oil, Italian lemon peel oil, Green mandarin peel oil, Rosemary extract
All Ingredients: *Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, [Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, Lauryl glucoside (saponified oils of coconut oil and plant starches/sugars)], Herb-infused aloe vera juice [*Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, *Calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract, *Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop) extract, *Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower extract, *Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) leaf extract, *Helichrysum arenarium (life everlasting) flower extract, *Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract, *Olea europaea (olive) leaf extract], *Glycerin (vegetable derived), Populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract, Citrus paradisi (ruby red grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus limon (Italian lemon) peel oil, Citrus reticulata (green mandarin) peel oil, non-GMO Xanthan gum (plant derived), *Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract. *Organically grown or wildcrafted
Burt’s Bees Renewal Refining Cleanser – $10
Overall Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Natural Fragrance, Eugenol
The description of the product on the Burt’s Bees website reads, “A gentler way to cleanse and smooth. This cream cleanser deeply cleans without stripping vital moisture from your skin. Infused with Bakuchiol—nature’s answer to retinol—and Vitamin E, it helps to reveal smoother, healthy-looking skin, reduce dullness, and prime your skin for the rest of your regimen. 99% natural origin.”
This product contains a substantial amount of natural fragrance and a number of other ingredients that some people may find to be objectionable.
The fact that they are being used in a product that is immediately washed off after being applied may make them much less problematic, though.
I’ve tried this product on a few occasions and it seems to be okay for me, though not something that I have felt very interested in continuing to use up.
Although the product contains bakuchiol (an herbal ingredient said to help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles), I doubt that will be on my skin for long enough for me to get any benefit from it.
I might use this product for a limited period of time if it were the only cleanser that I had on hand, though.
Size: 6 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars (8835 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Natural fragrance (8), Glyceryl laurate (3), Lactic acid (4), Sodium lactate (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Eugenol (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Apple fruit extract, Watermelon fruit extract, Lens esculenta fruit extract, Scutellaria alpina flower/leaf/stem extract, Adansonia digitata fruit extract, Clover leaf extract, Phragmites communis extract, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Eugenol
All Ingredients: Water, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polylactic acid, polyglyceryl-4 caprate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, stearic acid, sunflower seed oil, fragrance (natural fragrance), cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate citrate, isoamyl laurate, coconut oil, glyceryl laurate, hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, apple fruit extract, watermelon fruit extract, lens esculenta fruit extract, scutellaria alpina flower/leaf/stem extract, adansonia digitata fruit extract, clover leaf extract, poria cocos extract, phragmites communis extract, shea butter, crambe abyssinica seed oil, tocopherol, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, ribose, sodium lauroyl lactylate, corn starch, magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, coco-glucoside, glyceryl caprylate, arginine, linoleic acid, lactic acid, linolenic acid, citric acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, soybean oil, sclerotium gum, sodium lactate, sodium citrate, sodium PCA, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, eugenol.
Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser – $26
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Rosemary Leaf Oil, West Indian Lemongrass Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Clary Oil, Citral, Citronellol, Linalool
The description of this product reads, “Experience a satisfying, deep cleanse through a gentle foaming gel that envelopes your skin in a non-stripping formula for a soft, hydrated complexion. The gentle but powerful amino acid complex breaks down dirt, aloe calms and soothes, and moringa extract removes remnants of pore-clogging environmental debris. Formulated for all skin types. Digs deep into pores to remove dirt, debris, and makeup without drying or irritating the skin. Helps remove remnants or pore-clogging environmental pollution. Calms, soothes, and hydrates for a healthy glow. We recommend a patch test prior to use if you are particularly sensitive.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 6.76 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (471 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil (3), Rose geranium oil (4), Citrol (5), Citronellol (4), Linalool (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Clary Oil, Citral, Citronellol, Linalool
All Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Squalane, Cocoyl Proline, Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Clary Oil, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Alfalfa Extract, Sodium Levulinate, Caramel, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Citral, Citronellol, Linalool.
Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser – $18
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Rose Geranium Oil, Roman Chamomile Oil, Anthemis Noblis Oil
The Cocokind website describes this product as “An oil cleanser that you can actually wash off! This gentle cleanser transforms into milk upon contact with water, leaving skin soft, replenished, and hydrated. Daily gentle and non-disruptive cleansing. Removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of moisture. Supports a healthy skin moisture barrier with a slightly acidic pH when mixed with water.”
This is one of my favorite cleansing products and my face always feels good after I use it.
I agree that it rinses off my face easily, without the need for a second cleanse.
The product does contain a few essential oils, but they are floral ones that tend to be only moderately irritating at most and I have done okay with this product.
The cleanser has a natural fragrance that is mild and pleasant, and it seems both moisturizng and an effective cleanser.
Probably I will buy this product again in the future.
Size: 2.9 oz.
Awards: Byrdie Eco Beauty Award 2020
Ulta Rating: 4.3 Stars (43 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rose geranium flower oil (4). (Also contains Roman chamomile flower oil, Anthemis noblis flower oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rose geranium flower oil, Roman chamomile flower oil, Anthemis noblis flower oil
All Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil*, glycerin, grape seed oil*, water, sucrose laurate, oat kernel oil, adansonia digitata seed oil*, sucrose stearate, tocopherol, rose geranium flower oil, sucrose palmitate, anthemis nobilis flower oil, oat kernel extract, lactobacillus ferment. *Certified organic
Fitglow Calm Cleansing Milk – $39
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
This product has a strong, sweet fragrance that initially took me aback since it is about at the same level as that of many synthetically fragranced products.
However, I quickly decided that I liked the fragrance, which is stated as being from natural ingredients and has a fruity/flowery type smell that was unfamiliar to me.
Apparently the main fragrance ingredient is Leuconostoc/Aloe barbadensis Leaf/Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Ferment Filtrate. Sorbus Aucuparia (also called Rowan or Mountain Ash) is a small edible red berry.
No essential oils or other highly processed ingredients are listed as being included.
I feel that my skin has done quite well with this product, which I attribute to the simple all-natural ingredient list and the presence of the fermented component.
It seems to be pretty good at removing my makeup and my face feels good afterwards.
I have really enjoyed using it and might purchase another bottle at some point.
Size: 4.06 oz.
Fitglow Rating: 4.8 Stars (46 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: Cucumber Fruit/Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Leuconostoc/Aloe barbadensis Leaf/ Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Ferment Filtrate
All Ingredients: Sunflower Oil*, Bamboo Ferment Filtrate*, Decyl Polyglucoside, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Vegetable Glycerin, Lactobacillus /Yerba Santa Ferment, Cucumber Fruit/Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract*, Leuconostoc/Aloe barbadensis Leaf/ Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Ferment Filtrate. *Certified Organic Ingredient
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser – $38
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Rose Oil
The Fresh website states about this product, “Our #1 hydrating face wash with soy proteins deeply cleanses pores and removes makeup while maintaining skin’s pH and increasing hydration—even after you rinse. Aloe vera gel helps to immediately calm and cool the complexion. Cucumber extract helps to cool, calm and soothe the skin. Borage seed oil helps to nourish and soften. Soy proteins are rich in amino acid hydroxyproline and known to improve elasticity and smooth skin to promote a healthy looking complexion.”
This foamy facial wash seems to be one of the cleaner products offered by Fresh, which was purchased by the French luxury company LVMH in 2000.
To my understanding, this is one of the original products that gained attention for Fresh, and it has worked acceptably well for me.
While most Fresh products contain synthetic fragrance and problematic ingredients, this one uses only natural botanicals in terms of the scent and has a better ingredients list.
It is a fairly thin gel cleanser that smells fairly strongly of cucumber (with cucumber extract being one of the ingredients).
Although it is stated as containing rose extract and rose oil, I am not really smelling much of the rose.
As suggested by the name, ths product contains hydrolyzed soy protein. Some people react strongly to anything containing soy, and while I seem to be okay with it, I’m not sure that using any kind of non-organic soy – for consumption or skin treatment – is a great idea.
While I don’t feel like this cleanser has caused my face to be notably irritated, I also am not sure that I would want to use it as my main cleanser on a continued basis.
In addition, the fact that it leaves my face feeling slightly sticky makes me wonder if it’s really doing a good job as a cleanser.
Still, I do think that this seems better than most of Fresh’s offerings for those concerned with ingredient quality.
Size: 5 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (8598 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa damascena extract (3), Aloe vera (3), Rosa damascena flower oil (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Sodium benzoate (3). (Also contains Hydrolyzed soy protein.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Cucumber Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
All Ingredients: Water, Coco-Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Silica, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Caramel, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.
Honest Gentle Gel Cleanser – $13
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Lavender Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Patchouli Oil, Roman Chamomile Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Siberian Fir oil, Linalool
The Honest website states about this product, “This gentle everyday cleanser washes away dirt + impurities leaving your skin feeling so fresh and so clean, every time. And it’s infused with Chamomile + Calendula Extracts to calm and refresh, plus this gentle formula doesn’t overdry or strip skin.”
I found this product to be a little irritating to my skin.
I am guessing this is due to the use of the rose gernium oil, which appears to have been a problem for me in several other beauty products.
The product also seemed a bit on the drying side.
Ellen’s Comments: “Although the smell bothered me a bit at first, this cleanser has grown on me. I bought a full bottle of it after trying it a few times and will continue to use it.”
Size: 5 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.4 Stars (55 Reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Geranium oil (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Linalool (3). (Also contains Sorbitol, Lavender oil, Lavandula hybrida oil, Patchouli leaf oil, Anthemis nobilis flower oil, Cymbopogon martini oil, Abies sibirica oil, Citric acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Matricaria flower extract, Yucca Schidigera root extract, Lavender oil, Lavandula hybrida oil, Rose geranium flower oil, Patchouli oil, Roman chamomile oil, Palmarosa oil, Siberian fir oil, Linalool
All Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitol, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Lavender Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Rose Geranium Flower Oil, Patchouli Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Gluconolactone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Coconut Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Linalool
True Botanicals Renew Nourishing Cleanser – $48
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: Grapefruit Oil, Jasmine Oil, Lavender Oil, Vetiver Oil, Limonene, Linalool
According to the True Botanicals website, “This nourishing hypoallergenic facial cleanser gently removes away dirt and impurities without stripping your skin by virtue of an abundance of nourishing antioxidants and aloe vera – your skin will feel soft, clean, refreshed! Our face wash is perfect for skin that is showing signs of aging or is prone to dryness. Naturally scented with grapefruit, lavender, vetiver and jasmine—as subtle and luxurious as nature itself.”
Like most of the other True Botanicals products, this one seems to include a goodly amount of essential oils and to have a pretty strong botanical scent.
The ingredients look pretty clean apart from the processed fragrance.
My skin seems to do okay with this product most of the time but has been less able to tolerate it when experiencing previous irritation from experimenting with other problematic products.
I do really like the smell of the product and it seems to generally have done a nice job cleansing my face.
I doubt that I will buy it again due to the high price and the potential for irritation, though.
Size: 3.9 oz.
True Botanicals Rating: 4.5 Stars (589 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Grapefruit peel oil (3), Limonene (5), Linalool (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Grapefruit peel oil, jasmine flower oil, lavender oil, vetiver root oil, limonene, linalool
All Ingredients: Green tea leaf extract*, glycerin*, camellia seed oil*, water (as a component of green and white tea leaf extract), aloe vera leaf juice*, lauryl lactyl lactate, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, xanthan gum, grapefruit peel oil, jasmine flower oil, lavender oil, vetiver root oil, white tea leaf extract, sodium chloride, ethyl hexyl glycerin, citric acid, limonene, linalool, phenethyl alcohol. *Organic Ingredient
W3LL People Juice Cleanse Face Cleanser – $18
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Rose Geranium Oil
The description of this product reads, “Refresh, renew, and hydrate your skin with this gentle yet powerful gel-based face cleanser. Ideal for all skin types, the daily, non-stripping formula works to effectively wash away dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the surface of your skin. All the while, nourishing plant-based ingredients like Aloe Juice, Broccoli Seed Oil, and Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil help maintain a soothed, hydrated, and healthy-looking complexion.”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 3.78 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.7 Stars (142 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredients Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Cocamidopropyl betaine (5), Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (3), Rose geranium flower oil (4).
Fragrance Ingredients: Rose geranium flower oil
All Ingredients: Water, cocamidopropyl betaine, lauryl glucoside, disodium lauroyl glutamate, aloe vera leaf juice, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium chloride, butylene glycol laurate, brown algae extract, broccoli seed oil, rose geranium flower oil, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, polyglyceryl-3 cocoate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glycerin, citric acid, caprylhydroxamic acid, phenethyl alcohol.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Creme Cleanser – $25
Bare Minerals Pure Plush Gentle Deep Cleansing Foam – $22
Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt – $28
No B.S. Gentle Foaming Cleanser – $25
Tarte Sea Deep Dive Cleansing Gel – $25
Three Ships Purify Aloe + Amino Acid Cleanser – $20
True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm – $48
Trash Can
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser ($36): I tried this product because it is listed as Clean at Sephora, but it has a number of problematic ingredients and irritated my face substantially. EWG gives the product a 4 (yellow), listing as potentially problematic polysorbate-20 (3), aloe vera (3), tocopheryl acetate (3), phenoxyethanol (4), sodium benzoate (3), fragrance (8), sodium hydroxide (4), sodium glycolate (3), hexyl cinnamal (3), linalool (3), limonene (5), and chlorophyllin-copper complex (4).
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the Beginner’s Guide).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Alpyn Beauty, Amazon, Annmarie, Aveda, Bare Minerals, Beautycounter, Beekman 1802, Biossance, Birkenstock, Boom, Burt’s Bees, Cocokind, Credo, Evanhealy, Evolve, First Aid Beauty, Fitglow, Fresh, Honest, Mad Hippie, No B.S., Pharmaca, Sephora, Target, Tarte, The Outset, Three Ships, True Botanicals, Ulta, Vitacost, Youth To The People.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Those signing up will receive a free PDF copy of the book Back From The Edge (describing the extraordinary life of mold avoidance pioneer Erik Johnson) and also will be automatically entered in sweepstakes giving away a variety of cleaner products.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping site!
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