Skincare 101: Ingredients to Look for in a Face Wash

4 min read

A face wash or a facial cleanser can make or break your entire skincare routine. If the product is too harsh, it could lead your sensitive skin to break out and form acne. On the other hand, a mild cleanser would not work on the deeply rooted skin issues you might’ve been dealing with. So, which ingredients in a cleansing product would suit you the best?

It is recommended that you use cleansers twice a day, in the morning, to remove any oil and sweat your skin may have produced overnight and once in the evening, before your nighttime skincare routine, to get rid of debris and makeup.

Facial cleansing is the first step in a skincare routine. Thus you must pick a product wisely. The ingredients and quality of your cleanser would determine how well the other skincare products would work.

Just like makeup products, there are some ingredients in cleansers that you should avoid at all costs. In contrast, some components are essential for specific skin concerns. Let’s find out what each of these ingredients is and what they can do for your skin’s overall health.

Ingredients to Avoid in a Face Wash

If you’ve been following skincare guides, you might be familiar with some of the common ingredients, such as parabens and fragrances, which are harmful to your skin. However, more than a dozen common ingredients are found in skincare products that you should definitely avoid.

Here’s a list of common ingredients that can prove harmful and toxic for your facial skin:

• Parabens, such as methyl, butyl, ethyl, propyl
• Synthetic fragrances
• Aluminum
• Mineral oil
• Phthalates
• Siloxanes
• DEA, MEA, TEA
• Urea and DMDM hydantoin
• Polyethylene glycol
• Propylene glycol and butylene glycol
• Sodium laureth sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Triclosan

Ingredients to Look for in a Face Wash

Now that we know which ingredients are anything but beneficial for our skin, let’s jump into the components that can help you combat specific skin concerns.

1. Antioxidants

Now that we know which ingredients are anything but beneficial for our skin, let’s jump into the components that can help you combat specific skin concerns.

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C help the skin rejuvenate itself. They help minimize and reverse signs of aging. If you have fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, or acne spots, you might get the most benefit out of antioxidants.

In addition to keeping the skin looking supple and youthful, it also helps stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protective layer that prevents debris and harmful particles from penetrating your skin.

Our Cleansing Gel is filled with antioxidants. So, if that’s something you’re looking for, you can rely on the Cleansing Gel to provide you with the best benefits.

2. Safflower Oil

Usually, when people suffer from acne-prone skin, they are advised to stay away from oils as they can clog your pores and trigger acne breakouts. However, safflower oil will give you all the hydrating benefits of oil without clogging your pores.

In addition to being non-comedogenic, the oil also contains Vitamin E that forms a protective layer against harmful UV rays. Safflower oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm down your skin and rid your skin of acne and pimples.

If you want your face wash to contain safflower oil, try our Gentle Herbal Cleanser for deep cleansing and clearer, brighter skin.

3. Cucumber Extracts

Cucumber is an antioxidant that deserves a spotlight of its own. Cucumber extracts are perfect for those with sensitive, easily irritated skin. If you’re someone who spends long hours in the sun, this would be an ideal ingredient to have in your facial cleanser.

Cucumber extracts provide a cooling effect, removes signs of skin damage, and reduces inflammation. Try our Cucumber Clarifying Cleanser if you want all the organic benefits of cucumber extracts.

4. Passion Fruit and Citrus Concentrates

Passion fruit and other citrus concentrates are best if you have dry skin. Filled with Vitamin A and C, passion fruit also adds a natural fragrance to your products. In addition, it helps in collagen production and keeps the skin’s elasticity intact.

Citrus concentrates contain antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which give you the refreshing boost you need during the day. Try our Alpha Gel Cleanser to enjoy the benefits of passion fruit and citrus concentrates.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has countless healing and preserving benefits for our skin. If you suffer from eczema, sores, abrasions, dry skin, pimples, acne, or minor cuts, aloe vera can help improve your skin. In addition, if incorporated into your daily skincare routine, it will provide a calming and healing effect.

Aloe vera doesn’t work for deeper cystic acne. So, if you have surface-level skin irritations and issues, you can try our Active Foaming Cleanser.

6. Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which helps remove dead skins. This exfoliator will provide you with a smooth, silky, and velvety skin texture by improving moisture and eliminating acne. Glycolic acid is best to prevent signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and fine lines.

Our Gentle Glycolic Face & Body Cleanser will help your face look more youthful and healthy.

7. Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is milder than glycolic acid, so if you want the benefits of AHAs but your skin isn’t accustomed to them, you can start by incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine. In addition to dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne, and age spots, lactic acid also minimizes pores.

If you wish to buy a facial cleanser with lactic acid in it, try Herbiar’s Lactic Alpha Cleanser.

Final Verdict

Now that you know which ingredients you should avoid and incorporate into your skincare routine, we hope you will make an informed decision and purchase a face wash that best fits your needs. Herbiar also has a long line of organic skincare products that you can try. Click here to view our skincare line.

 

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