Lathers are getting bad press these days… mainly because the foaming agents that sometimes create them are chemicals also used to degrease car engines – and can, unsurprisingly, irritate our skin. So what are we supposed to do if we like a bit of foaminess?
As much as I like a balm, milk or oil cleanser on my face to shift makeup at the end of the day, I much prefer something that feels more refreshing which I can rinse off in the shower in the morning. So I’ve been on the look out for cleansers that don’t contain irritant foaming agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). Here are my current favourites.
Skin Blossom is a UK brand and all its fabulous skin and hair care products are certified organic by the Soil Association. They are also unbelievably good value. I’m smitten with their Organic Face Wash (currently a 1/3 off at £3.96), which lathers enough to make you feel refreshed without loads of fake bubbles. Super gentle, too.
Green People’s Foaming Face Wash, (£10.95) lathers up as you dispense it, which is great when you’re in a rush. It bills itself as ‘anti-blemish’ and certainly has a zingy, deep-clean feel about it. Great for hormonal break-out time.
Also an oil-buster is Primavera Balancing Organic Facial Cleanser (£22). I wouldn’t say this was just for greasy skin though – it’s a great balancer, and so refreshing as it has a light, slightly herby smell to it. Ideal for calming sensitised, upset skin, it’s a gel that lathers slightly and rinses off a treat, taking grime with it. A new favourite.
My go-to when I’m looking to shed some dullness in the shower is Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser (£29.75). This little miracle worker contains buffing sugar crystals and rice, lathers up without the chemicals and has a zingy lemongrass scent. I use this twice a week and it’s an amazing wake-up call after an early start.
Finally, Mama Mio’s Clean Slate (£22.50), which is the rinse-off cleanser for people who don’t like to rinse off. By that I mean it leaves skin super plumped, thanks to its aloe leaf juice and omegas – but it still busts makeup and makes you feel refreshed and clean as a whistle.