Best Alcohol Free Facial Cleansers of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Feb 1, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Maintaining a healthy skincare routine is vital for nourished, glowing skin. One of the key steps in this routine is the use of a facial cleanser. However, not all facial cleansers are created equal; some contain alcohol, which can be harsh and drying, especially for sensitive skin types. Alcohol-free facial cleansers, on the other hand, offer a gentle yet effective way to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Our buying guide delves into the world of alcohol-free facial cleansers, providing you with the information you need to select the best one for your skin types and concerns. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, there's an alcohol-free facial cleanser out there for you. We've compiled a list of top-performing products, each carefully evaluated based on their ingredients, effectiveness, user reviews, and price, to help you make a well-informed purchase decision.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser with Beta Hydroxy Acid Cover #TOP 1
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser with Beta Hydroxy Acid
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser Cover #TOP 2
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser Cover #TOP 3
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Alcohol Free Facial Cleansers

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser with Beta Hydroxy Acid

070501060957
white
7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser with Beta Hydroxy Acid Cover
Neutrogena Deep Clean Daily Facial Cream Cleanser with Beta Hydroxy Acid to Remove Dirt, Oil & Makeup, Alcohol-Free, Oil-Free & Non-Comedogenic, 7 fl. oz

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser is a 7 oz. tube designed to improve a dull complexion and leave skin feeling healthy. It uses beta hydroxy acid to deep clean pores, removing dirt, oil, and makeup, and wash away dead skin cells. The creamy lather is oil-free and alcohol-free, leaving skin feeling moisturized and not dried-out. The dermatologist-tested formula rinses clean without leaving any pore-clogging residue, and it is non-comedogenic.

What We Like
Deep cleansing effect
Refreshing minty sensation
Gentle on sensitive skin
Removes stubborn makeup
Long-lasting tube
What We Don't Like
Strong menthol scent
May dry very dry skin

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser

70501060902
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser Cover
Neutrogena Deep Clean Daily Facial Cleanser with Beta Hydroxy Acid for Normal to Oily Skin, Alcohol-Free, Oil-Free & Non-Comedogenic, 6.7 fl. oz

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser is a 6.7-fluid ounce facial cleanser specially formulated for normal-to-oily skin. Made with beta hydroxy acid, this daily cleanser goes deep down into pores to dissolve dirt, oil, and makeup, as well as wash away dead surface cells. It helps improve dull complexion, leaving your skin looking and feeling healthier. The oil-free and alcohol-free formula won't dry your skin, making it suitable for daily use. Dermatologist-tested, it rinses clean without leaving behind any pore-clogging residue, revealing fresher and healthier-looking skin. As a non-comedogenic face wash, it won't clog your pores, ensuring your skin remains clear and free from breakouts.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Deep cleaning power
Non-drying formula
Affordable price
Long-lasting bottle
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging leakage
Can be slightly harsh on some skin

Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser

1686650
Cleanser
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser Cover
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser, Daily Hydrating Facial Cleanser & Face Wash for Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming, Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Fragrance-Free, with Feverfew, 7.8 fl oz

Aveeno Nourishing Oat Cleanser is a gentle daily cleanser made for sensitive and irritated dry skin. It effectively purifies and cleanses while preserving the skin's moisture barrier. The refreshing milky gel face wash is light and gentle, perfect for lifting away dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities. It contains a blend of nourishing oat and calming feverfew, which helps calm irritated, dry skin while strengthening the skin's moisture barrier. This hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, dye-free, phthalate-free, tested on sensitive skin and non-comedogenic formula is suitable for daily use in a regular skincare routine. Aveeno Nourishing Oat Cleanser is a dermatologist recommended brand that leaves your sensitive skin looking healthy, cleansed, hydrated, soft, and smooth.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Hydrating and non-drying
Reduces redness and irritation
No fragrance or harsh chemicals
Good value and long-lasting
What We Don't Like
May not remove heavy makeup
Minimal foaming action

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser Cover
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin, With Zinc Pidolate To Remove Excess Oil & Shine, Alcohol Free & Oil Free, Sensitive Skin Tested

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser is a gentle facial wash designed for oily skin that effectively cleanses without over-drying. Its pH balancing formula respects skin's natural balance and won't clog pores. This cleanser is safe for sensitive skin and has been dermatologist tested for safety, and is paraben and soap free. Formulated with Zinc Pidolate, it helps to purify skin and remove excess oil. Simply apply a small amount to wet skin and massage gently to form a rich lather, then rinse thoroughly with water.

What We Like
Deep yet gentle cleansing
Controls excess oil
Non-comedogenic & fragrance-free
Soothes sensitive skin
Convenient pump packaging
What We Don't Like
May not remove heavy makeup
Not hydrating for very dry skin
#TOP 5

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

Clear
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Cleanser Cover
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cream to Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin, Fragrance-Free Gentle Facial Cleanser, Hypoallergenic Skin Care, Non-Comedogenic Makeup Remover, 8.5 oz

The Neutrogena Gentle Foaming Cleanser is designed specifically for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without compromising your skin's moisture barrier, ensuring it stays hydrated. This unique cleanser transforms from a creamy texture to a rich foam, providing a refreshing cleansing experience. Enriched with nourishing glycerin and cica, it leaves your skin feeling soothed and calm, perfect for daily use. With dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic ingredients, you can trust this cleanser to be gentle and safe for your skincare routine.

What We Like
gentle on sensitive skin
non-drying formula
pleasant mild scent
suitable for post-chemo care
everyday use
What We Don't Like
may not remove makeup completely

Pacifica Beauty Foaming Cleansing Gel

0687735306531
Blue
Pacifica Beauty Foaming Cleansing Gel Cover
Pacifica Future Youth Foaming Face Wash - Hydrating Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, Dermatologist Tested Gentle Facial Cleanser, Alcohol-Free Vegan Formula for All Skin Types Clean Beauty Cruelty-Free 4.7oz

Pacifica Cleansing Gel is a gentle face wash suitable for all skin types. It cleanses without drying out your skin, leaving it hydrated. Users reported clean, refreshed skin after just one use. The formula contains plant-based ingredients that create a rich lather, nourishing your skin with phytonutrients and flower oils. This vegan and cruelty-free cleanser is free of harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates, making it safe for both you and the environment.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Removes makeup effectively
No dryness or tightness
Light pleasant scent
Foamy lather, a little goes far
What We Don't Like
Pricey at full retail
Scent not everyone's favorite

Ambi Even & Clear Complexion Facial Cleanser

S2927100
Clear
Ambi Even & Clear Complexion Facial Cleanser Cover
Ambi Even & Clear Complexion Facial Cleanser, For Men & Women, All Skin Types, Sweet Potato, Chamomile, Green Tea, Hydroquinone-free, Soap-free, Alcohol-free, Fragrance-free, Dye-free, 3.5 Fl Oz

Ambi Complexion Cleanser is a mild facial cleanser suitable for all skin types. Its gentle formula effectively washes away surface impurities without stripping the skin, while helping to even out skin tone. Packed with powerhouse ingredients like Sweet Potato Complex, chamomile, and green tea, this cleanser provides antioxidant benefits, calms and soothes the skin, and rejuvenates it. The soap-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free formula ensures a clean beauty skincare experience. With 50 years of expertise in catering to the skincare needs of women and men of color, Ambi has created an affordable, high-quality cleanser that blends science and nature.

What We Like
Refreshing clean feeling
Gentle on skin
Long-term skin improvement
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Poor packaging seal
#TOP 8

Dickinson's Witch Hazel Facial Cleanser

Off White
Dickinson's Witch Hazel Facial Cleanser Cover
Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Facial Cleanser, 12 Fl Oz, For Normal to Oily Skin, Removes Excess Oil, Refines and Clears Pores, Alcohol-Free Face Wash

Dickinson's Facial Cleanser offers a gentle yet effective way to cleanse your skin. With 100% natural distilled witch hazel, it helps remove dirt and excess oil while soothing your skin, making it ideal for daily use. Infused with ceramides, this cleanser replenishes your skin's barrier, enhancing its smoothness and texture for a soft, balanced glow. Plus, its clean formula is free from harsh chemicals, ensuring a safe and sustainable choice for your skincare routine. This light foam not only cleanses but also preps your skin for further treatments, maximizing their effectiveness.

What We Like
Fresh and clean feeling
Redness control
Soft skin texture
Good value and quality
Gentle on skin
What We Don't Like
Unpleasant scent
Lack of foaming action
#TOP 9

Olay Gentle Exfoliating Toner Fragrance Free

Olay Gentle Exfoliating Toner Fragrance Free Cover
Olay Gentle Exfoliating Toner, Fragrance Free, 4.1 fl oz, Pore Treatment Face Cleanser Unclogs and Diminishes the Appearance of Pores

The Olay Gentle Exfoliating Toner is designed to help you clear and reduce the size of your pores, making your skin look smoother. It uses a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, which are gentle chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells and refresh your complexion. This toner works to improve your skin’s texture without causing dryness or irritation, so you can enjoy a balanced, healthy feel. Plus, it’s free from alcohol, artificial dyes, and fragrance, making it a great choice if you want a simple, clean skincare product that won’t overwhelm sensitive skin.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Affordable price
Soft, smooth skin
Removes leftover makeup
Brightens and refreshes
What We Don't Like
Mild dryness for some
Sunscreen needed during day

Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser for Soothing Skin

0922121
Clear
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser for Soothing Skin Cover
Thayers Milky Hydrating Face Cleanser with Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid, Dermatologist Recommended Gentle Facial Wash and Hydrating Skincare for Dry and Sensitive Skin, Paraben Free, 8 Fl Oz

Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser is a gentle fragrance-free milky facial wash formulated with snow mushroom, hyaluronic acid and elderflower water. It helps to remove daily buildup, makeup and impurities without stripping the skin barrier. The hydrating cleanser is non-drying, non-irritating, and non-tightening, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin. This face wash supports a smoother, more hydrated facial skin texture and keeps skin from feeling stripped or dry. Thayers Milky Hydrating Cleanser is 100 percent cruelty-free, free of any animal ingredients, and comes in recyclable packaging. Paraben, phthalate, oil, and gluten-free.

What We Like
Gentle, non-stripping formula
Hydrating, dewy skin effect
Suitable for dry, sensitive skin
Soothing, calming sensation
Large, affordable bottle
What We Don't Like
Slight scent some dislike
Not for heavy makeup removal
Best Alcohol Free Facial Cleansers Feature Image

Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol Free Facial Cleansers

An alcohol-free facial cleansing wash may seem like a simple skincare product, but there are actually a few important things to consider when choosing one. In this buying guide, we'll go over some of the key factors to keep in mind, so you can make an informed decision and choose the best alcohol-free facial cleansing wash for your skin.

First, it's important to understand what alcohol does in a facial cleansing wash. Alcohol is a drying agent, which means it can strip your skin of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. Alcohol-free cleansing washes, on the other hand, are gentler on the skin and won't strip it of its natural moisture.

Another important factor to consider is the ingredients in the facial cleansing wash. Look for a product that is free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, which can be irritating to the skin. Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile are good options, as they are gentle and nourishing.

It's also a good idea to choose a facial cleansing wash that is suitable for your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a product that is designed for those skin types. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a product that is specifically formulated to address those issues.

Finally, consider the packaging of the facial cleansing wash. Some products come in pump bottles, which are convenient and hygienic. Others come in tubes, which are easy to travel with but may not be as hygienic.

Overall, an alcohol-free facial cleansing wash can be a great addition to your skincare routine. Just be sure to choose a product that is gentle, free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, and suitable for your skin type. With these tips in mind, you can find the perfect alcohol-free facial cleansing wash for your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Neutrogena face wash alcohol free?

Yes, Neutrogena face wash is alcohol-free. It is dermatologist-tested and formulated to be oil-free and free from alcohol, ensuring that it won't dry out your skin or leave behind pore-clogging residue. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.

2. Is CeraVe foaming cleanser oil and alcohol free?

Yes, CeraVe foaming cleanser is both oil-free and alcohol-free. It is fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and allergy tested, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.

3. What should you avoid in face cleansers?

When looking for face cleansers, it is advisable to avoid certain ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), propylene glycol, triclosan, DEA, MEA, TEA, formaldehyde, and toluene. These ingredients may have potential negative effects on the skin.

4. Does Cetaphil have alcohol in it?

Cetaphil cleansers contain larger molecules of alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. These alcohols do not have drying effects, but rather help to trap water and moisturize the skin. Cetaphil is known for its gentle cleansing properties.

5. How do you know if face wash has alcohol in it?

To determine if a face wash contains alcohol, check the ingredients list. If a product is labeled 'alcohol-free,' it will not contain ethyl alcohol. However, it may still contain fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin alcohol.

6. Does Aveeno face wash have alcohol?

No, Aveeno face wash is formulated without alcohol. It is also free from fragrance, parabens, sulfates, dye, and phthalates. Aveeno CALM + RESTORE Nourishing Oat Cleanser contains nourishing oat and calming feverfew.

7. Does CeraVe have alcohol in it?

No, CeraVe Hydrating Toner is alcohol-free. It is developed with dermatologists and is pH balanced. The lightweight toner is fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, ensuring it does not clog pores while hydrating and smoothing the skin.

8. Does CeraVe face wash have alcohol in it?

CeraVe face wash may contain various fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetyl alcohol. Some individuals may experience breakouts from using this cleanser, possibly due to these ingredients.

Editor's Notes

During our alcohol free facial cleanser research, we found 48 alcohol free facial cleanser products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 355,497 customer reviews through our big data system to write the alcohol free facial cleansers list. We found that most customers choose alcohol free facial cleansers with an average price of $10.96.

The alcohol free facial cleansers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of alcohol free facial cleansers, including Neutrogena, Aveeno, La Roche-Posay, Pacifica, Ambi. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Alcohol Free Facial Cleansers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Neutrogena Neutrogena Aveeno La Roche-Posay Neutrogena Pacifica Ambi Dickinson's Olay THAYERS
Scent Aloe Vera Unscented Unscented Unscented Unscented Future Youth Chamomile Fragrance Free - Unscented
Item dimensions L x W x H 8 x 8 x 6 inches 1.97 x 1.97 x 5.91 inches 2 x 2 x 6.62 inches 2.36 x 2.36 x 8.07 inches 1.7 x 2.6 x 6.94 inches 2.76 x 2.76 x 6.97 inches 6.46 x 2.36 x 1.26 inches 2.25 x 2.25 x 8.5 inches - -
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult - -
Item Weight 7 Ounces 0.25 Kilograms 0.62 Pounds 0.46 Kilograms - 4.7 Ounces 3.5 Ounces 12 Ounces - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy