This month’s goal is to get rid of single-use plastics in the bathroom. One item you can replace with a plastic-free alternative is face cleansers. As I looked into different face cleanser options, I found that there are quite a few variaties available.
The face cleansers I’ve tried so far are Blueland’s “just add water” cleanser (which they have unfortunately discontinued), a bar cleanser from the zero waste store, and the charcoal facial sponge. I was also going to try and make some homemade face cleanser but I ran out of time. So, I’ll link to the recipes I found for homemade face cleansers and I’ll update this post when I try them.
Face cleanser options at the zero waste store
Face wash/cleanser in bar form
You may have heard of bar soap, bar shampoo, and bar conditioner, well now we can add bar face cleanser to that list! The bar I’m currently using came from my local zero waste store in Berthoud, CO. You can order from them online if you don’t have a store locally that carries plastic-free alternatives.
I have to say, I’m pretty happy with this face cleanser option. My face feels clean without becoming dry or breaking out after using it. I have a preference for using shampoo bars and body wash in general, so this is a great addition to the lineup. I highly recommend trying face cleansing bars as an all natural alternative to the plastic bottles.
Charcoal facial sponge
I just started using the facial sponge. So far, I think it’s working, but I’d have to use it a bit more to say for sure. But the facial sponge is definitely interesting to try. The facial sponge is made from the konjac plant and once rehydrated provides a gentle face wash experience.
Recipe resources for DIY face cleansers –
The website, The Nerdy Farm Wife, created by Jan Berry, has a lot of recipes for skin care and soap making. I’ve linked to it in case you want to check it out yourself. Many of her recipes I want to try – like the oat, rose, and honey cleanser – are actually found in her book, The Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health, and Home*. The link is attached below in case you’d like to check it out.
Another resource with lots of useful personal care recipes and information is from one of my favorite essential oil books, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy* by Valerie Ann Worwood. They go into detail about the clays, oils, and hydrolats you can use on your face and body. I particularly enjoy this as a reference book because they also cover the additional health benefits of the essential oils.
I’m also going to recommend Give a Sh*t by Ashlee Piper* for the personal care section in her book on how to “read” the labels on beauty products. It’s very informative about certifications, symbols, and ingredients typically found in personal care products. She also has a few DIY recipes.
You can find more book recommendations on my bookshop.org* list for DIY personal care and home care.
These face cleanser options are a great place to start!
Face cleansers are just one item in the bathroom that you can replace with a plastic-free alternative. Hopefully these suggestions for different face cleanser options can help get you started, or continue, with getting rid of plastics in your bathroom.
I’ll keep you updated if I find another just-add-water option similar to the Blueland face wash that was discontinued.
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I include links for the products I mention and personally use throughout this website. Many of these product links are affiliate/referral links (indicated with *) where Sustainable Pursuits llc may receive a small compensation for recommendations made in reference to the products or services on this website. This helps to support Sustainable Pursuits llc and my ability to share these experiences with you.
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