Finding the best facial cleansers for African American skin can be a challenge when it comes to skincare. The unique characteristics of this skin type require products that are specifically designed to address its needs. With so many options in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
But fear not! We have researched and compiled a list of the best facial cleansers for African American skin. These products are formulated to combat the common issues that people with this skin type face, such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, and uneven skin tone.

Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Eavara Organic Facial Cleanser
2. Best For Exfoliation: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for Blackheads
3. Best Non-Foaming Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
4. Best For Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
5. Best pH-Balanced Formula: Eltamd Foaming Facial Cleanser
6. Best Anti-aging: TULA Skin Care Supersize Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
7. Best Hydrating: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
8. Best For All Skin Types: U Beauty MANTLE Skin Conditioning Wash
9. Best Budget: Neutrogena Foaming Facial Cleanser
10. Best Natural: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Scrub And Lotion Blemish Prone Skin Cleanser
African American skin has unique characteristics, such as higher levels of melanin, which require products that cater to its specific needs. Hence, choosing the perfect facial cleanser for African American skin is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. With this skin type’s unique needs and challenges in mind, it’s important to select a cleanser that is gentle, hydrating, and effective at removing impurities without causing damage. The following list of the 10 best facial cleansers for African American skin will help you find the perfect product to suit your needs and keep your skin look and feel fresh.
- Factors to consider When Choosing a Facial Cleanser for African American Skin
- Top Recommended Facial Cleanser for African American Skin
- 1. Best Overall: Eavara Organic Facial Cleanser
- 2. Best For Exfoliation: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for Blackheads
- 3. Best Non-Foaming Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
- 4. Best For Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
- 5. Best pH-Balanced Formula: Eltamd Foaming Facial Cleanser
- 6. Best Anti-aging: TULA Skin Care Supersize Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
- 7. Best Hydrating: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- 8. Best For All Skin Types: U Beauty MANTLE Skin Conditioning Wash
- 9. Best Budget: Neutrogena Foaming Facial Cleanser
- 10. Best Natural: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Scrub And Lotion Blemish Prone Skin Cleanser
- Tips for Using Facial Cleansers on African American Skin
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Factors to consider When Choosing a Facial Cleanser for African American Skin
When choosing a best facial cleansers for African American skin, there are several factors to consider to make the product effective and gentle. Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting a facial cleanser:
- Skin Type and Concerns
The first factor to consider is your skin type and concerns. African American skin can range from dry to oily and can be prone to acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Choosing a facial cleanser that addresses your skin concerns is important. For example, if you have dry skin, you may choose a hydrating cleanser that contains ingredients like glycerine or hyaluronic acid. If you have acne-prone skin, look for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
- Ingredients to Avoid
It’s important to avoid ingredients that can be harsh and damaging to African American skin. Some common ingredients to avoid in cleansers are sodium lauryl sulfate, alcohol, and fragrance. These ingredients can strip the skin of natural oils, causing dryness, irritation, and even hyperpigmentation. Instead, look for gentle surfactants that cleanse the skin without causing damage.
- Ingredients to Look For
When selecting a facial cleanser for African American skin, it’s important to look for gentle and hydrating ingredients. Some of the best facial cleansers for African American skin have ingredients like glycerine, which helps to hydrate the skin, and hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, keeping the skin plump and hydrated. In addition, antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea extract can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage and promote a more even skin tone.
Therefore, choosing the right & best facial cleansers for African American skin requires careful consideration of your skin type and concerns, as well as the ingredients in the product. Following these guidelines, you can find the best facial cleansers for African American skin that helps you achieve your skincare goals.
Top Recommended Facial Cleanser for African American Skin
1. Best Overall: Eavara Organic Facial Cleanser
Eavara Organic Facial Cleanser

- Eavara was voted Best Anti-Aging Skin Care Brand by The American Choice Awards.
Eavara Organic Facial Cleanser is a fantastic product for anyone who wants a gentle and natural cleanser that nourishes and hydrates the skin. The cleanser is made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, green tea, and chamomile, all known for their beneficial effects on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, this cleanser would be a game-changer facial cleanser for African American skin. It leaves the skin feeling very soft and extremely hydrated, and you will not feel any dryness or tightness after the wash.
It helps to improve skin tone and texture if used daily. You will notice a visible improvement in your skin’s appearance since using this product. For example, it would look brighter, smoother, and more even-toned.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients that nourish the skin
- Helps to improve skin tone and texture
- Improves skin barrier
Cons
- May not lather as much as other cleansers
2. Best For Exfoliation: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for Blackheads
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for Blackheads

- Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even tone.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a powerful yet gentle & best facial cleansers for African American skin that effectively removes blackheads and minimizes the appearance of pores. The key ingredient in this product is salicylic acid, a gentle exfoliant that penetrates deep into the pores to unclog them and prevent the formation of blackheads.
African American skin can be prone to hyperpigmentation, and this exfoliant helps to even out skin tone. Additionally, the gentle exfoliation provided by the product can help to even out skin texture and tone, benefiting those with uneven skin. The green tea extract in this best facial cleansers for African American skin also provides antioxidant benefits, which can help protect the skin from environmental damage that can lead to premature aging.
Pros
- Gentle yet effective exfoliation
- Helps prevent blackheads and breakouts
- Improves skin texture and tone
- Calms and soothes the skin
Cons
- It may not be suitable for those with very dry skin
- Can cause mild tingling or redness for some users
3. Best Non-Foaming Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

- Gently removes face & eye makeup, dirt and impurities, while maintaining skin’s natural protective barrier & pH.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser is a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. In addition, this cleanser contains glycerin, which helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, and ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
It is one of the best non-foaming facial cleansers for African American skin because it is a gentle, non-irritating formula free of fragrances, preservatives, and harsh detergents. African American skin is more prone to dryness and sensitivity, which the use of harsh cleaners can exacerbate. This cleanser helps to nourish and hydrate the skin while removing impurities and makeup.
Pros
- Gentle, non-foaming formula
- Hydrates and soothes the skin
- Helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier
Cons
- May not effectively remove heavy makeup
- Some users may find the texture too thick
4. Best For Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

- Cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight, dry, or stripped.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is one of the popular facial cleansers for African American skin. This product is known for its gentle yet effective formula. This cleanser is designed to clean and purify the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin. In addition, this cleanser contains ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin’s barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate the skin.
All the ingredients help to strengthen the skin’s barrier, which can be especially beneficial for African American skin, which can be prone to damage and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, the niacinamide in this cleanser can help to improve uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Pros
- Won’t strip the skin of its natural moisture
- Improve the overall health and appearance of the skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin too
- Affordable and widely available at drugstores and online retailers
Cons
- Can be too drying for people with dry skin
- Not effective at removing sunscreen.
- Not for acne-pro skin
5. Best pH-Balanced Formula: Eltamd Foaming Facial Cleanser
Eltamd Foaming Facial Cleanser

- Cleansed skin sees 48% reduction in skin damage caused by pollution.
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a good choice for African American skin because it combines enzymes and amino acids perfectly. This best facial cleansers for African American skin contains bromelain as one of the key ingredients, which is highly beneficial for all skin types and helps reduce inflammation. The product also has sodium cocoyl glycinate, a gentle surfactant that effectively removes impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
This is a good choice of facial cleanser for African American skin because it is free of harsh detergents and works great on every skin type. It has a pH-balanced formula that benefits the skin and does not cause irritation.
Pros
- Gently cleanses the skin without irritation
- Removes pollutants
- Helps improve skin texture
Cons
- Might not work against oil-based makeup.
- Contains fragrance
- Not recommended for sensitive skin
6. Best Anti-aging: TULA Skin Care Supersize Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
TULA Skin Care Supersize Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser

- Contains our signature probiotics to leave skin looking nourished and balanced.
ULA Skin Care Supersize Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser is one of the best facial cleansers for African American skin because it helps to balance the skin’s microbiome and promotes a healthy complexion.
The formula is also gentle and free of harsh detergents, making it suitable for dry or sensitive skin. In addition, the product is full of essential ingredients such as turmeric root and chicory root, which help in soothing the skin. While blueberries help in providing antioxidants to the skin.
The cleanser helps the skin to look youthful and bright and gently exfoliates any dirt or dead cells from the face. It is one of the favorite facial cleansers for African American skin as it nourishes and keeps it supple.
Pros
- Helps to balance the skin’s microbiome
- Gentle and non-irritating
- Contains antioxidants and prebiotics
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Might irritate breakout and acne-prone skin
7. Best Hydrating: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

- Formulated to avoid common chemical irritants and harsh cleansing agents; betaine-free, gluten-free, soap-free, and botanical extract-free
The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a non-irritating and fragrance-free cleanser ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. The key ingredients of this cleanser include purified water, glycerin, and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate.
The purified water is gentle and hydrating, while glycerin helps to moisturize the skin by drawing water to its surface. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a surfactant that helps to remove excess oil and impurities from the skin gently.
It is one of the most affordable and best facial cleansers for African American skin, as it does not cause any irritation or dryness. This cleanser is a good choice for African American skin because it is free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, and other harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. This cleanser’s gentle formula helps maintain the natural moisture balance of the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Pros
- Less allergic reaction and irritation on the skin
- The non-comedogenic formula helps prevent acne breakouts
Cons
- May not effectively remove heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen
- Some users may find it too gentle and prefer a more thorough cleanse
8. Best For All Skin Types: U Beauty MANTLE Skin Conditioning Wash
U Beauty MANTLE Skin Conditioning Wash

- In one step, water and oil-soluble debris, including waterproof makeup, SPF, and pollutants, are rinsed away.
This best facial cleansers for African and American skin is a pH-balanced facial cleanser that contains a blend of natural ingredients to cleanse, hydrate, and soothe the skin gently. The key ingredients in this cleanser are colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extract. Colloidal oatmeal is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe the skin, preventing any irritation on the skin. Aloe vera hydrates and moisturizes the skin, while chamomile and green tea extract provide antioxidant protection against environmental stress.
This facial cleanser works well on African American skin because it is formulated with natural ingredients that help to nourish and protect the skin. In addition, this cleanser’s pH-balanced formula helps maintain the skin’s natural acid mantle, which is essential for healthy skin function.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients that help to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin
- Effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities
- Suitable for all skin types, including combination skin
Cons
- Must be kept away from eyes
- Expensive compared to other cleansers
9. Best Budget: Neutrogena Foaming Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Foaming Facial Cleanser

- this gentle face wash won’t irritate or sting the sensitive eye area and is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores.
This popular drugstore cleanser is designed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. The key ingredients in this cleanser are glycerin and sodium laureth sulfate. Glycerin helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin, while sodium laureth sulfate is a surfactant that creates a foamy lather to remove impurities.
If your skin is prone to oiliness and acne, this is the best facial cleansers for African American skin. Neutrogena Foaming Facial Cleanser is a good choice for African American skin because it removes excess oil and dirt without over-drying it. It is also oil-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic, which is why it is great for acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Effective at removing dirt, oil, and makeup
- Oil-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic
- Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
- Affordable and widely available
Cons
- Can be harsh on sensitive skin
- Contains sulfates that may be drying for some skin types
10. Best Natural: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Scrub And Lotion Blemish Prone Skin Cleanser
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Scrub And Lotion Blemish Prone Skin Cleanser

- facial scrub and exfoliator made to help blemish prone skin transform into glowing skin
Suppose you are looking for a natural, sulfate-free cleanser that contains African black soap, shea butter, and tea tree oil. In that case, this is one of the best facial cleansers for African American skin available in the current market. African black soap is a traditional soap made from plantain skins, cocoa pods, and palm tree leaves.
This cleanser is mainly known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and soothing skin. In addition, Shea butter is a natural emollient that hydrates and nourishes the skin, while tea tree oil helps to control oil production and prevent breakouts.
African American skin can be prone to hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and dryness. So this is a great choice for them because it is a natural and gentle cleanser that helps to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin.
Pros
- Helps to control oil production and prevent breakouts
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free
- Completely natural
Cons
- Might cause rashes
- Not for oily skin
Tips for Using Facial Cleansers on African American Skin
Facial cleansers are essential for maintaining healthy and glowing skin, regardless of skin type or ethnicity. However, African American skin has unique characteristics that require special care and attention when using facial cleansers. This article will provide some best practices for using best facial cleansers for African American skin.
- Choose the Right Cleanser:
The first step in using facial cleansers on African American skin is to select the right product. Look for a cleanser that will specifically look after your skin needs and address all your skin concerns without causing any long-term damage. To avoid further damage to your skin, you should look for facial cleansers free from alcohol or fragrances, as these ingredients cause skin irritation and breakouts. Instead, look for ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid that gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores without stripping away essential oils.
- Cleanse Twice Daily:
African American skin produces more oil and is more prone to acne and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, washing the face twice a day to remove dirt, oil, and makeup is important. In the morning, use a gentle cleanser to refresh your skin and remove any impurities that accumulate overnight. In the evening, use a cleanser that is more concentrated and effective in removing makeup and pollutants that have accumulated throughout the day.
- Apply Cleanser with Gentle Pressure:
When applying the cleanser, use gentle pressure and avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin aggressively. Rubbing can cause inflammation, irritation, and even hyperpigmentation, especially on sensitive areas like the cheeks and forehead. Instead, apply the cleanser with your fingertips in a circular motion and let it sit on your skin for a few seconds before rinsing off.
- Rinse Thoroughly:
To avoid leaving any residue on your skin, rinse the cleanser thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, which can strip away essential oils and cause dryness. Make sure to rinse off all the cleanser, especially around the hairline, jawline, and neck, where buildup tends to accumulate.
Conclusion
Choosing the right facial cleanser for African American skin is crucial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. The unique characteristics of African American skin, including its tendency towards dryness and hyperpigmentation, require special attention when choosing skincare products.
Throughout the article, we have discussed the best facial cleansers for African American skin, including those with gentle and natural ingredients like Eavara Organic Facial Cleanser and specifically formulated to address hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and specific skin type.
It’s important to note that every individual’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it’s recommended that readers try out the recommended facial cleansers and consult with a dermatologist if they have any concerns about their skin.
In conclusion, choosing the best facial cleansers for African American skin can help achieve and maintain healthy, radiant skin. By prioritizing skincare and seeking expert advice, readers can improve their skin health and feel more confident in their appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ingredients for a facial cleanser for African American skin?
Some of the best ingredients for a facial cleanser for African American skin include gentle, natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea. Additionally, glycolic and salicylic acids can help address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Is it better to use a foam or cream cleanser for African American skin?
This depends on your skin concerns and personal preference. For example, foam cleansers are better for oily skin, but if you have dry or sensitive skin, cream cleansers are more effective. However, both types of cleansers can be effective for African American skin, so choosing one that works well for you is important.
Can I use the same facial cleanser for morning and night?
Yes, you can use the same facial cleanser for morning and night. However, if you wear makeup or sunscreen during the day, you may consider using a double cleanse method at night to remove all impurities thoroughly.
Should I avoid facial cleansers with sulfates?
Sulfates can be harsh on the skin, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to avoid facial cleansers with sulfates. However, if you have oily skin, a sulfate-based cleanser may more effectively remove excess oil and dirt.
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