Gentle cleansers for sensitive skin: natural, eco-friendly alternatives to Cerave
- Kim Guseli
- Oct 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 7
If your skin is easily reactive, feels tight after cleansing, or tends to look red after using conventional products, switching to gentle, botanical formulations can make a difference.
At Botanical Skincare Lab, we offer natural cleansing options designed for sensitive, reactive skin. Our products use natural ingredients, avoid harsh synthetics, and come in sustainable, plastic-free packaging.
Understanding what sensitive skin really needs
Sensitive or redness-prone skin often does not respond well to foaming cleansers, scrubbing, or strong essential oils. The goal of cleansing is to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier.
While we do not make therapeutic claims, many of our customers report that switching to our botanical cleansing oil or Harmony Face Cleansing Bar has helped them feel calmer and more balanced.
Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
This oil-based cleanser features a blend of sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, and natural vitamin E. It gently dissolves makeup and impurities while helping to maintain hydration.
Because it does not contain surfactants or fragrances, it may suit people who find foaming cleansers drying or reactive. Oil cleansing is also ideal for removing sunscreen at the end of the day, leaving skin soft without residue.
How to use: Massage 2–3 pumps onto dry skin with clean hands. Wipe away gently with a warm, damp cloth, or rinse if preferred.
Harmony Face Cleansing Bar
Our solid cleansing bar is unscented, soap-free, and crafted for delicate skin. It lathers lightly and cleans without stripping, using carefully selected plant oils and a pH-balanced formula to support your skin’s natural moisture.
It may be ideal if your skin tends to react to synthetic ingredients or if you want to simplify your routine.
How to use: Wet the bar and your hands, lather between your palms, then gently massage onto your face before rinsing.
Customer review:"The Harmony Face Cleansing Bar is my current favourite cleanser. It’s super gentle on my face, leaving my skin clean and soft. Plus, with less plastic, my bathroom looks so beautiful and aesthetic."~ Jana, via Google Reviews
Balanced Glow Cleansing Duo
For a complete routine, try our Balanced Glow Cleansing Duo. It combines the Antioxidant Cleansing Oil and Harmony Face Cleansing Bar, giving you a gentle double cleanse that thoroughly removes makeup and sunscreen while supporting sensitive skin.
What to avoid if your skin is sensitive
Whether or not you have a formal diagnosis, some ingredients can increase the chance of irritation:
Harsh sulfates (SLS, SLES)
Abrasive exfoliants (microbeads or gritty scrubs)
Synthetic fragrances or perfume
Alcohol-based products
Strong essential oils
All of our cleansing products are free from these, as well as artificial preservatives, and come in eco-friendly packaging.
A reminder on patch testing
Even gentle, natural products can occasionally cause reactions. When trying a new product, patch test first on the underside of your jaw or inner wrist.
Cleansing for calm, balanced skin
Sensitive skin doesn’t require compromise. A good cleanse should leave your skin feeling soft, comfortable, and supported, not tight or stripped. With the right natural, eco-friendly routine, your skin can feel calm, hydrated, and balanced every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Botanical Skincare Lab cleansers suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, our botanical cleansers are designed for sensitive, reactive, or redness-prone skin. Using plant-based oils and soap-free formulations, they gently remove impurities while supporting your skin’s natural barrier.
2. How do I use the Antioxidant Cleansing Oil?
Massage 2–3 pumps onto dry skin, then wipe away with a warm, damp cloth or rinse with water. This oil-based cleanser gently dissolves makeup and sunscreen without stripping or irritating sensitive skin.
3. What is the Harmony Face Cleansing Bar, and how is it different?
The Harmony Face Cleansing Bar is soap-free, unscented, and designed for delicate skin. Unlike traditional soap it cleans gently with a pH-balanced formula, leaving skin soft and hydrated.
4. Can I use these cleansers if I have rosacea or redness-prone skin?
While we do not make medical claims, our botanical cleansers are free from harsh sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and strong essential oils. Many customers with redness-prone skin report feeling refreshed and more balanced after using our gentle formulas.
5. What should I avoid in cleansers if I have sensitive skin?
Ingredients like SLS, SLES, synthetic fragrances, alcohol-based products, abrasive exfoliants, and strong essential oils can increase irritation. Our cleansers are formulated to avoid these, making them a natural, eco-friendly option for sensitive skin.
6. Do these products come in eco-friendly packaging?
Yes! All our cleansers use plastic-free or recyclable packaging to reduce environmental impact, supporting a sustainable skincare routine.
Written by Kim Guseli, Cosmetic Chemist & Founder of Botanical Skincare Lab
Kim hand-formulates every product in her Hervey Bay Atelier, combining science, sustainability, and sensory design. Her work focuses on crafting eco-friendly, sustainable skincare that delivers real results while treading lightly on the planet.
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