4 Natural Cleansers for Mature Sensitive Skin with Organic Options
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you whatsoever when you make a purchase using my link.
All steps of your routine will aid in affecting the skin’s ability to function as it should. Cleansing is an important step in your routine and you should use cleansers that are apt for your particular skin type. Using inappropriate skincare products consistently will have an effect in your skin’s microbial flora which can compromise your skin’s barrier function.
It is important to understand that cleansing has nothing to do with exfoliating, peeling or even deep cleansing. The idea with cleansing is to remove debris, remove make up if you use it and prepare the skin to absorb the rest of the products.
Cleansing (and all other skincare routine steps) helps the skin help itself; we do the ‘push’ so the skin can heal and protect itself.
A little ‘speech note’ from me:
Cleansing: One of the Most Important Steps in Your Routine
There are many different cleanser ‘formats’: oil-based, gel cleansers, bi-phase cleansers, foaming cleansers, micellar waters, etc. Not all formats are suitable for everyone and you might have a preferred format. But one thing is for sure: all cleansers should do the job of a cleanser and nothing else.
Let’s look at what a cleanser should and should not do.
WHAT A CLEANSER SHOULD DO
The purpose of a cleanser is to remove your makeup (I don’t use makeup but still cleanse regularly), dirt and prepare your skin for the rest of the products to be absorbed.
- Removes makeup
- Removes dirt
- Prepares our skin for other products to be absorbed
Oils make effective cleansers because that is the way our skin naturally cleans itself. They don’t dry out or harm our skin and they simply go into the base of the pore. Gentle surfactants (surface-active agent) also are effective and won’t damage your skin.
- Oils make good cleansers
- Gentle soap is also effective and non-damaging
Another benefit of cleansing is that it prepares our skin for other products to be absorbed. Once the dirt has been removed, absorption will be much more effective.
WHAT A CLEANSER SHOULD NOT DO
A cleanser is not meant to be harsh. We should use cleansers that contain gentle ingredients that don’t deplete the skin of its lipid (oil) content, leading to a decrease in barrier function as well as drying the skin. A cleanser should never leave you feeling dry or squeaky clean. Never. Instead, a cleanser is meant to protect your lipid layer and not strip you from it!
- Should NOT be harsh!
- Should NEVER leave you feeling dry or squeaky
My Cleansing Routine
I LOVE my cleansing routine. Here it is:
AM
I cleanse with a facial wash in the mornings which contains surfactants (surface-active agents, surfactant is like soap). In the mornings I need to feel fresh and ‘clean’ and a cleanser with soap will give me that feeling.
PM
In the evening I use one of the below, depending on how I feel:
1) my DIY cleansing lotion (the formula is not a simple one but let’s say it contains a mix of water and oils
OR
2) a homemade quick fix like coconut milk + an oil like jojoba (easy to make, just mix a teaspoon of both and apply using your fingers tips and then wipe with a warm wet face cloth).
OR
3) I JUST wipe my face with a WARM WET face cloth which many often is my favorite cleansing method. DON’T USE HOT WATER.
So, I use surfactants (soap) in the morning and simple oils and/or water in the evenings.
As you NEVER want your cleanser to remove the skin oils you should be able to use your cleanser more than once a day if you wish.
If You Have Mature Sensitive Skin You Need to Be Extra Careful
As the aging process begins, the structure of our skin starts to make some changes, which are reflected in both the texture and appearance of the skin.
You already probably know this if you have sensitive skin, but be watchful for itching, rashes, tightness, redness, burning sensation or eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
When you have sensitive skin you need to be EXTRA careful with the ingredients in your products. Products that have been formulated with non-irritating ingredients are a MUST here.
Organic facial cleansers are usually made without the chemicals that damage the skin and instead contain botanicals that are soothing and/or healing. I’ve chosen cleansing products for mature sensitive skin that are wonderfully gentle but, still, cleanse effectively.
Interestingly, a common frowned upon ingredient that people still turn an blind eye to in their products are synthetic fragrances (usually under the word ‘parfum‘). I would avoid those at ALL COSTS as you never know what those fragrances are (they’re usually not listed).
AT the moment of writing this post I still do use sunscreen that has ‘parfum’ as one of the ingredients on the list because I’m still looking for the perfect sunscreen (something that is inexpensive and natural but effective) and, until I find it, I’ll have to do with this one. At least it is the last ingredient on the list which means it would have it in the tiniest of amounts or smallest of quantities.
My Chosen Organic Cleansing Products for Mature Sensitive Skin
So, the challenge here was to be able to find products that not only are suitable for mature sensitive skin but which are also organic or have been formulated a high amount of organic ingredients. This means the products have to contain anti-aging, antioxidant, hydrating, soothing, calming ingredients and also be of organic botanical. A challenge, but not an impossible task.
I think I found the perfect products for mature sensitive skin according to the ingredients I would have chosen for myself if I happened to have sensitive skin. Hope you agree with me in my choices.
These are the products I chose: the Sensitive Soothing Cleansing Milk by Neal’s Yard Remedies, the Sensitive Comfort + Hydrating Micellar Cleansing by the same company, a vitamin C face wash by InstaNatural and a facial cleanser by Eavara.
I adore Nails Yard Remedies. I use many of their skincare products and I just cannot get enough of them. Now, you might feel a little disappointed with the fact that they do use phenoxyethanol in many of the products but considering the rest of their ingredients are just wonderful (and so is the company’s ethos) I personally think it can be a forgiveable thing, if there’s such a word.
Again, the 4 products are organic, natural, and perfect for mature sensitive skin.
Right, let’s take a look at each of my recommendations.
Neal’s Yard Remedies Sensitive Soothing Cleansing Milk
This is a gentle but effective skincare products for your mature sensitive routine. It is perfect because it uses organic borage oil which is soothing, cocoa butter which is nourishing and sunflower oil which is very gentle on your skin.
A great product if you prefer cleanses with a milky texture (as opposed to soapy or oily). Certified organic and vegan approved.
CONS: If you’re looking for a soapy product this is not for you. This product will feel like a light cream.
Key Ingredients:
SUNFLOWER OIL high linoleic acid oil packed with vitamin E which softens the skin and is anti-inflammatory. This is a light and VERY GENTLE oil on the skin. So much that it is the oil my cousin applies on her baby for diaper rash. Yes, that gentle.
BORAGE OIL is soothing. With incredible amounts of gamma-linolenic (GLA) acid, an Omega 6 fatty acidm which offers a calming effect.
COCOA BUTTER will nourish your skin.
ALOE VERA soothing, moisturizing and healing.
ALL INGREDIENTS
Aqua/water, glycerin, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter*, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, levulinic acid, aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, borago officinalis seed oil*, sodium levulinate, sodium anisate, acacia senegal gum, potassium sorbate, xanthan gum, cetyl alcohol, tocopherol, leontopodium alpinum flower/leaf extract, citric acid, sodium benzoate, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract*. *Organic. Of total ingredients: 99.5% natural origin. 95% organic
This milk cleanser is packed with is 99.5% natural and 95% organic as you can see above. The “non-natural” 0.5% is probably referring to the potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate (the sodium salt of benzoic acid) which are food preservatives. In low amounts I’m not too worried as we do need to preserve this product because it contains water.
Overall a fantastic product that will keep your skin clean in a gentle but effective way.
How is this Effective as an Anti-Aging Product?
The key here is to find a product that cleanses mature sensitive skin. Some ingredients here are very interesting when it comes to mature skin in particular and looking for an organic cleanser that is also good for mature skin that happens to be sensitive was the key here. Sunflower seed oil and borage seed oil are both great oils for mature skin. Sunflower seed has a lot of vitamin e content which is an anti-aging ingredient; Vitamin E is high in antioxidants and will also make a difference in the firmness and structure of your skin. Borage seed oil is effective at restoring smoothness and moisture to skin. Aloe vera combats the signs of aging by keeping the skin hydrated moisturized as well as plumping up wrinkles and fine lines.
How to use: You can use morning and evening. Massage into skin with fingertips and wipe clean with cotton wool.
Sensitive Comfort + Hydrate Micellar Cleanser
**This product is clinically proven to hydrate skin for up to 12 hours based on a consumer trial with 107 women when using morning and evening
Micellar cleansers have had some sort of surfactant (soap) added to them. This particular cleanser contains cocamidopropyl betaine which is a medium strength surfactant. I use this ingredient in my liquid soap formula together with another 2 surfactants and the result is a really gentle liquid soap which leaves my skin feeling INCREDIBLY soft.
This is a very light and hydrating product which contains hyaluronic acid, adding silkiness to the skin. Neal’s Yard Remedies claims this micellar cleanser provides up to 12 hours hydration because of the hyaluronic acid which, as we know, attracts and retains water molecules (see the note in green above).
A great product if you prefer micellar cleansers (products with soap in them) to oils, milks, creams and so on. It will feel a lot lighter than the milk cleanser featured above. Certified organic.
CONS: It might not remove make-up and/or mascara.
Key Ingredients:
ALOE VERA is listed here as the 3rd ingredient so it would be quite a prominent component in the formulation compared to the rest of the ingredients. This is a soothing, moisturizing and healing plant.
HYALURONIC ACID gives a silky soft consistency for a comforting cleanse.
OAT EXTRACT is skin-soothing and makes the skin feel soft, smooth and comforted
ALL INGREDIENTS
Aqua/water, glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, sea water extract, cocamidopropyl betaine, hyaluronic acid, levulinic acid, sodium hyaluronate, potassium sorbate, sodium levulinate, avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, lactobacillus ferment, sodium chloride, sodium benzoate. *organic. Of total ingredients: 99.7% natural origin, 95% organic.
Again, a beautifully formulated product with a ittle higher percentage of natural origin ingredients than the cleanser before (just by 0.2%) and 95% organic.
How is this Effective as an Anti-Aging Product?
The hyaluronic acid helps to plump the top layers of the skin for a refreshed, soothed and hydrated complexion. Everyone knows hyaluronic acid is a MUST when it comes to anti-aging. The oat extract also helps plump the skin and the aloe vera combats the signs of aging by keeping the skin hydrated moisturized AND ALSO plumps up wrinkles and fine lines.
How to use: Use morning and evening. Apply the product to a cotton pad and gently seep over face using an upwards motion, there’s no need to rinse.
Vitamin C Face Cleanser by InstaNatural
This product will create a lather which is something that might appeal to you. Now, the ingredient list is PACKED with superb botanicals. Besides the key ingredients mentioned below it contains oils I love (jojoba and meadowfoam, for example) as well as other truly fantastic ingredients like chamomile flower extract and lactic acid.
The vitamin C is a plus if you’re a vitamin C lover or you’re looking for a potent product. Green tea is a fantastic addition (a great source of antioxidants and beneficial because it hydrates the skin and promotes collagen production) and together with the vitamin C this makes a great anti-aging cleanser for mature sensitive skin.
A great product if you want something that’s packed with powerful ingredients. The decyl glucoside (a surfactant) in the formula is the second ingredient so this product will have a soapy feel to it.
CONS: This cleanser has a lot of ingredients in its formula and that might be its downfall as well. Do we want so many in just the one product? You might love this (and, the ingredients are really good) but I prefer simpler products personally. When I formulate I’m trying to keep it simple which is something that seems to be more and more important for me as time goes by. But this is a personal choice.
Key Ingredients:
SUGAR CANE – Glycolic acid is a natural derivative of sugar cane. Glycolic acids help remove the surface skin cells, improving texture and color. As new layers are revealed the skin is left feeling plump and glowing. Need I say more?
CAMELLIA SINENSIS I’m in love with this oil. Check my post on camellia sinensis here.
SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE (VITAMIN C) is a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C effective for brightening uneven skin tone and also a functions as as an antioxidant.
GREEN TEA EXTRACT neutralizes free radicals and helps protect the skin from UV radiation. Green tea is a great source of antioxidants and beneficial because it hydrates the skin and promotes collagen production
CHAMOMILE is quite rich in antioxidants and also contains anti-inflammatory properties. Calms and improves appearance of aging skin diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
ALL INGREDIENTS
Aqua, decyl glucoside*, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine*, sorbitan oleate decylglucoside crosspolymer*, lauryl glucoside*, glycerin*, propanediol*, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, coco-glucoside*, glyceryl oleate*, hydrolyzed jojoba esters*, lactic acid*, saccharum officisnarum (sugar cane) extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, cocos nucifera (coconut) liquid endosperm, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, hesperidin, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, centella asiatica extract, hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract, rosa centifolia flower extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, chamomilla recutita (chamomile) flower extract, cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit juice, salix alba (willow) bark extract, xanthan gum*, sclerotium gum*, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate*, caprylhydroxamic acid*, glyceryl caprylate*, limonene*. *Naturally derived
The cleanser has organic ingredients but I’m not sure how many or which ones are organic. The asterisk points at “naturally derived” ingredients but not the amount of organic ones so if you’re looking for a product that has been formulated with mainly organic ingredients Neal’s Yard Remedies cleansers would be a better choice.
How is this Effective as an Anti-Aging Product?
InstaNaturals claims this facial wash works for both men and women to rejuvenate the skin. Vitamin C being a well known anti-aging ingredient most definitely helps, it also acts as a blemish defense. Aloe Vera and green tea leave the skin refreshed and are both known to fight aging concerns (appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and signs of aging).
How to use: Use morning and evening. Apply the product to dampen skin and massage gently to create a lather. Rinse with water.
Botanical Facial Cleanser by Eavara
Eavara has been voted best anti-aging skincare by the American Choice Awards (America’s largest consumer vote).
The brand advertizes this product as anti-aging. According to Eavara, this product purifies, exfoliates, hydrates and combats the signs of aging. Tamanu and coconut oil will unclog your pores as well as hydrate. The activated charcoal detoxifies and the antioxidants in the cleanser boost the production of collagen.
CONS: Ingredients contain phenoxyethanol as the preservative (I do use this preservative in some of my formulations). It also contains ‘parfum’ (we don’t really know which ingredients ‘parfum’ is referring to) and dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). Here’s what Paula’s Choice says about DMAE. In general, it can be a controversial ingredient but read about it and come up with your own conclusions. Many people love this product. I do sometimes use products that contain ingredients that some would not approve of (like phenoxyethanol). I think, in general, the idea is that you move towards natural as much as possible. In your journey you’ll have to make choices as you go along.
Key Ingredients:
TAMANU OIL & COCONUT OIL hydrate and unclog pores.
TAMANU OIL & ACTIVATED CHARCOAL helps to detox your skin.
GREEN TEA is a great source of antioxidants and beneficial because it hydrates the skin and promotes collagen production
ALL INGREDIENTS
Water (Agua), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Derived from Coconut Oil), Emulsifying Wax, Organic Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Peel Oil, Manihot Esculenta (Tapioca) Starch, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Activated Charcoal, Decyl Glucoside, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibus) Leaf Extract, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Organic Glycerin, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Calophylum Tacamahaca (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Parfum, Methyl Sulfynol Methane (MSM), Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).
How is this Effective as an Anti-Aging Product?
Green tea is a great source of antioxidants and beneficial because it hydrates the skin and promotes collagen production. The aloe vera has healing and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for hydrating as well as repairing the skin (and great for sensitive skin). Olive oil is packed with oleic acid which is fantastic for dry, mature skin because it penetrates deeply into the skin therefore replenishing the moisture that naturally gets lost as the skin ages.
How to use: Use morning and evening. Wet face and apply cleanser to your hands. Add water and work into a lather. Gently massage onto face in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
Which Format Should I Use?
Cleansers can come in many forms, you just have to decide which is best for you. I like using just water at times, ‘milky’ types of cleansers, and soapy cleansers. My least favorite cleanser format is oil, actually. I ADORE carrier oils and apply them on my face constantly but not keen on them as cleansers, although they do make fabulous cleansing products!
It is a matter of how I’m feeling that morning or that evening. If I had to choose one, it would be a ‘milky’ type of cleansers. That’s a personal choice, of course.
Still Searching for a Cleanser?
If you’re still unsure because of price point or no knowledge of the brand or simply would like to keep researching other products just make sure to check if the word ‘parfum’ is in the ingredients list and how has the brand preserved their product. Preservatives are necessary when water or water containing ingredients have been used otherwise your product will get contaminated but do check which ones are being used so at least you know what you’re buying.
