Non-scrubbing/sensitive face washes

Hey folks! I've been using Kiehl's Facial Fuel face wash for a while now, but I recently saw that it has an SLS-equivalent, and in the past sulfates have done a number on my hands when used in hand soap (dry, cracked skin). I'm suspicious that this face wash might be contributing to irritation in my shaves (apart from anything from technique).

Since shaving is already a good exfoliant process, I mostly want a face soap to provide gentle cleaning as well as clear oil from the whiskers so that they can take in water more readily and be prepped for a shave. That said, can anyone recommend some particularly good face washes or soaps that get this done but without sodium lauryl sulfate or equivalent irritants?

I have extremely sensitive skin and there are very few cleansers that work for me. Facial Fuel is one actually. Another is (oddly) by L'Oreal. I'm not sure if this will fit your requirements, but it's fairly cheap to try and was very enjoyable for me to use. It's the "Hydra Energetic" charcoal cleanser.

Here is a link to the product page:

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/product...ngredients

And a video that describes it (around 4:55):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9b-s-MGXRo

And like you, I avoid most scrubs due to the fact that it adds an extra exfoliant. I use one anyway on occasion that really works for me - Acqua di Parma Collezione Barbiere scrub. It's awesome, and fairly gentle for a scrub.

I've been really enjoying the Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash recently. Bought it to check out the packaging, but really like the product too.

I use the Musgo Real glycerine face wash soap. They are excellent.

I've been really enjoying the Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash recently. Bought it to check out the packaging, but really like the product too.

Looks promising! What about the exfoliating claim, though? I'm thinking since shaving exfoliates, doing that with a soap as well could end up being too much and prompt irritation. How do you find this stuff works in that regard?

Meantime, in a pinch, I picked up some original Liquid Neutrogena which will hopefully be a bit gentler.

I use Lucky Tiger and love it.

I've been really enjoying the Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash recently. Bought it to check out the packaging, but really like the product too.

Looks promising! What about the exfoliating claim, though? I'm thinking since shaving exfoliates, doing that with a soap as well could end up being too much and prompt irritation. How do you find this stuff works in that regard?

Meantime, in a pinch, I picked up some original Liquid Neutrogena which will hopefully be a bit gentler.

The Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash no exfoliating. Very mild and gentle, the best ingredients. The best wash before shaving.
This product I buy again and that's difficult because I live in Germany.

after checking out the ursa major website, I might have to pick up a bottle of their face wash to use before shaving.

after checking out the ursa major website, I might have to pick up a bottle of their face wash to use before shaving.

I just checked it out and I agree, it seems a product worth trying. I'm so used to my Lucky Tiger, but I will give this a try for sure.

I've been really enjoying the Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash recently. Bought it to check out the packaging, but really like the product too.

Looks promising! What about the exfoliating claim, though? I'm thinking since shaving exfoliates, doing that with a soap as well could end up being too much and prompt irritation. How do you find this stuff works in that regard?

Meantime, in a pinch, I picked up some original Liquid Neutrogena which will hopefully be a bit gentler.

This is a really good example of YMMV. A good pre shave scrub should only do light removal of dead skin cells. Enough so that your shaving is relieved of the duty and has clearer skin and more exposed hair for the razor to glide over. They work great for me. For some people it may prove too much. Nivea does make a gentle facial wash, you I'm not sure off hand what is used for a surfactant.

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