My Experience as a Judge for the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards:

Best Face Cleansers

As a clean beauty advocate, I’m always searching for effective skincare products that are free from harmful ingredients. This year, I had the honor of serving as a judge for the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards, specifically evaluating face cleansers.

From gel and cream cleansers to oil-based formulas, I tested a variety of products designed to cleanse without stripping the skin. Now, I’m sharing my honest reviews on the standout face cleansers that impressed me the most!

The Judging Process 🏆

Each cleanser was evaluated based on:

✅ Ingredients – Free from harsh chemicals and packed with skin-loving botanicals

✅ Effectiveness – How well it removed makeup, dirt, and excess oil

✅ Texture & Feel – Lightweight, creamy, or luxurious?

✅ Scent & Sensitivity – Gentle enough for all skin types?

✅ Overall Experience – Did it leave my skin feeling fresh, hydrated, and balanced?

Here's the complete list of cleansers I judged during this competition:

• Helena Lane Skincare: Chamomile & Mandarin Nourishing Cleanser

• BioMama: Awakening Cleanser

• LS. Topaz: Latte Cleansing Bar

• Kuumba Made: Honey Facial Cleanser

• GREENTANICA: Melt Away Face Cleanser

• Desert Essence: Moisturizing Ceramide Cleanser

Now, let’s dive into my top face cleanser picks from the competition!

Helena Lane Skincare: Chamomile & Mandarin Nourishing Cleanser

Why I Loved It:

This cleanser offers a gentle yet effective cleanse, using clean ingredients that maintain the skin’s balance without disrupting the skin barrier. The refreshing scent of mandarin enhances the cleansing experience, while chamomile provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.

✨ Key Highlights:

✔ Removes waterproof makeup effortlessly

✔ Versatile – can also be used as a nourishing mask

✔ Organic ingredients that stood out to me

✔ Luxurious glass packaging that feels high-end

This was truly one of the standout products I tested in the competition!

BioMama: Awakening Cleanser

A Must-Try for Pregnancy-Safe Skincare

As someone passionate about non-toxic skincare, I was thrilled to see a pregnancy-safe formulation that is both effective and nourishing.

✨ Key Highlights:

✔ Beautiful dark glass pump bottle – looks luxe & protects ingredient integrity

✔ Light, fresh scent – perfect for a mindful skincare routine

✔ Hydrating & gentle – Aloe-based formula with antioxidant-rich botanicals

✔ Mild fruit AHAs – Gentle exfoliation without irritation

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Just be mindful of the salicylic acid if you’re avoiding it during pregnancy.

LS. Topaz: Latte Cleansing Bar

A Sustainable, Hydrating Option

I love the sustainability of this cleansing bar! Solid bars reduce waste, and this one is packed with impressive ingredients.

✨ Key Highlights:

✔ Caffeine stimulates circulation, reducing puffiness & firming the skin

✔ Cupuaçu butter holds 450% of its weight in water, providing deep hydration

✔ Donkey milk adds vitamins & minerals to support skin health

However, as someone with acne-prone skin, I found that the coconut oil and shea butter in the formula caused breakouts. While this bar wasn’t the best fit for me, it’s a great option for dry or normal skin types looking for hydration!

Kuumba Made: Honey Facial Cleanser

Perfect for Acne-Prone Skin

This cleanser uses raw honey, known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it amazing for acne-prone skin.

✨ Key Highlights:

✔ Lifts away excess oil & impurities while soothing the skin

✔ Eco-friendly glass packaging for sustainability

✔ Citrus & geranium scent adds a refreshing, aromatherapeutic experience

A fantastic option for those who want a natural, effective, and gentle cleanser.

GREENTANICA: Melt Away Face Cleanser

A Gentle, Nourishing Option for All Skin Types

This cleanser is packed with skin-loving natural ingredients that deeply nourish while cleansing.

✨ Key Highlights:

✔ Blue Spirulina detoxifies the skin & removes makeup without disrupting the skin barrier

✔ Kokum Butter & Hyaluronic Acid provide deep hydration

✔ Blue Tansy soothes and calms irritated or sensitive skin

The only downside? The packaging could use improvement—I found it hard to dispense the product after multiple uses. But overall, it’s a great, gentle cleanser that makes skincare feel like a self-care ritual.

Desert Essence: Moisturizing Ceramide Cleanser

A Hydrating & Non-Stripping Cleanser

This formula impressed me with its skin barrier-supporting ceramides, leaving my skin smooth and refreshed after each use.

✨ Key Highlights:

✔ Contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid & nourishing oils (jojoba, avocado, olive)

✔ Transparent ingredient list – clear about its benefits

✔ Moisturizing, non-stripping formula – great for all skin types

However, I would love to see: A glass packaging alternative for sustainability and a clearer note about AHAs (as sun sensitivity can be a concern for morning use)

That said, this is a solid choice for anyone looking for a moisturizing, non-stripping cleanser! (Also, this one is very budget-friendly retailing for about $13.99!)

Final Thoughts 💚

Judging the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards face cleansers was an eye-opening experience. It’s inspiring to see brands pushing the boundaries of clean, effective skincare without compromising on performance. Whether you’re looking for hydration, purification, or makeup removal, these award-worthy cleansers are worth trying!

Have you used any of these? Let me know your favorites in the comments! 👇✨

💡 The winners of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards will be announced on April 9th, 2025! I’m so excited to see the outcomes of this year’s competition! 🎉