Which is the Best Face Wash in India? (in 2025)

Which is the best face wash in India in 2025? How about Garnier Face wash? Where does Cetaphil stand? What about the new age brands like Neutrogena, Minimalist, Dot & Key? Which is the true Ayurvedic face wash today? 

To find this out, I once again checked over 50 face washes both offline and online. After carefully going through their ingredient lists, I have categorized them into 3 categories. 

So if you are suffering from acne, dark spots or you generally want to have glowing skin, you must use the best face wash in the Indian market. So without any further delay, let’s get started.

Introduction

See the thing with 90% face washes that you will find in the market is that either they will have strong skin damaging chemicals in them. For example, most of the popular brands like Garnier, Clean & Clear, Pond’s, Lakme, Glow & Lovely have either sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial colours, artificial fragrances etc. 

Or the brands are smart enough to hide their ingredients. Himalaya, Biotique, Organic Harvest and Everyuth Naturals are some face washes which boast of Ayurvedic herbs but don’t have the guts to reveal all ingredients. 

But I know we have talked about these things so many times. So let’s come to the point. The best in the market.

But before that I want to be 100% sure that no face wash brand has paid me. Nor I am with or against any brand.

Category 1: The Best Face Washes Available Offline

After roaming a few local shops in my area, I have found some face washes which are better than most other commercial face washes.

• Cetaphil: Quite a popular face wash among people who care for their skin. Especially Cetaphil’s gentle face wash is better than their oily one. Both are not bad though. Turn the pack and you see that the cleanser used is mild. It's not sulphate based. Plus it has no artificial fragrance and none of the other toxic stuff. Price wise 100 ml of it will cost you Rs 262. It's much better than the latest sensation CeraVe face wash. On the pack they don’t even clearly mention the ingredient list but on their website, they mention it and it is not impressive. Too many chemicals.
• Sebamed Face Wash: Another option that is reasonably good to buy offline. It does have artificial fragrance but rest is all okay.
• Minimalist’s Gentle Face Wash: Contains 6% oat extract, sulphate free, no silicones, dyes etc. Price wise 100 ml of this face wash will cost you Rs 236. It's best for sensitive skin.
• Neutrogena’s Gentle Foaming Face Wash: For normal to oily skin is also good though premiumly priced.
• Dot & Key Gel Face Wash: If available, is a fine choice for those who prefer gel face wash.
• Wow’s and Mamaearth’s Face Washes: Decent options in this category.
• Patanjali’s New Soundarya Face Wash: For a change, they have mentioned all the ingredients. Though, it does have a few bad ingredients but it fits well in this category.

However, many brands that claim to be toxin free are just fake promises. For example, Beardo’s face wash has sulphate. Plum face wash also has sulphate. Simple’s ingredients are not so simple.

But then these face washes are decent options to buy offline. Whichever you find near you, you can buy them. The reason I have picked them is that they are free from sulphates and parabens, but they do have a few harsh ingredients here and there.

Category 2: The Best Online Face Washes

If you want to use a 100% toxin free face wash, in that case, you will have to go online. That’s because there are some startup brands which are genuinely making toxin free face wash but because they don’t have the revenue and hold in the market, they fail to display their products offline. So let’s move to the second category which is of the best online face washes.

• Matural Aloe Vera Everyday Cleansing Face Wash: Formulated especially for men. This product is a perfect replacement for popular men’s face washes like Garnier Men, Emami Fair & Handsome, and others. Popular men’s face washes have over 30 ingredients, half of which are difficult to pronounce. Matural’s face wash has just 9 simple ingredients with no harsh chemicals but a good blend of skin-friendly herbs. Price wise, 100 grams of Garnier Men face wash costs Rs 231, Matural costs Rs 245. It is especially for normal to dry skin.
• Khadi Natural Papaya Face Wash: Among various Khadi brands, this one hits a sweet spot. It’s toxin free, price wise 100 ml costs just Rs 136, and it’s suitable for all skin types.
• Khadi Essentials Neem Face Wash: A genuine neem-based face wash ideal for acne-prone skin. Himalaya’s neem face wash, in comparison, doesn’t mention the complete ingredient list and uses cosmetic dyes. Khadi Essentials is more economical at Rs 112 for 100 ml.
• Nat Habit’s Fresh Tikta Brightening Ubtan Face Wash: Made using skin-friendly herbs like wild kasturi, rakht chandan, besan, moong, rose petals, and more. What sets it apart is that it has no harsh chemicals unlike other ubtan face washes. 100g is priced at Rs 222 and it’s suitable for all skin types.
• The Moms Co Natural Vitamin C Face Wash: Vitamin C helps boost collagen, reduces hyperpigmentation, and maintains skin pH. This face wash is toxin free and contains orange peel, orange, and lemon oil, making it more concentrated with Vitamin C. Price is comparable to Garnier Vitamin C face wash but without gimmicks.
• Just Herbs Amla, Mulethi, and Wheatgerm Oil Face Wash: Genuinely toxin free and suitable for all skin types. 100 ml priced at Rs 250.
• Neev Kumkumadi Masoor Face Scrub Soap: An economical option at Rs 100. This soap-type face wash lasts longer and contains masoor dal which acts as a gentle scrub, suitable even for dry skin.
• Rustic Art Neem Basil Face Wash: Previously recommended and still among the best online face washes.

Category 3: Powdered Face Wash - Truly Ayurvedic

Some brands make and sell powdered face washes but I don’t recommend them for one simple reason: they are priced high. For example, 100 grams of masoor dal powder as a face wash costs Rs 250, but you can buy 500 grams of masoor dal for Rs 90 and powder it yourself.

In the article "5 Best Things for Skin," I shared the use of multani mitti powder as a face wash. Many of you have tried it and the comments show how well it has worked for most people. Multani mitti works best for oily skin but may not be very suitable for very dry skin.

So here is another DIY face wash option made with 100% edible ingredients that will suit all skin types:

• Take a jar and fill it 95% with besan (gram flour).
• Mix turmeric powder to make it 100%.
• Mix well to prepare an effective face wash powder.
• Use it by taking half a spoon in one hand, mix a little water to make a paste, apply evenly all over your face, then wash it off.

You will feel an instant glow because besan is a mild exfoliator that gently removes dirt from skin pores without stripping essential oils. Turmeric helps reduce dark spots. This besan and turmeric mixture is the original ubtan face wash, well known for its detanning and brightening properties.

If you have extremely dry skin, you can add an oily ingredient like milk powder or simply moisturize your face well after washing.

Switching to a powdered face wash will save you a lot of money in the long run and, more importantly, improve your skin’s overall health.

Also Read: Which is the Best Face Moisturiser in India? (in 2025)

Summary of Recommendations

Category	Face Wash	Price (Approx.)	Key Features
Offline Kings	Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash	Rs 262 / 100 ml	Mild, sulphate free, no artificial fragrance
Offline Kings	Sebamed Face Wash	Varies	Good, but contains artificial fragrance
Offline Kings	Minimalist Gentle Face Wash	Rs 236 / 100 ml	6% oat extract, sulphate free, no silicones or dyes
Offline Kings	Neutrogena Gentle Foaming Face Wash	Premium priced	Good for normal to oily skin
Online Face Washes	Matural Aloe Vera Face Wash (Men)	Rs 245 / 100 g	9 simple ingredients, toxin free, for normal to dry skin
Online Face Washes	Khadi Natural Papaya Face Wash	Rs 136 / 100 ml	Toxin free, suitable for all skin types
Online Face Washes	Khadi Essentials Neem Face Wash	Rs 112 / 100 ml	Neem based, good for acne-prone skin
Online Face Washes	Nat Habit Ubtan Face Wash	Rs 222 / 100 g	Herbal, no harsh chemicals, suitable for all skin types
Online Face Washes	The Moms Co Natural Vitamin C Face Wash	Comparable to Garnier	Toxin free, rich in Vitamin C
Online Face Washes	Just Herbs Amla Face Wash	Rs 250 / 100 ml	Toxin free, suitable for all skin types
Online Face Washes	Neev Kumkumadi Masoor Face Scrub Soap	Rs 100	Face wash cum scrub, gentle on dry skin
DIY Powdered Face Wash	Besan + Turmeric Powder Mix	Cost effective	Mild exfoliator, brightening, detanning

Conclusion

All in all, if you prefer buying offline, Cetaphil, Sebamed, Minimalist, Neutrogena, Patanjali Soundarya, Dot & Key, Wow, and Mamaearth are better than other popular face washes.

But if you want to use 100% toxin free face wash, then you have to buy it online. Great options include Matural Aloe Vera Face Wash for men, Khadi Natural Papaya Face Wash, Khadi Essentials Neem Face Wash, Nat Habit’s Ubtan Face Wash, The Moms Co Vitamin C Face Wash, Just Herbs Amla Face Wash, Neev Kumkumadi Masoor Face Scrub Soap, and Rustic Art Neem Basil Face Wash.

Although, if you want zero compromise for your skin, then use a face wash that you can even eat: a powdered face wash. Besan with a little turmeric mixed in is a basic yet amazingly effective face wash. A natural face wash takes care of the skin from the outside and Desi ghee soothes any inflammation of the skin from within.

Remember, true desi ghee is that which comes from indigenous cow breeds and is prepared traditionally. Anveshan A2 Cow Ghee is a great option to consider for internal skin health benefits.

Take care of your skin wisely, and choose products that are genuinely good for your skin’s health.

FAQs

1. Which face wash is best for sensitive skin?
   Minimalist Gentle Face Wash with 6% oat extract is sulphate free and great for sensitive skin.
2. Are Ayurvedic face washes effective?
   Yes, genuinely Ayurvedic face washes like Nat Habit’s Ubtan Face Wash use natural herbs without harsh chemicals and are suitable for all skin types.
3. Is it better to use powdered face wash or liquid?
   Powdered face washes like besan and turmeric mix are cost-effective, natural, and can be customized for your skin type. They also avoid preservatives and harsh chemicals found in some liquid washes.
4. Can men use these recommended face washes?
   Yes, many face washes like Matural Aloe Vera Face Wash are formulated specifically for men, while others are unisex.
5. Why avoid sulphates and parabens in face washes?
   Sulphates and parabens can be harsh on the skin, causing dryness, irritation, and long-term damage. Choosing sulphate and paraben-free products helps maintain skin health.
6. What is the role of Vitamin C in face washes?
   Vitamin C boosts collagen production, reduces hyperpigmentation, and maintains skin pH, helping skin look youthful and radiant.
7. Is it necessary to buy high-priced face washes?
   Not necessarily. Some affordable options like Khadi Natural Papaya Face Wash and DIY powdered face washes offer excellent results without high costs.