Face wash + a note about face/body scrubs

We switched back and forth between different face washes, but a typical example (the last one we used) is Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Power Scrub. It scores a 6 in the EWG database.

There are 7 ingredients in the red and yellow zones including:
Fragrance - scores an 8 (red zone) since this is a blanket term for any number of ingredients
Salicylic acid - scores a 6 (yellow zone), can cause skin burns among other things, no studies on its effects during pregnancy, just makes me think it should be used with caution

We switched to Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash. It fights acne with 3 essential oils (some essential oils have antimicrobial properties). This face wash scores a 1 in EWG's database.

I really like this face wash. It smells good and seems to work well. If you've got massive acne maybe it isn't for you ... I don't so I can't really review how effective it would be at controlling more than the occasional pimple here and there. It is a thinner liquid than most face washes, but that doesn't matter to me. It leaves your face with a "squeaky clean" sensation for a minute or two -- I don't like that feeling when it lingers, but it goes away almost immediately so it's okay.

Cost comparison on Amazon:
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Power Scrub: $6.97 for 4.2 ounces ($1.66/oz)
Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash: $9.52 for 8.5 ounces ($1.12/oz)

Convenient access:
Obviously Neutrogena is easier to get at any store. However, I've seen Desert Essence at our grocery store in the organic aisle and at several natural stores. I bought a bottle for $7.99 at the grocery store. I plan on buying the refill on Amazon ($12.65 for 32 ounces), making it even cheaper in the future and also decreasing plastic waste!

This was an overall win, pretty easy to change.


**One other thing that should make you steer away from face/body scrubs/exfoliators. Those little plastic beads do not get filtered by sewage systems because they're too small and they're ending up in our oceans. Just another good reason to switch! Even switching to a face wash without those beads is a step in the right direction, no matter what its EWG rating.