The Best Natural Body Wash (15+ Products Ranked on Ingredients)

15 min reading time
Today we’ll be looking at…
  • The safety issues with conventional body washes.
  • How to choose the right clean body wash.
  • The toxic ingredients you should avoid.
  • Ratings for 15+ of the most popular body washes.

You might be wondering: why bother finding a special body wash when I can go to the local store, fork over a few dollars and get any of the wide range of products available there?

The problem is this: Companies use the cheapest possible ingredients in their products, without much concern about how they might affect your skin and body.

The product is made with only one concern: to clean your body. Virtually all of these mass-produced washes are filled with synthetic fragrances, dyes and potentially damaging chemicals like sulfates and parabens.

On the other hand, a more conscious product will skip the harsh chemicals, and ideally use nourishing and safe natural ingredients and extracts.

Our Methodology: Analysis of Top Body Wash Brands

At Better Goods, our mission is to empower consumers by providing thoroughly researched, evidence-based information on the ingredients and potential health impacts of everyday household products. Here is an overview of our rigorous methodology:

Step #1: Compiling the Most Popular Body Washes

We conducted extensive research to identify the most popular body washes purchased by consumers today. Our rigorous methodology included analyzing internet search trends, reviewing sales data from major online retailers, and monitoring social media mentions and reviews. From this process, we compiled a definitive list of the top dry shampoo brands on the market.

Step #2: Thoroughly Evaluating Ingredients for Safety

For this body wash report, our team of experts thoroughly reviewed every ingredient in each leading brand. We consulted authoritative sources such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), the EU CosIng database, and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Evaluating Ingredient Safety

Our experts carefully evaluate each ingredient for potential health risks based on the latest studies and regulations. We look at factors like:

  • Toxicity
  • Irritation
  • Allergies
  • Hormone disruption
  • Absorption and exposure levels

Ingredients are listed for each of the products, with a color-coded rating system.

GOOD

These ingredients have been analyzed as safe.

IFFY

These ingredients are generally considered safe, but have some concern of mild potential issues.

AVOID

These ingredients are unsafe and should be avoided.

Step #3: Rating Products Based on Ingredient Safety

After completing our ingredient analysis, we assign an internal safety rating to each product.

Ratings are determined based on the number and severity of concerning ingredients identified during research. Products with no concerning ingredients receive our highest safety rating. As potentially problematic ingredients increase, the product’s rating declines accordingly.

Our ratings reflect solely ingredient safety and are not influenced by brand reputation or marketing claims.

Brands are rated on the three pillars as follows:

BEST

This ranking is for the best of the best. Only exemplary brands will receive a ranking of best for any category.

GOOD

This ranking is for brands that are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.

IFFY

This ranking is for when we find something we find iffy. Not a good sign.

AVOID

This ranking is reserved for the worst of the worst.

Body Washes Rated: Best

These body washes were the best of the best. With simple non-toxic ingredients, any of these are a great choice.

Rating: Best

100% Pure

Vanilla Bean Shower Gel
Vanilla Bean Shower Gel
Rating: Best
Price: $20 ($2.5 per oz)

This product has a clean list of natural ingredients, and it doesn’t dry the skin. It has a pleasant vanilla scent that doesn’t linger after you get out of the shower. It is however rather expensive compared to some of the other products we reviewed.

Ingredients

  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Cabbage Rose Hydrosol (Rosa Centifolia Flower Water),
  • Saponified Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil),
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla Planifolia Extracts),
  • Green or White Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract),
  • Red Algae (Asparagopsis Armata),
  • Lavender Honey (Mel),
  • Thyme Extract (Thymus Vulgaris Extract),
  • Oregano Leaf Extract (Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract),
  • Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract),
  • Vanilla Fruit Flavor (Vanilla Planifolia Flavor),
  • Honeysuckle Extract (Lonicera Caprifolium Extract),
  • Hyaluronic Acid
Rating: Best

Ursa Major

Citrus Riot Body Wash
Citrus Riot Body Wash
Rating: Best
Price: $24 ($3 per oz)

Every ingredient in this body wash is organic, making it an easy decision to give it a “best” rating. Because of this, it is quite expensive for the amount of product you get for your money, however.

Ingredients

  • Organic Potassium Cocoate,
  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Organic Glycerin,
  • Organic Guar Gum (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum),
  • Organic Balsam Oregon Fir Branch/Leaf Oil (Pseudotsuga Menziesii Branch/Leaf Oil),
  • Organic Lime Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Oil)*,
  • Organic Bergamot Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Bergamia Peel Oil)*,
  • Organic Ginger Root Oil (Zingiber Officinale Root Oil),
  • Organic Frankincense / Boswellin Extract (Boswellia Serrata Extract),
  • Organic Vetiver Root Oil (Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil),
  • Organic Cedar Oil (Cedrus Atlantica Wood Oil)
Rating: Best

Shea Moisture

100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Wash
100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Wash
Rating: Best
Price: $9.99 ($0.77 per oz)

There are no ingredients of concern in this product, and it comes at an affordable price. While the ingredients aren’t quite as natural as some of the others on our list, they’re still clean.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate,
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter),
  • Coconut Juice (Cocos Nucifera Juice),
  • Coconut Extract (Cocos Nucifera Extract),
  • Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil),
  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Dandelion Root Extract (Taraxacum Officinale Root Extract),
  • Acacia Senegal Gum,
  • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein,
  • Caprylhydroxamic Acid,
  • Caprylyl Glycol*,
  • Guar Hydroxypropultrimonium Chloride,
  • Sodium Phytate,
  • Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend)*
Rating: Best

Pai Skincare

Gentle Genius Body Wash
Gentle Genius Body Wash
Rating: Best
Price: $34 ($5 per oz)

This natural (but expensive) body wash from Pai Skincare contains a great, clean list of natural ingredients and is a safe purchase.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Polyglyceryl-4 Oleyl Ether Olivate,
  • Lactobacillus,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Organic Camellia Oil (Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil),
  • Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters,
  • Organic Castor Seed Oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil),
  • Organic Mango Fruit Extract (Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract),
  • Coconut Extract (Cocos Nucifera Extract),
  • Acacia Senegal Gum,
  • Magnolia Berry Extract (Schisandra Sphenanthera Fruit Extract),
  • Carrageenan Powder (Chondrus Crispus Powder),
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • Lecithin,
  • Tocopherol,
  • Sodium Levulinate,
  • Lactic Acid*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Sodium Anisate,
  • Organic Lime Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Oil)*,
  • Bergamot Fruit Oil (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil)
Rating: Best

Carina Organics

Unscented Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
Unscented Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
Rating: Best
Price: $10.99 ($0.92 per oz)

With a large amount of organic ingredients and the lack of any iffy ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine, this product easily receives a “best” rating.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Potassium Cocoate,
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Pine Extract (Pinus Banksiana Extract),
  • Magnesium Chloride,
  • Organic Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil),
  • Organic Matricaria Extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract),
  • Organic Nettle Leaf Extract (Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract),
  • Organic Dandelion Leaf Extract (Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract),
  • Organic Clover Flower Extract (Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract),
  • Organic Acetic Acid

Body Washes Rated: Good

While these body washes didn’t go above and beyond like the ones rated “Best”, they’re still a great safe choice.

Rating: Good

Drunk Elephant

Kamili Cream Body Cleanser
Kamili Cream Body Cleanser
Rating: Good
Price: $20 ($2.5 per oz)

The scent of this body wash fades quickly, and won’t transfer to the skin which you may dislike.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glycerin,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Marula Seed Oil (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil),
  • Coconut Alkanes,
  • Passionfruit Oil (Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil),
  • Inca Inchi Seed Oil (Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil),
  • Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)*,
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,
  • Carbomer,
  • Sodium PCA,
  • Panthenol,
  • Glycol Distearate,
  • Sodium Lactate,
  • Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Soybean Oil (Glycine Soja Oil),
  • PCA*,
  • Alanine,
  • Arginine,
  • Glycine,
  • Histidine,
  • Isoleucine,
  • Phenylalanine,
  • Proline,
  • Serine,
  • Threonine,
  • Valine,
  • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate,
  • Aspartic Acid,
  • Sweet Almond Seed Extract (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract),
  • Benzoic Acid,
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Dehydroacetic Acid,
  • Sodium Acetate
Rating: Good

Puracy

Coconut and Vanilla Natural Body Wash
Coconut and Vanilla Natural Body Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $11.99 ($0.75 per oz)

This body wash from Puracy has a clean list of ingredients, although not quite as natural as some of the others on our list. Nevertheless, there are no ingredients of concern here.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Sodium Lauroamphoacetate,
  • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate,
  • Lauryl Glucoside,
  • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine,
  • Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate,
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Caprylyl Glycol*,
  • Ethylhexylglycerin*,
  • Caprylhydroxamic Acid,
  • Propanediol,
  • Natural Fragrance*,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Himalayan Pink Sea Salt,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Gluconolactone
Rating: Good

Rahua

Body Shower Gel
Body Shower Gel
Rating: Good
Price: $30 ($3.23 per oz)

This shower gel from Rahua contains a clean list of natural ingredients, and the rather expensive price is the only real downside to the product.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Herbal Infusion (Organic Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extract, Organic Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Organic Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract)),
  • Olefin Sulfonate,
  • Coco-Betaine*,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Organic Olive Fruit Extract (Olea Europaea Fruit Extract),
  • Caprylic Acid,
  • Palo Santo Oil (Bursera Graveolens Oil),
  • Rahua Oil (Oenocarpus Bataua Oil),
  • Sacha Inchi Oil (Plukenetia Volubilis Oil),
  • Guayusa Leaf Extract (Ilex Guayusa Leaf Extract),
  • Hydrolyzed Quinoa,
  • Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Oil),
  • Glycerin,
  • Eucalyptus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil),
  • Citric Acid,
  • Potassium Sorbate
Rating: Good

Alba Botanica

Hawaiian Detox Body Wash
Hawaiian Detox Body Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $17 ($0.53 per oz)

This is an inexpensive body was with clean ingredients and none to be concerned about. This is a good budget buy, although there are other body washes we looked at with more simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glycerin,
  • Heptyl Glucoside,
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Coconut Juice (Cocos Nucifera Juice),
  • Coconut Water (Cocos Nucifera Water),
  • Elatior Flower Extract (Etlingera Elatior Flower Extract),
  • Yerba Mate Leaf Extract (Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract),
  • Lotus Flower Extract (Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract),
  • Allyl Caproate,
  • Bentonite,
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Charcoal Powder,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Gamma Nonalactone,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Jojoba Esters,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Vanillin,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Limonene*,
  • Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Rating: Good

REN

Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash
Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $28 ($2.75 per oz)

We don’t like that this product hides their fragrance under “natural fragrance”, when they go on to list several essential oil derived fragrance ingredients like citronellol, geraniol, limonene and linalool. Nevertheless, there is nothing of concern in this product.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate,
  • Lauryl Glucoside,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Glycerin,
  • Glyceryl Laurate*,
  • Inulin,
  • Magnesium PCA,
  • Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil),
  • Geranium Flower Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil)*,
  • Clary Sage Extract (Salvia Sclarea Extract),
  • Coconut Acid,
  • Cypress Leaf/Stem Extract (Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract),
  • Panthenol,
  • Natural Fragrance*,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Oarweed Extract (Laminaria Digitata Extract),
  • Citric Acid,
  • Sucrose,
  • Sodium Levulinate,
  • Plankton Extract,
  • Lecithin,
  • Citronellol*,
  • Geraniol*,
  • Limonene*,
  • Linalool*
Rating: Good

Dr. Bronner

Lavender Organic Sugar Soap
Lavender Organic Sugar Soap
Rating: Good
Price: $19.99 ($0.83 per oz)

This soap from Dr. Bronner contains organic ingredients and is naturally scented with organic lavender. This is a safe choice with no ingredients of concern.

Ingredients

  • Organic Sucrose,
  • Organic White Grape Juice (Vitis Vinifera Juice),
  • Organic Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera),
  • Organic Palm Kernel Oil (Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil),
  • Potassium Hydroxide,
  • Organic Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil),
  • Organic Shikakai Powder (Acacia Concinna Powder),
  • Organic Hemp Oil (Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil),
  • Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Organic Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil),
  • Citric Acid,
  • Tocopherol
Rating: Good

Desert Essence

Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Rating: Good
Price: $8.99 ($1.12 per oz)

There are no ingredients of concern in this product which contains many organic ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Organic Green or White Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Tea Leaf Extract),
  • Sodium Coco-Sulfate,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Glycerin,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter),
  • Organic Yucca Cactus (Yucca Brevifolia Root Extract),
  • Panthenol,
  • Organic Comfrey Extract (Symphytum Officinale Extract),
  • Organic Nettle Leaf Extract (Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract),
  • Organic Giant Kelp Extract (Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract),
  • Organic Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba Bark Extract),
  • Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Dehydroacetic Acid,
  • Sodium Hydroxide*,
  • Potassium Sorbate
Rating: Good

Avalon Organics

Revitalizing Peppermint Bath & Shower Gel
Revitalizing Peppermint Bath & Shower Gel
Rating: Good
Price: $10.95 ($0.91 per oz)

The only ingredient of concern in this shower gel is tocopheryl acetate, which can sometimes be contaminated with hydroquinone. However, since you’ll wash this product off immediately, it shouldn’t be a concern. The rest of the ingredients are benign, and many of them are organic.

The formula is quite watery, so it’s best to use this shower gel with a sponge or loofah. It has a pleasant peppermint aroma, and comes at an affordable price.

Ingredients

  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Water,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate,
  • Glycerin,
  • Heptyl Glucoside,
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • Cedar Oil (Cedrus Atlantica Wood Oil),
  • Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Spotted Cranesbill Oil (Geranium Maculatum Oil),
  • Wild Mint Oil (Mentha Arvensis Oil),
  • Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita Oil)*,
  • Organic Calendula Flower Extract (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract),
  • Organic Matricaria Extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract),
  • Organic Quinoa Seed (Chenopodium Quinoa Seed),
  • Organic Lavender Extract (Lavandula Angustifolia Extract),
  • Organic Peppermint Leaf Extract (Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract)*,
  • Tocopheryl Acetate*,
  • Organic Alcohol,
  • Bisabolol,
  • Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Limonene*

Body Washes Rated: Iffy

These body washes contain a few ingredients that make us unable to recommend them over better products.

Rating: Iffy

Burt's Bees

Rosemary and Lemon Body Wash
Rosemary and Lemon Body Wash
Rating: Iffy
Price: $11.95 ($1 per oz)

This body wash contains “fragrance” and the brand is not transparent about exactly what ingredients are in the fragrance. For this reason, we cannot recommend it.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Lauryl Glucoside,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sucrose Laurate,
  • Coco-Betaine*,
  • Fragrance,
  • Betaine,
  • Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract),
  • Lemon Fruit Extract (Citrus Limon Fruit Extract),
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Glycerin,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Tocopherol,
  • Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate,
  • Lecithin,
  • Ascorbyl Palmitate,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Limonene*,
  • Linalool*
Rating: Iffy

REN

Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash
Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash
Rating: Iffy
Price: $30 ($4.41 per oz)

This product contains polysorbate-20, which has the risk of being contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a possible human carcinogen. For this reason, we can’t recommend it.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Glycerin,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Polysorbate 20,
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • Panthenol,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Natural Fragrance*,
  • Palmarosa Oil (Cymbopogon Martinii Oil),
  • Geranium Flower Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil)*,
  • Rose Flower Oil (Rosa Damascena Flower Oil),
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Coconut Acid,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Rose Extract (Rosa Damascena Extract)*,
  • Citronellol*,
  • Geraniol*,
  • Linalool*
Rating: Iffy

JASON

Purifying Tea Tree Body Wash
Purifying Tea Tree Body Wash
Rating: Iffy
Price: $8.99 ($0.3 per oz)

Because this product from JASON contains mystery fragrance, we cannot recommend it.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate,
  • Glycerin,
  • Organic Tea Tree Leaf OIl (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil),
  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Canola Oil (Brassica Napus Oil),
  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Allantoin,
  • Panthenol,
  • Tocopheryl Acetate*,
  • Lauryl Glucoside,
  • Stearyl Citrate,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Sodium Sulfate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Fragrance

Body Washes Rated: Avoid

We only looked at one product that deserved an avoid rating. We recommend avoiding this product.

Rating: Avoid

Love Beauty and Planet

Sun Kissed Glow Body Wash
Sun Kissed Glow Body Wash
Rating:Avoid
Price: $7.99 ($0.5 per oz)

The name of this brand would lead you to believe that the product is clean and conscious, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a greenwashing product and should be avoided.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Glycinate,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Lauric Acid,
  • Glycerin,
  • Carbomer,
  • Fragrance,
  • Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil),
  • Wild Turmeric Root Oil (Curcuma Aromatica Root Oil),
  • Tonka Seed Bean Extract (Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract),
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer,
  • PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Stearic Acid,
  • PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide,
  • BHT,
  • Sodium Isethionate,
  • Tetrasodium EDTA,
  • Etidronic Acid,
  • Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate,
  • Linalool*,
  • Benzyl Salicylate*,
  • Hexyl Cinnamal,
  • Coumarin*,
  • Limonene*,
  • Hydroxycitronellal*

Reasons To Avoid Conventional Body Washes (And Use Non-Toxic Instead)

They’re better for sensitive skin — Most traditional body washes are formulated with harsh sulfates and artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. On the other hand, the formulas of safer, non-toxic body washes make them ideal for those with eczema, psoriasis, and acne-prone skin. The gentle cleansing minimizes irritation.

A 2018 study outlined that up to 38% of liquid body washes contain polyethylene glycol, a potential contact allergen.  Other allergens can be found in body washes like methylisothiazolinone, cocamidopropyl betaine, and fragrances. 

They’re More Environmentally Friendly — Most potentially toxic ingredients found in conventional body washes don’t stop harming once they wash down the drain. 

These chemicals can contaminate water sources, damage aquatic ecosystems, and pose risks to wildlife. Using a safer body wash minimizes the environmental footprint, ensuring that aquatic life is not exposed to potentially harmful chemicals, and helping to maintain a cleaner, safer environment for all.

They’re better for your long term health — Many ingredients found in conventional body washes have been linked to an array of health issues ranging from hormonal disruptions to certain cancers. By choosing a safer body wash, you reduce the risk of potential long-term health effects linked to consistent exposure to harmful chemicals.

How to Choose the Right Clean Body Wash

With growing awareness around skin health and the environment, more people are looking for safer body washes. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right body wash can be overwhelming. 

Here is a simple guide on what to look for when shopping for a clean body wash.

  • Ingredients — Look for body washes made with natural, organic ingredients like plant oils, essential oils, and botanical extracts. Avoid body washes with sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals. Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera are gentle and nourishing for the skin.
  • Skin Type — Consider your skin type when choosing a body wash. If you have dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin and oils. For oily skin, choose clarifying ingredients like tea tree oil. If you have sensitive skin, avoid fragrances and harsh surfactants. Many natural body washes are unscented or have gentle essential oil scents.
  • Brand Values — Some non-toxic brands use sustainably sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, ethical practices, and avoid animal testing. Check company values if these factors are important to you. Smaller natural brands often focus more on these values.
  • Price — Non-toxic body washes are often priced higher than conventional options but contain quality ingredients that are gentler on skin. Look at the price per ounce to find better value. Opt for concentrated or bar forms to get more washes per bottle. Also look for sales on natural brands.
The Potential Effects of Body Washes on Our Health

Most conventional body washes you’ll find lining the shelves of your local pharmacy are filled with chemicals linked to potential negative health impacts.

Some of the ways body wash can affect you include:

  • Skin irritation & allergic reactions — Some body washes contain harsh chemicals, such as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Allergens or irritants, such as fragrances, preservatives, and antibacterials can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
  • Hormone disruption — Some ingredients in body washes, such as parabens and triclosan, have been linked to hormone disruption, which can lead to health issues like reproductive disorders, thyroid disease, and certain cancers.
  • Dryness and damage to the skin microbiome — Conventional soaps and body washes can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and skin microbiome disruption.

Small changes matter when it comes to reducing exposure to potential toxicants. Evaluate your current body wash honestly and make the switch for the sake of your long-term health. 

Ingredients to Avoid In Body Washes

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) /Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

These are chemicals often used in cleaning products and soaps (including body wash). They’re surfactants and responsible for the rich lather of conventional body washes that you’re used to.

However, SLS and SLES can irritate the skin and eyes. These sulfates are very effective at removing oil and dirt from the skin, but there are downsides. These ingredients can be harsh and drying over time. 

Here are some important facts about SLS/SLES:

  • SLES is derived from SLS and less irritating, but may be contaminated with the potential carcinogens ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane although skin absorption is low for both carcinogens.
  • A study in Germany found 41.8% of 1600 patients had a weakskin reaction to SLS when patch tested.
  • In a 3.5 month study of 7 people, skin irritation occurred at 0.025 and 0.075% SLS exposures which resolved after stopping use. 
  • Animal studies showed SLS caused severe skin changes of mice. 
  • The American Academy of Dermatology advises avoiding sulfates for those with rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, or sensitive skin. 

Allergic reaction symptoms include redness, rash, swelling, itching, and hives which may indicate a sulfate allergy.

For these reasons, we recommend avoiding body washes containing SLS or SLES, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) & Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

BHA and BHT are common synthetic antioxidants used in many cosmetics, including body washes.

The European Commission has concluded that BHA may potentially disrupt the endocrine system, but more research is still needed. BHT has been linked to endocrine disruption and is on California’s Prop 65 list as a possible carcinogen. However, a more recent study did not confirm BHT as an endocrine disruptor. BHA and BHT are commonly combined, so the joint effects require further study.

In summary, while the evidence is still inconclusive, there are concerns about the endocrine disrupting potential of BHA and BHT. More research is needed, especially on the combined effects of these prevalent antioxidants. Given the uncertainty, some may wish to avoid cosmetics and products containing BHA and BHT until we know more about their long-term safety.

Parabens

Commonly appearing on labels as variants like methyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, or propylparaben, these compounds serve as preservatives across a variety of personal care items. Their ability to moderately penetrate the skin has raised eyebrows, particularly with links to hormonal imbalances which can result in reproductive complications. More worryingly, there is a growing body of research suggesting a tie between parabens and breast cancer but more research is needed particularly regarding concentrations found in body washes

It’s worth noting that the latest findings on their use in beauty products indicate that although paraben levels in individual items are typically low, the combined use of multiple products could increase total exposure and pose potential health threats.

Highlighting the growing apprehension, the European Union took a firm stand by banning five specific parabens in personal care items from 2014 onwards. These include Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben, and Pentylparaben.

In body wash and other products, parabens might be mentioned as:

  • Methylparaben
  • Ethylparaben
  • Propylparaben
  • Butylparaben
  • Isobutylparaben
  • Isopropylparaben
  • Benzylparaben
  • Phenylparaben
  • Pentylparaben

Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial agent that has been widely used in personal care products since 1972.

It has been found that triclosan can be absorbed through the skin, but the extent at which that occurs via exposure through body wash is still uncertain. 

With its widespread use, concerns have been raised about triclosan contributing to antibiotic resistance, making some bacteria more resilient and harder to kill.

Triclosan has also been linked to potential thyroid function disruption as outlined in a 2009 study on male rats. Another 2015 study found a potential link between the chemical and endocrine-disrupting effects, and unsurprisingly, it has been found that triclosan exposure altered the skin microbiome in mice.

In 2017, the United States Food & Drug Administration banned the ingredient from handwashes and sanitizers, but it still remains legal to use in body washes.

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)

A growing body of research has labeled methylisothiazolinone a contact allergen, with exposure in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics being the primary means of exposure.

  • A large 2016 study conducted doing skin patch tests on 3434 patients found 6% of them experienced contact dermatitis when exposed to MIT.
  • MIT may be damaging to human liver cells, as suggested by a 2018 study, but the likelihood of enough MIT getting to the liver through skin absorption to cause any type of liver toxicity is unlikely (just make sure you and your kids aren’t ingesting body wash)
  • MIT was associated with increased photosensitivity (sensitivity to UV light) in a 2017 study.
  • The American Contact Dermatitis Society named MIT the Allergen of the Year in 2013.

Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine (TEA) has various uses as an ingredient in cosmetic and personal care products, such as serving as a surfactant, pH adjuster, or preservative. However, regulatory bodies like the European Union and Canada have established restrictions on the concentrations allowed inproducts due to potential health concerns.

Some research (example) indicates TEA may have carcinogenic effects, although the evidence is not conclusive. Oral studies in rodents found no clear carcinogenicity from TEA alone, but high doses did cause kidney toxicity particularly in female rats. More research is still needed to fully characterize the human health risks around triethanolamine exposure.

Fragrance

The broad term “fragrance” listed on many cosmetic and personal care products can obscure a wide range of potentially concerning chemicals. Certain fragrances contain phthalates, which have been linked to issues like hormonal imbalances and birth defects and even classified as a probable human carcinogen at high exposures. Research shows phthalates can be absorbed through skin and detected in urine after using phthalate-containing personal care products. 

The vague “fragrance” designation can represent any of 3619+ different chemical ingredients, some with links to concerning health effects. This lack of specificity on labels is permitted under laws like FPLA and UTSA, allowing inclusion of potentially harmful ingredients without consumer awareness. 

While IFRA provides voluntary safety guidelines, their industry ties raise conflict of interest concerns regarding fragrance regulation. Given the opacity around fragrance ingredients, caution is warranted when using products with non-transparent fragrance labels.

Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives

Some body washes include preservatives that can slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, a chemical classified as a known human carcinogen. Preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 have been associated with formaldehyde release. 

Formaldehyde exposure can lead to irritation and respiratory reactions. There is also research linking formaldehyde to increased cancer risk. Due to these health concerns, body wash containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are best avoided. Safer alternatives exist that do not rely on this potentially hazardous ingredient.

Synthetic Dyes

Synthetic dyes have long been used in personal care products like body washes, despite some potential health concerns. In the past, these dyes were derived from coal tar, but now most come from petroleum. 

The risks of synthetic dyes in wash-off products like body washes, compared to ingestible dyes, remains uncertain. However, some specific dyes have raised safety issues. One example is FD&C Yellow #6, which can be contaminated with benzidine, a known carcinogen. A 2018 in vitro study also found Yellow #6 contributed to inflammation and may cause allergic reactions.

Given the potential for synthetic dyes to have adverse effects, caution is advised when choosing body washes and other personal care products containing such ingredients. We generally recommend avoiding products with artificial dyes if possible.

Other Things To Know About Non-Toxic Body Washes

When making the switch to a safer body wash, there are a few things to keep in mind about them.

  • May not foam as much: Natural body washes often don’t contain sulfates, which are responsible for the rich lather in conventional body washes. Without sulfates, natural body washes tend to foam less. However, less foam doesn’t mean less effective cleaning.
  • Can be more expensive: Due to higher-quality ingredients and lack of chemical preservatives, natural body washes are generally priced higher than conventional options. However, they are a worthwhile investment for your health and the environment.
  • May need to adjust the amount used: Since some natural body washes are more concentrated, and don’t lather as much, be sure to follow label instructions carefully to avoid using excess product.
  • Still require safety precautions: While natural ingredients are generally gentler, certain essential oils or extracts can cause skin and eye irritation. Keep natural body wash out of reach of children.
  • Come in different forms: Natural body washes come in various forms like liquid, bar, shampoo bar, or foam. Follow product instructions to ensure effective use.
  • Results may vary: Like any personal care product, natural body washes work differently for everyone based on factors like skin type, climate, hard vs soft water, etc. Be open to trying a few options to find your perfect fit.

In Conclusion

being diligent about reading labels and avoiding harmful ingredients when buying body wash is important. Many popular body washes contain concerning chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin or have other health risks.

The good news is that there are plenty of safer, non-toxic body wash options made with natural ingredients and free of harsh chemicals. Based on our research, here are some of the best non-toxic body washes:

No matter which body wash you choose, be sure to avoid products containing harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Using our guide, you can find the ideal non-toxic body wash to care for your skin without worry.

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