Best Natural Body Washes: Top 8 Gentle Cleansers for Healthier Skin (2024)

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FWIW, your search for great natural body washes has landed you in the right place. You are about to learn the top 8 gentle cleansers that would change how you run your skincare routine. They are made to nourish and protect your skin without harsh chemicals.

Natural body washes mean not only do you coddle your skin, but it’s also an eco-friendly consideration. We will talk about all the benefits and red flags you should avoid in ingredients and how to make the perfect pick of a natural body wash for your skin type.

Let’s dive right into healthier, happier skin!

8 Best Natural Body Washes

Natural body washes offer a gentler alternative to conventional cleansers, providing effective cleansing without harsh chemicals. Let’s explore eight top-rated natural body washes that can help nourish and protect your skin while minimizing environmental impact.

1. Puracy Natural Body Wash

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You’ll love Puracy Natural Body Wash for its invigorating blend of sea salt and citrus aromas. This plant-powered cleanser is gentle on your skin, thanks to Coco Glycinate and other premium natural ingredients.

It’s perfect for the whole family, from kids to adults, and won’t disrupt your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Made in the USA, this body wash boasts a 98.6% natural formula vetted by experts. With millions of bottles sold and a near-perfect satisfaction rate, Puracy offers a risk-free purchase with their Pure Love Guarantee.

Give it a try for your 10-minute shower Zen!

Best For: Individuals and families seeking a gentle and invigorating natural body wash.

2. 21 Man Made Original Sweet Tobacco 3in1

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You’ll love the versatility of 21 Man Made Original Sweet Tobacco 3in1. This all-in-one body wash, shampoo, and conditioner is perfect for your daily routine.

It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like Macadamia Glycerides and Hydrolyzed Quinoa, leaving your skin and hair feeling clean and protected. The pH-balanced formula is free from parabens and sulfates, making it suitable for all skin types.

While the sweet tobacco scent might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s long-lasting on your skin.

Keep in mind, it’s a bit pricey, but the multipurpose use may justify the cost.

Best For: Men who value versatility and a sweet, long-lasting scent in their grooming routine.

3. SheaMoisture Dry Skin Body Wash

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You’ll love SheaMoisture’s Dry Skin Body Wash if you’re battling parched skin. This nourishing cleanser is packed with raw shea butter, frankincense, and myrrh to revitalize dull, dry skin. It’s perfect for extra dry skin, leaving you feeling soft and silky after every wash.

Free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates, it’s a gentle choice for your skin and the environment.

For a spa-like experience, add a capful to warm water. With its symphony of aromas, you’ll feel pampered and refreshed every time you step into the shower.

Best For: For people with dry and extra dry skin.

4. Aleavia Fragrance Free Body Cleanse

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You’ll love Aleavia’s Fragrance Free Body Cleanse if you’re looking for a gentle, plant-based option. It’s packed with prebiotic nutrients that nourish your skin while removing dirt and excess oil.

This SLS-free formula is perfect for sensitive skin, as it’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Plus, it’s pH balanced to maintain your skin’s natural barrier.

While it may not lather like traditional soaps, its healing and purifying properties make up for it.

Made in the USA, this vegan and cruelty-free cleanser is a great choice for those who prefer unscented products.

Best For: Individuals seeking a gentle, plant-based body cleanse without fragrances or harsh chemicals.

5. Unscented Shea Body Wash

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You’ll love the Unscented Shea Body Wash if you’re looking for a gentle, nourishing cleanser. It’s handcrafted with skin-loving ingredients like neem extract, unrefined shea butter, and virgin coconut oil.

This sulfate-free formula cleanses without stripping your skin, leaving it radiant and renewed. Perfect for sensitive skin, it’s free from harsh chemicals, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrances.

Best For: Those with sensitive skin looking for a gentle, nourishing cleanser.

6. Ursa Major Morning Mojo Bar Soap

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For an energizing morning routine, look no further than Ursa Major’s Morning Mojo Bar Soap. This will be the wake-up call you need each morning with peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary in this invigorating blend.

Its creamy lather goes down with a lovely bit of grit that gently exfoliates, while coconut and shea butter keep your skin hydrated and soft. Made from 100 percent naturally derived components, it’s free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

Although it’s slightly more expensive than most soaps, its moisturizing virtues and refreshing scent certainly make it one of the luxuries of a shower.

Best For: Those looking for an invigorating and moisturizing bar soap with a refreshing scent.

7. Native Body Wash

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Native Body Wash is a game-changer for those seeking a natural cleansing solution. You’ll love its gentle formula, free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens.

It’s packed with naturally derived ingredients that’ll leave your skin feeling soft and nourished. The clean scents are a treat for your senses, without overpowering your nose.

Vegan and cruelty-free, it’s a choice you can feel good about. While some users find the scent strong in the shower, it settles to a pleasant, lighter aroma on your skin.

Give it a try – your skin will thank you!

Best For: Those seeking a natural cleansing solution without harsh chemicals.

8. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar Soap

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Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar Soap is a game-changer for your skincare routine. You’ll love its USDA Organic and Fair Trade ingredients, including nourishing sugar and shikakai powder.

The coconut-olive-hemp oil blend creates a creamy lather that’ll leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. With pure essential oils and organic sugar, you’re in for a delightful aromatic experience.

The thicker consistency means you won’t need lotion afterward. Plus, it’s packaged in 100% recycled plastic bottles, so you’re doing your part for the planet.

Give it a try – your skin will thank you!

Best For: Those looking for a USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and eco-friendly soap with a creamy lather and delightful aromas.

Benefits of Using Natural Body Wash

Natural body washes offer significant benefits for your skin and the environment. They protect your skin with gentler ingredients, reduce your environmental impact through eco-friendly formulations, and are often more compatible with sensitive skin types.

Healthier Skin Protection

Now, after viewing some of the top-rated natural body washes, let’s look at how they work to protect your skin. Here are ways through which gentle cleansers can offer their benefits :

• Non-toxic ingredients nourish and hydrate

  • Avoidance of chemicals reduces irritation and sensitivity

Gentle cleansing maintains the skin’s natural balance.

• Natural ingredients such as glycerin and aloe vera help calm and moisturize

As you move toward these safer alternatives, you’ll find that your skin is getting healthier. With ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide in their formula, natural body washes tend to do more for washing and support your skin barrier.

Environmental Impact Reduction

You’re not just pampering your skin; you’re also showing love to Mother Earth. Natural body washes often use biodegradable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, reducing your environmental footprint. Here’s how they stack up against conventional products:

Aspect	Natural Body Wash	Conventional Body Wash
Ingredients	Biodegradable	Often synthetic
Packaging	Often recyclable	Usually plastic
Manufacturing	Sustainable practices	May involve harmful chemicals

Sensitive Skin Compatibility

If you’ve got sensitive skin, natural body washes are your new best friend. They’re packed with hypoallergenic ingredients that won’t trigger irritation. Many are dermatologist-approved and gentle enough for eczema-prone or dry skin.

You’ll find options suitable for babies and adults alike, with mild and calming formulas.

Non-toxic, organic body washes can even be a game-changer for acne-prone skin, offering a gentle cleanse without harsh chemicals.

Ingredients to Avoid in Body Washes

If you want to go in for a natural body wash, you need to be very aware of the ingredients that are usually harmful and present in conventional products. You’d want to avoid sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that irritate your skin and have other effects on health.

Sulfates (SLS/SLES)

When choosing a natural body wash, you’ll want to steer clear of sulfates like SLS and SLES. These artificial substances can wreak havoc on your skin, causing irritant dermatitis, scalp irritation, and even eye irritation.

Sulfates strip away natural oils, leading to dry skin and potential contact dermatitis.

Opt for gentle cleansers that clean effectively without harsh chemicals, keeping your skin’s natural balance intact and feeling nourished.

Parabens

Parabens are potential ingredients that you should avoid in your body wash. These synthetic preservatives are causing many concerns due to their possible effects on health and the environment. Here’s why you need to avoid them:

• May interfere with hormone function
• Linked with skin irritation in some
• Can build up in the body over time
• Often found alongside other harsh chemicals like sulfates and fragrances

Think paraben-free, natural, and organic body wash, and it’s said to be friendlier to the skin as well as the planet.

Phthalates

After avoiding parabens, you’ll want to steer clear of phthalates too. These sneaky chemicals disrupt your endocrine system and can harm reproductive health. Here’s a quick breakdown of why you should ditch phthalates:

Concern	Impact	Solution
Hormone disruption	Messes with your body’s natural balance	Choose phthalate-free products
Reproductive issues	May affect fertility and development	Opt for natural ingredients
Environmental harm	Pollutes ecosystems	Support organic skincare
Skin irritation	Can cause rashes and sensitivity	Use safe body wash alternatives
Long-term effects	Potential chronic health risks	Prioritize skin health with clean formulas

Synthetic Fragrances

You’ll want to steer clear of synthetic fragrances in your body wash. These artificial scents can trigger fragrance sensitivity and raise health concerns. Instead, opt for natural body washes that use essential oils for a safer, more ethical alternative. Here’s why you should avoid synthetic fragrances:

1. They’re often undisclosed "trade secrets"
2. May contain harmful phthalates
3. Can cause skin irritation and allergies
4. Linked to potential hormone disruption

How to Choose a Natural Body Wash

If you’re trying to find an actual natural body wash, seek out certifications like USDA Organic or EWG Verified for the best quality and safety. Consider your skin type and what your particular skin needs are—dry or sensitive. It’s all about the formula working toward giving you the most benefits for your skin.

Understanding Certifications

Knowing certifications can help a person pick the proper natural body wash. Keep an eye out for these trusted labels, which ensure product quality and eco-friendliness. Here’s a quick guide to standard certifications:

Certification	Meaning	Importance	Focus
EWG Verified	For a tighter requirement of health	High	Safety
USDA Organic	The product contains organic ingredients	Medium	Purity	.

Eco-Cert

These labels will help you select gentle, cleansed body washes free of artificial additives typically added to traditional formulas.

Considering Skin Type

When choosing a natural body wash, consider your skin type and concerns.

If you have sensitive skin, look for products with soothing ingredients like oat kernel extract. For dry skin, opt for formulas with linoleic-rich oils or meadowfoam oil.

Those with acne-prone skin or keratosis pilaris may benefit from gentle exfoliating ingredients.

Natural Vs. Organic Body Washes

Most of the time, when buying some natural body wash, you’ll come across both "natural" and "organic." Though similar in meaning, the differences are pretty essential :

• Natural products contain ingredients derived from nature.
• Organic products meet strict certification standards
• Clean, non-toxic formulas are common in both categories
• Plant-based ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter are frequently used
• Sustainable and ethical practices are often prioritized

While natural body washes have a few added synthetic ingredients, organic ones are entirely plant-based. Both can do the job: Cleanse your skin cleanly and gently without harsh chemicals. Look for products that tout nourishing ingredients like rosehip oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. Remember, "natural" isn’t regulated, so read those labels. Last but not least, choose between natural and organic by consideration of personal preference and skin conditions.

Environmental Impact of Natural Body Washes

When you choose natural body washes, you’re not just caring for your skin—you’re also making a positive impact on the environment. These products often contain biodegradable ingredients that break down easily, reducing water pollution. Many brands are also embracing sustainable packaging, using recycled materials or offering refill options to cut down on plastic waste.

Here’s a quick comparison of natural vs. conventional body washes:

Aspect	Natural Body Wash	Conventional Body Wash
Ingredients	Biodegradable (e.g., coconut esters)	Often synthetic, non-biodegradable
Packaging	Eco-friendly options available	Usually plastic containers
Carbon Footprint	Generally lower	Higher due to manufacturing processes

DIY Natural Body Wash Recipes

While natural body washes are eco-friendly, you can take it a step further by creating your own. DIY recipes offer complete control over ingredients and customization options. You’ll need a base like castile soap or coconut milk, and natural moisturizers like aloe vera or grape water. Here’s why making your own body wash is worth considering:

• You’ll know exactly what’s going on your skin
• It’s often more cost-effective than store-bought options
• You can tailor scents to your preferences
• It’s a fun way to experiment with natural ingredients
• You’ll reduce plastic waste from packaging

Start with simple recipes using ingredients like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap or alternatives to Avalon Organics Bath & Shower Gel. As you gain confidence, explore advanced techniques to create luxurious formulas rivaling Burt’s Bees Body Wash or Nature’s Gate Body Wash. Remember, ingredient substitutions are key for addressing specific skin concerns or preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)