My Top 5 Non-Toxic Body Wash Recommendations

It's funny that we think of popular soaps, filled with their synthetic, harmful chemicals, are getting us "clean" right?

We use body wash and body soap more than almost any other product. Unfortunately, a lot of body soaps that you'll find contain harmful, synthetic chemicals that may be carcinogens, endocrine disruptors or potential allergens.

As I've made a mission out of removing all toxic products from my home cleaning and beauty routines, one of my friends texted me looking for some non-toxic body wash recommendations and these are the 5 that I gave to her. And as a bonus, since I know my friend loves to shop at target, the first three here you can find at Target.

If you don't know me, my name is Sophia and I help you find non-toxic home, beauty and personal care products. You can also find me on TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest. Make sure to subscribe to this blog to get tips on non-toxic living delivered straight to your inbox 4x / week!

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Understanding the Risks of Harmful Chemicals in Body Wash

In today's world, where wellness and health are at the forefront of consumers' minds, understanding the ingredients in your everyday products has never been more critical. This is especially true for items we use daily, such as body washes.

While these products are designed to cleanse and often come with appealing scents, they may also contain harmful chemicals like carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and synthetic fragrances. Here's why you should be vigilant about these substances in your body wash.

Carcinogens: The Hidden Danger

Carcinogens are substances capable of causing cancer in living tissue. The presence of these compounds in body washes is alarming due to their potential to be absorbed through the skin.

Continuous exposure over time can increase the risk of developing cancer.

Given that the skin is the largest organ of the body, using a body wash containing carcinogens essentially means you're covering a vast area of your body with something that might be harmful to your health. Avoiding products with known carcinogens is a crucial step in reducing your overall cancer risk.

Endocrine Disruptors: Hormonal Havoc

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine (or hormonal) system in mammals. These disruptors can mimic our natural hormones, block them, or otherwise disrupt how our bodies function.

Because hormones regulate nearly every process in our bodies—from growth and development to how we metabolize food—endocrine disruptors can have comprehensive negative effects. They've been linked to a wide range of health issues, including reproductive problems, developmental delays in children, and compromised immune function.

Since many body washes contain these disruptors, it's essential to scrutinize labels and opt for products free from such chemicals.

Fragrance: What Are You Really Smelling?

The term "fragrance" might seem innocuous, but it can be a catch-all for hundreds of different chemicals, many of which are synthetic and can irritate skin, trigger allergic reactions, or even lead to more serious health issues.

Because companies are not required to disclose the individual components that make up a "fragrance," consumers are often left in the dark about what they're applying to their bodies. For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, fragrances can be particularly problematic. Opting for fragrance-free or naturally scented products can help minimize these risks.

Making Health-Conscious Choices

In light of the potential risks associated with carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and synthetic fragrances in body washes, consumers are encouraged to choose products with clear, straightforward ingredient lists.

Look for body washes that use natural oils and extracts for scent, and prioritize products that are transparent about their formulations. Many companies now offer body care items free from these harmful chemicals, catering to the growing demand for health-conscious alternatives (like my 5 top recommendations below).

Remember, your skin deserves the best. By making informed choices about the products you use, you can enjoy the benefits of a refreshing cleanse without exposing yourself to unnecessary risks. Try out one of the non-toxic body washes listed below. ⬇️

#1 Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Pure-Castile Soap 

Ingredients (Lavender Scent): Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Palm Kernel Oil*, Organic Olive Oil*, Lavandin Extract, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Lavender Extract, Citric Acid, Tocopherol

*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS

**None remains after saponifying oils into soap & glycerin

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First Dr. Bronner's - a classic; always a go-to if you're looking for a non-toxic soap. You can use this to wash your dishes, wash your laundry, wash your floors, wash your body, wash your hair ... literally anything!

"Pure castille soap" means that it has been made from plan oils without synthetic ingredients or detergents. Because it is made with natural ingredients it does not pose any risks to your health or the environment. Quite the opposite, actually - it's rich in antioxidants from its olive oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil ingredients.

I love Dr. Bronner's, I personally use the eucalyptus scent in the shower as my body wash because it smells like a spa. (And if you're a soul cycle girly, this scent smells exactly like Soul Cycle.)

Dr. Bronner's is by far the most popular castille soap, and you can find it in most large retailers like walmart, target, cvs or wallgreens.

Some people do find, however, that it dries their skin out. You should always dilute your Dr. Bronner's because it’s highly concentrated, so it can sometimes be hard on your skin. You can also try the other body washes on this list - I find them a bit less drying than Dr. Bronner's.

#2 Naturium the Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash 

Ingredients: Glycerin, Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rose Hips) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Maltodextrin, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.

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This product has all beautiful, clean ingredients, and I love that it's a hydrating oil body wash. Especially for the wintertime, or if you have dry skin, this product is amazing.

Firstly, it's enriched with a blend of luxurious oils such as marula, jojoba, and argan, all known for their hydrating and nourishing properties. This body wash doesn't just cleanse; it replenishes the skin's natural moisture balance, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Secondly, the inclusion of Vitamin C and niacinamide helps to brighten and even out the skin tone, giving your skin a healthy glow.

Naturium prides itself on its clean, cruelty-free formulas, meaning you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin. This body wash is gentle enough for everyday use yet effective at delivering noticeable results. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a luxurious, spa-like experience in their daily shower routine.

#3 Ursa Major Citrus Riot Body Wash 

Ingredients: potassium cocoate*, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, glycerin*, guar gum*, pseudotsuga menziesii (fir) needle oil*, citrus aurantifolia (lime) peel oil*, citrus bergamia (bergamot) peel oil*, zingiber officinale (ginger) root oil*, boswellia carterii (frankincense) resin extract*, vetiveria zizanioides (vetiver) root oil*, cedrus atlantica (cedar) wood oil*

*Denotes organic

The Ursa Major Citrus Riot Body Wash is a great option if you love coming out of the shower feeling super fresh and energized. The spotlight feature of this body wash is its invigorating citrus blend that has a fresh and energizing scent, making your bathing experience feel like a refreshing retreat.

This body wash also has a rich, foamy lather that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils, ensuring your skin remains hydrated and balanced. It includes potent natural ingredients such as aloe vera for soothing, bergamot for purifying, and ginger for its antioxidant properties.

Being vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harsh chemicals, Ursa Major Citrus Riot Body Wash is not only great for your skin but also respects the environment. This body wash provides an uplifting and luxurious bath experience while keeping the skin healthy and nourished.

You can also get Ursa Major products at Whole Foods and some drug stores. And as a UVM grad I love plugging Vermont brands - definitely go try this body wash!

#4 Follain Resurfacing Body Scrub: Purify + Polish 

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, hydrated silica, glyceryl stearate, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel extract, kaolin, stearic acid, lactic acid, cetyl alcohol, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, salicylic acid, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, ananas sativus (pineapple) fruit extract, avena sativa bran extract, panthenol, xanthan gum, titanium dioxide/ci 77891, caprylyl glycol, sodium cocoyl isethionate, glycolic acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

The fourth recommendation I gave was the Follain Resurfacing Body Scrub. This body wash has alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which make it a great gentle body exfoliator. I recommend use this product once or twice a week for a nice exfoliation, especially if you get dry skin during winter.

This body scrub utilizes a potent blend of lactic acid, jojoba beads, and fruit enzymes to gently but effectively exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and revealing a brighter, smoother skin surface beneath.

What sets this scrub apart is that it does more than just exfoliate; it also nourishes the skin with deeply hydrating ingredients like shea butter and rosehip oil. These components work together to leave the skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated after each use.

Moreover, Follain's commitment to clean beauty means this product is free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for all skin types. The Follain Resurfacing Body Scrub truly offers a spa-quality experience in the comfort of your own home.

#5 Osea Undaria Cleansing Body Polish 

Ingredients: Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Pumice, Sucrose Stearate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Trihydroxystearin , Propanediol, Water / Aqua / Eau, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Powder, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Tocopherol, Sucrose Palmitate, Citrus Latifolia Peel Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fragrance / Parfum*

*Natural Fragrance is a blend of aromatic compounds and/or essential oil(s) extracted from different parts of plants including flowers and fruits. These can be used to help get the sophisticated fragrances that make OSEA products smell wonderful.

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And finally, if you feel like splurging on yourself a bit, this body wash is the perfect product. I am obsessed with everything that this brand makes. This would be another great exfoliator to use once or twice a week. I personally haven’t tried it yet, but it looks fabulous. 

The Osea Undaria Cleansing Body Polish is a remarkable body care product that offers a unique combination of cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating benefits.

The star ingredient in this body polish is Undaria Seaweed, packed with bioavailable minerals and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. This product also features pumice, acai, and guarana to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and renewed. Additionally, the inclusion of passion fruit and jasmine oils ensures that your skin is left feeling luxuriously soft and hydrated after each use.

Osea's commitment to creating vegan, cruelty-free products using sustainably-sourced, organic ingredients makes this body polish an eco-friendly and non-toxic choice for your body wash.

Final Thoughts On Finding Non-Toxic Body Wash

These are my top 5 non-toxic body wash recommendations! Any of these products is bound to leave your skin feeling amazing. You seriously cannot go wrong with any of these options. I recommend trying each of them out and seeing what works best for your skin, routine and budget.

What types of products should I run through next? Connect with me on Discord, TikTok or comment below ⬇️