There's a certain luxury to a hot shower or a long, leisurely bath. It's a preferred way to wind down at the end of the day and a go-to self-care practice that is sure to soothe the nervous system. When it comes to body washes, opting for natural and organic options offers numerous benefits for both your skin and the environment.
The Benefits of Natural and Organic Body Washes
Natural and organic body washes typically contain fewer synthetic chemicals. This significantly reduces the risk of skin irritation, allergies, and other dermatological issues, making them ideal for sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and psoriasis. By avoiding harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, natural body washes can help mitigate health concerns like hormone disruption and carcinogenic effects.
Furthermore, natural body washes are generally more environmentally friendly. They utilize biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging, thereby reducing pollution and the carbon footprint. Choosing these products supports a healthier planet.
What to Look For in a Natural Body Wash
When shopping for an organic and natural body wash that prioritizes safety and sustainability, it's important to consider both the ingredients and the third-party certifications the brand has procured.
Understanding Ingredients
A good rule of thumb is that formulas containing generally recognizable ingredients are a positive sign. However, it's important to remember that formulations are a science, and even necessary, safe additives and preservatives might not be recognizable to the average person. Unless you're a scientist capable of distinguishing chemical compounds, deciphering an ingredient list can be challenging.
Look for ingredients such as:
- Natural oils and butters: e.g., coconut, shea, jojoba
- Botanical extracts: e.g., chamomile, calendula, aloe vera
- Plant-based cleansing agents: e.g., coconut oil, sodium olivate, sucrose stearate
Reputable Certifications
Reputable certifications to watch for include:
- USDA certified organic
- Ecocert
- COSMOS
- NATRUE
Choosing the Right Body Wash for Your Lifestyle
Body washes come in all shapes and sizes, and the most sustainable option is ultimately the one you will use. It’s important to consider your lifestyle, sensory preferences, budget, and bathing frequency when selecting a body wash. For example, if you opt for a concentrate but know you won't take the time to dilute the formula, it might be best to choose a different option.
Top Natural and Organic Body Washes
The Good Trade editors have spent years researching, testing, and corresponding with top clean beauty and skincare brands. Below are some of the best natural and organic body washes available, personally tested for their effectiveness, feel, and value.
1. OSEA - Undaria Algae Body Wash
From the frosted glass bottle pump and silky lather to the bright yet gentle grapefruit mandarin scent, this body wash feels like a refreshing aromatherapy experience. It's invigorating without being overpowering. Made with Undaria seaweed, which is rich in antioxidants and minerals, alongside a nourishing blend of jojoba, coconut, and avocado oil, OSEA's body wash feels like a cleansing and skincare treatment all in one.
Kate's Review: “Osea’s body wash is my top pick for its nourishing formula, luxurious feel, and price point per fluid oz. Not only does it uplevel my bathtime, it feels gentle, nourishing, and is the satisfying first step to a full-body skincare routine. The bottle’s modest size lasts longer than I expected. When I want to feel my best, I reach for Osea.”
2. Ursa Major - Hoppin’ Fresh Body Wash
No sulfates and all the lather: Meet Ursa Major’s Hoppin’ Fresh Body Wash. If you’re a fan of suds and a deep clean, you’ll love this natural formula that brings together peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus, and more. With a bright minty scent, you’ll be left with a zing and zest to take you through the day. Invigorating and with a generous foam, it leaves you feeling squeaky clean and energized post-shower.
Kate's Review: “Lather lovers unite! If you’re one to prioritize a thick, foamy consistency, this is the pick for you.”
3. Nécessaire - The Body Wash
Nécessaire’s vitamin-rich body wash offers the perfect combination of cleansing and skin-preserving benefits. Available in both fragrance-free and scented versions (the Eucalyptus is a favorite), this body wash has the texture of a classic liquid body wash but with the benefits of nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamins A, C, E, and omega 6 and 9. It easily washes away dirt, odor, and debris from your skin, even without a loofah.
Kate's Review: “Necessaire’s product line always feels high-end, and their body wash is no different. The scent is present yet subtle, and is available in an unscented option as well. The price point is higher than I would personally spend on a wash, but a small amount lathers well and feels luxurious. Bring the spa experience home with Necessaire’s Multi-Oil Body Wash.”
4. cocokind - Milky-Soft Face & Body Cleanser
cocokind’s new Milky-Soft Face & Body Cleanser is a creamy, ultra-gentle wash designed to simplify your routine without compromising on skin health. Formulated with soothing aloe vera, calming oat extract, and nourishing rice protein, this pH-balanced cleanser supports the skin barrier while effectively removing dirt and buildup from both face and body. The milky texture feels soft and hydrating rather than foamy or stripping, making it especially lovely for dry, reactive, or eczema-prone skin.
Kate's Review: “I can confirm cocokind’s face and body cleanser is as soft as it sounds and is suitable for even the most sensitive among us. Bonus? This formula is skincare-grade and can serve as both your face and body wash for a streamlined shower routine.”
5. Bathing Culture - Mind and Body Wash
Bathing Culture, launched in 2015, offers a Mind and Body Wash made with certified organic ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut, olive, and sunflower oils. This formula is described as a “grown-up body wash that doesn’t feel like a 10-in-1” and smells like the redwoods of Northern California with an energizing kick of black pepper.
Kate's Review: “Bathing Culture’s formula is concentrated without feeling harsh, and the sustainable packaging is also a vibe. One bottle is enough for 80 showers, which means a little goes a very long way. Bathing Culture's body wash wins for the cutest, most sustainable packaging!”
6. Plaine Products - Body Wash
Plaine Products’ Body Wash is designed for low-waste lifestyles. This refillable and reusable product is made with aluminum and can be purchased with or without a BPA-free plastic pump. The formula uses organic and natural ingredients like pineapple and papaya pulp extracts, bamboo silk, and aloe leaf juice, leaving your skin soft. The Rosemary Mint Vanilla scent is minty and sweet, feeling clarifying, cooling, and calming.
Kate's Review: “Plaine Products’ body wash formula is no nonsense. Low waste, reasonable cost, clear refill instructions and a lather suited for any skin type. Plaine Products Body Wash gives me the ultimate invigorating shower experience!”
7. 100% PURE - Vanilla Bean Shower Gel
Indulge in a luxurious bath with 100% PURE. Its Vanilla Bean Shower Gel is nontoxic, 100 percent natural, and made with organic aloe, vanilla absolute, lavender honey, and Japanese honeysuckle for a sweet, aromatic scent. Unlike artificial vanilla scents, this product smells like the real thing, supplemented by mineral-rich red algae and green tea for an impressive lather.
Kate's Review: “100% pure’s body wash is reminiscent of Bath & Body Works - the scent and aesthetic is nostalgic, but the ingredients are a serious upgrade. Heavenly and hydrating.”
8. Puracy - Natural Body Wash
Hydrate and exfoliate naturally with Puracy’s Natural Body Wash, a pH-balanced formula that combines coconut cleansers and Himalayan pink sea salt for a deep clean. Developed by Ph.D. chemists, this bottle lasts nearly two months with everyday use, leaving your skin smooth and supple.
Kate's Review: “Puracy’s body wash is simple and effective at an accessible price point. Plus, they boast a tear-free formula fit for small children and pets, which is comforting to me as a mother of two. A little goes a long way, which means the bottle lasts, re-purchasing is less frequent, and shipping emissions are lower.”
9. Alaffia - Shea Body Wash
Calm your mind and your skin with Alaffia’s Shea Body Wash. Ethically made via West African women’s co-ops, this body wash blends unrefined shea butter, virgin coconut oil, neem extract, and lavender to heal and nourish your skin, no matter how dry it is. It provides a much-needed hydration with a smooth and silky feel.
Kate's Review: “I love this wash for my kids in particular - I’m not nervous if the bottle falls in the bath or if they decide to pour a little too much in the tub. The value is fantastic, and the gentle formula is easy on even my two-year-old’s delicate, eczema-prone skin.”
10. Dr. Bronner’s - 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soap
Looking for something versatile? Consider the 18-in-1 Pure-Castile soap from Dr. Bronner’s. Made with organic ingredients like hemp seed oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oils, your skin will absorb the highest quality ingredients. It’s safe for sensitive skin when used according to ratio requirements and can be used on hands, face, body, and even around your home.
Kate's Review: “Our family used to use Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented 18-in-1 as our daily cleanser. I couldn’t quite figure out the ratio to use it as a body wash without it irritating my sensitive skin, and eventually when kids came along, I couldn’t trust myself to complete the extra step to dilute the solution. However, it is a fantastic staple item to keep in the house, and we still use it regularly for many other purposes! For a budget-friendly, versatile soap where a little goes a long way (and with the most minimal ingredients), look no further than Dr. Bronner’s.”
Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Explained!
tags: #all #natural #moisturizing #body #wash