Stroll the aisles of any grocery store or pharmacy, and you’ll encounter shelf after shelf of cheap bar soap and body wash chocked full of synthetic, hard-to-pronounce ingredients. But what if there was a cleaner way to get clean?
Natural body washes are quickly gaining popularity as more people take stock of the products they apply to their skin, with plenty of options just waiting to be discovered. Get our list of the best natural body wash brands in this latest guide.
What are the benefits of using natural body wash?
The best natural body wash should support skin health while keeping you clean. Here are a few benefits of these products:
Fewer harsh chemicals
Mass-produced shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, deodorant, and body wash typically contain sulfates, parabens, synthetic dyes, and artificial fragrances, which can irritate the skin and strip your face and body of natural oils and moisture. Clean, organic, non-toxic options present a lower risk of allergic reactions and other adverse effects.
Gentle and suitable for sensitive skin
Natural body washes often incorporate plant-based ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, and shea butter to nourish sensitive skin. This is particularly important for people who suffer from dry skin, eczema, rosacea, and other conditions.
Environmentally friendly
“Eco-friendly” doesn’t just apply to sustainable sneakers and clothing. It’s important that the products you use each day in the bath or shower are biodegradable and eco-conscious. Low-quality ingredients and excessive plastic packaging can have a detrimental impact on marine life and the environment. A natural body wash can help you support the planet and nourish your skin.
Safer on the skin than traditional body wash
Your skin is your largest organ, and it can absorb many of the products you apply to your outermost layer. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other toxins can lead to long-term health problems. Natural body wash is a safer alternative to these harsh products for better overall wellness from the outside in.
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Best natural body washes
Ready to explore the best natural body wash options on the market? Here are a few of our favorites:
Iota Skincare Supervitamin Body Wash + Clarifying
It’s time to throw out the antibacterial soap and replace it with something a little more skin-friendly. The Supervitamin Body Wash + Clarifying is a great natural solution from Iota Skincare.
With clinically proven superfoods and super plants like seaweed, aloe, pineapple, and papaya, as well as exotic botanicals, adaptogenic mushrooms, and Egyptian chamomile, it offers both prebiotics and post-biotics to support your skin’s microbiome and overall wellness.
This product can help repair your moisture barrier, even your skin tone, and smooth uneven texture for soft, supple, supremely clean skin without the need for a harsh exfoliating scrub. It’s ideal for oily, acne-prone skin that could benefit from a natural cleansing body wash.
Iota Skincare Supervitamin Body Wash + Brightening
Iota’s Supervitamin Body Wash + Brightening is another take on their classic full-body cleanser. Licorice root, vitamin C, and niacinamide work together with the microbiome-supporting superfoods found throughout this product line to combat hyperpigmentation and support a more radiant complexion.
The lightweight gel formula also encourages better moisture retention and skin elasticity. So if your face and body are looking a bit dull or you’ve noticed increasing discoloration, this natural body wash may be the best option for you.
INBAR +Co. Gentle Body Wash
Iota isn’t the only brand dedicated to a healthy microbiome. INBAR + Co.’s Gentle Body Wash contains natural ingredients to support the natural diversity of your skin’s microbiome.
Designed for dry, sensitive skin, this option is rich in healthy fats, mild cleansers, and hypoallergenic ingredients to leave skin plump and hydrated. While it's not unscented, the Gentle Body Wash only contains small amounts of essential oils for a mild fragrance.
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Ingredients to avoid in a body wash
Your everyday cleanser should help you smell great and care for your skin without toxic additives. Here are a few ingredients to avoid as you shop for the best natural body wash:
Surfactants
Surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are cleansing agents that create a lather and remove dirt and oils. They also strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt the moisture barrier.
Water
Water dilutes many body washes, reducing the concentration of active ingredients. Body oils and cleansing balms may offer greater benefits than watered-down solutions.
Synthetic dyes and fragrances
Both synthetic dyes and fragrances have been linked to contact dermatitis and hormonal disruption. Opt for a natural body wash with essential oils, botanical extracts, and clays instead of artificial additives.
Parabens
Parabens are often used to prevent microbial growth in water-based products, creams, and lotions, but they can cause skin irritation and hormone imbalances. These preservatives have even been found in human tissue samples, raising concerns about long-term exposure.
Find the best natural body wash at RAREBIRD
The products we use on our hair, face, and body can have a substantial impact on our health and the world around us. Ready to find your new favorite natural body wash, moisturizer, or vitamin C serum? Shop our collection of skin-friendly topical products, or contact us today to learn more!
