17 Best Non-Toxic Body Wash for 'Cleaner' Bathing

What Is Non-Toxic Body Wash?

The term “non-toxic” isn't protected which means that it can be used quite freely for cosmetic items. That said, it's generally used to describe body washes that avoid known, harsh chemicals in their formulations and stick to more natural and biodegradable ingredients wherever possible.

The Difference Between 'Natural' and 'Non-toxic':

“Natural” and “non-toxic” are often used interchangeably, but they’re two different things. Something can be clean and not made from 100% natural ingredients, and vice versa.

We bring this up is because we want to clarify the fact that there are plenty of amazing clean body wash companies that still use synthetics. The reason for this is that sometimes synthetic versions of ingredients are easier and more cost effective to source ethically, which means they are easier to produce and are more affordable. Furthermore, some of these formulations can be less irritating for sensitive skin particularly if they have a formulation that is less concentrated with essential oils.

With all this considered, natural body washes can be made with wildcrafted botanicals or ethically sourced ingredients from smaller family owned farms. Furthermore, they tend to promote cruelty-free practices and ethical treatment of animals.

What is a Chemical-Free Body Wash?

Chemical-free is often used to indicate that a product is without harmful ingredients and is made with natural ingredients. Chemical-free body washes are typically formulated without harsh chemicals—such as parabens, sulfates, or other ingredients—that can irritate or damage the skin. Instead they can be made with nutrient rich natural ingredients that enrich and moisturize skin such as honey, green tea, coconut oil, aloe and many others.

Why Switch to a Non-Toxic Body Wash?

Non-toxic and safer body washes are a better option for bathing as they often include nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter, which provide and maintain hydration and care for your skin while being environmentally friendly. Many clean body washes leave the skin feeling moisturized without stripping natural oils, making them a healthier choice for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Clean and more natural body washes are also a safer choice as they help mitigate health concerns such as hormone disruption and carcinogenic effects, making them a safer choice for both personal and environmental health.

Pollution from the cosmetics industry is also another great reason to choose a formulation with lower environmental backlash. Not only are there major issues with pollutants coming from cosmetic wastewater treatment plants, but any time that we use a body wash, depending on what's in it, we’re potentially adding to harsh chemicals floating in the environment.

As one research paper noted, personal care products “continuously release biologically active and inactive ingredients in the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere” as well as our water.

Some of these ingredients pose a risk to human and ecological life by accumulating in our environments, but there are also concerns about what our skin may be absorbing. Switching to a safer body wash is a chance to limit some of this harm and support the companies who are trying to change things. We all want cleaner, safer water systems and environments. Why not start the shift with safer body washes?

On a lighter note, this healthier cleanser choice also works as a shampoo, so you get two products in one – how cool is that? Some non-toxic brands also offer conditioner options formulated with natural and small number of ingredients, which help restore oils to the hair after shampooing and maintain hair health without toxic chemicals.

Which Chemicals to Avoid in Your Search for Non-Toxic Body Wash

The chemicals in our food and personal care products collecting in our bodies have become such a problem that scientists have developed a name for it: “body burden.”  Avoiding these chemicals helps reduce this build-up, and protect your skin barrier, which is essential for maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Here are 5 main ingredients to avoid when looking for a safe body wash:

• Phthalates: The biggest concern with phthalates, a type of preservative found in many body washes, is that they can act as endocrine disruptors. This means that they affect your hormones and with that, can also impact the health of a person’s reproductive system and pregnancy development.
• Triclosan: Even though it’s been found to have been absorbed by the skin and mouth during use, triclosan is one of the most widely used anti-bacterial ingredients in American personal care items. Early research has cautioned how risky this ingredient could be to reproductive and other endocrine-related areas of health.
• Synthetic Fragrances: Under FDA guidelines, the cosmetics companies don’t need to disclose what ingredients are used to create their scents. The issue with this is that many of the chemicals that create those lovely aromas of refreshing cleansers are associated with endocrine disruption and skin irritation. It’s why the EWG has been clear about only verifying products that are transparent about their formulations.
• Sulfates: This ingredient usually appears in body washes as “sodium laurel sulfate” (SLS) and is used to give a product that soapy, sudsy feel. The problem, however, is that they’ve been appearing in water systems at an accelerated rate over recent years and pose risks to both human and ecological well-being. Sulfates are a common skin irritant, especially for eczema or psoriasis sufferers, but they’re also associated with gastrointestinal issues and, as they reach wider environments, can negatively impact aquatic life.
• Parabens: Like phthalates, this family of ingredients is synthetic and used as a preservative in cosmetic items such as body washes. Unfortunately, they’re also associated with endocrine disruption and reproductive issues.

What Makes Body Wash Eco-Friendly?

Want a more environmentally friendly body wash but not sure what to judge it on? We’ve got you covered. Here are the 3 main pointers to keep in mind if you’re looking for a safe body wash that’s also kind to the planet:

• Ethically sourced and safe ingredients: Look for companies that are transparent about what’s in their products and how they’ve been sourced. Natural oils such as coconut oil and shea butter are commonly used in eco-friendly body washes to help maintain skin's moisture and health. While we love seeing more natural ingredients, how they’re sourced also matters. Look out for ingredients that are marked as “biodegradable”. These are extra eco-friendly because they won’t collect in our waterways and instead break down naturally.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Packaging is a major part of the beauty industry’s impact on the environment. That’s why it’s so important to, where possible, stick to refillable options or body washes that come in recycled or recyclable materials. Refillable and reusable body wash products help to reduce single-use plastic waste, making them a sustainable choice. Sustainable packaging in body washes also includes materials like aluminum, which can be recycled, further reducing environmental impact.
• Usability: Something we say a lot on this site is that the most eco-friendly product is the one you can get the most use out of. When it comes to a body wash, think about what type of formulation suits your lifestyle best (oil, bar, liquid, etc.) and what your skin needs. That way you’ll be able to use every last drop and not end up having to waste something or purchase loads more products.

How Do You Shop for Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Body Wash?

Ok, you’re standing in a beauty aisle faced with a million different body wash options. They’re all saying different things but finally, you pick up something that looks like it will work – you’re just not sure if it’s safe and eco-friendly. Here’s what to do:

• Check the Ingredients: Scan the ingredient list for words like “fragrance” or any mention of parabens, phthalates, triclosan, or sulfates. A useful tip is that clean cosmetic and personal care companies are fairly good at declaring that they’re without any of these and will usually disclose whether they use organic ingredients.
• Look for Stickers and Certifications: Any cruelty-free certifications are a major plus as they ensure that the end product is made and produced without harming animals, ethically sourced means that the ingredients are extracted with ethical practices (this is great to consider with non vegan ingredients). EWG is another good one as it is highly stringent when it comes to clean beauty standards so their seal of approval should be a sign you can trust the company behind it.
• Consider Packaging and Shipping Options: If you’re ordering online, look to see if the cleanser in question discloses whether the packaging is recyclable or not and if they offset their carbon emissions.
• Do a Quick Online Search: Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, it’s worth perusing reviews, etc. about a potential product as it will help give you a more well-rounded picture. The best way to shop for clean and eco-friendly body wash is to get serious about finding all the facts. Make sure the feedback is relevant to your particular conditions and needs. In general, the best non-toxic body washes leave your skin feeling soft and do not strip away natural oils, making them practical for the whole family, including those with sensitive or dry skin.

17 Of Our Favorite Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Body Wash Brands

Whether you’re looking for a body wash that’s exfoliating, nourishing, or organic, we’ve got all the best non-toxic and eco-friendly options right here: Each of these selections represents the best body wash choices for those prioritizing health, sustainability, and luxury. Furthermore, many of these same companies also offer non-toxic hand wash options, providing gentle and safe cleansing for your hands as well as your body.

1. ATTITUDE

This natural home, and beauty company has recently had a chic revamp. Now beloved products like their non-toxic shower gel look as good standing in your shower as they feel on the skin.

Price Range: $12-$36

‍Standout Soap: All of the Super Leaves shower gels from Attitude are a delight, but their Bergamot and Ylang-Ylang scent is the star of the show. This scented body wash is super citrusy and fragranced entirely with essential oils, while the shower gel itself features olive leaf extract to soothe and restore dry skin. Additionally, 100% PURE Vanilla Bean Shower Gel is made with organic aloe and has a sweet, aromatic scent, offering another luxurious option for those seeking natural ingredients.

‍Sustainability Stats:

• 98.7% Natural Origin.
• Refillable aluminum packaging.
• EWG-Verified.
• Vegan.

2. Honest Beauty

Honest Beauty is one of those rare celebrity-founded companies that lives up to the hype. Their body wash options are nourishing, family-friendly, and even approved by the National Eczema Foundation.

‍Price Range: $12

‍Standout Soap: The Fragrance-Free Body Wash is great for various skin types. It's hypoallergenic and baby-friendly, and uses Aloe and chamomile extract for an extra nourishing experience. It also works as a shampoo, so you get two products in one – how cool is that? This body wash leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable after every use.

‍Sustainability Stats:

• Without parabens, dyes, synthetic fragrances, etc.
• USDA-certified bio-based ingredients.
• Vegan.
• Cruelty-Free.

3. Ursa Major

“Basic” is a compliment when it comes to this brand. They make no-fuss, safe body wash and soap products that are made with minimal ingredients that pack a punch to your shower experience.

Price Range: $14-$52

Standout Soap: The Morning Mojo Bar Soap provides an enriching shower experience. It has been described as “invigorating” by the NY Times and spa-like by Esquire. Volcanic rock adds exfoliating properties to this wonderfully refreshing peppermint soap. This bar produces a rich foam that deeply cleanses while invigorating the senses.

Sustainability Stats:

• Safe formulation without parabens, sulfates, etc.
• Certified B Corp.
• Recycled and recyclable packaging.
• Certified plastic negative.
• Vegan.
• Cruelty-free.

4. Plaine Products

Plaine’s simple, eco-friendly approach to making soap means that they make some of the healthiest body wash options out there that are suitable for everyday use. Plaine Products’ body wash is refillable and made with organic aloe leaf juice, making it a sustainable and nourishing choice. This company also offers a non-toxic conditioner formulated with natural and minimal ingredients, designed to restore oils to the hair after shampooing and maintain hair health without all the heavy chemicals.

Price Range: $27-$30.

Standout Product: The Rosemary Mint Vanilla Body Wash is great for restoring your skin’s balance (and making you smell incredible), but we love that there’s an unscented version too for anyone with sensitive skin. This body wash also helps keep your skin feeling hydrated throughout the day.

Sustainability Stats:

• Biodegradable with no synthetic fragrances, sulfates, etc.
• Cruelty-free and vegan.
• Carbon Neutral.
• Recyclable aluminum packaging with refills available, as well as fully recycled shipping materials.
• Certified B Corp.

5. 100% Pure

This is one of the best organic body wash companies, and in fact, one of the best places to shop for just about any clean cosmetic or personal care item.

Price Range: $20

Standout Soap: The Honey Almond shower gel is just one of the many scent options, but we love how light and soothing this one is. Coconut oil, aloe, and red algae all make this an extra nourishing clean soap. The inclusion of vitamin E further supports nourishment and protection for most skin types unless you have sensitivities to almonds.

Sustainability Stats:

• Non-toxic, biodegradable formulations with natural and organic ingredients.
• Cruelty-free and vegan.
• Green Business Certified in California.

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6. Naturium

Available at Target and formulated with clean ingredients – Naturium is a great option for anyone looking for their first clean body wash or who wants a Nécessaire dupe.

Price Range: $16

Standout Soap: The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash has gone viral a few times. This YouTube reviewer praised how much product you get for the price, and how nourishing this body wash is. The formula is enriched with vitamin-infused ingredients to support healthy, glowing skin. Native Body Wash is sulfate-free and comes in many scents while being hydrating, making it a versatile and skin-friendly choice.

Sustainability Stats:

• Cruelty-free.
• Vegan.
• Paraben-free and features many naturally derived ingredients.

7. Nécessaire

A favorite of beauty editors and customers alike, Necessaire makes the best non-toxic body wash for sensitive skin. We also love their chic, minimalist, eco-friendly packaging.

Price Range: $12-$35

Standout Soap: Nécessaire’s The Body Wash is an Allure Beauty Winner (2019) and was called the “epitome of shower luxury” by Byrdie thanks to its unique oil-in gel formula. This body wash is nourishing as it is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and comes in a fragrance-free option for those with sensitivities. Furthermore, cleanser does not strip the skin barrier and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and delicate skin.

Sustainability Stats:

• clean formula without the use of phthalates, sulfates, etc.
• Refillable, eco packaging made from bio-resin.
• Certified climate neutral.
• 1% pledge.

8. Everist

Everist is a true innovator in the body wash space committed to making great products that do as little damage to the planet as possible.

Price Range: $25-$28

Standout Soap: The exfoliating body wash concentrate manages to cut the water and the amount of packaging used, but it’s also just a fantastic exfoliator that helps buff and hydrate the skin. The unique texture of the concentrate is smooth and rich, creating a luxurious, spa-like feel during application.

Sustainability Stats:

• Carbon Neutral Shipping.
• Clean, plant-based, biodegradable ingredients.
• Packaged in 100% recycled and recyclable aluminum tubes.
• Certified Ocean Positive.

9. By/Rosie Jane

Because this brand primarily began with perfumes, everything smells amazing. Not only that, but their products feature thoughtful, organic ingredients that will leave your skin squeaky clean without stripping it. You’ll feel squeaky clean and refreshed after every shower.

Price Range: $25

Standout Soap: Their Chill The F*ck Out Everyday Body Wash features an uplifting peppermint and mandarin scent as well as skin-boosting ingredients such as cocoa, pine bark, and organic white tea extract.

Sustainability Stats:

• Cruelty-free.
• Vegan.
• 1% for the planet.
• Climate neutral.
• 100% recyclable packaging.
• Clean, safe formulas.
• Recyclable packaging.

10. Dr Bronner’s

We’d argue that Dr Bronner’s was the original non-toxic soap company. They’ve been making eco-friendly, healthy body wash options for decades and yet continue to push the envelope with their sustainability factors.

Price Range: $11-$70

Standout Soap:The Pure-Castile Hemp Peppermint Liquid soap is a cult classic for a reason. It’s refreshing, versatile (you can even use it on your hair) and extra light. It’s easy to rub this liquid gel onto your skin for a thorough, soft cleanse. Another good one is Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile soap which is made with organic coconut oil and can be used all over the skin, offering a multi-purpose and eco-friendly option.

If you are using these non-toxic soaps as a shampoo, following up with a non-toxic conditioner made with minimal and natural ingredients can help restore oils to the hair and maintain hair health without harsh chemicals.

Sustainability Stats:

• Biodegradable and organic ingredients.
• Vegan.
• Cruelty-free.
• EWG-verified
• Non-GMO verified.
• Recycled and recyclable packaging, with refills available.

11. Good Time

Soap bars have gone out of fashion in many respects, but Good Time makes products that feel fresh, and modern again.

Price Range: $12-$32

Standout Soap: The cleansing body bar trio will refresh, rehydrate, and exfoliate your skin with natural abs moisturizing ingredients that include jojoba oil and illipe butter. These bars are perfect for a relaxing bath as well as a quick shower, making your self-care routine both soothing and indulgent. Scents like bergamot and sandalwood will also leave you smelling delicious all day long.

Sustainability Stats:

• Plastic free.
• Carbon-neutral shipping.
• Cruelty-free and vegan.
• No preservatives, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, silicones, etc.
• 50% of profits support clean water initiatives.

12. Earth Mama Organics

Looking for the best natural cleanser for sensitive skin? Earth Mama is the place to shop with their National Eczema Association-approved soaps for both kids and adults.

Price Range: $12-$14

Standout Soap: The Ginger Fresh Castile Body Wash is the perfect morning wake-up/ It’s zingy and super cleansing, while still feeling mild on the skin. The anti-inflammatory and moisture locking cleanser helps heal and soothe irritated or sensitive skin.

Sustainability Stats:

• Non-Toxic cleansers that are triclosan, and paraben-free.
• Organic ingredients.
• Certified non-GMO.
• Partnered with the Safecosmetics.org
• Plastic Neutral.
• EWG-Verified
• Cruelty-Free.

13. Pipette

While this company primarily markets its clean body wash options to moms and babies, their products are for anyone who enjoys light, hypo-allergenic, plant-based formulas.

‍Price Range: $11

‍Standout Soap: The Relaxing Body Wash is one of their leading bestsellers, and for good reason. It’s packed with aloe vera (aloe leaf juice), known for its hydrating and soothing properties, sugarcane-derived squalane for extra moisture, and finished with a mix of botanicals that provide a soothing, almost spa-like scent.

‍Sustainability Stats:

• Non-toxic formula with plant-derived scents.
• EWG Verified.
• Leaping Bunny Certified.
• Vegan.

14. Native

Native is probably best known for its range of non-toxic deodorants, but as we’ll cover in this brand’s ‘Standout body wash section, it’s also behind one of the best natural cleansers on the market.

‍Price Range: $8-$10

‍Standout Soap: The Unscented Body Wash won the reader’s award during the 2023 Allure Beauty awards thanks to its super hydrating, no-fuss cleanser. If you prefer your soap to leave a smell behind, this soap also comes in a range of fresh scents.

For best results, follow up with a non-toxic body lotion to lock in moisture and keep skin healthy.

‍Sustainability Stats:

• Without parabens, phthalates, and dyes.
• Vegan.
• Cruelty-Free.

15. Uni

We could not write this list without including the company that is behind one of the best natural moisturizing body washes. They’ve been featured in Bustle, Vogue, and plenty of others for their eco-friendly, skin-loving approach.

Price Range: $30-$33

Standout Soap: The Skin Shield Body Wash uses a plant-based surfactant to cleanse the skin alongside Australian botanicals that help in hydration. Its silky texture creates a smooth, luxurious lather that enhances the cleansing experience and leaves skin feeling nourished.

Sustainability Stats:

• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Reef-safe
• Non-toxic formula that features organic and sustainably sourced ingredients.
• Recyclable and refillable aluminum packaging

16. Ethique

With their plant-derived formulas, incredible scents, and innovative products, this company has proven that a non-toxic soap can actually be cool.

Price Range: $10

Standout Soap: Ethique has a popular soap bar and their Exfoliating Pumice Tea Tree, & Spearmint Soap Bar is where things get truly exciting. The inclusion of natural salt in this bar that has an exfoliating and renewing effect. It’s a product that cuts down on waste with its home compostable packaging.

Sustainability Stats:

• Certified B Corp.
• Plastic-free, biodegradable, and eco-friendly packaging.
• Cruelty-free and vegan.
• Certified palm oil free.
• Climate positive (they offset more carbon than they use.)

17. Iota

This brand was a recent Allure beauty winner thanks to its unique, skincare-focused approach to non-toxic body washes. All their body washes are “face-grade” in that they provide a whole skincare experience for the skin on your body.

‍Price Range: $20-$23

‍Standout Soap: The Supervitamin+ Body Wash made this brand so well-known. It’s packed with 20 superfood multivitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc., to help brighten the skin’s appearance and help maintain a healthier skin biome. 

‍Sustainability Stats:

• Non-toxic formula is free of sulfates, phthalates, etc.
• EU-compliant fragrance.
• Vegan.
• Cruelty-Free.
• Plastic negative,
• 1% for the Planet
• Certified Climate Neutral

Iota was a recent Allure beauty winner thanks to its unique, skincare-focused approach to clean cleansers. All their body washes are “face-grade” in that they provide a whole skincare experience.

‍Price Range: $20-$23

‍Standout Soap:The Supervitamin+ Body Wash is packed with 20 superfood vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc., to help brighten the skin’s appearance and help maintain a healthier skin biome. These vitamins are essential for supporting skin health, providing antioxidants, and helping to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.

‍Sustainability Stats:

• Without harsh chemicals such as sulfates, phthalates, etc.
• EU-compliant fragrance.
• Vegan.
• Cruelty-Free.
• Plastic negative,
• 1% for the Planet
• Certified Climate Neutral

Clean Up Crew

Cleaning up the planet could start in your shower. Next time you need a new body wash, consider going the eco-friendly route. It’ll cut down personal exposure to risky chemicals, help promote a cleaner environment, and leave you feeling more refreshed than ever.

As a bonus, non-toxic body washes are gentle enough for use on private parts, making them a safe and suitable choice for cleansing even the most sensitive areas of your body.

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Toxic Body Wash

What is the healthiest thing to wash your body with?

The healthiest thing to wash your body with is some warm water and a simple, fragrance-free soap without SLES or any other toxic ingredients.

Using a gentle, non-toxic face wash is also important for maintaining healthy skin, especially on the delicate facial area.

Is Sukin body wash toxic free?

Yes, Sukin body wash is toxic free. It’s free of some of the main potentially harmful cosmetic ingredients such as sodium sulfates, parabens, and harsher synthetically derived ingredients.

Sukin body wash also effectively removes dirt and body odor while remaining gentle on the skin.

What is the safest body soap to use?

The safest soap to use is one that firstly, is non-toxic i.e. does not contain parabens, phthalates, sulfates, etc., and secondly, one that works with your skin. For example, if you have very sensitive skin then you may need a completely fragrance-free formula without irritating essential oils. Always keep your body’s specific needs in mind when trying to pick the safest soap option.

After washing, applying a gentle, non-toxic lotion can help keep your skin moisturized and protected.

What is the most natural way to wash your body?

Honestly, the most natural way to wash your body is with plain old water and maybe some mud or sand as an exfoliant. That’s how people did it before body wash.

Nowadays we have amazing, all-natural, and non-toxic body wash options from brands like Ethique and By/Rosie Jane to pick from. Using mud sounds fun, but it’s not exactly practical. Keep in mind that the best natural body washes cleanse effectively without leaving your skin feeling stripped or dry.

Which is better for the environment soap or body wash?

When it comes to what’s better for the environment, depending on the formula, a hard bar of soap is probably better than a body wash. The reason for this is that soap bars, like those made by the company Good Time, are water-free, use less packaging, and generally use less of the earth’s precious resources.

Ironically, however, whether using body wash or soap, you actually want the product to be soap-free as the sulfates that usually make the conventional formulations aren’t great for the environment. So if you prefer the convenience of using a body wash,  refer to the following section on how to not waste body wash and get the most out of what you have.

A bonus is that many non-toxic bar soaps and body washes are gentle enough to use on the scalp, supporting overall skin and hair health.

How do you not waste body wash?

The best way to not waste body wash is to pick something that seems well-suited to your lifestyle and skin type – that way you’re more likely to use up every last drop. If however, you have a bad reaction to something, consider donating it to a homeless shelter or a friend who might get better use of it. It’s so much better for the planet if we can find ways to pass on unwanted body washes rather than simply throwing them in the trash.

To maximize your body wash, use a small amount and take the time to rub it thoroughly into your skin. This helps ensure you get the most benefit from each use.