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Best Non-Toxic Body Wash in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic body wash on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
Find Non-Toxic Body Wash
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Shower Gel with Essential Oils - Attitude
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.99
Product Details
- Enriched with peppermint and sweet orange essential oils known for their crisp aromas.
- Made with 98.8% naturally sourced ingredients including white tea leaf extract, and watercress and Indian cress extracts.
- Formulated to revitalize, hydrate, and protect the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
- EWG Verified, ensuring clean ingredients and full transparency.
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
- Packaged in a refillable aluminum bottle with a reusable pump to reduce plastic waste.
- Biodegradable formula that is gentle on both skin and the environment.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Refreshing
- Lightweight
- Luxurious
Cons Mentioned
- Slow
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Benzoate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Limonene*, Potassium Sorbate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, * Naturally Occurring In Essential Oils
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Body Wash - Vitasana
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.75
Product Details
- EWG Verified, ensuring it meets strict health standards and is free from EWG chemicals of concern.
- Made with 98.9% naturally derived ingredients including Aloe Vera, Cherimoya Fruit, Rosemary, and Ginger extracts.
- Formulated to hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling clean and ultra-hydrated with a light, fresh scent from essential oils.
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, dyes, nickel, soy, petroleum, and cruelty (Leaping Bunny certified).
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Refreshing
- Moisturizing
Cons Mentioned
- Watery
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Ammona Cherimola Fruit Extract, Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Rosemary Peppermint Hand & Body Wash - Annmarie
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$34.00
Product Details
- Organically grown and wildcrafted ingredients
- Sustainably packaged and cruelty-free
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Invigorates, cleanses, and refreshes the skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Key ingredients include lemon balm, rosemary, peppermint essential oil, and aloe vera
- Aloe vera-based, pH-balanced cleanser
- Formulated to leave skin feeling cool, refreshed, and uplifted
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Fine
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside (Saponified Oils Of Coconut Oil And Plant Starches/Sugars), Herb-Infused Aloe Vera Juice [Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Helichrysum Arenarium (Life Everlasting) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Leaf Extract, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf Extract, Plantago Lanceolata (Plantain) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract], Glycerin (Vegetable Derived), Populus Tremuloides (Aspen) Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Non-GMO Xanthan Gum (Plant Derived), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) CO2 Extract
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Daily Moisturizing Body Wash - Carina Organics
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.98
Product Details
- Vegan formulation
- 100% biodegradable and safe for rivers, lakes, oceans, and septic tanks
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty free with no animal testing
- Free from parabens, soy, and gluten
- Made with certified organic ingredients
- Focused on minimizing transport pollution and environmental impact
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Scented
- Lathering
- Healthy
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Filtered Aqua, Potassium Cocoate (Saponified Cocos Nucifera / Coconut Oil), Glycerin (Vegetable), Pinus Banksiana (Pine) Extract, Magnesium Chloride (Magnesium Oil), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Urtica Dioca (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oil, Pyrus Malus (Green Apple) Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Energizer Combo Wash - Boyzz Only
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.85
Product Details
- EWG VERIFIED ™ and CertClean certified, meeting stringent health and safety standards.
- Leaping Bunny approved, ensuring no animal testing at any phase of product development.
- Made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients; free from sulfates, parabens, and SLS.
- Formulated with pure essential oils including Eucalyptus, Juniper, and Mint for an energizing scent.
- Biodegradable, vegan, organic, and gluten-free composition.
- pH balanced at 5.5 to maintain skin and scalp health and fight environmental aggressors.
- Produced under good manufacturing practices, ensuring product safety and integrity.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Nontoxic
- Moisturizing
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Decyl Glucoside*, Lauryl Glucoside*, Vegetable Glycerin*, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes (And) Aqua*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine*, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Gluconolactone (And) Sodium Benzoate (And) Calcium Gluconate*, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters (&) Water (Aqua)*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crisps (Carrageenan)*, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil*, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (And) Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (And) Aqua/Water, Tocopherol, Citrus Sinensis Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Oil, Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Leaf Oil* *Organic
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Everyone Soap for Men - EO
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$22.08
Product Details
- Contains pure essential oils and plant-based ingredients to nurture and soothe the skin.
- Gentle and fragrant with pure ingredients and essential oils.
- Cruelty-free, paraben-free, and polysorbate-free.
- Designed for the informed, practical, and value-conscious consumer.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Cleansing
- Moisturizing
Cons Mentioned
- Deceptive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Glucoside, Panthenol, EO Essential Oil Blend [Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil], EO Organic Herbal Blend [Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Organic Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Organic Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract], Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Limonene*
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash - Naturium
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.99
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Silky
- Moisturizing
- Smooth
Cons Mentioned
- Ineffective
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
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
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
The Body Wash - Necessaire
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$25.00
Product Details
- Formulated with Niacinamide, Vitamins C and E, and Omegas 6 and 9 to gently cleanse, nourish, and soften skin.
- Contains plant oils and surfactants that cleanse without stripping the skin.
- Helps strengthen the skin's protective barrier through the inclusion of Niacinamide.
- Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and non-comedogenic.
- Free from SLS/SLES and made with a pure functional essential oil blend.
- Cruelty-free and certified vegan.
- Comes in a 100% Bio-Resin HDPE bottle to support environmental responsibility.
- Recognized as a Certified B Corp, Certified Climate Neutral, and Certified Plastic Neutral.
- Part of the brand’s contribution includes being a 1% For The Planet Member and using FSC-certified packaging.
- Designed for daily use as part of a skincare routine, with directions to massage for rich foam and rinse well.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Refreshing
- Hydrating
- Aromatic
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Laurylglucosides, Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Coco-Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Phytate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
h o l i (w a s h) Ageless Resurfacing Body Cleanser - Agent Nateur
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$52.00
Product Details
- Functions as both a body wash and natural exfoliant.
- Contains high-quality, face-grade anti-aging actives, skin restorative organic bioactives, and moisturizing ingredients.
- Features a natural fragrance composed of essential oils, isolates, and absolutes with notes of oud, sandalwood, rose, coconut, and chamomile.
- Formulated to cleanse, nourish, and balance the skin.
- Provides a unique texture experience, transitioning from gel to oil to creamy foam.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Includes lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant that cleanses skin of dirt and pollution.
- Contains Daisy Extract, Cyathea Medullaris Leaf Extract, and Algae Extract to promote an even and luminous complexion.
- Packed with antioxidants and antipollution properties to protect against urban pollution and free radicals.
- Incorporates peony root extract, aloe leaf, jojoba, almond oil, and vitamin E for nourishing and hydrating effects.
- Made with organic, natural, non-GMO, cruelty-free, and non-toxic ingredients.
- Brand is female-owned.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Clearing
- Smells
- Investment
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Paeonia Officinalis (Peony) Root Extract, Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Leaf) Juice, Lactic Acid, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Algae Extract, Cyathea Medullaris Extract, Centella Asiatica, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, New Zealand Native Red Seaweed, New Zealand Native Black Fern, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Natural Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, The Fragrance Is 100% Natural And Derived From Essential Oil, Isolates And Absolutes, The Alcohol Is Organic Sugar Cane
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Coconut Shower Gel Natural Foaming & Hydrating Body Wash - 100% Pure
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$20.00
Product Details
- Gently cleanses and moisturizes the body, suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
- Features a blend of aloe and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and prevent post-shower dry skin.
- Infused with red algae, green tea, and rose hydrosol to tone and enhance skin elasticity.
- Saponified coconut oil used to lock in moisture and maintain the skin's lipid barrier.
- Free from harsh toxic chemicals, heavy metals, fragrances, or dyes.
- Utilizes natural and organic ingredients, adhering to strict purity standards.
- Cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, and made in the USA.
- Formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, synthetic emollients, and harsh detergents.
- Uses plant-based preservatives and natural flavors for a spa-worthy experience.
- Products and packaging designed with sustainability and minimized carbon footprint in mind.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Gentle
- Moisturizing
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Rosa Centifolia (Rose Hydrosol) Flower Water, Cocos Nucifera (Saponified Coconut) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Extracts Of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf, Asparagopsis Armata (Red Algae), Mel (Lavender Honey), Thymus (Thyme) Vulgaris Flower/Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Rosmarinus (Rosemary) Officinalis Leaf, Cocos (Coconut Flavor) Nucifera Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle), And Hyaluronic Acid *Certified Organic
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Peppermint Tea Tree Body Wash - Beauty By Earth
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$24.99
Product Details
- Clean USA made formula: Contains no parabens, sulfates, or harmful chemicals.
- Certified organic ingredients and cruelty-free.
- Contains powerful ingredients such as Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, and Saponified Organic Oils designed to tackle body odors, athletes foot, jock itch, and other skin impurities.
- Suitable for most skin types, including oily and problematic prone skin.
- Comes in a generous sized bottle with a pump for easy dispensing.
- Promise of satisfaction with a customer-centric return policy.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Fresh
- Cleansing
- Soothing
Cons Mentioned
- Nauseating
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin (Vegetable)*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar) Gum*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Citrus Senensis (Orange) Oil, Litsea Cubeba (Litsea) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Powder*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract *Certified Organic Ingredients
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Body Wash
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.
Sources:
The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, 15 Toxic Trespassers, SKIP PRODUCTS MADE WITH SLES (AND SLS, TOO!), Campaign for Safe Costmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, WHAT IS SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, A new formula for a mild body cleanser: sodium laureth sulphate supplemented with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside,
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.
Phthalate
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Sources:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
Retinol
Oral administration of high doses in adults causes ciricrhosis, hemorrhage, anorexia, jaundice, and dermatitis. The use of this substance is contraindicated in pregnancy at doses larger than the FDA recommend daily allowance. Ingesting 25,000 IU/d over a period of 2-3 weeks may result in toxicity, symptoms of which include liver injury and increased intracranial pressure, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and changes to mental status. The substance is also found to be an irritant and harmful if ingested, with teratogenic effects observed in experimental animals.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.
Sources:
Triclosan Exposure, Transformation, and Human Health Effects, Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance?, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, The Effects of Triclosan on Puberty and Thyroid Hormones in Male Wistar Rats, Triclosan is a potent inhibitor of estradiol and estrone sulfonation in sheep placenta, The in Vitro estrogenic activities of triclosan and triclocarban, Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water, Environmental Exposure of Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota to Triclosan and Triclocarban, Triclosan: Environmental Fate and Effects, Chemical Profile: Triclosan / Triclocarban, 5 Things to Know About Triclosan, Underarm Harm? Whats So Bad About Antiperspirants?, Some flame retardants and the antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban enhance the androgenic activity in vitro, Triclocarban Enhances Testosterone Action: A New Type of Endocrine Disruptor?, Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden
Benzophenone
Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.
Sources:
Benzophenone & Related Compounds, Chemical Profile: Benzophenone, Toxicological evaluation of benzophenone, Benzophenone – information sheet, Proposition 65 Warnings: Benzophenone, OEHHA: Benzophenone, FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List, Benzophenone-3, a chemical UV-filter in cosmetics: is it really safe for children and pregnant women? ,
Propylparaben
Propylparaben is a stable, non-volatile compound utilized as an antimicrobial preservative in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Human exposure can cause sensitization especially if applied to damaged skin and may cause contact sensitivity with high concentrations. Extensive animal studies reveal that propylparaben is relatively non-toxic, yet it can mildly irritate skin, affect sperm counts in substantial levels, and trigger cell proliferation in the forestomach of rats. However, it is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or clastogenic, and a significant no-observed-adverse-effect level was reported in rats. Ecotoxicity studies show that it can lead to an increase in plasma vitellogenin levels in rainbow trout and a significant decline of vitellogenin production in zebrafish at varying concentrations.
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