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This comprehensive guide to non-toxic body wash is perfect for anyone looking to make the switch to a gentler, safer cleansing option without sacrificing that clean feeling. 

non-toxic and natural body wash brands text written over 3 photos of non-toxic body wash brands

Every day you hop in the shower and reach for your trusted body wash. You squeeze out a dollop, lather up, and let the suds work their magic, washing away the stress of your busy day.

It’s easy to assume that the products we use to cleanse our skin are safe. I used to think, “They wouldn’t be allowed on store shelves if they were actually harmful, right?” Well, turns out I was wrong.

The truth is that many popular body wash brands contain toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, coal tar dyes, and parabens that can pose serious risks to our health. While it might seem like it, your skin is not an impenetrable barrier.

Depending on the molecular makeup of the products you use, your skin can absorb up to 60% of what you apply to it. This means that the ingredients in your body wash aren’t just rinsing away each time you shower.

And the cumulative effect of this repeated exposure can really add up, especially when you consider that the average person uses their body wash 365 days a year. 

This is why something as simple as switching to a non-toxic body wash can be so important for protecting your health.

Best Non-Toxic Body Wash, in a nutshell…

As the ‘clean beauty’ trend gains momentum, some manufacturers are taking advantage and marketing their products as ‘clean,’ ‘eco-friendly,’ or ‘natural’ even when they may contain potentially harmful ingredients. 

Now more than ever it’s important to really dive into the fine print of your product labels to make sure each and every ingredient is completely non-toxic. 

But life is busy and not everyone has the time to read through each ingredient on every product they bring into their home. That’s why I’ve done the research for you and put together this list of my 10 favorite non-toxic body wash brands. 

These non-toxic body washes are made with only the best, natural and organic ingredients and will leave you feeling squeaky clean without that dreaded dry and tight feeling.

But before we jump to the recommendations, let’s get into what makes a body wash toxic in the first place and why making the switch to a non-toxic option is better for your skin and your health.

What makes a body wash toxic?

Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Formaldehyde is used in many body washes as a preservative to extend the product’s shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Manufacturers often choose this ingredient because it’s cost-effective and great at maintaining product stability.

But here’s the problem – formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, meaning it can increase your risk of cancer. It’s also been linked to respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, and irritation.

To make matters worse, formaldehyde often hides under sneaky names on product labels. So be on the lookout for ingredients like diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.

1,4-Dioxane

1,4-Dioxane is another carcinogen that can sometimes end up in body wash as an unintentional byproduct of the manufacturing process.

It’s often found in products that contain certain cleansing agents like sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). The scary thing about 1,4-dioxane is that you won’t find it on the ingredient label since it’s technically a contaminant and not an intentionally added ingredient. That means it can be tricky for consumers to avoid.

DEA/TEA (Diethanolamine/Triethanolamine)

DEA and TEA are used in many body washes as emulsifiers and foaming agents. They help mix oil and water-based ingredients together and create that satisfying lather we all love.

However, these ingredients can also react with other chemicals in the product to form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. Some studies have also suggested that DEA and TEA exposure may interfere with brain development in fetuses.

Coal Tar Dyes

You might not think of color additives as a major concern in body wash, but some of those bright, fun hues could actually come with health risks. Coal tar dyes, which are sometimes used to give products a vibrant color, are derived from petroleum.

Some of these dyes have been linked to an increased cancer risk as well as allergic reactions in some people. On labels, look for names like “FD&C” or “D&C” followed by a color and number (e.g. FD&C Red No. 6).

Phthalates

You might have heard of phthalates before in relation to plastic products, but they’re also commonly used in body wash and other personal care products. Manufacturers often add phthalates to body wash to help the fragrance last longer on the skin or to increase the flexibility of the product.

But phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your body’s hormones. Some studies have linked phthalate exposure to reproductive issues, developmental problems in babies and children, and even breast cancer.

When scanning your body wash label, look out for ingredients like diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Tricky names like “fragrance” or “parfum” can also be red flags for hidden phthalates.

Parabens

Parabens are another type of preservative that have made their way into tons of body washes and cleansers over the years. They’re used to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, helping products stay stable for longer.

The problem is that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, which can throw your hormones out of whack. Some research has suggested that paraben exposure might increase the risk of certain cancers, especially breast cancer. Common parabens to look for on labels include methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben.

SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

SLS and SLES are two of the most common surfactants used in body washes and other cleansing products. They’re the ingredients that cause the product to foam and lather.

While SLS and SLES are very effective cleansers, they can also be quite harsh and irritating to the skin. Many people report experiencing dryness, redness, or itching after using products with these ingredients.

Some studies have also raised concerns about the safety of SLS and SLES, particularly when combined with other chemicals. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests these ingredients could increase the risk of certain cancers.

How is a non-toxic body wash different?

A genuinely non-toxic body wash is made with 100% clean, safe, and effective ingredients. 

Instead of harsh sulfates, non-toxic cleansers use gentler alternatives like coconut-based glucosides that won’t disrupt the skin’s delicate microbiome or cause irritation.

Every ingredient in a non-toxic body wash is intentionally included. Nourishing plant extracts and oils like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter replace synthetic ingredients and potential carcinogens.  Natural essential oils or fragrance-free formulas are used instead of artificial scents.

Non-toxic brands also prioritize safer preservatives, recyclable or biodegradable packaging, and transparency about their ingredients and their purposes. 

Why Non-Toxic Body Wash Is The Healthier Option 

Benefits For Your Skin

When you choose a body wash made with gentle, natural ingredients, you’re giving your skin a chance to thrive. 

Instead of stripping away beneficial oils and microbes, non-toxic cleansers work with your skin’s natural ecology. This can lead to a more balanced, resilient moisture barrier so your skin looks and feels healthier over time.

Protecting Your Overall Health 

But the benefits go beyond just a healthy glow. By reducing your exposure to potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, you’re also supporting your overall health.

Remember, our skin is our largest organ and what we put on it can end up in our bloodstream. Just as you wouldn’t drink from a plastic bottle that’s been sitting in the hot sun, you might want to think twice about washing with products that contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.

The Bigger Picture

But the impact of your body wash choice goes beyond just your own health. When you support non-toxic brands, you’re often also supporting more sustainable and ethical businesses.

Many clean beauty companies prioritize eco-friendly packaging, reduce water usage in their manufacturing, and source ingredients from fair trade suppliers. 

By voting with your dollars for these more responsible options, you’re helping to create a cleaner, greener world for all of us. So are you ready to make the switch? In the next section, I’ll introduce you to some of my favorite non-toxic body wash brands. 

Text reading "best ever natural body wash" with various natural body wash brands such as Bubble & Bee, Vermont Soaps, Mountain Rose Herbs and more.

Top 10 Non-Toxic Body Wash Brands for 2025

Nature Sustained’s Natural Body Wash harnesses the power of the antioxidant-rich amla fruit to boost collagen production for firmer skin. 

This hypoallergenic, pH-balanced formula uses organic soapberry for a natural saponin lather, making it gentle enough for sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin. 

Infused with vegan probiotics from wild-harvested plants and fruits, this non-toxic body wash will leave you with clear, luminous skin you’ll love to show off. 

price

$24.95

main ingredients

Natural probiotics, amla fruit, elephant apple, makrut lime, wildcrafted Indian-laurel leaf, wildcrafted soap nut & artesian spring water

location/shipping

Sourced from Thailand, ships to the United States

Bubble & Bee’s Unscented Shower Gel is a truly pure and gentle option if you are looking for a natural, organic body wash without any harsh chemicals or overpowering fragrances. 

Handmade with only saponified organic oils of coconut, olive, and jojoba, plus added vegetable glycerin for extra moisture, this shower gel provides plenty of suds for a thorough clean. 

The luxuriously thick formula leaves your skin soft and hydrated without stripping your skin like some liquid castile soaps can.

price

$19.99 

main ingredients

Organic saponified oils (coconut, olive, & jojoba), organic vegetable glycerin, organic guar gum, rosemary extract & organic aloe vera

location/shipping

United States, ships to select international countries

Add a little pep to your step with Earth Mama Organics Wild Peppermint Hand & Body Wash.

This refreshing, castile-based soap is infused with organic oils and the invigorating scent of peppermint. 

Safe for the whole family this foaming wash is free from synthetic fragrances, triclosan, phthalates, parabens, and sulfates.

You can even use it to create your own DIY household cleaners.

Certified organic by Oregon Tilth and Leaping Bunny, this dermatologist-tested formula is a family favorite for a good reason.

price

$9.99

main ingredients

Water, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, aloe leaf, potassium hydroxide, vegetable glycerin, corn mint oil, shea butter, peppermint oil, calendula flower extract & citric acid

location/shipping

United States

Primally Pure’s Bergamot + Eucalyptus Body Wash offers a microbiome-friendly, low-suds body wash that protects your skin barrier while washing away the day’s dirt and grime. 

The stress-relieving essential oil blend infuses calm into your daily routine, while ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera juice provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. 

A spa-like experience right from home, this fresh, uplifting body wash naturally cleanses and promotes healthy skin.

price

$44.00

main ingredients

Water, fractionated coconut oil, coconut oil, potassium hydroxide, aloe vera juice, & olive oil

location/shipping

United States, ships to Canada, United the Kingdom, Germany & Australia

Juniper Ridge’s White Sage Body Wash will transport you to the sun-baked Mojave Desert with its calming, herbal scent. 

This concentrated, all-purpose liquid soap combines steam-distilled essential oils with organic saponified oils to create a completely natural body wash. 

Made with 100% farmed white sage from a family-operated farm in Mexico, Juniper Ridge donates 10% of sales from their white sage and sweetgrass products to Indigenous & First Nations groups.

price

$15.00

main ingredients

Organic coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, water, organic vegetable glycerin, sustainably farmed white sage essential oil & rosemary flower extract

location/shipping

United States, ships to Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany & Australia

Vermont Soap’s Simply Unscented Organic Body Wash was made especially for sensitive skin with its plant-based ingredients including coconut, jojoba, aloe vera, and shea butter for a soft and smooth lather. 

Free from artificial fragrances, colors, detergents, sulfates, GMOs, and gluten, this body wash comes in BPA-free packaging made from the safest, easily recyclable plastics. 

Vermont Soap also offers eco-friendly refillable options in 1-gallon and 5-gallon sizes. 

price

$12.99

main ingredients

Organic saponified oils (coconut, olive, & jojoba), vegetable glycerin, organic guar gum, organic shea butter, rosemary extract & organic aloe vera

location/shipping

Made in the United States, ships to Canada

Mountain Rose Herbs is an independently owned company, committed to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality in everything they make, including their Unscented Body Wash Base

This body wash base is made to create your own custom-scented washes.

This paraben and sulfate-free formula boasts a creamy lather derived from organic sunflower and coconut oils, with a skin-loving pH between 9.5-10. 

The translucent yellow gel is free of harsh chemicals, allowing you to personalize it with up to 2% of your favorite essential or fragrance oils. ​​

price

$8.50

main ingredients

Water, coconut oil, potassium hydroxide, olive oil, sunflower oil, shea butter, glycerine, guar gum, aloe vera, rosemary extract, & citric acid

location/shipping

Made in the United States, ships to Canada

Carina Organics Daily Moisturizing Body Wash gently cleanses and replenishes your skin with hand-selected, organic plant, vegetable, flower, and tree extracts from the Pacific Northwest. 

This hypoallergenic, vegan, and biodegradable body wash is free from parabens, soy, gluten, and dyes, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. 

Carina Organics uses only certified organic ingredients in all of their products, supporting local farmers whenever possible.

price

$12.99

main ingredients

Filtered water, capryl glucoside (from corn sugar & coconut oil), pine extract, potassium cocoate (from coconut oil), vegetable glycerin & pine extract

location/shipping

Canada, ships to the United States

Moon Valley Organics Peppermint Herbal Body Wash combines their farm-grown herbs and pure essential oils to create this delightful body wash that gently cleanses, softens, and moisturizes. 

Hand-crafted by a team of farmers, herbalists, and artisans dedicated to sustainable living, this body wash is designed not only to nourish your skin, but your body, mind, and spirit too. 

Moon Valley Organics’ commitment to ethical sourcing and production ensures you get a pure, wholesome product that cares for both you and the Earth.

price

$11.79

main ingredients

Purified water, organic calendula, organic comfrey infused in organic sunflower oil, organic coconut oil & organic castor oil

location/shipping

United States, ships to Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway & France

Kosmatology’s Body Wash makes clean beauty simple with its minimal ingredient list. 

Their body wash is made with organic shea butter, olive oil, and castor oil.

It’s available in three scents – free & clear for sensitive skin, goody-goody grapefruit for eczema-prone skin, and herbal fresh for an energizing boost. 

These MADE SAFE certified body washes are free from known toxins and environmental hazards, and Kosmatology’s rigorous certification process guarantees a product you can trust for your family and home.

price

$12.00

main ingredients

Water, organic olive oil, potassium hydroxide, sodium chloride, organic shea butter & organic castor oil

location/shipping

United States, ships to select international countries

Tips For Picking A Good Non-Toxic Body Wash 

Carefully Read The Label

The first step in choosing a non-toxic body wash is getting comfortable with reading and understanding ingredient labels.

Don’t let the long, science-y names intimidate you – with a little practice, you’ll be able to spot the good stuff (and avoid the bad) with ease. Here are a few key things to look for:

  • Simple, Recognizable Ingredients: Look for products that list mostly plant-based, naturally derived ingredients that you can pronounce and picture in your head. Think coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera juice, etc.
  • Non-Toxic Certifications: Seals from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), USDA Organic, or NSF can help you quickly identify products that meet certain non-toxic standards.
  • Fragrance Transparency: Avoid products that list “fragrance” or “parfum” without specifying the source. Look for ones that use essential oils or natural extracts for scent instead.

Beware of Greenwashing

Just because a body wash has a green label or claims to be “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s non-toxic. Some brands use misleading marketing tactics known as “greenwashing” to make their products seem cleaner or more eco-friendly than they actually are.

Watch out for vague claims like “made with organic ingredients” (which could mean there’s only one organic ingredient in a sea of synthetics) or “dermatologist tested” (which doesn’t necessarily mean approved or recommended).

Instead, trust your label-reading skills and look for brands that prioritize transparency and specificity in their ingredient lists and claims.

Adjusting Your Expectations

If you’re used to conventional body washes, you might need to adjust your expectations a bit when transitioning to a non-toxic product. Natural ingredients simply don’t behave the same way synthetic ones do – and that’s okay!

For example, don’t be surprised if your new body wash doesn’t create as much lather as your old one. Without sulfates and other harsh foaming agents, non-toxic cleansers tend to be a bit more low-key in the bubble department. But that doesn’t mean they’re not getting you clean – they’re just doing it more gently.

Is a non-toxic body wash effective at cleaning?

Yes! Non-toxic body wash is just as effective as your standard drugstore body wash.

Non-toxic body washes often utilize natural surfactants, such as coconut oil-derived cleansers or plant-based extracts. These surfactants effectively remove dirt, oil, and sweat from the skin.

Many non-toxic formulations incorporate gentle cleansers that are less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils, preventing dryness and irritation.

Can non-toxic body wash be used for sensitive skin?

Yes, non-toxic body washes are often an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Here’s why:   

  • Free From Irritants: Non-toxic formulations typically avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes, all of which can severely irritate sensitive skin.   
  • Gentle Cleansing: They often rely on natural surfactants derived from plants (like coconut oil) that are less likely to strip the skin’s natural oils, preventing dryness and irritation.
  • Focus on Soothing Ingredients: Many non-toxic body washes incorporate soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and shea butter, which can help to calm and nourish sensitive skin.   

However, even with non-toxic options, individual reactions can differ. It’s always recommended to patch-test any new product on a small area of skin before full use, especially for those with very sensitive skin.   

This has been your guide to the best non-toxic body wash brands for 2025.

Switching to a non-toxic body wash isn’t about perfection or fear-mongering, it’s about making informed choices that put your health first.

While it might seem like just a small step, all of your small steps add up to make big changes. So, the next time you reach for your body wash, take a moment to consider the ingredients.

If the ingredients are too complicated to pronounce, it’s time for a non-toxic body wash made with natural, good-for-you ingredients that you recognize.  

Check out our other amazing Non-Toxic Personal Care articles:

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4 photos of different non-toxic body wash brands with text "non-toxic body wash parabens free".

References

  1. Bragg, M. (2024, March 6). What can you absorb through your skin? BBC Future. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240306-what-can-you-absorb-through-your-skin 
  2. Newman, M.C. (2024). Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Systems. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/bioaccumulation#:~:text=Bioaccumulation%20is%20a%20process%20of,and%20organs%20of%20larger%20animals
  3. American Cancer Society. (2024). Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/formaldehyde.html 
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Public Health Statement for 1,4-Dioxane. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/PHS/PHS.aspx?phsid=953&toxid=199 
  5. Government Accountability Office. (1978). Safety of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products (Report No. HRD-78-22). https://www.gao.gov/products/hrd-78-22 
  6. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. (2024). Parabens. https://www.bcpp.org/resource/parabens/

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