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I spent months testing the best organic, natural, and nontoxic body washes on the market — these are my favorites for clean, nourished body care.
Is there anything more luxurious than a hot shower or a long, leisurely bath? I think not. It’s my preferred way to wind down at the end of the day, and my go-to self-care practice that is sure to soothe my nervous system. I typically opt for a simple, gentle cleanser for all over body care, but occasionally I love to indulge with a natural body wash made with organic ingredients that leaves my skin feeling nourished and healthy without stripping it of its natural oils.
Why choose natural, nontoxic body wash?
Natural and organic body washes typically contain fewer synthetic chemicals, reducing the risk of skin irritation, allergies, and other dermatological issues, making them ideal for sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and psoriasis (both of which I have). By avoiding harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, natural body washes can help mitigate health concerns such as hormone disruption and carcinogenic effects. They often include nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils, which provide hydration and essential nutrients.
Additionally, natural body washes are generally more environmentally friendly, utilizing biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging, therefore reducing pollution and the carbon footprint. Many of these products are also cruelty-free, aligning with ethical and humane treatment of animals.
Made with organic and natural ingredients, our team has done the research for you to find the best body wash formulas that are cruelty-free, vegan, nontoxic, and gentle on sensitive skin.
What should you look for when shopping natural and organic 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. A good rule of thumb to remember is that formulas that contain generally recognizable ingredients is a good sign. At the same time, these formulas are a science, and even necessary, safe additives and preservatives aren’t typically recognizable to the average layperson. Unless you’re a scientist that can distinguish chemical compounds, it can be a challenge to digest an ingredient list. Look for ingredients such as natural oils and butters (e.g. coconut, shea, jojoba), botanical extracts (e.g. chamomile, calendula, aloe vera), and plant based cleansing agents (e.g. coconut oil, sodium olivate, sucrose stearate). Reputable certifications to watch for include USDA certified organic, Ecocert, COSMOS, and NATRUE. Generally avoid formulas that contain sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes (labeled “fragrance” or “parfum”), parabens, and phthalates.
Additionally, body washes come in all shapes and sizes, and the most sustainable option is the one you’ll 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’re not going to take the time to complete the extra step of diluting the formula, it may be best to select a different option. I’ve included my notes below on which option may be preferable for certain folks.
Our criteria & methodology:
Our team has used, researched, and corresponded with the top clean beauty and skincare brands for years. Together we’ve chosen our favorite natural body washes that are nontoxic, organic, and leave you feeling fresh, and I personally tried and compared each one in my own home, making notes on scent, consistency, sustainability specs, and more based on my own preferences and our readers’ interests.
Read on for my notes on feel, aroma, sustainability standards, and more, for each!
To contextualize my reviews, I’ll share a bit about myself: I live in Southern California with my partner and our two children. I’ve lived with atopic dermatitis all my life, so ingredient transparency is extremely important not only for the sake of our skin (no surprises, please!) but also for the sake of those in the ingredient supply chain and the planet. Due to my sensitive skin and our dry climate, I reach for products that keep our skin calm and moisturized. I also love products that can multitask, keep our lives simple, budget-friendly, and our countertops clearer. I also have a sweet spot for a little luxury, too. 😉
We regularly update this guide with emerging favorites that meet the following criteria.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS | All of the brands on this list use sustainable and natural ingredients that are healthy, smell great, and offer functional benefits.
- NONTOXIC/CHEMICAL-FREE | We’ve chosen options that are certified nontoxic so no harsh chemicals make their way into your cleansing routine.
- CLEANSING | These are all effective and lovely to use. You’ll want to keep them as part of your daily routine for years to come.
- HYDRATING | Because of their natural and nontoxic ingredients, these body washes replenish you rather than stripping your skin of the moisture it needs. Say hello to dewy, plump skin.
Check out our guide to organic hair care brands and sustainable bath towels too, so you can spruce up your whole shower situation.
Table of contents
1. OSEA
Best For | Purifying, pH-balancing
Natural Ingredients | Undaria seaweed, plant-based surfactant blend, skin identical moisturizing complex, glycerin, nourishing oil blend
Price Range | $12–$64
OSEA‘s Undaria Algae™ Body Wash is truly a treat for the skin. 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 that’s not overpowering, but just enough to give an invigorating experience. Made with Undaria seaweed which is rich in antioxidants and minerals alongside a nourishing blend of jojoba, coconut, and avocado oil, OSEA’s knocked it out of the park with a body wash that feels like a cleansing and skincare treatment all in one. Our favorite feature? It’s non-stripping, pH balanced formula that protects your skin barrier and keeps it balanced!
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. I even packed my bottle for my weekend getaway in the mountains!”
2. Ursa Major
Best For | Daily washes
Natural Ingredients | Aloe, patchouli, tea tree, eucalyptus
Price | $26
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 bringing 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, we felt squeaky clean and energized post-shower. (And if it turns out it’s not for you, Ursa Major offers a 30-day guarantee for exchanges or returns.)
Kate’s Review | “Lather lovers unite! If you’re one to prioritize a thick, foamy consistency, this is the pick for you. Though the aroma is gender neutral, Ursa Major’s formula makes me think of my husband – someone who relies on his AM shower to wake him up in the morning, who loves a fresh scent, and who will only choose a cleanser that has ample suds.”
3. Nécessaire
Best For | Spa-like experience
Natural Ingredients | Niacinamide, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-6, omega-9
Price Range | $28–$42
Nécessaire’s vitamin-rich body wash offers the perfect combo of cleansing and skin-preserving benefits. Available in both fragrance-free and scented versions — we are big fans of the Eucalyptus — this body wash has the texture of a classic liquid body wash, but with the benefits of nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin A, C, E, and omega 6 and 9. It also easily washes away dirt, odor, and debris from your skin, even without a loofah (though if you’re looking for a rich lather, you should definitely use one!). If you’re not a fan of strong scents, the scented varieties of this body wash are light, leaving you with softly scented just-came-from-the-spa skin, without feeling overpowering.
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 (something I personally think all brands should provide). The price point is higher than I would personally spend on a wash, but a small amount lathers well and feels luxurious. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to an elevated experience or give the gift of self-care, you can’t go wrong with Necessaire.”
4. cocokind
Best For | Gentle face + body cleansing (sensitive skin friendly)
Natural Ingredients | Aloe vera, oat extract, rice protein, plant-based surfactants
Price Range | $18
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. True to cocokind’s ethos, the formula is vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested — a thoughtful option for the whole family.
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. I am, in a word, obsessed with this wash, and emerge feeling like a silky goddess.”
5. Bathing Culture
Best For | Low-waste options
Natural Ingredients | Organic coconut, olive, and sunflower oils, natural plant glycerin (soybean), aloe vera, shea butter & essential oils
Price | $36
Bathing Culture launched in 2015 after its founders, two cyclists, joked they’d never be able to get clean. Sick of soaps that were either too watery or stripped their skin of moisture, the company’s Mind and Body Wash is made with certified organic ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut, olive, and sunflower oils. Best described by our partners as a “grown-up body wash that doesn’t feel like a 10-in-1”, this organic formula smells like the redwoods of Northern California with an energizing kick of black pepper. As a gender-neutral scent, it’s perfect to use across the whole family — and the gorgeous, reusable packaging serves as a statement piece that adds a nice touch to the household bathroom, too.
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. If you love this wash as much as I do, I highly recommend investing in the one-gallon refillable bottle if it’s feasible to save on long-term cost, packaging waste, and carbon waste from shipping.”
Also Available At: Credo
6. Plaine Products
Best For | Normal to sensitive skin
Natural Ingredients | Organic aloe leaf juice, organic camellia, sunflower, and rice bran seed oils
Price Range | $12–$285
Plaine Products’ Body Wash is made 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. (You can also send it back to recycle when you’re done using it!) The formula itself will leave you with soft skin thanks to organic and natural ingredients like pineapple and papaya pulp extracts, bamboo silk, and aloe leaf juice. Minty and sweet all at once, the Rosemary Mint Vanilla is like bathing inside a candy cane tub (but in the best way!). It feels clarifying, cooling, and calming all at once. Plus, thanks to the aloe juice, we enjoy how it has more viscosity than water-based formulas and lends itself to a more robust lather. Best of all, the packaging came with clear steps on how to recycle and refill when needed.
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. The rosemary mint vanilla scent is sweet yet earthy, and I appreciate any brand that offers an unscented version for those of us (me!) who are sensitive to additional fragrant ingredients or who are simply trying to cut fragrance out entirely.”
7. 100% PURE
Best For | Combo skin
Natural Ingredients | Lavender essential oil, honey, red algae, green tea, rose hydrosol
Price Range | $20–$25
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. Instead of artificial vanilla scents you’ll find elsewhere (whether in food or fragrance), 100% Pure’s Vanilla Bean Shower Gel smells just like the real thing. It’s true vanilla bean through and through, supplemented by mineral-rich red algae and green tea for an impressive lather. Heavenly and hydrating. No matter your skin type, you’ll feel refreshed and soothed with this body gel.
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. Safe, soothing, and budget-friendly. If you’re looking to feel like a teenage dream without the toxic burden, 100% pure is 100% perfection.”
8. Puracy
Best For | Baby skin & pets
Natural Ingredients | Coconut oil, Himalayan pink sea salt
Price | $14–$62
Hydrate and exfoliate naturally with Puracy’s Natural Body Wash, a pH-balanced formula that brings together coconut cleansers and Himalayan pink sea salt for a deep clean. Developed by Ph.D. chemists, this bottle will last you nearly two months with everyday use, and you’ll be left with smooth, supple skin. With more than 8,000 reviews, it’s beloved and beneficial to everyone, including babies and pets.
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. A wonderful option all around.”
9. Alaffia
Best For | Dry skin
Natural Ingredients | Neem extract, shea butter, coconut oil, lavender oil
Price Range | $11–$18
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 packed an aromatic punch when we used it, and was equal parts smooth and silky, which also provided much-needed hydration to our dry skin in a desert climate. Know that your dollars will support women, Fair Trade practices, and eco-friendly packaging, and you’ll get a long-lasting and effective body wash!
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. The cherry on top is being able to purchase it at our local grocery store, making the company’s accessibility just as wonderful as their impact.”
Also Available At: Thrive Market, Target
10. Dr. Bronner’s
Best For | Multi-purpose use
Natural Ingredients | Organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, organic fair deal hemp oil, organic jojoba oil
Price Range | $4–$65
Looking for something versatile? What about an 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 soak in the highest quality ingredients around. It’s safe to use even on sensitive skin, provided one follows the ratio requirements. Plus, this organic and certified Fair Trade soap can be used on your hands, face, body, and even around your home. Talk about multitasking. Best of all, we were surprised by the bottle’s size (a whopping 32 oz. bottle for $17) so you truly get your bang for your buck. And a little goes a long way. If you prefer body washes that are subtly scented and easy to glide on, this one may be a winner.
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! If you’re someone who appreciates its versatility and the simplicity that it provides, and has the wherewithal to follow instructions, I highly recommend it.
Also Available At: Target
Kate Arceo is the Community Manager at The Good Trade. She has a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University and has over 5 years of experience reviewing sustainable home and lifestyle brands, as well as organic kids’ apparel and nontoxic cosmetics. When she’s not hosting dinner parties with her husband at their home in Southern California, you can find her sipping a latte at their local coffee house or shopping for strawberries with her kids at the farmers market. Say hi on Instagram!
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