When shoppers walk down the skincare isle in a grocery store or pharmacy, rows of colored labels and promises make it difficult to know what bar soap to choose. Your skin is the largest ‘organ’ on your body and it deserves quality care with gentle products. Commercial soaps contain harsh ingredients that may be harming your skin and causing early aging. It’s worth the time to read and learn about the best natural body wash for your skin and its benefits.
Many ‘soap’ products make claims such as fresh scent, beauty bar, moisturizing cream, best body scrub, or best baby wash. But manufacturers can’t label a product as being soap if there is no actual soap in the ingredients. Normally, soap bars are made from the same ingredients as laundry detergents! These chemicals along with the attacks of harsh environmental factors like heat, humidity, brittle cold temperatures, pollution, and chemical exposure all affect the health of your skin.
Contents
- 1 Why Use Body Wash Over a Bar of Soap?
- 2 The Danger of Commercial Body Soaps
- 3 The Benefits of Natural Body Wash for Your Skin Type
- 4 Gentle Ingredients Found in Natural Body Washes
- 5 Types of Body Wash Products for Skin Types
- 5.1 Hypoallergenic Body Wash
- 5.2 Skin Shower Gels for Dry, Flaky Skin
- 5.3 Body Wash for Itchy Skins
- 5.4 1 Puracy Natural Body Wash
- 5.5 2 ArtNatural Essential Body and Foot Wash
- 5.6 3 Dr.Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
- 5.7 4 Burt’s Bees Peppermint and Rosemary Body Wash
- 5.8 5 Dr.Woods Raw Black Moisturizing Liquid Soap
- 6 Choose the Right Natural Soaps and Wash for You And Your Family
Why Use Body Wash Over a Bar of Soap?
A bar of soap is the standard in almost every bathroom and in almost every family home. But bathroom soap has its drawbacks. If the entire family uses the same bar of soap, they could be sharing germs, infections, or other skin conditions with the rest of the family. A bar of soap is also hard to handle and often slips from your hands as you try to wash with it. If you use a washrag, you’re doubling the risk of sharing germs and infection.
Bar soap also tends to dry out between uses causing cracks on the surface. These cracks can harbor additional bacteria spread from one person to the other. A bar of soap also ends up breaking, causing a slimy mess in the shower or on the sink ledge, and does not last as long as a bottle of liquid body wash. Although most shoppers feel that a bar of soap in a multiple bar package is a better bargain, they may not realize the falsehood of this comparison. How much natural liquid body wash you use can be controlled and provides a hygienic answer to sharing a bar of soap.
When using natural body wash products you can make it last longer by purchasing liquid soap in a foam pump bottle. Usually, straight-up body wash or hand wash is more concentrated than most people need. Foam pump bottles dispense the body wash or hand wash as a foam that’s easy to use and not as strong. The pump top of these dispensers has a small mesh screen that allows air to mix with the liquid soap and creates thick foam instead of the liquid soap. Foam pumps cut down on having to replace your body wash and hand wash as often and can be refilled for maximum savings.
The best benefit of a body wash over a bar of soap? Most all-natural body wash products contain other ingredients for your skin in one product. Ingredients like skin moisturizers, natural oils, organic sanitizers, and essential oils make the natural body washes accomplish much more than a plain bar of soap.
The Danger of Commercial Body Soaps
Only natural body wash or the best natural soaps and bath products will be clearly labeled as natural or organic. Harsh chemicals are found in many commercial body wash products and can cause skin conditions such as dry skin, eczema, allergic reactions, or other skin irritations. These skin problems likely mean the irritant has entered your body through your skin and can then lead to worse health problems like depression, respiratory ailments, fatigue, headaches, cancer, and more.
The chemicals used to create body wash products often remove moisture from your skin and break down the skin’s ability to provide a sufficient barrier to outside irritants. It’s much less expensive to manufacture body wash with synthetic products and that savings are reflected in less expensive products.
The mass production of bathroom soaps is not a regulated process as in the production of food products for consumption. The minimum regulation is for a few color additives or over-the-counter drugs. Too many of these synthetic ingredients are chemicals that cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions, and can cause havoc on your endocrine system.
Your skin absorbs anything applied to or used on it and many commercial shower gel products contain carcinogens; chemicals that can lead to cancer. Synthetic soaps may contain ingredients that are carcinogenic but only have a risk for cancer after years of use. Each person’s genetics affect whether they are predisposed to cancer caused by carcinogens. With all the advertising of skin cancer awareness and ways to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, people forget the soap they use on their skin is also just as important.
A common ingredient in many shower gels and body soap bars is parabens. These substances are used as a preservative for food products and are typically added to cosmetics to inhibit the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast. But Parabens are tied to an increased risk for breast cancer because of their ability to mimic estrogen. Parabens are absorbed through the skin and are found in body washes, facial cleansers, and shower gels.
Body wash products that contain Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) expose your body to an assault of chemicals that will irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. This harmless-sounding substance seen on many bathroom soap products’ ingredient lists has the potential to combine with other chemicals to create a form of nitrosamines—a known carcinogen. This mix can be the antagonist for kidney damage and respiratory problems. These SLS and SLES synthetics are often found in shampoo, body wash, bars of soap, and some makeup.
A known allergenic and potentially toxic chemical found in many bathroom soaps is formaldehyde. Yes, the same substance is used to embalm a body before burial. Formaldehyde is an FRP, formaldehyde-releasing preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria. New clothing offered in department stores is treated with formaldehyde during manufacturing to give the clothing a soft sheen and to preserve the intensity of the fabric color. It’s also used in many nail polish brands, shampoo, conditioner, body washes, and other cosmetic products. FRPs have been found to be a human carcinogen causing nasal and nasopharyngeal cancer. This has been documented by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC).
Propylene glycol is another ingredient commonly found in skincare products such as bars of soap, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreen, and makeup products. Propylene glycol is used as a skin-conditioning ingredient even though it is classified as a skin irritant. It’s also found to be the source of many cases of dermatitis and hives for consumers who use body wash products with Propylene glycol in the formula.
These synthetic chemicals are only a partial list of the ingredients found in everyday bar soap and skincare products.
The Benefits of Natural Body Wash for Your Skin Type
From the sensitive skin of a newborn baby to the needs of aging skin, your skin requires different shower gel products throughout your lifetime. Young babies need gentle, natural body wash products without perfumes or harsh substances and elderly people need natural body washes that target restoring the natural oils in their skin. A good natural body wash restores the skin leaving it smooth and revitalized.
Your skin is worth taking care of and buying the natural body wash products made for your particular skin is the best thing you can do for your overall health. Only natural body wash or organic soaps and bath products will be clearly labeled as natural or organic. The different body washes you can purchase range from hypoallergenic without fragrances to shower gels that contain restorative oils and ingredients.
Gentle Ingredients Found in Natural Body Washes
Look for the type of oil used in the natural body wash you choose to find one that meets your skin’s needs. Tea Tree oil is gaining in popularity due to its antiseptic properties and the ability of this oil to heal rashes, types of poison ivy, fungus infections, and bacterial conditions under the skin. It’s proven effective in clearing up many skin conditions that may not need prescription medicines to heal.
Peppermint oil and other aromatic oils such as eucalyptus are mood boosters and leave skin refreshed.
Body wash, natural shower gels, natural handmade soaps, and organic bath products that contain these oils leave you feeling revived and rested. These essential oils are often found in air diffusers and treatments for stuffiness and cough due to colds and illness. They’re very popular in organic and natural foot washes and are often found in a combined body wash and foot wash product.
Super conditioning oils such as coconut, jojoba, and cocoa butter oil penetrate deep into the layers of your skin for longer-lasting smoothness. When exposed to water these oils last longer than essential oils that may not seep as deeply into your skin layers. Natural body wash products and bar soaps with these oils are beneficial for skin exposed to harsh elements as with outdoor activities and sports.
Types of Body Wash Products for Skin Types
Hypoallergenic Body Wash
People with chemical sensitivities cannot tolerate the perfumes or fragrances found in many bathroom soaps. A good shower gel for people with sensitive skin is made without perfumes or fragrances. Although some fragrances are derived from natural essential oils, they can still cause itching and irritation. We noted this on the descriptive chart so you can make an informed choice if you or your family members are sensitive to perfumes.
Skin Shower Gels for Dry, Flaky Skin
For dry skin, it’s better to shop for a natural soap that contains high-quality oils to replenish the natural oils found in your skin. The wrong body wash can strip your skin of its own oils and leave your skin flaky and cracking from dryness. Choose a natural shower gel that contains super oils such as Sheabutter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. These will moisten your skin and provide a protective layer of natural oils to allow your skin to heal and restore itself.
Body Wash for Itchy Skins
Itchy skin can be caused by environmental sensitivities, dryness, allergies, and contact with other harsh chemicals. The best thing to do for itchy skin is to use a natural shower gel that does ‘not’ contain soap. Soap in itself is drying but natural liquid shower washes do not contain soap and instead are made with essential oils, power ingredients like pure oils, and will not contain chemicals. These body wash products relieve itching and leave your skin soft and subtle.
Below we have prepared reviews of the top natural and organic body washes so you can buy the right one for your skin type!
PRODUCTS | RATING | SKIN TYPES | ALLERGENS |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 (Editor choice) | Men Women Teens Sensitive Dry Flaky | Not Hypoallergenic Contains natural fragrance |
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#2 | Men Women Teens Sensitive Dry Flaky Irritated | Hypoallergenic Does not contain fragrance |
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#3 | Men Women Teens Sensitive Dry Flaky Irritated | Hypoallergenic Does not contain fragrance |
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#4 | Men Women Teens Sensitive Dry Flaky | Hypoallergenic Does not contain fragrance Does contain strong peppermint extract that could cause stinging on some skin types |
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#5 | Men Women Teens Sensitive Dry Flaky Oily Irritated | Hypoallergenic Does not contain fragrance |
We love the balance of deluxe essential oils, gentle cleansers, and emollients that make up this natural body wash. It works for all body areas and includes Pink Himalayan Sea Salt which is a natural skin exfoliation and hydration element. This is a family-friendly formula made without harsh chemicals or irritants. The thick formula of this natural body wash is great for men and women and also makes for a great bubble bath!
PROS
- Made with luxurious Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
- Contains coconut-based cleaners for a thick foam when using
- No perfumes or irritants
- Natural fresh scent
- Biodegradable
CONS
- Can leave some skin types dry
This ArtNaturals Essential Body and Foot Wash is a natural body wash and foot wash in one. The tea tree oil serves as a natural antiseptic ingredient that combats germs and fungus, and it heals and deodorizes. Tea tree oil is known for its medical qualities. This body wash is perfect for active lifestyles and is perfect for adults, and teens, and is safe for children older than three years old. Other essential oils such as eucalyptus, oregano, peppermint, and more are combined with aloe vera extract and essential oils for a smooth wash with no filmy residue. All ingredients are natural and paraben-free.
PROS
- 100% natural ingredients
- Medicinal qualities
- Works to freshen and rejuvenate feet
- Gentle enough for children
- Washes off without leaving residue
CONS
- Some Customers report itching after use
With products that have been around for many years and are trusted by their name, Dr. Bonners Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is a great pick for one of the best natural body washes. There are no perfumes or fragrances making it hypoallergenic and irritant-free. All Dr. Bonners organic bath products are completely natural and chemical free and this Lavender scented liquid soap is biodegradable, effective, and has many uses. This liquid soap is concentrated making it longer lasting.
PROS
- Biodegradable
- Vegetable-based
- No perfumes or irritants
- Many uses such as a body wash, dishwashing liquid, laundry soap, and mopping
- Called the “Swiss-army knife” of cleaning
CONS
- Some Customers found it to be runny
With products that have been around for many years and are trusted by their name, Dr. Bonners Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is a great pick for one of the best natural body washes. There are no perfumes or fragrances making it hypoallergenic and irritant-free. All Dr. Bonners organic bath products are completely natural and chemical free and this Lavender scented liquid soap is biodegradable, effective, and has many uses. This liquid soap is concentrated making it longer lasting.
PROS
- No parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS
- Plant-based cleansing formula
- No perfumes or irritants
- Natural scent from essential oils of peppermint and rosemary
- 99.9% natural ingredients
CONS
- May not produce enough lather for some people’s likes.
The name may be intimidating; Raw Black Moisturizing Soap, but this organic body wash is nothing but amazing! This non-detergent black soap includes organic Shea butter and is rich in vitamins A, E, and iron. Natural enzymes from plantain skins provide natural exfoliating for your skin and make this body wash gentle for all skin types. This combination of natural and healthy ingredients clears up clogged sin pores and leaves your skin feeling new and softer than before. The large bottle goes a long way!
All of Dr. Woods’s Liquid Soaps are Gluten Free.
PROS
- Contains black soap with vitamins A. E, and iron
- Made with natural Shea butter
- No perfumes or irritants
- Gluten-free
- Thick consistency
CONS
- Some people don’t like the natural black liquid soap smell
Choose the Right Natural Soaps and Wash for You And Your Family
Wanting a natural lifestyle for you and your family means making a lot of changes in your home and shopping habits, and you can start by buying natural shower gels for your shower and bathroom. By eliminating many chemicals and irritants, you lower the toxic assault on your body. We provided the chart above to assist you in making purchases that will benefit anyone in your family.
By using natural body wash products, you not only protect from exposure to carcinogens, you also help to maintain the PH balance of your skin and moisturize not just the top layer but through to all the layers of your skin. The shower gel products we reviewed use plant-derived ingredients free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides.
Today, families are choosing a green lifestyle and natural products that reflect this earth-conserving practice. Natural body washes contain beneficial natural products grown under eco-friendly conditions so there is only a minimal footprint left after their production. The organic soaps are better for your health, provide answers for skin conditions such as dry skin, eczema, rashes, irritated skin, and sensitive skin, and can be used when you are dealing with skin infections and need a gentle cleanser.
Read our expert reviews and then purchase the best natural body wash to suit your needs. You’ll feel better inside and out!