Safe and Affordable Non-Toxic Body Wash 2023

Do you know what ingredients might be lurking in your body wash or body soap?

If you look at the ingredients, you might notice a bunch of words that aren’t familiar! Many of which could be toxic to your health.

Unfortunately, a lot of the popular companies who make body wash or soaps, include toxic ingredients in their products. This exposes us to chemicals that are absorbed through our skin, which eventually gets into our bloodstream.

Here we will talk about what toxic ingredients to avoid in body wash. As well as what are some safe and affordable, non toxic body wash brands for your household!

Common Body Wash Brands That Are Toxic

Bath & Body Works
Hempz
Olay
Axe
Dove
Degree
Equate
Every Man Jack
Neutrogena
Old Spice
Philosophy
Suave
Love, Beauty, and Planet
Softsoap
Method
OGX
Aveeno

Be careful of greenwashing! Some of these companies may claim that they are “non toxic”, or free of harmful ingredients. However, if you actually look at the ingredients, that is far from the truth!

What Toxic Ingredients Should Be Avoided in Body Wash?

Parabens

Group of chemicals used as a preservative to reduce growth of bacteria and increase product shelf life.

Biggest concern: Parabens are hormone disruptors and have been linked to infertility, affect birth outcomes, harm reproductive organs and can cause breast cancer specifically.

Products can 100% be made without this ingredient.

Look for any word ending in “paraben” and avoid it!! For example, Isobutylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben, propylparaben.

Sulfates/Surfactants

Commonly seen as “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate” or “Sodium Lauryth Sulfate” (aka, “SLS”).

This ingredient is known to be an irritant to the skin and eyes. It also dries out the skin, damages the hair and causes baldness over time.

Used to make the product foam and bubble up considerably.

The concern isn’t so much with the ingredient itself, but the manufacturing process. During manufacturing, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is often contaminated with high amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen and also can harm the nervous system. 1,4-dioxane is a possible human carcinogen.

Fragrance

Claimed to give the products a scent.

Companies do not have to disclose the chemicals hidden in the ingredient “fragrance” and can be applied for over 100 ingredients.

Therefore, you don’t truly know what is in the product.

Of course we all love our products to smell amazing. Good news: They still can without the ingredient “fragrance!”

Phthalates

Typically, Phthalates are hidden in the ingredient “fragrance”.
Endocrine and hormone disrupters which harm reproductive organs, reduce sperm count and cause infertility.
Can cause cancer, autism, ADHD, neurological disorders, obesity, asthma and allergies.

Formaldehyde – releasing preservatives: DMDM Hydantoin

DMDM Hydantoin is a preservative used and Formaldehyde is slowly released in the chemical breakdown process for making DMDM Hydantoin.

Concerns: Hair loss, irritation with skin, eyes, nose and throat. Formaldehyde is a possible human carcinogen (cancer causing).

For this ingredient to be harmful, it would be used in high doses.

Other terms used in products that are actually formaldehyde: methylene oxide, oxymethylene, timonacic acid, benzylhemiformal, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane.

Triclosan

Endocrine disruptor.
Can cause damage to the endocrine system and reduce the function of the reproductive system (ex. infertility).

BHT, BHA & Methylisothiazolinone

Preservatives found in cosmetics.
BHT & BHA are endocrine disruptors, affecting the reproductive system and often used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. They can also cause thyroid, kidney, liver problems.
Methylisothiazolinone is highly allergenic and a known neurotoxin.

PEG’s (Polyethylene Glycol and Polysorbate)

PEG’s are used to open up the skin pore.
While PEG’s isn’t the main concern, it’s frequently contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, which is linked to cancer.
It’s important to make sure that there are no additional toxic ingredients in products that contain PEG, otherwise more toxins will be conveniently absorbed through the skin.

Petroleum

Supposed to be “hydrating” and locks in the skin’s natural moisture, but it dries out and blocks pours.
Forms a non-breathable layer on the skin, which can prevent healing.
Contains toxic mineral oil hydrocarbons.

Dyes

Added to give color to the product.
Dyes often contain benzidine, which is a known carcinogen.
Linked to cause mood disorders, such as hyperactivity.

Look for terms such as:

FD&C Blue
Yellow-5
Blue 6
Red 40

How is this Harmful? The product goes on the skin and is washed off…

Our skin is our largest organ.

It has 6 main functions: protection, absorption, excretion, secretion, regulation and sensation.

Body wash is used all over the body and on sensitive areas which can be easily irritated.

Whatever is put on the skin, is absorbed into the body to some extent. Even when you wash the product off, there is still residue left.

Therefore, what you put IN your body is just as important as what you put ON your body!

DON’T PANIC. There are PLENTY of brands out there that offer safe, non toxic body wash products.

Once your current product is empty, opt to vote with your dollar and try out one of these products below.

Top 7 Safe and Affordable, Non Toxic Body Wash Brands:

ATTITUDE

There are several options for choose from, these products are highly affordable and effective. This is a good option especially if you are just starting out on your non toxic journey!

All their products are hypoallergenic and sensitive on the skin.

Check out this energizing orange leaves shower gel here. Attitude also has an eco-friendly bulk refill option available here.

PIPETTE

This relaxing body wash has a plant derived aroma of bergamot, mandarin orange and geranium flower, making it very soothing. Pipette makes products that are particularly safe for pregnant or postpartum women, but can easily be enjoyed by anyone! Take a look here.

EVERYONE 3-1 SOAP

This is a do-it-all cleanser that is ideal for anyone that likes to cleanse with the same product from head to toe. From body wash to shampoo to bubble bath, you can use it for anything! This lemon coconut soap will get you feeling like you’re on a tropical vacation. Check it out here.

BABO BOTANICALS

This brand makes products that is safe for everyone in the family, including babies! This is a 3-1 cleanser that can also be used as a bubble bath. With this eucalyptus and lavender scent, you’ll be relaxed and feeling nourished. View it here and give it a try!

PURACY

Awaken your senses and try this complex blend of aromas of citrus and sea salt. This will give you fresh and clean rinses every time! Check it out here. Looking to be more eco friendly? They also have a bulk option here!

AVALON ORGANICS

Certified organic and EWG verified, this body wash is everything. It gently cleanses and hydrates the skin with an amazing aroma. Try this calming and nourishing lavender body wash here. Thank me later!

CARINA ORGANICS

Organic and all natural products, which are best found of their website here. The quality of carina organics lives up to the hype! All of their products smell incredible, although they do offer unscented body wash here if you prefer that. I personally like the sweet pea body wash here or the citrus scent found here!

Follow the 80/20 Rule!

I’m a firm believer in the 80/20 rule when it comes to your health.

80% of the time, make healthy choices. 20% of the time, it’s okay to relax a bit.

Not everything has to be perfect! All you have to do is try your best and intentionally make choices that make sense for your life.

Try to use the most safe and healthy products to your knowledge. It’s never too late to make changes and try out something new!

I’m here to help and support you. Let’s create a healthy, less toxic community and take our power back!

Looking for more content like this one? Check out my post on Non-Toxic and Safe Shampoo and Conditioner Brands! You can find it here. Visit my website here for more information and guidance on living less toxic!

References

The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate. David Suzuki Foundation.

The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate – David Suzuki Foundation

(2021, August 09). DMDM Hydantoin, Formaldehyde & Shampoo. Chemscape Safety Technologies. DMDM Hydantoin, Formaldehyde & Shampoo | Chemscape Safety Technologies

Stoiber, T. (2019, April 09). What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t They Belong in Cosmetics? Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens

The Dirty Dozen: BHA and BHT. David Suzuki Foundation. https://www.davidsuzuki.org/living-green/dirty-dozen-bha-bht/