When you treasure your body, you care what you use to clean it. Nothing is better than the ingredients directly from the earth. But there are so many products to choose from. So what are the best ones that will help your skin feel moisturized and clean at the same time?

Let’s start with what to look for when you buy a new brand. You will learn which ingredients to avoid, and which 12 brands are our favorite for natural, moisturizing body wash.

5 Things to Look for in a Natural Body Wash

What makes one body wash better than another? You already know that you want something that is simple and will avoid harsh chemicals that might cause a negative reaction.

Unfortunately, even the most natural body washes might have confusing labels. What is a vegan product — and is it better than something that is just organic? If it is “all natural,” why are the ingredients still difficult to understand? And which ingredients are best for your skin?

All of these thoughts might be running through your head as you look at all the different brands and products out there.

So, let’s break this down simply. Look for these five things on the bottle of your next body wash to make sure you’re treating your skin and the environment well.

1. Organic Ingredients

When you want something natural, look for a seal saying it is certified organic.

The difference between organic and conventional ingredients is the use of chemical pesticides. Organic farmers use only organic weed and pest control, whereas conventional farmers will use chemical ones.

When you pick a body wash that is certified organic, you know it won’t have any chemical pesticide or herbicide residue in it.

How can you tell if something is organic? Look for the organic seal on the back, near the ingredients.

2. Cruelty-Free

What does cruelty-free mean? According to the FDA, this term is used synonymously with the term “not tested on animals.” However, they also say that there are no legal definitions for these terms.

In fact, many brands and products use the term cruelty-free to say that their finished product was never tested on animals, but they can still legally source their raw materials from companies that might test on animals.  

Yes, this is a very confusing term. So to avoid supporting a company that tests on animals, do a little research on them. The more transparent the company is about their products, the better you will feel about buying from them.

3. Ingredients You Understand

Buy a body wash that has ingredients you can understand. You want natural oils and plant-based ingredients in your skincare routine.

According to the Environmental Working Group, these are the ingredients you want to avoid:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate — This is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Sulfates are known to react harshly.
• Parabens — These have a reputation for interacting negatively with the endocrine system and disrupt hormone functions.
• Polyethylene/PEGs — Avoid if you have dry skin. This ingredient reduces your skin's natural moisture and leaves your skin vulnerable to bacteria.

4. Vegan

When a product has a vegan claim, that means it doesn't use any animal products at all. So you won't find any animal butter, eggs, or secondary animal products.

It's important to note that vegetarian products are not always vegan. A vegetarian product might use a secondary animal product like eggs or butter.

5. Natural Oils From the Earth

Finally, you want to specifically look for products that use natural oils from the earth. Whether you choose an organic body wash or conventional, you definitely want the ingredients to be as close to the earth as possible.

According to Everyday Health, some ingredients to look for include:

• Coconut oil
• Aloe vera
• Tea tree
• Olive oil
• Sea salt
• Green tea
• Vitamin E

There are a lot more oils that you'll find in body washes than we have room to list. If it’s in plain language you can understand, you’re probably good to go.

One note: Companies sometimes use the scientific name of a plant oil on a label, like “Helianthus annuus” for sunflower seed oil. Don't be scared off from these lists. Some brands are starting to make their list as easy to understand as possible, but complex industry standards for ingredient lists are still king.

12 Best Natural Body Washes That Moisturize and Nourish Your Skin

With this information in mind, what is the best natural body wash out there? Every single one is different, so you have to find one that works for your unique skin. This list will cover the best of the popular brands on the market. All of them have natural ingredients that you can trust.

While you are shopping for body wash, keep in mind that even the most moisturizing body washes won't work all day long. Use a product like Vitamin E Balm for the times when you need a little extra moisture.

Earth Mama Morning Wellness Body Wash

This body wash is formulated for sensitive skin, so it doesn't have any harsh chemicals. It was created to help pregnant women with morning sickness.

The ingredient list includes:

• Ginger root oil
• Lime
• Grapefruit
• Castile-based soap

Since it was made for use during pregnancy, you know it is a really gentle option.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Body Body Wash

This is a gentle body wash that uses shea butter to combat dry skin. The best thing about this product is that it uses raw shea butter. Shea butter has a high concentration of fatty acids and natural vitamins that heal extra dry skin effectively. 

It also has two powerhouse essential oils in it — frankincense and myrrh. According to Dr. Axe, both of these oils are incredibly effective at fighting bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

Seaweed Bath Company Body Wash

If you want a fragrance-free option, check out the Seaweed Bath Company. It uses coconut oil, Hawaiian kukui oil, and aloe vera to nourish your skin.

This body wash uses sustainably harvested bladderwrack seaweed, combined with the other minerals and vitamins, to cleanse your skin. View their entire line on their website.

Belli Pure & Pampered

Belli Pure & Pampered is a great option for oily skin because it is formulated for daily use. It cleanses without stripping your skin of natural oils. When you use a body wash full of harsh ingredients, your body will produce even more oil to try and combat it.

This has the relaxing scent of lavender essential oil — which is also fantastic at soothing irritated skin.

Nourish Organic in Tropical Coconut

Nourish Organic’s body wash has ingredients that all come from the earth. Sunflower seed oil is the standout ingredient here. The vitamin E injects the nutrients your skin needs to stay soft and smooth.

It smells amazing, too. Look at this list of ingredients. When combined, you feel like you are on a beach somewhere:

• Organic aloe leaf juice
• Organic coconut oil
• Organic sunflower seed oil
• Shea butter

Earth Tu Face Shower Gel

Earth Tu Face is a pure and gentle soap made with food-grade oils. It has bergamot and aloe that help your skin heal from the effects of the day.

Plus, it has a really relaxing scent of earl grey tea.

What is bergamot good for? According to Mercola, it is known to reduce anxiety, so this body wash relieves stress while the oil fights fungus and bacteria on your skin.

Alba Botanica Shower Gel

The Alba Botanica shower gel is hypo-allergenic and pH balanced to invigorate your skin and fight dryness.

If you love sweet and fruity scents, you will love this one. It has mango, honey, and pure vanilla — all to remind you of an island getaway.

Carina Organics Moisturizing Body Wash

When your skin is feeling particularly thirsty, give it something to drink. Carina makes a line of body washes that use certified organic plant, vegetable, and fruit extracts.

It washes away dirt and sweat while infusing your skin with coconut and pumpkin seed oil. Pumpkin seed oil is an individually unique ingredient that you'll fall in love with. Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, explained to Harper’s Bazaar that it has high levels of vitamin E, zinc, omega–3 and omega–6 fatty acids as well as antioxidants — so it helps combat the signs of aging by fighting free radicals.

Rahua Body Shower Gel

If you want a body wash that is unique and makes you feel like a queen, try the Rahua Body shower gel.

It uses rainforest-grown sacha inchi and rahua oils.

Sacha inchi is a climbing shrub plant that grows in Peru. According to Amazing Wellness, the high vitamin A and E levels heal skin from sun damage and the high omega–3, –6, and –9 fat levels have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Nature’s Gate Body Wash

Nature's Gate has an entire line of body washes with a variety of different scents. The most outstanding pick is the hemp variety.

It combines hemp seed oil, milk thistle, and dandelion to calm your skin and leave it feeling clean.

Acure Organics Body Wash

The Acure Organics natural body wash works at the cellular level to feed and restore your skin. It can be purchased in two different varieties: Argan Oil and Pumpkin or Lemongrass and Argan.

If you suffer from dry skin, choose something with argan oil — it’s much more moisturizing than cocoa butter or shea butter.

Dr. Bronner Body Wash

Dr. Bronner is synonymous with organic all-natural soaps. Their line of body washes doubles as liquid soap. They have a variety of scents including lavender, peppermint, and tea tree.

For even more environmental points, Dr. Bronner’s packages their body wash in a 100% post-consumer recycled bottle.

Treat Your Skin to Natural Nourishment

Be mindful of the ingredients you put on your skin. You deserve the very best, and that comes directly from the earth.

If you use a natural body wash and still fight dryness, check out the Probiotic Moisturizer — you can buy it as a part of the Everyday Essentials AM Kit. 

With these tips, you have what you need to choose the best soaps and cleansers. You can be kind to the environment and kind to your skin, all in one bottle.