10 Best Non-Toxic + Eco-Friendly Body Wash Products
Shower time used to be the most mindless part of my day. A quick rinse, whatever body wash was on sale, move on. But once I started paying attention to ingredient lists across our personal care products, I realized how much exposure we actually get during daily routines—especially something we use every single day.
For families focused on non-toxic living, sustainability, and minimizing our environmental impact, body wash is one of the easiest swaps to make. The good news? There are now so many eco-friendly body washes made with natural ingredients, biodegradable ingredients, and thoughtful packaging that doesn’t rely on a single plastic bottle headed for the landfill.
This list is made up of products I personally use, have used for years, or feel confident recommending after digging into ingredient lists, EWG verification, sourcing, and overall brand values. Whether you prefer liquid body wash or a classic bar of soap, there’s a best option here for your skin type and sustainability goals.
If you’re curious about why packaging choices matter, this breakdown of the environmental impact of plastic waste in the body care industry is a helpful place to start.
Why Non-Toxic Body Wash Matters
Traditional body washes often contain harsh chemicals like sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl sulfate, artificial fragrances, and other common ingredients linked to skin irritation and endocrine disruption. While research is ongoing, many families choose to avoid harmful chemicals that may contribute to long-term health concerns, including hormone disruption and increased breast cancer risk.
Because our skin absorbs what we put on it, switching to a natural body wash made with plant-based ingredients, organic oils, and botanical extracts is a great way to reduce overall toxic load—without making life more complicated.
I also look closely at environmental impact. Many traditional body washes end up harming aquatic life due to non-biodegradable ingredients, excess packaging, and plastic waste. Choosing biodegradable body washes, plastic-free packaging, bars instead of bottles, or refillable glass bottles can make a real positive impact over time.
Looking to reduce toxins in your home but aren’t sure where to start? Check out our 7 Days to a Non-Toxic Home series.
What EWG Verification Actually Means
You’ll see me mention EWG Verified® often. The Environmental Working Group evaluates personal care products for harmful chemicals, transparency, and overall safety. An EWG Verified product avoids synthetic fragrances, known endocrine disruptors, and questionable preservatives—and clearly discloses its full ingredient list.
While not every clean brand pursues EWG certification, it’s a helpful shortcut for busy parents trying to make an informed decision without spending hours researching every ingredient.
The 10 Best Non-Toxic + Eco-Friendly Body Washes
1. Primally Pure Almond + Vanilla Body Wash
This natural soap is the one currently in my shower—and it’s a popular choice for a reason. Made with organic ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera and shea butter, it leaves my skin feeling genuinely soft and hydrated.
The scent comes from essential oils, with subtle sugar notes and warmth from vanilla. No synthetic fragrances, no harsh chemicals, and no dryness afterward. It feels like conscious skincare without being complicated.
EWG Verified
Organic and fair trade ingredients
Why I love it: Luxurious feel, nourishing fatty acids, great for dry skin, and a calm, comforting scent.
2. Everyone 3-in-1 Soap (Shampoo, Body Wash & Bubble Bath)
This has been a staple in our house for years. My husband still uses it daily, and I rotate it with my Primally Pure wash. It’s a true multi-tasker—I even use it as shampoo on hair wash days.
Made with plant-based ingredients, coconut-derived cleansers, aloe vera, and natural essential oils, it’s gentle enough for daily use and works well for multiple skin types. It’s also EWG Verified and cruelty-free.
EWG Verified
3-in-1 soap — shampoo, body wash & bubble bath all in one bottle
Why it stands out: One product, less packaging, lower carbon footprint, and budget-friendly for families.
3. ATTITUDE EWG Verified Body Wash
ATTITUDE is one of my favorite eco-friendly body wash brands for families. Their liquid body wash formulas are dermatologically tested, EWG Verified, and made with biodegradable ingredients that are safer for aquatic life.
They avoid artificial fragrances, animal testing, and harmful chemicals while still feeling effective and pleasant to use.
EWG Verified
Vegan
Best for: Families who want easy-to-find green products with strong third-party verification.
4. Yoken EWG Verified Castile Liquid Soap (Unscented)
If you’re extra sensitive or trying to simplify, this unscented castile liquid soap is a great option. Made with organic oils and no added fragrance, it works well as body wash, liquid hand soap, or even for hand washing clothes while traveling.
Minimal ingredients, zero nonsense.
EWG Verified
Organic ingredients
Vegan
Best for: Sensitive skin, babies, or anyone avoiding natural fragrances entirely.
5. HygieneLab EWG Verified Body Wash
This is a great option for teens, partners, or anyone who wants a clean formula without it feeling “too crunchy.” It’s EWG Verified and skips sulfates, phthalates, parabens and artificial fragrances.
EWG Verified
Made in California
Why it works: Clean but still feels familiar if you’re transitioning away from traditional body washes.
6. Wild Pure EcoBalance Body Wash (Glass Bottle + Refillable)
This one deserves special mention for sustainability. It comes in a glass bottle and offers refill options—significantly reducing plastic packaging and overall plastic waste.
Designed with skin microbiome health in mind, this biodegradable body wash uses gentle plant-based ingredients and supports daily use without stripping the skin.
EWG Verified
Refillable glass bottle system
Why it matters: Less packaging, refillable system, and a lower environmental impact over time. This is a great choice for anyone wanting an EWG-verified, sustainable body wash in a glass bottle.
7. Aleavia Body Cleanse (Green Honeysuckle)
Aleavia is a really thoughtful option if you’re trying to support your skin barrier while still keeping things non-toxic. This body cleanse is formulated with aloe vera, botanical extracts, and prebiotics to support the skin’s microbiome—something that often gets disrupted by harsher cleansers and synthetic fragrances.
It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use, yet still feels effective after a long day outside, workouts, or messy kid-filled adventures. The honeysuckle scent comes from natural fragrances and essential oils, not artificial fragrance blends.
Made with only 10 ingredients
100% natural + organic
Why it stands out: Microbiome-friendly formula, great for reactive or dry skin, and a nice balance between “clean” and actually enjoyable to use.
8. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap (Regenerative Organic)
This is an eco-friendly body wash brand you've probably heard of — Dr. Bronner is a long-time favorite in the non-toxic living world. Their soap bars and liquid soap are made with fair trade, organic ingredients and support regenerative agriculture.
It’s an ethical soap brand that prioritizes people, planet, and transparency.
EWG Verified
Regenerative Organic
I also love Dr. Bronner’s tea tree oil soap bars!
Why it’s iconic: Multi-use, biodegradable ingredients, cruelty-free products, and decades of trust.
9. Carolina Castile Bar Soap (Organic & Unscented)
A simple bar of soap can be one of the most zero waste swaps you make. This organic bar soap uses organic olive oil and organic cocoa butter, leaving your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
No liquid soap, no plastic bottle, and incredibly versatile.
EWG Verified
Organic ingredients
Best for: Minimalists, travel, and plastic-free packaging goals.
10. ATTITUDE Super Leaves EWG Verified Body Wash (Peppermint & Sweet Orange)
This ATTITUDE option is a solid, easy-to-find choice for families who want an EWG Verified liquid body wash with a refreshing feel. It uses plant-based ingredients while avoiding sodium laureth sulfate, artificial fragrances, and other harsh chemicals.
The peppermint gives a clean, energizing feel during shower time—especially nice in the morning—without being overpowering. Like other ATTITUDE products, it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and designed with environmental impact in mind.
EWG Verified
Eco-refill option available
Why I recommend it: Reliable EWG verification, accessible price point, family-friendly formula, and a fresh scent that still aligns with non-toxic living.
Bar Soap vs. Liquid Body Wash
Soap bars generally have less packaging, a lower carbon footprint, and fewer preservatives. Liquid body wash can be more convenient for families, kids, and shared showers. Both can be eco-friendly body washes—it comes down to ingredient list, packaging, and how it fits into your daily routines.
How to Read a Body Wash Ingredient List (Without the Overwhelm)
If you’ve ever flipped over a bottle and felt your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. Ingredient lists can look intimidating, but learning a few basics can make a big difference when choosing a natural body wash for daily use.
I start by scanning for what isn’t there. I avoid synthetic fragrances, sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl sulfate, and vague terms like “fragrance,” which can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. These are common ingredients in traditional body washes and can be especially irritating for sensitive skin or kids who are already prone to dryness.
Next, I look at the first five ingredients. This is where you’ll usually find the base of the product—things like aloe vera, olive oil, coconut oil, or other vegetable oils. These plant-based ingredients help cleanse without stripping the skin and provide naturally occurring fatty acids that support the skin barrier.
Finally, I check for transparency and values. Is the brand clear about sourcing? Do they avoid animal testing and unnecessary plastic packaging? Even small choices—like choosing biodegradable ingredients or refill options—can create a positive impact over time.
Have you ever picked up a product that looked natural and eco-friendly, only to realize later it really wasn’t? If so, you’re not alone. I break this down in Greenwashing 101: How to Spot It and Avoid Being Misled.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right product doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re swapping out one bottle at a time or fully reworking your bathroom to reflect your values, every small change adds up.
Focusing on natural ingredients, avoiding harmful chemicals, and supporting sustainable products is a great way to protect your family while caring for the planet we want our kids to grow up exploring.
That’s always been the heart of Just a Little Crunchy—doing better where we can, without perfection or pressure.
Latest on the blog
