Which ingredients to look for, which ones to dodge, and how to choose your perfect body wash
Posted on July 17, 2023 Written by: 100% PURE®When you get out of the shower, how does your skin feel? Ideally, we should feel refreshed and moisturized with happy skin – itching and tightness are not normal after using body wash!
Are you lathering up with skin happy ingredients, or just using the same old soap that leaves your skin feeling stripped and squeaky? We’re spilling the bubbles on a little secret that makes our body wash formula conditioning, more natural, and beneficial for your skin. We know you’ll feel inspired to make the switch to a better bathing routine!
We’ve said it before – skin is our largest organ. As arguably one of the most important “organs” we have, what’s just as important as what we put on it is what we don’t. That’s why we’re creating cleaner products with a mission of celebrating natural ingredients and using them to our advantage.
Take for example fragrances in body wash. We all love a product that smells nice, and it definitely adds to the experience when we're using it, but most of the time fragrances aren't included as a simple perk.
Some fragrances are alcohol-based meaning they're drying out our skin every time we apply that product. Furthermore, perfumes are usually included in products to mask the odors of other ingredients which when you think about it, is a bit alarming.
If a product is good for our skin, should it really be giving off an odor that then needs to be covered up? We didn't agree, which is why our products are scented with essential oils, real citrus peels, and food-grade essences.
Parabens have definitely become a mainstream dirty word, and we love the awareness spreading about how harmful they can be, but many of us still don't know or understand the risks.
Parabens are used as preservatives in many skin care products and while that sounds innocent enough, they're linked to skin inflammation, hormone disruption, and have been linked to certain cancers. Even with a relatively minimal risk like skin irritation, does using that fancy (probably overpriced product) seem worth it?
What’s in a name might smell as sweet, but what’s in our formula is even sweeter. We like to start our body wash off with an aloe base for a few reasons; first, because it offers unparalleled healing and soothing properties for skin.
ALOE is anti-inflammatory meaning it helps relieve active irritation on the skin as well as itchiness, scarring and burns. Not only is the gel extracted from this plant calming for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, but the gel is also incredibly hydrating for skin.
Aloe juice makes an ideal base for our body wash because our skin can absorb hydration as we’re cleansing, while also treating any irritation we might have, especially after shaving or rough seasonal weather.
Our next key ingredient comes from the sea, bringing with it beneficial minerals and vitamins for the skin. SEAWEED is naturally detoxifying, helping to purge surface collagen and moisture destroying toxins that have gathered on our skin’s surface.
Environmental stressors like toxins and temperatures can also lead to dry skin, flaking, dullness, and a loss of firmness. Luckily, humectant properties help to seal in our native moisture levels, while pulling in water from our environment (in this case, our steamy shower) for enhanced hydration.
The seaweed and algae used in our body wash formulas contribute skin-plumping seaweed collagen, along with amino acids and anti-aging vitamins A, C, and E.
We promised to spill the bubbles on our formula, and we can’t do that without touching on ROSE HYDROSOL. One of the longest running skin care ingredients in history, roses are linked to the lifestyles and routines of goddesses like Aphrodite and queens such as Cleopatra. Despite its modern reputation, roses are certainly not a basic skin care ingredient.
This delicate floral treats a plethora of skin issues. Great for calming redness and soothing for skin irritation, it’s one of the most sought after ingredients for sensitive skin. It’s an effective hydrator, while the tiny oil molecules present in rose hydrosol will also aid in moisturization. Not only does rose water help with the texture of our shower gel, it helps to create calming and harmony for a feeling of pure bliss.
If you haven’t fallen in love with coconut for your skin, you will now! We’re suds-over-heels about coconut. We couldn’t resist using its rich oil as a substitute for skin detergents that can lead to dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
The benefits of COCONUT OIL for skin are endless. Coconut oil contains capric, lauric, and caprylic fatty acids. These contribute antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. And, when coupled with vitamin E, they work wonders to soothe and moisturize the skin.
The coconut oil you see in our formula is labeled as “Saponified Coconut Oil” (more on this later). This oil has gone through the chemical reaction of mixing an oil with an alkali. It results in a creamy, moisturizing, and cleansing soap base that is actually safe to use. It naturally produces skin-softening glycerin, as well, which helps the skin retain moisture. This silky texture treats our skin how we want it to feel – with love.
Newsletter Subscribe
for more blog updates and exclusive discounts
Our last key ingredient harnesses the power of a unique citrus. After all, there’s nothing we love more than getting gorgeous with natural skin care that harnesses the power of real, whole foods. Cue the BLOOD ORANGE!
This little crimson jewel is nature’s magic bullet when it comes to reducing inflammation and giving your skin a shot of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy cell turnover and slowing the breakdown of collagen.
These citrusy acids are potent exfoliators: they penetrate skin and dissolve the dead skin cells that sit on your skin’s uppermost surface. Goodbye dullness, hello glow. With its super energizing fragrance, blood orange is a necessity in your daily sudsing routine.
Instead of using harsh ingredients common in mainstream body wash, we opt for clean alternatives like saponified coconut oil. This surfactant is derived from naturally antibacterial coconut oil. The cleanser brings with it conditioning and moisturizing elements of its mother coconut, without being heavy, greasy, or oily. We love how this cleansing agent is mild, unscented and compliments our hydration-first approach to skin care.
Saponified coconut oil is a cleansing agent that is both naturally derived and gentle for all skin types. The biggest reason this type of cleanser is worlds better for your skin than conventional alternatives: it gets you clean without over-stripping your natural lipids.
If you're looking to reduce your single-use plastics footprint and find the best natural body wash, you've come to the right place. You can now save plastic by choosing a value-size 16oz bottle from our selection of body washes that suit all skin types!
Not sure where to begin your body wash journey? These are our favorite formulas for every mood!
- Overworked or overstressed: French Lavender Shower Gel
- Sore muscles or tension headache: Eucalyptus Shower Gel
- Desperate for a drink with a little umbrella: Coconut Lime Shower Gel
- Sweet tooth all day, every day: Vanilla Bean Shower Gel
- Cozy and ready to snuggle: Honey Almond Shower Gel
- Feeling fruity: Mangosteen Shower Gel
- Dreaming of a tropical getaway: Coconut Shower Gel
- Early morning energizer: Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel
- Daily mood booster: Blood Orange Shower Gel
Regular cleansing with skin-happy ingredients is important for maintaining balanced, healthy-looking skin. We’re excited to share the goods on these rising superstars. We hope you enjoyed the grand tour through our full collection of natural body washes!
1. Are these natural body wash ingredients suitable for all skin types?
Natural body wash ingredients can generally be suitable for most skin types, but individual reactions may vary. It's important to note that natural ingredients can still cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially if they have known sensitivities or allergies to specific plants or substances. It's always a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using a new product extensively.
2. Can these natural ingredients help with specific skin concerns such as dryness, acne, or sensitivity?
Certain natural ingredients commonly found in body washes can help with specific skin concerns:
- Dryness: Ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, and honey can provide moisturizing properties and help alleviate dryness.
- Acne: Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, and neem oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce acne breakouts.
- Sensitivity: Mild and soothing ingredients such as oatmeal, chamomile, calendula, and lavender can help calm and soothe sensitive skin.
However, it's important to remember that everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have severe or persistent skin concerns, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
3. Are there any environmental benefits to using natural body wash ingredients compared to synthetic ones?
Using natural body wash ingredients can offer several environmental benefits:
- Reduced chemical pollution: Natural ingredients are typically derived from renewable sources and tend to have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic chemicals. This can help reduce pollution in waterways and ecosystems.
- Biodegradability: Many natural ingredients are biodegradable, meaning they can break down more easily in the environment compared to synthetic counterparts, which can persist for longer periods.
- Sustainable sourcing: Some natural ingredients can be sourced sustainably, supporting practices that promote biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and benefit local communities.
4. How do these natural body wash ingredients compare to traditional chemical-based alternatives in terms of safety and long-term effects?
Natural body wash ingredients are generally considered safe for use, but it's important to note that "natural" doesn't always mean completely risk-free. Allergies, sensitivities, or adverse reactions can still occur with natural ingredients.
Traditional chemical-based alternatives may include synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and other additives that can potentially irritate or sensitize the skin. Some synthetic chemicals have also raised concerns about long-term effects on human health and the environment.
To ensure safety, it's advisable to check product labels, research specific ingredients, and choose reputable brands that prioritize ingredient transparency and safety testing.
5. Are there any recommended combinations or formulations using these natural body wash ingredients for specific skin benefits?
There are numerous combinations and formulations using natural body wash ingredients that can target specific skin benefits. Here are a few examples:
- Moisturizing body wash: Combine ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, and honey for added hydration.
- Clarifying body wash for acne-prone skin: Tea tree oil, witch hazel, neem oil, and aloe vera gel can be combined to create a clarifying body wash.
- Soothing body wash for sensitive skin: Calendula extract, chamomile, lavender essential oil, and oatmeal can help soothe and calm sensitive skin.
These are just a few examples, and the specific formulations and ingredient combinations can vary depending on personal preferences and individual skin needs. It's always recommended to follow tested recipes or consult with a skincare professional when creating custom formulations.
- Tags: Bath Body Hair, Ingredients, July-2023
We carefully hand-select products based on strict purity standards, and only recommend products we feel meet this criteria. 100% PURE™ may earn a small commission for products purchased through affiliate links.
The information in this article is for educational use, and not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as such.