Non Toxic Body Wash & Scrubs + 10 Mainstream Toxic Brands to Avoid
Body washes are designed to look and smell refreshing. But the ingredients used to do this are often toxic such as cocamidopropyl betaine, fragrance, phenoxyethanol, 1,4-dioxane, petroleum derivatives, SLS and SLES.
If we cover our bodies in these ingredients every time we shower we are constantly absorbing them into the skin. These ingredients at the least can cause irritation and skin flare ups or can be as bad as being carcinogenic to the body.
Unfortunately, many conventional body washes are loaded with these ingredients. I’ve combed through the ingredient lists of dozens of body washes and found ones that are clean and void of toxic ingredients.
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The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Information provided in this post is updated as of the date of the post. Brands may reformulate products after the date of this post. Check back for updates.
Why Conventional Body Wash Is Toxic to Your Health
Parabens: preservatives linked to endocrine disruption (PMID: 29596967), known to be carcinogenic (PMID: 36746253)
Ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs, PPGs, polysorbates): ethoxylation process produces ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both known carcinogens. Ethylene oxide is also linked to reproductive toxicity. (Source)
Fragrance/Parfum: umbrella term including hundreds of toxins. Chemicals that are hidden behind this term can be carcinogenic, respiratory irritants, hormone disruptors, reproductive toxins, neurotoxins, and more (Source)
Phenoxyethanol: this is always a controversial ingredients, as many regard it as safe, however this is an ethoxylated ingredients (see above)
Polyquaterniums: (aka “quats”) group of polymers that may release formaldehyde
Dyes: group of dyes than can be carcinogenic, genotoxic and offer no benefit to the product other than color (example: Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5) (PMID: 23026007)
The 10 Mainstream Body Washes To Avoid and Why
Olay Ultra Moisture Hydratant Body Wash – contains Petrolatum, Sodium Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance,Sodium Benzoate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Yellow 5, Red 33
