11 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Sulfate-Free Body Washes Of 2024
For healthy skin that glows naturally and stays well-hydrated all day long.
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beauty Advisor for Estee Lauder.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Many prefer body washes over soaps because the former is gentler on our skin. However, to create a more foamy lather, body washes often contain sulfates which might be harmful to your skin. That is why you need the best sulfate-free body wash to help you relax and maintain a balanced skin barrier. After a long day of hectic chores and meetings, many people experience stress and fatigue, and a nice hot shower is all you crave. Therefore, nothing beats the significance of using a good body wash and a loofah for a thoroughly clean and exfoliated feel.
Body washes that contain sulfates might be effective in eliminating all the grime oil and dirt from your body, but at the same time, they might turn your skin brittle and dry. It may also lead to skin irritation, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin issues and eczema. Then, using sulfate-infused products is a big NO-NO.
On the other hand, a sulfate-free body wash will instantly uplift your mood and refresh your senses. Nowadays, many luxurious, nourishing body washes and some fragrance-free options are available to choose from. So, this article is for you if you are looking forward to kick-starting your day with a nice and refreshing shower but don’t know where to start. We have rounded up a list of the best sulfate-free body washes that are worth trying. So scroll down through the list and find the best pick now!
In This Article
11 Best Sulfate-Free Body Washes For Healthy, Glowing Skin
1) Best Refreshing Formula: OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Body Wash
Envelop yourself in the rich, creamy lather and get transported to a tropical vacation with this amazing no-sulfate body wash which is enriched with moisturizing coconut oil and vanilla bean extract. This fast-absorbing, tropical blend has the perfect balance between providing deep cleansing and a velvety, luxurious texture that makes your skin feel unbelievably soft and energized. Bid goodbye to dry, ashy, and itchy skin and restore long-lasting moisture for a glowing, radiant, oh-so-touchable, and silky finish.
Pros
- Rich and creamy texture
- Enriched with coconut oil and vanilla bean extract
- Refreshing tropical fragrance
- Sulfate-free surfactants
Cons
- Might not be best suited for those with extremely sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 31,038 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2) Best Non-Toxic: Be-One Organics Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Be-One Organics brings to you a USDA vegan tea tree oil body wash to keep your skin nourished and safe. Ideal for sensitive skin, the formula gives relief from psoriasis, eczema, body acne, and other skin concerns. The all-natural formula is infused with the goodness of tea tree oil along with aloe vera extract and natural oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. It moisturizes the skin with shea butter, making your skin soft and radiant. Peppermint leaves offer a refreshing and therapeutic scent with a rejuvenated feel to damaged skin.
This gentle body wash can be used by both men and women and works excellently to soothe dry and itchy skin. It is suitable for everyday use and leaves the skin squeaky clean and hydrated, removing all dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells from the pores.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- No animal testing
- 95% organic
- Artificial dye-free
- Climate pledge-friendly
Cons
- Does not lather much
Pro Tip3) Best Gentle Formula: CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
Refresh and rejuvenate your skin with this gentle sulfate-free body wash, infused with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid to cleanse your skin without stripping it of essential moisture. Developed by dermatologists, this non-comedogenic body wash is enriched with 3 essential ceramides that show visible results and help restore and repair the distressed skin’s natural protective barrier. Suitable for use on normal skin and by those with eczema and other sensitive skin problems, this non-irritating formula is ideal for daily use by the entire family.
Pros
- Ideal for generally irritated skin
- Gentle foaming formula
- Soap and sulfate-free
- Devoid of synthetic fragrances
- Paraben-free
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
- Dermatologically-approved
Cons
- Some might find the scent of this body wash a bit unpleasant.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 11,565 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Body Wash Best Refreshing Formula | Be-One Organics Tea Tree Oil Body Wash Best Non-Toxic | CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash Best Gentle Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | All | Dry,Normal |
| Dimensions | 8 x 10 x 8 inches | 2.25 x 2.25 x 5.3 inches | 2.88 x 1.5 x 6.38 inches |
| Weight | 1.22 Pounds | 10.23 Ounces. | 11.84 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 31,038 | 264 | 11,565 |
| Price | $5.99 | $14.99 | $11.99 |
4) Best Dermatologist-Tested Formula: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser made without toxic chemicals, you’re going to love this unscented sulfate-free body wash which removes oil and dirt from the skin without stripping it of moisture. Designed specifically for sensitive skin, this unscented body wash produces a rich lather in soft or hard water for skin that is left feeling squeaky clean, soft, and supple. Dermatologist-tested for safety, this soap-free, and the oil-free product is an absolute favorite for those struggling with skin problems. The product is not tested on animals. You can check this brief YouTube video to view the reviewer’s experience for more information on why this body wash for sensitive skin ticks all the right boxes.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Unscented, sulfate-free formula
- Free of parabens, dyes, and lanolin
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might not be best suited for those with very dry skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 8,699 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
5) Best Vegan Formula: Love Beauty And Planet Radical Refresher Body Wash
Renew your body, mind, and spirit with this body wash which leaves your skin feeling deliciously soft, energized, and refreshed. Made with naturally-derived ingredients, this delicately scented body wash contains a blend of hydrating coconut water and handpicked mimosa flowers to gently cleanse and moisturize your skin. Free of all the nasties and great for all skin types, this is a body wash you don’t want your skin to miss out on. The product has not been tested on animals. So go on, give it a try, we’re sure you’ll thank us later.
Pros
- Made with sustainably-sourced, naturally-derived ingredients
- Formulated with phthalates
- Free of parabens, dyes, and sulfates
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the scent of this body wash a bit flowery.
"This coconut water and mimosa flower body wash stays with me long after I shower. It has a rich lather that washes away every kind of dirt and grime from the skin. It smoothes my skin and makes it feel refreshed. It also balances oiliness without making my skin dry."
6) Best Organic Option: Honeyskin Face & Body Cleanser
Hydrate, nourish, and restore your beautiful but thirsty skin with this natural body wash that not only gently cleanses the skin but also infuses it with a soft, nourished glow. This calming, allergen-free formula is chock-full of skin-plumping active ingredients like antioxidant-rich aloe vera, anti-aging orange oil, and deeply hydrating coconut oil. In addition, hyaluronic acid and Manuka honey helps promote collagen production and increase cell production for skin that looks younger, healthier, and oh-so-radiant. So what are you waiting for? Add this sulfate-free, coconut-based cleanser to your bathing ritual for some nourishment, and you’ll definitely thank us later! For an honest customer review of this product, you can check the tester’s experience in this video.
Pros
- Made with natural and organic ingredients
- pH-balanced formula
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and SLS
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might not be best suited for those with very oily skin.
"This wash is gentle on my skin. It moisturizes thoroughly while soothing my skin. I like how it softens the drier parts without triggering any skin issues. It washes away easily and does not leave any buildup behind."
7) Best pH-Balanced Formula: Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash
Say hello to instantly soft skin with this nourishing cleanser made of skin-natural nutrients to infuse moisture into the skin while effectively washing away dirt and bacteria. This gentle body wash without sulfates delivers a potent mix of skin-loving, moisturizing ingredients, making your skin healthy and glowing. So what are you waiting for? It provides visible results for up to 24 hours. Give your skin some well-deserved tender, loving care and replenish your skin’s natural beauty by starting your day with Dove.
Pros
- Mild, pH-balanced formula
- Contains no sulfates and parabens
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the scent of this body wash a bit overpowering.
"The Dove body wash has a creamy, lotion-like formula that enriches my skin. The formula balances my skin’s pH level. It cleans my skin and replenishes its lost moisture. I like that it never leaves sticky residues. It also works wonderfully as a shaving lotion."
8) Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Tree To Tub Soapberry For Body
Get your hands on this thoughtfully formulated moisturizing body wash and indulge your senses in the gentle and relaxing benefits of lavender essential oil. Naturally scented and made with nourishing botanicals, this sulfate-free body wash is the treat your skin has been waiting for. Shea butter, aloe vera, and chamomile calm and soothe the skin while thoroughly cleansing it, maintaining the pH balance of your delicate skin without drying it out. The perfect gift for the special someone in your life, this liquid body wash is sure to become an instant favorite. No animal testing was conducted while manufacturing this product.
Pros
- Creamy, organic lather
- Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of irritants and harsh chemicals
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the texture of this body wash a bit thin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,081 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
9) Best Long-Lasting Formula: The Right To Shower Hope Head To Toe Cleanser
Here’s a gorgeous cleansing body wash that allows you to do a good deed while moisturizing and soothing your skin. That’s right, for every bottle of this sulfate-free body wash that you buy, you’re contributing towards bringing hope and dignity to people living on the streets. Enriched with aloe vera and dewy moss and no artificial fragrance, this cleanser’s scent has a hint of avocado, sweet clover, and sage. And there’s more! This all-in-1 body wash can also be used as a hand soap, shampoo, and face wash, keeping you feeling and smelling great all over. No animal testing was conducted while manufacturing this product.
Pros
- Made with naturally derived cleansers
- Enriched with certified organic aloe vera
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the scent of this body wash a bit overpowering.
"This gel body wash lathers up swiftly on my skin. The formula leaves a cooling sensation on my skin. I like its pleasing fragrance, which never gets overwhelming. The foam spreads easily on my skin and offers a relaxing experience. The product leaves my skin lightly moisturized."
Pro Tip10) Best Lightweight Texture: Renpure Lavender Honey Body Wash
If you’re looking for a luxuriously decadent plant-powered body wash made of good-for-you natural ingredients, you’re in the right place. This sulfate-free body wash is infused with calming lavender and moisturizing Manuka honey to leave your skin feeling soft and nourished. The soothing formula has a lightly blended scent of sandalwood and lavender and gets rid of daily grime without drying out your skin. Responsibly sourced and ethically produced, this body wash is a favorite for those looking for clean beauty products free of nasty additives. The is made of plant-based ingredients and is animal test-free.
Pros
- Made of plant-based natural ingredients
- Non-drying
- Gluten-free and sulfate-free
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and dyes
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the consistency of this body wash a bit thin.
Pro Tip11) Best For All Skin Types: Archipelago Botanicals Pomegranate Body Wash
This daily cleanser from Archipelago Botanicals is a pomegranate body wash, free of chemicals. Apart from pomegranates, this luxurious body wash is infused with white peach, macintosh apples, green leaves, valencia oranges, pink jasmine petals, pineapple, water lily, and sheer musk. These key ingredients offer gentle cleanse and exfoliation, removing dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. Additionally, the grape seed oil locks in the required moisture, nourishing and softening your skin.
It also offers mild hydration, which leaves the skin feeling clean, refreshed, and cared for. The formula has a mild pomegranate scent that lasts delicately throughout the day. Pamper your skin with the efficient hydration offered by this richly blended product.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Chemical-free
- Rich pomegranate scent
- Suitable for daily use
- Botanical ingredients
Cons
- None
"This body wash creates a rejuvenating lather. I like the bubbles that develop as I rub the formula on my body. It leaves my skin squeaky clean but does not make it dry. I like its pomegranate scent, which lifts my mood."
Now that we’ve had a look at our pick of the 11 best sulfate-free body washes in 2024, let us look at some things to consider when picking the perfect body wash for your skin.
How To Choose The Best Sulfate Free Body Wash
- Skin type
Whether you have dry and flaky, oily and acne-prone skin, or are prone to allergies, there’s a perfect sulfate-free body wash made to suit your requirements. It is best to always pick a body wash that is formulated and tested specifically for your skin type. For example, while moisture-deprived skin would benefit from a body wash enriched with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera, oily skin would do well with one that is formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients. Sulfate-free body washes labeled as hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested are ideal for those with eczema prone skin and other sensitive skin problems.
- Texture
While some sulfate-free body washes are energizing with a gel-like texture, others have creamy formulas with a velvety, luxurious texture. It is best to pick a body wash with a texture that makes your skin look and feel good. For example, those with dry skin might prefer a body wash with a thick, nourishing texture that provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin of moisture. Ensure that the body washes you pick produce a rich, thick lather and have a scent that is appealing to you.
- Ingredient list
A quick look at the ingredient list will tell you volumes about the sulfate-free body wash you’re about to pick! It is always good to go for a body wash made of all-natural, good-for-you ingredients and free of potentially harmful toxins commonly found in beauty products. If you’re sensitive to strong scents, make sure to pick a cleanser that is either fragrance-free or has a light, natural scent. Also, ensure to pick a product that is dermatologist-tested.
How To Use Sulfate Free Body Wash
Step 1
– Start by getting into the shower and rinsing off dust and sweat with lukewarm water.
Step 2 – Squeeze a dime-sized amount of sulfate-free body wash in your palm, lather well, and apply on your body using either your hands, a bath sponge, or a washcloth.
Step 3 – Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat if necessary.
Step 4 – Use a towel to dab your skin dry and follow up with a good body lotion.
And voila! Just like that, your skin is squeaky clean and ready to take on the day!
Benefits Of Using A Sulfate – Free Body Wash
Sulfates are chemicals that are commonly found in shampoos and body washes and can wreak havoc on your skin in the long run. Here are some reasons why you should make the switch to a nourishing sulfate-free body wash asap!
- Balanced pH level – Ideal for skin that is prone to break-outs and allergies, sulfate-free body washes help restore skin’s natural balance and keep it looking radiant and healthy.
- Moisturizing – By protecting your skin against dryness caused by chemical irritants, a sulfate-free body wash helps restore and maintain your skin’s natural oils, keeping it looking and feeling soft and supple.
- Eco-friendly – Sulfates are not only bad for you, they’re terrible for the environment too! By picking a sulfate-free body wash, you’re choosing a beauty product that is more sustainable and ethically sourced.
Infographic: Tips To Get The Best Sulfate-Free Body Washes
A body wash is the first step to a healthy body care routine. While there are multiple sulfate-free choices available on the market and even on the list given above, you must sieve through them to find the ones that suit you best. Check out the infographic given below for some tips to help choose the best sulfate-free body washes.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The daily task of washing away the dirt from your body should not become why your skin is exposed to a dose of harmful chemicals and toxins that cause unnecessary damage. Your delicate skin deserves the absolute best, and nourishing, thoughtfully formulated sulfate-free body washes take center stage in ensuring your skin is treated to the best that nature has to offer. You can choose the OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Body Wash which deep cleanses the skin and reduces itchiness, the Be-One Organics Tea Tree Oil Body Wash which clears dead skin cells and redresses severe skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis, and the Honeyskin Face & Body Cleanser which boosts collagen production and restores natural skin texture. Made of versatile skin-loving ingredients that your moisture-deprived skin will thank you for, they’re a sure-shot way to getting skin that is luxuriously soft and oh-so-supple. So what are you waiting for? Our carefully curated list of the 11 best sulfate-free body washes in 2024 will be your starting guide to clean, conscious beauty.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Krati Darak, the author, has a keen interest in skin care and learning new tips, techniques, and products to rejuvenate and restore your skin health and appearance. She knows that sulfate, an ingredient in most skin and hair care cleansing products like body washes, is very harmful to your skin. So, after thorough research, she recommends using these sulfate-free body washes that come with added skin benefits such as smooth texture, skin-enriching ingredients, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sulfates bad in a body wash?
Sulfates are known irritants which can cause dryness and flare up acne over time. While they are effective cleansers, they strip the skin of essential oils and disturb the delicate pH balance of the skin. For these reasons, sulfates are not ideal in a body wash, particularly for those with dry and sensitive skin.
How long should you leave body wash on?
The shorter the better. You can leave the soap or body wash on for 3 to 5 mins before rinsing off. This way you can eliminate dirt and grime while rinsing off the lather. Long showers may strip your skin’s moisture and make the skin dry.
How do you properly use body wash?
Here is the step-by-step procedure to use a body wash:
• Wet your skin while showering and lather the body wash.
• Apply a layer of lather all over your skin.
• Rinse it off and pat dry your skin with a clean towel.
• Apply a lotion to moisturize your skin.
What does sulfate do to your body?
Dry skin is a common side-effect of sulfates. It is especially so for sensitive skin types. The products that contain SLS and SLES can cause irritation to your skin and eyes.
Is body wash better than soap?
Soaps and body washes – both have their pros and cons. Body washes are more hygienic and gentler compared to soaps. Soaps are usually more eco-friendly and affordable.
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