SLS and paraben free Body Wash
A conventional Body Wash is using a variety of chemical additives to achieve the cleaning and care effect. However, many of the ingredients are problematic for the human body and for the environment. Two problematic substances most conventional body washes have are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and parabens. In this article we give you a list of sls- and parabene-free body wash products.
Many consumers are looking now for toileteries that do not contain these chemical substances. It is difficult to find relevant products and it requires a detailed study of the list of ingredients on the packaging in the drugstore or supermarket.
The easiest way to find chemical free body wash ist to concentrates ones search on all natural cosmetics manufacturer. But be aware that even if a product calls itself “all-natural” or “organic” it still could include chemicals, mineral-oil based substances or plastic.
To be safe you should concentrate on certified organic or all-natural products that carry the label of certification bodyies such as USDA (US), Ecocert or Natrue (Europe).
What effect Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in body wash?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is the surfactant most commonly used in conventional shampoos, bubble baths, liquid soaps, toothpastes and gels. It is used as a foaming and cleansing agent. It has the property to react with both water and grease and thus is able to break up dirt and grease. It can be produced cheaply, especially in large quantities and is therefore used in most conventional body wash products.
SLS causes the stratum corneum of the skin and hair to swell, so that on many people’s skin more fat is removed than necessary. The skin becomes brittle, may itch, flake and redden.
An alternative is a substance obtained from coconut oil: Sodium Coco Sulfate. But here opinions differ as it is still difficult to tell how agressive this substance actually is.
What do parabens in body wash?
Parabens are used primarily as a preservative. They are used in water-containing toileteries, to make sure that no bacteria contained in the water can develop. Depending on national legislation there are already strict limits established for some parabens. In some countries including Denmark parabens are completely banned for use in cosmetics because its effects on the hormonal balance of the human body.
The natural cosmetics manufacturers use essential oils instead of parabens for the preservation of their recipes. In addition, for example, sorbic acid prevent the formation of germs, bacteria and fungi. It is actually possible to get a body wash that works without parabens.
Following, we present you 5 brands that offer body wash without parabens and SLS.
Puracy Natural Body Wash
- Coconut-based cleansers, for daily use by men and women, with all skin types.
- No triclosan, sulfates (SLS, SLES, SCS), formaldehyde, salicylates, parabens, phosphates, MEA, DEA, TEA, petroleum-based ingredients, animal by-products, perfumes, dyes or caustics
- hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-free, biodegradable
- Certified Cruelty-Free by PETA & Leaping Bunny
- Made in the USA!
Ingredients:
Purified Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Lauryl Glucoside (Vegetable-Based Cleanser), Vegetable Glycerin (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Coco Glycinate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Coco-Glucoside (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Glyceryl Oleate (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (Plant-Based Cleanser), Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil, Natural Fragrance, Citric Acid (Plant-Based Preservative), Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Coconut-Based Preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (Coconut-Based Preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (Biodegradable Preservative), Propanediol (Plant-Based Preservative)
Burt’s Bees Citrus & Ginger Body Wash
- Made with a plant based cleansing complex. 99.9% natural and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
Kiss My Face Natural Shower Gel and Body Wash
- Natural coconut cleansers, Liquid shea butter, No SLS, parabens or phthalates
Ingredients
Aqua, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Coco Betaine, Glycerine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Passiflora Edulis (Passionfruit) Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Hibiscus) Flower Extract, Psidium Guajava (Guava) Fruit Extract, Cymbidium Grandiflorum (Orchid) Flower Extract, Cocoglucoside, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Fragrance (Natural), Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash
- Blend of Certified Organic Ingredients, including Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oils
- Contains No Laurel / Laureth Sulfates
- Cruelty Free (Never Tested on Animals)
Ingredients:
certified organic tea tree oil, peppermint oil, eculaptyus oil, rosemary oil, nettle oil, thyme oil, chamomile and soybean protein extracts, menthol sodium cocoyl glutimate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, cocoamidopropyl betaine, vegetable glycerin, panthenol, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), citric acid, sodium hydroxymethlglycinate, essential oil fragrance
More Brands that offer Body Wash and Shower Gels without Parabens and SLS:
- Jason
- Lavera
- Logona
- Nature’s Gate
- Nubian Heritage
- Tom’s of Maine
- Yes to Coconut
- Yves Rocher
- Weleda
Conclusion
There is also a way without chemicals. Especially with a product such as body wash and shower gel which we use daily, we release al lot of chemicals such as parabens and sulfates into the environmental. Plant based cleansing and foaming agents mixed with essential oils are an alternative which is better for the environment and your skin. However this comes with a price.
If you find more body washes without SLS and parabens, please leave a comment below.
