Why Conventional Body Wash Isn’t Doing Your Skin Any Favors

Liquid body wash or shower gel is a relative newcomer to the spa/body care world. It’s an alternative to bar soap, which we’ve talked about before, and most people reach for a body wash because it's easy to use. But are conventional body washes actually more hydrating? Let’s talk about the ingredients that could be hiding in a body wash formula that might actually be doing you more harm than good.

Ingredients in Conventional Body Wash That Might Not Be Doing You Any Favors

People tend to gravitate towards a body wash when they want something that feels more luxurious (read: slippery) and more moisturizing than bar soap. But some of those things we’re craving can actually contribute to drier, more irritated skin (especially in the winter).

Petroleum

Often used as a “moisturizing” ingredient in body wash, petroleum (or petrolatum or mineral oil) is literally made from gas. It’s a semi-solid liquid that is considered emollient and conditioning. But, if you’ve ever used petroleum jelly on your lips, you’ll know that it doesn’t really penetrate your skin in a truly hydrating way. Instead, it sits atop your outer layer, blocking moisture from getting in. If you have sensitive skin, this can lead to irritation, on top of not actually getting the moisture you need.

SLS/Surfactants

Sodium laureth sulfate is one of the more common surfactants, or foaming agents, found in conventional body wash. It’s used to create that luxurious lather we’ve been conditioned to crave—more suds means we’re getting cleaner, right? Not really. Instead, those foaming agents can be extra drying and irritating on skin, as they knock the skin’s pH out of balance. So you’re actually left with dehydrated skin that needs to be rebalanced. SLS can also be cross-contaminated with potentially toxic manufacturing impurities like 1,4-dioxane.

Parabens

Yep, those pesky synthetic preservatives are in conventional body wash too. They’re designed to make the formula shelf-stable for (almost) ever, and they’re more needed in liquid body washes than in bar soap because body wash often contains water or another liquid ingredient that could attract bacteria. But, methyl, propyl, ethyl and butylbarabenscan mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors.

Artificial fragrances and colors

Both artificial fragrances and colors are often made up of chemical compounds that don’t have to be disclosed under Trade Secret laws, meaning they can contain ingredients that are banned for use in personal care products. Synthetic colors are often made from coal tar, and some can contain heavy metal salts, including lead, which is a known human toxin. So that rainforest-scented, bright green gel we’re supposed to caress into our skin? It’s been  linked to headaches, nausea and more.

All this knowledge doesn’t have to be scary—when you know more, you can choose better (or at least know what you’re really getting when you stock up on conventional body wash). Getting clean doesn’t have to be complicated, which is why we designed our Body Washes with skin-loving ingredients like organic aloe, organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil and organic essential oils. More on that to come, but in the meantime, read up on why we’re committed to clean, not complicated ingredients.

So what ingredients are in Organic Bath Co. Body Wash?

As with all of our products, we focus on natural and organic ingredients that are easy to understand. Our body wash is a true soap, meaning it is made from saponified vegetable oils that are gentle on skin. So let's talk about what each of the primary ingredients does in our body wash:

Saponified Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is widely used in both liquid and bar soap. You will find it in all of our soap products. Saponified coconut oil is an excellent cleanser and helps the soap to foam and create a stronger lather. Because saponified coconut oil is such a good cleanser, if we used it by itself it could also be drying. For this reason we add other oils to our soap to add to the moisturizing properties. 

Saponified Olive Oil

Olive oil is another oil that is widely found in natural soapmaking and for good reason! It is incredibly moisturizing and counteracts any drying effects that you might find with coconut oil. We use saponified olive oil in both our liquid and bar soaps. Saponified olive oil is great for dry skin and may even help to relieve skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis. 

Saponified Jojoba Oil

Although it is commonly referred to as jojoba oil, jojoba is actually a liquid wax. It is used in soapmaking to create a creamy stable lather and because it is not a true oil, it also helps to prevent rancidity. Jojoba oil is also similar to our skins natural oil (sebum). 

Vegetable Glycerin

Glycerin is a natural humectant, meaning it pulls moisture from the air to your skin to prevent it from drying out. This makes it a vital ingredient for soaps and sanitizers. When you clean your hands with soap or alcohol, you are stripping your skin of its natural oils. This can lead to drying and irritation. 

Glycerin is a natural by-product of the soapmaking process. When using natural soap, glycerin helps your skin to maintain moisture while the soap washes away dirt, germs, and harmful bacteria.  

Looking for body wash that won't dry you out?

All of our soap products are designed with gentle cleansing in mind. They are perfect for cleansing your skin without drying you out.