Top performing Clean Body Washes in the Industry of 2025
NoneFinding a body wash that cleanses effectively without compromising skin health or the planet can feel like an overwhelming task. Conventional body washes often boast incredible stability: they can remain unspoiled for years, even in the humid, oxygen-rich environment of your shower. Their fragrance doesn’t fade, their texture stays intact, and they continue to foam effortlessly—but this longevity often comes at a hidden cost.
The secret lies in synthetic and potent preservatives, stabilizers, and fragrances designed to withstand the test of time. While these ingredients might provide convenience, they often may cause harm to our health and contribute to environmental harm when washed down the drain.
For health-conscious consumers, the challenge lies in finding clean body washes that perform just as well without relying on harmful additives. That’s where this guide comes in.
Over three months, an independent panel of clean beauty advocates and experts evaluated 18 clean body washes, assessing their performance across a range of criteria. The goal? To identify products that offer a luxurious cleansing experience that reflect a commitment to both skin health and sustainability.
From innovative plant-based preservatives to waterless formulations to natural, nourishing ingredients that prioritize hydration, these standout formulations prove you don’t need synthetics to achieve exceptional results. Keep reading to discover our top picks and what makes them the best clean body washes of 2025.
Evaluation Criteria
To ensure only the best clean body washes made the list, an independent panel of clean beauty advocates and experts rigorously assessed each product over a 90-day period. The evaluation was designed to balance the user experience with measurable performance, focusing on two main categories: Ease of Use and Performance.
Ease of Use
- Texture and Lather: How well does the body wash cleanse without feeling harsh or stripping?
- Scent Profile: Does it offer a pleasant sensory experience? Is the scent overpowering or subtle enough for everyday use?
- Application and Packaging: Is it easy to dispense and apply in the shower?
- Residue-Free Rinse: Does it rinse off cleanly without leaving a sticky or filmy residue on the skin?
Performance
- Cleansing Power: Does it effectively remove dirt, oil, and sweat while maintaining the skin's natural barrier?
- Skin Feel Post-Wash: Does it leave the skin feeling soft, hydrated, and refreshed rather than dry or tight?
The judging panel’s thorough evaluation brought us closer to finding the clean body washes that truly excel. Below, we reveal the top 10 performers that set the bar for 2025.
The Top 10 Clean Body Washes
#1: Scentuals Natural & Organic Skin Care - Calming Lavender Bar Soap - $6
The Calming Lavender Bar Soap by Scentuals Natural & Organic Skin Care combines the relaxing benefits of pure lavender essential oil with coconut and olive oils for a soothing and hydrating cleansing experience. Its gentle and nourishing formula makes it ideal for everyday use on all skin types.
Expert Notes:
"The scent is definitely relaxing. It's like aromatherapy in the shower. It's a little moment of peace in my chaotic day, and honestly, that's worth it for me. Think of it as a mini-meditation session, but with soap. The scent is divine, cleanses gently, and is made with natural ingredients. If you're looking for a little bit of calm in your life. I love the packaging!" - Yenis Monterrey, @yenismonterrey
"Maybe add in some different colors styles of soap." - Yvana Thompson, @naturally.monet
#2: Rocky Mountain Soap Company - EVERYDAY HERO NATURAL SHOWER GEL- $13.95
The Everyday Hero Natural Shower Gel by Rocky Mountain Soap Company offers an invigorating sensory experience with a blend of eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint. It cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils, thanks to the inclusion of Humic Acid, a natural exfoliant that softens and improves skin appearance. Combined with ultra-moisturizing glycerin, this shower gel leaves the skin feeling clean, smooth, and hydrated.
Expert Notes:
"This is a promising shower gel and I love how it cleanses as well as anti-aging benefits. It's the smell that bothers me which is quite strong to my liking. I might continue using it but not regularly as the scent lingers on my skin and showers for a long time." - Carms Luzon, @lifewithcarms
"This had a great, strong (but not overbearing) eucalyptus scent, which I love, especially during the winter. My only complaint is that hubby got a hold of it and hijacked it for his showers too, so the product was gone fast! He said, "That company knows what they're doing!". Lathers well and I feel wonderfully clean afterwards!" - Jessica Brown, @thejesslbrown
#3: Balcony Botanicals - Lavender Alkanet Artisan Soap - $9
The Lavender Alkanet Artisan Soap by Balcony Botanicals combines a rich moisturizing blend of olive oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and sunflower oil, making it ideal for daily use. Infused with alkanet root powder, the soap gains a beautiful natural color while offering added antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The lavender essential oil provides a calming fragrance, and a touch of honey enhances the lather, making it both nourishing and gentle. Handmade with all-natural ingredients, this soap offers a luxurious, eco-friendly bathing experience.
Expert Notes:
" Lavender Alkanet Artisan Soap - Balcony Botanicals: A Soothing Ritual
Let me preface this by saying I'm a sucker for anything lavender. The scent instantly relaxes me; I’ve been incorporating it into my bedtime routine for years. So, when I stumbled upon Balcony Botanicals' Lavender Alkanet Artisan Soap, I knew I had to try it. And let me tell you, it hasn't disappointed me.
From the moment I unwrapped the bar, I was charmed. The soap itself is a beautiful, almost ethereal purple, thanks to the alkanet root. It's not a harsh, artificial purple; it's a soft, muted lavender shade that feels natural and calming. The scent is exactly what I hoped for – a true, authentic lavender aroma. It's not overpowering or perfumey; it's the kind of subtle, soothing scent that makes you want to close your eyes and take a deep breath.
It's clear that Balcony Botanicals uses high-quality ingredients. Knowing that it's handcrafted and made with natural ingredients makes me feel good about using it. It's a small indulgence that elevates my daily shower into a little ritual of self-care." - Yenis Monterrey, @yenismonterrey
"if you are looking to feel serene peaceful and calm after your shower you have found your soap!" - Yvana Thompson, @naturally.monet
#4: Buck Naked Soap Company - Coconut + Neroli Kaleidoscope Bar Soap - $29.99
The Coconut + Neroli Kaleidoscope Bar Soap by Buck Naked Soap Company transports you to a tropical paradise with its exotic blend of nourishing shea butter, sal butter, bacuri butter, and sustainably harvested copaiba oil. Infused with vitamins D2, E, and K, as well as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and beta caryophyllene, it hydrates, rejuvenates, and softens the skin. The fresh, uplifting scent of coconut and neroli leaves the skin silky smooth and beautifully fragrant.
Expert Notes:
"I really liked the ingredient list. The product started crumbling before I got to use it. My skin felt soft after using it but didn’t find any particular benefits while using it." - Luisa Chavez, @living_ananda
"When it comes to bar soaps, they tend to be a bit messy and slippery...so I don't love that about them. However, the scent profile, ingredients, and pretty presentation of this bar soap were impressive! I liked it!" - Samantha Kolk, @hullosam
"Smells amazing !" - Yvana Thompson, @naturally.monet
#5: Nokubu Botanicals - Overcast Skin Rehab Shower Gel - $21.53
The Overcast Skin Rehab Shower Gel by Nokubu Botanicals gently cleanses and deeply nourishes the skin. Formulated with plant-derived surfactants, it cleanses without stripping natural oils. Silk Amino Acids and Sodium Lactate hydrate and penetrate the skin, while Niacinamide works to even out skin tone and discoloration. This luxurious gel formula creates a rich lather, promoting overall skin well-being
Expert Notes:
"I appreciate the simplicity and ingredients of this product and how it performs well on my skin. I will continue to use this to see how it works to even skin tone and discoloration, to enhance my skin’s overall appearance." - Carms Luzon, @lifewithcarms
"It's a nice shower gel, I like the minimalistic packaging with a pump. The scent is pretty, too. The only thing I wish the bottle was bigger, but it might be a good option for travelling. Also, it doesn't foam that much, so keep that in mind." - Barbara Aguirre, @Realbeautyspace
"It leaves your skin so soft! I never knew I how bad my skin needed ahas until I tried this body wash. It feels like you just spent the whole day at a spa with the way your skin feels after. Definitely need to remember to wear sunscreen on exposed skin after so something to keep in mind." - Luisa Chavez, @living_ananda
#6: Foria - Everyday Body Wash with Organic Botanicals - $36
Foria's Everyday Body Wash is a natural, probiotic-infused shower essential designed to support the skin through hormonal changes. Made with hydrating, pH-balancing ingredients like jojoba, avocado, and olive oils, along with organic botanicals like chamomile and coconut, it cleanses without stripping the skin. This body wash helps reinforce the skin’s microbiome, protects against pollution and free radical damage, and provides a refreshing, vibrant feel all day. Free of harmful additives and hormone-disrupting fragrances, it offers a natural alternative for maintaining healthy, nourished skin
Expert Notes:
"I love that this is unscented, especially for the body, and specifically vulva-safe! I'm always on the hunt for a gentle, safe body wash to use for every part of my body. I also love that it's PH-friendly too! The plastic bottle, although I don't love plastic, I understand because it's in the shower and there's nothing worse than accidentally dropping something that is glass and shattering everywhere lol! Overall a fantastic product." - Samantha Kolk, @hullosam
"I would buy repeatedly over and over again !" - Yvana Thompson, @naturally.monet
#7: Scentuals Natural & Organic Skin Care - Calming Lavender Body Wash - $13
Scentual's Calming Lavender Body Wash is a 100% natural, handmade body wash that is free from sulfates and parabens. Formulated with Organic Argan and Coconut Oils, it gently cleanses, hydrates, and protects the skin. The soothing floral aroma of Lavender enhances the relaxing cleansing experience, making it perfect for a calming bath time routine
Expert Notes:
"I LOVE the scent of this body wash! It's so calming. I will say, I do prefer a pump for body washes because they're easier to use, but this was fine! I just found that the cap could get a bit messy at times. But nothing crazy! Overall the product itself was a beautiful lather, great cleanse, nothing too stripping and it left my skin feeling soft and smelling lovely without lingering too long so I could apply body oils or whatever on top and it not mix too much with the scents." - Samantha Kolk, @hullosam
"Good, natural shower gel. I'm not huge fan of lavender, but this scent wasn't too overwhelming." - Barbara Aguirre, @Realbeautyspace
"Great body wash that leaves your skin so soft while the scent helps you relax and calm your mind. Definitely one to keep on hand specially for days where you need your shower to function as your break from work, parenthood, etc!" - Luisa Chavez, @living_ananda
#8: Mil Usos - Char Goals Everything Bar Cleanser - $26
Mil Usos' Char Goals Everything Bar Cleanser is a versatile, all-in-one cleanser designed for active individuals. Ideal for use on both the scalp and skin, this fragrance-free, water-free, preservative-free, and plastic-free bar provides a deep clean without irritation. Perfectly balanced for all genders and outdoor enthusiasts, it’s biodegradable and safe for use in natural water sources. The spill-proof, portable design makes it convenient for gym sessions, race days, or camping trips, ensuring a sustainable, on-the-go cleansing solution
Expert Notes:
"I am very impressed with this soap. It doesn't dry my skin, unlike some cleansers. I would suggest a soap dish holder or bag in their shop to keep it clean and dry after each use." - Carms Luzon, @lifewithcarms
"Loved this soap and would buy for my family! This was so hard to judge this year and this would have been a tie-breaker for me!" - Jessica Brown, @thejesslbrown
"Let's be real, finding the one cleanser is like dating – a lot of frogs before you find your prince (or princess!). I've tried everything from high-end department store brands to drugstore staples, and my skin (combination, prone to breakouts, and occasionally dramatic) has thrown a tantrum with most of them. Then, I stumbled upon the Char Goals Everything Bar Cleanser from Mil Usos, and honestly, it's been a game-changer. ALL SKIN AND HAIR TYPES, Fragrance-free and no essential oils.
The charcoal in this bar is like a magnet for impurities. My skin feels noticeably cleaner and clearer after using it, and I've seen a definite reduction in breakouts. It's like a mini-facial every time I wash my face. It's effective, gentle, and multi-purpose, which is exactly what I look for in a cleanser. While the price and softness are minor drawbacks, the benefits far outweigh the cons. If you're struggling with breakouts, have combination skin, or just want a simple, effective cleanser that's good for your skin and the planet." - Yenis Monterrey,@yenismonterrey
#9: Sans Savon - Body Wash - $49
Sans Savon Body Wash is a luxurious, oil-based cleanser that deeply nourishes without stripping the skin. Infused with sustainably sourced essential oils like Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Black Spruce, Labrador Tea, and Citrus, it creates a rich, aromatic experience. The micellar complex, made from upcycled grapeseed and avocado oils, breaks down dirt and oil, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleanse. This body wash also contains naturally derived antimicrobials that eliminate 99.9% of odor-causing microorganisms and 100% of fungi. Its innovative, patent-pending refillable 'Forever Bottle' is eco-friendly, made from 100% post-consumer plastic to reduce waste and environmental impact
Expert Notes:
"This product has to be a new one for me, non soapy body wash. It doesn’t lather so you just rub it around and rinse it. The scent is revitalizing and I felt my skin felt refreshed after showering." - Luisa Chavez, @living_ananda
"Smell is amazing and soothing! You feel very relaxed after each use !" - Yvana Thompson, @naturally.monet
"LOVE this product! The packaging and branding are on point—sleek and minimalistic, just the way I like it. The scent is like walking through a pine forest, which I absolutely adore! The lather was luxurious, and the smell lingered beautifully without being overwhelming. Plus, the ingredients are fantastic. This one was definitely a win for me!" - Samantha Kolk, @hullosam
#10: Scentuals Natural & Organic Skin Care - Verbena Lemongrass Body Wash - $13
Scentuals' Verbena Lemongrass Body Wash offers a refreshing and invigorating cleansing experience. Infused with nourishing antioxidants and vitamins E, C, and B complex, it helps hydrate and protect the skin. The blend of coconut and argan oils locks in moisture, while verbena and lemongrass essential oils provide a zesty, revitalizing fragrance. This body wash not only cleanses but also shields the skin from free-radical damage, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Expert Notes:
"I didn't love this scent as much, but it's still nice! As I mentioned, for the Lavender scent above this review, I do prefer a pump for body washes because they're easier to use, but this was fine! I just found that the cap could get a bit messy at times. But nothing crazy! Overall the product itself was a beautiful lather, great cleanse, nothing too stripping and it left my skin feeling soft and smelling nice without lingering too long so I could apply body oils or whatever on top and not mix too much with the scents." - Samantha Kolk, @hullosam
"Only problem youll have with this is when the soap runs out" - Yvana Thompson, @naturally.monet
A well-formulated body wash should cleanse without stripping moisture or leaving behind irritating residues. This year’s top clean body washes prove that plant-based formulations can deliver a satisfying lather, fresh scent, and a gentle cleanse—without relying on harsh preservatives or synthetic additives.
But body care doesn’t stop at cleansing. Moisturizers, oils, and treatments play a key role in keeping skin balanced and healthy long after you step out of the shower. Next, we reviewed the best body care products of 2025, highlighting the clean formulas that nourish, protect, and support long-term skin health.
Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products!
