The list of the best cruelty free & vegan body washes keeps expanding because it keeps getting more and more popular. After all, an increase in demand does indeed equal to an increase in supply as well.
More and more women and even men are wanting to keep animal products and animal testing away from their shower experience. And that means opening the door to nourishing natural ingredients only.
Also, beauty and skincare brands are now manufacturing their concoctions with more transparency. So you know what type of ingredients are involved. This also means that there exists a pretty huge range of products out there that fits the bill for just about any kind of lifestyle.
That said, here are body washes that are not only vegan but also cruelty-free for genuine animal lovers…
Top 14 Vegan, Cruelty-Free Body Washes of 2019
#1 Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash with Sea Minerals
What you see here is a pH-balanced blend of plant-based moisturizers and skin-natural nourishers. The brand, after all, is highly recommended by dermatologists worldwide. And it’s because Dove is mild and effective at the same time.
And this product by Dove is PETA-certified cruelty-free. The sea minerals in here mitigate common skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, allergies, and the like. And they fight off free radicals, thus giving your skin a more vibrant, youthful glow.
Key Features
A blend of skin-natural nutrients and naturally derived cleansers
Glycerin and lipids are the gentle moisturizing ingredients
PETA Cruelty-Free certification and 100% recycled plastic bottles
Infused with sea minerals to alleviate eczema, psoriasis, etc.
#2 Every Man Jack Sandalwood Men’s Body Wash
Being good to your skin can also mean protecting the welfare of animals. And brands like Every Man Jack make it possible for even men to choose a clean, conscientious shower experience. This body wash is PETA-certified cruelty-free and contains no amount of dyes, phthalates, and parabens.
What’s more is that the formulation has only naturally derived ingredients. This includes coconut-based cleansers, hydrating glycerin, and sandalwood oil.
Key Features
Naturally derived ingredients create a rich lather
Sandalwood oil reduces mild irritation
Cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and paraben-free
Bottles made from 50% post-consumer recycled material
#3 Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Moisturizing Body Wash
It’s a biodegradable formula with a clean and refreshing lavender scent. The body wash contains skin-friendly ingredients like aloe vera, flaxseed oil, essential oils, and more. The blend is sure to leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.
It’s not tested on animals but it is dermatologist-tested. It’s not even toxic but it is plenty moisturizing and healing for conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Key Features
Dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free daily body wash
A refreshing, clean lavender scent
Rich lather without aggravating sensitive skin
Aloe vera moisturizes skin and flaxseed oil repairs skin
#4 Tree to Tub Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Packed with all pronounceable ingredients that heal, hydrate, and nourish to leave your normal or troubled skin feeling smooth and soft. The first to mention is pH-balanced, gently cleansing, and wonderfully moisturizing soapberry. The others include cucumber, chamomile, aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut-based cleansers. All of them, no doubt, suit sensitive skin as well.
Orange essential oil is also a part of the blend to give this cruelty-free all-natural body wash a gentle and refreshing citrus scent.
Key Features
Soothing soapberry balances skin’s pH levels
Formulated with organic healing botanicals
Cruelty-free and dermatologist-recommended
Gentle for sensitive, dry, and oily skin
#5 Puracy Natural Citrus & Sea Salt Body Wash
When you have dry skin, you have to apply a moisturizing lotion right after your shower. Otherwise, it gets very itchy and even excessively dry. If this is happening because of crepey skin, you should consider buying these skin firming and hydrating lotions. But if crepey skin is not the cause, then how about incorporating a moisturizer-packed body wash like this!
The moisturizing ingredients, by the way, are all derived from vegetables and fruits. Sea salt and citrus also make an appearance. While the former exfoliates the skin naturally and retains moisture the latter adds a refreshing fragrance and boosts antioxidants i.e. collagen production.
And it goes without saying that this body wash is not only plant-powered but also cruelty-free and hypoallergenic.
Key Features
pH-balanced bath/shower gel without harsh ingredients
Only vegetable and fruit-derived moisturizers for hydration
Refreshing, clean citrus scent
Free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, etc.
Infused with sea salt to exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize
#6 Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash
What are your skin priorities? Are they treating acne, reducing acne scars, soothing redness, or just clearing the skin? Whatever the case, get these jobs done in a clean and incorruptible way with this Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash. The formulation consists of only certified organic ingredients. And the list includes skin-clarifying eucalyptus and skin-soothing peppermint.
The inclusion of tea tree oil is also a huge benefit. Especially if you’re constantly dealing with acne, acne scars, and other skin sensitivities.
Key Features
Cruelty-free body wash with certified organic ingredients
Formulated with refreshing tea tree oil for fighting acne
The blend of eucalyptus and peppermint soothes the skin
#7 Jason Invigorating Rosewater Natural Body Wash
If your skin feels under-nourished and rough, this Jason Natural Body Wash can protect it from feeling even more sensitive after your shower. All thanks to invigorating calendula and rosewater extracts that smooth and soften the skin.
You can even be grateful for the exclusion of harsh or harmful ingredients such as sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and petrolatum. It’s a cruelty-free body care product that cleanses and nourishes without aggravating existing skin conditions like eczema and folliculitis.
Key Features
Rich formula formulated with antibacterial rosewater
Also contains calendula to soothe and Vitamin B5 to hydrate
Vitamin E for an antioxidant boost
Biodegradable and free of phthalates, sulfates, parabens, etc.
#8 Bliss Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash
How effective is this PETA-certified cruelty-free, 100% vegan body wash? Well, I can tell you what it’s not. And it’s NOT a bad choice if you’re a genuine animal lover and if you want your skin to be happy as well. The concoction has glycerin and aloe for boosting hydration and retaining moisture.
You can work the body wash into a rich, silky lather to leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. It also leaves your skin smelling good. And why wouldn’t it when the refreshing, energizing Lemon & Sage fragrance is also a part of the formula!
Key Features
Made with glycerin and aloe for hydration
Lemon and sage lend an energizing, refreshing scent
PETA-certified cruelty-free and completely vegan
Contains a natural thickener and emulsifier called guar gam
#9 Attitude Natural Moisturizing Body Wash
This body wash is formulated with orange leaves, which are great when it comes to restoring your skin and giving it a vibrant glow. Moringa seed extract is also a part of this for activating the much-needed detoxification of your skin.
No amount of toxic substances are included. Only natural emollients to moisturize. And needless to say, it’s a plant-based, PETA-approved body wash highly recommended for long-term skin health.
Key Features
EWG Verified, PETA-approved, cruelty-free, and biodegradable
Non-irritating, dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic
Orange leaf extract offers restorative and regenerative properties
Moringa seed extract detoxifies the skin
#10 Love Beauty and Planet Majestic Moisture Body Wash
Open the door to purposeful hydration with a body wash infused with sandalwood and shea butter. It’s the ultimate soothing hydration treatment for sensitive skin. Even those dealing with dry skin can benefit a great deal from this one.
It moisturizes without leaving any oily residue on your skin. And the fact that it’s not tested on animals and vegan makes the product even more enticing to buy or at least take into consideration.
Key Features
Formulated with shea butter to hydrate dry skin
Sandalwood for deep nourishment and a soothing scent
100% recycled materials used for bottles
Plant-based cleansers with no parabens and sulfates
#11 Simply Fresh Essentials Ultra Moisturizing Vegan Body Wash
There’s no shortage of the best body washes for sensitive skin, but it’s hard to find one that’s also vegan and cruelty-free. In that case, this Ultra Moisturizing Vegan Body Wash is a keeper. And you only require a little bit for producing rich, soapy lather.
As for sensitive skin, it’s generously gentle and skin-soothing. The body wash leaves your skin feeling smooth, silky, and fresh with a light, pleasant scent.
Key Features
Formulated with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic baking soda
Dye-free, paraben-free, and vegan
Ultra-moisturizing body wash with soapy lather
#12 Alister for Men Body Wash Cleanser
Made with ingredients carefully picked from nature, this body wash washes away sweat and dirt without making your skin feel too dry. Naturally sourced ingredients are used. Such as peppermint, eucalyptus, cucumber, calendula, chamomile, lavender, and lemon to name a few.
You can expect your skin to feel fresh, hydrated, calm, and ultimately healthy. And all this plant-infused goodness leaves animals out of the picture.
Key Features
Nourishing, hydrating plant ingredients
Essential oils for a refreshing scent
Washes away dirt and sweat after heavy workouts
Vegan and cruelty-free with zero nasty chemicals
#13 Alba Botanica Very Emollient Island Citrus Bath & Shower Gel
Alba Botanica is a favorite when it comes to skincare. Their Very Emollient Island Citrus Bath & Shower Gel has garnered a lot of attention on Amazon because of its botanical formulation. It’s a rich-lathering body wash that gently cleanses and moisturizes dry and/or sensitive skin.
The botanicals included are lavender, chamomile, citrus. Such tropical herbs and extracts soothe and soften the skin and leave a refreshing scent behind. So you don’t have to feel guilty anymore for putting animals through inhumane conditions just to make your skin feel and look better.
Key Features
Made with botanicals like lavender, chamomile, and citrus
For gentle cleansing and hydrating dry and sensitive skin
Cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free
Rich lather and fragrant herbs
#14 Method Pure Peace Body Wash
If you’ve been dealing with eczema or skin conditions like it, then your skin demands Method Pure Peace. This pink salt + rose water + peony formulation purifies and soothes the skin to leave it feeling soft and smooth.
More importantly, the natural, chemical-free ingredients keep your eczema symptoms from getting worse. So you can see a huge improvement even by adopting the cruelty-free method.
Key Features
Contains rosewater to reduce redness and puffiness
Pink seal salt added to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.
Also infused with peony to protect skin from UV damage
Naturally derived and free of phthalates and parabens
Bottles made of 65% recycled plastic
Why Buy Cruelty-Free, Vegan Body Washes?
Firstly, these types of skincare formulas have no animal by-products. And, at the same time, they’re not even tested on animals. So that means vegan and cruelty-free, right?
Now, allow me to tell you why this is so important. Because a small move like purchasing consumables such as skincare, beauty, and bath products that haven’t been tested on animals can have a huge long-term effect on their welfare.
You’re not only keeping animals from harm but also you’re skin. Because, more often than not, cruelty-free, vegans formulations contain no nasty chemicals like dyes, sulfates, parabens, etc. This means cleaner skincare, which prevents allergies, acne breakouts, eczema flare-ups, inflammation, and the like.
What Makes Body Washes Cruelty-Free or Vegan?
In simple words, it’s the exclusion of any animal by-products. For example, ingredients like beeswax, squalene, etc.. As long as the ingredients, even a single one, are not derived from an animal, the body wash is vegan.
As for cruelty-free, a good indicator is if the product is PETA Cruelty-Free Certified. You have to make sure not a single element included in the body wash, including the list of ingredients and final product, has been tested on animals.
Just know that it’s common for skincare and beauty brands that use only plant-based ingredients to also not support the cruel, inhumane methods of animal testing. These two factors go hand in hand.
How to Find Out If the Body Wash Is Cruelty-Free or Vegan?
Needless to say, there are official/recognized certifications provided by animal rights organizations such as PETA, Choose Cruelty Free, and Leaping Bunny that meet the cruelty-free standards. Just look for a bunny logo on the packaging or bottle.
And it’s important that the product is affiliated with any one of the three organizations I’ve mentioned. Because there are many brands who claim that their body washes and other products are cruelty-free when, in fact, they don’t adhere to the official cruelty-free standards.
The End
So the next time you’re in the shower and pampering your skin with a luxurious body wash, think about where those ingredients have come from. And how much harm has been done to animals and their whole community for your benefit.
In that light, how about switching to these vegan, cruelty-free brands that only infuse plant-based ingredients into their nourishing, hydrating, and soothing formulations. Even your skin deserves this kind of clean, toxic-free attention.
