Let’s face it—the body wash you use is one of the most important parts of your grooming routine to get right. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of the best natural body washes for men. Check it out!
Best Natural Body Washes for Men:
- Oars and Alps Natural 2 in 1
- Ren Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium
- Shea Moisture Soothing Body Wash
- 18.21 Man Made Wash
- Rugged and Dapper 2 in 1
- Jack Black Turbo Wash
- Nivea Men for Sensitive Skin
- Native Moisturizing Body Wash
- Harry’s Body Wash
- Burt’s Bees Natural
- Every Man Jack Aged Bourbon
- L’Occitane Shower Gel
- Method Men Juniper Sage
- Huron Cleanse and Recharge
The Difference Between Body Wash and Bar Soap
The goal of body washes and bar soaps is the same: to remove dirt from the surface of your skin. However, the products tackle this goal in different ways.
Bar soap dissolves the layer of dirt on your skin in order to break up sweat, natural oils, and pathogens to help avoid bacteria growth. Body washes also have cleansing properties that help break through your layer of dirt (and yes, everyone has a layer of dirt even if you feel clean), but what makes them stand out from bar soap is what they give back to your skin.
Most body washes are formulated to address various skin issues, such as dryness, greasiness or eczema. Body washes typically have a creamy texture and contain moisturizing power that a simple bar soap can’t compete with.
Why Use Body Wash Instead of Bar Soap?
If you are prone to dry skin, you may want to go for a body wash rather than use your old favorite bar soap. Look for a body wash that hydrates skin, and lather that on in the shower rather than risking the skin-stripping effects of some bar soaps. This is particularly important in the winter when drier conditions and colder temperatures can make your skin dry and flaky.
If you suffer from skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, you may want to opt for body wash as well. Many formulas include ingredients that help treat these conditions and nourish skin while also cleansing.
Why Natural Body Wash?
The No. 1 reason to choose a natural body wash over the chemical-ridden products that are used to line the shelves is that body wash is better for your skin. Many products contain chemicals whose purported benefits come with unintended consequences. Parabens, phthalates, and sulfates may irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.
Another reason to choose natural body washes is their impact on the environment. After all, remember that you are washing the contents of your body wash down your drain! Natural companies tend to choose ingredients that are derived from plants and come straight from nature, meaning that they are gentler on the skin and the environment while providing the nutrients your skin needs.
Ingredients to Look for in Natural Body Wash
It’s always a good idea to take a peek at the product label before purchasing anything you are going to use on your skin. When browsing through body wash options, look for these powerful natural ingredients:
- Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is full of fatty acids that help to moisturize your skin, and its emollient properties help reinforce your skin’s natural barrier. This ingredient locks in moisture while delivering much-needed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to your skin.
- Aloe Vera. Aloe vera penetrates quickly into your skin, drawing in moisture and reducing inflammation. Plus, it’s super gentle and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
- Vitamins. Vitamins are powerful nutrients that your skin craves. The most common vitamins you’ll find in body washes are C and E. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that combats skin damage and promotes cell growth. Vitamin E softens and conditions skin and helps protect it from harmful rays.
- Glycerin. Glycerin is a superhero for skin hydration. It supports your body’s natural hydrating processes and prevents moisture from escaping.
Now, let’s head right into the best natural body washes for men in 2022.
1. Blu Atlas Body Wash
Body wash is about more than leaving a nice scent behind. Sure, smelling great is important, but if you’re not clean and your skin isn’t feeling replenished after a shower, the body wash didn’t do its job. We love Blu Atlas’ body wash because it combines everything a body wash needs: It smells incredible, gives you a deep clean, and leaves your skin more hydrated. Oh, and it does all of that with all-natural, vegan ingredients. Forbes even named it the best body wash of 2022.
This body wash uses sugarcane extract and green tea extract to ensure a deep clean. Together, these two ingredients quickly exfoliate your skin and protect it from free radicals. The antioxidants in the green tea extract form a barrier around your skin to prevent it from taking on dust and dirt in the first place.
Then, to leave your skin moisturized and rehydrated, the wash uses shea butter and aloe vera leaf juice. The natural ingredients in this Blu Atlas product come together to create a magnificent spa-scented clean that will leave you excited for your next chance to hop into the shower.
2. Oars and Alps Natural 2 in 1 Wash
This body wash formula from Oars and Alps is blended with jojoba oil and vitamin E to nourish, hydrate and strengthen skin. Its ingredients are natural and gentle, in order to encourage skin health rather than stripping your skin of its protective layers. Then, a refreshing citrus scent helps you to feel clean and at ease. Running short on time? Use this product as a face cleanser and skip a step in your grooming routine.
You won’t find any sulfates in this lather, just natural goodness that smells great. This brand was created by two women who wanted to develop products that could help their outdoorsy husbands take care of their skin. There was some real personal motivation behind the creation of these natural formulas!
3. Ren Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Body Wash
Kelp may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of body wash, but trust us—you’ll be converted within just one use. Atlantic kelp extract is rich in minerals and high in iodine, making for a great moisturizer and softener that helps your skin absorb other nourishing ingredients.
Magnesium is included in this formula in order to brighten your skin, while plankton extract provides a dose of valuable nutrients. Plus, this product comes in a 100% recycled plastic container—a fifth of which comes from plastic found in the ocean. A refreshing blend of essential oils will leave you smelling fresh all day and help your skin look better than ever.
4. Shea Moisture Soothing Body Wash
If you tend to get breakouts all over your body, look no further than this body wash from Shea Moisture. People have turned to African black soap for years, as its clarifying properties help cleanse the pores and rid the skin of excess oil.
Aloe helps soothe skin and reduce inflammation, and shea butter locks in moisture and keeps you silky smooth all day long. Finally, oats exfoliate, cleanse, and calm skin. Those with oily or combination skin will especially benefit from this versatile formula, which can also be safely used on your face to prevent breakouts and inflammation.
The source of Shea Moisture’s namesake ingredient is Ghana, where the company partners with women-run co-ops in order to empower locals who manufacture high-quality shea butter.
5. 18.21 Man Made Wash
This body wash is made in the spirit of the classic man, who wants to get clean, feel soothed and smell like sweet tobacco. As an added bonus, it is created to work as a shampoo, conditioner, and beard and body wash, allowing you to cut down on the number of grooming products you own.
18.21’s Man Made Wash is free from parabens and sulfates, using macadamia glycerides to nourish your skin; hydrolyzed quinoa for its natural repairing, emollient and anti-irritating properties; and jojoba esters for a boost of protein and protective coating for your skin and hair. This formula is pH balanced in order to protect your skin from free radicals.
The best part of this product, though, is the scent. Earthy saffron and dried fruits are complemented by notes of honey and vanilla that bring to mind sweet tobacco.
6. Rugged and Dapper 2 in 1
Rugged and Dapper saves the day with a two-in-one product that serves as a natural body wash and nourishing shampoo. Natural and organic ingredients, such as amino acids, rosemary leaf extract and natural oils, blend to help moisturize and nourish skin and hair.
A rich, satisfying lather cleanses your skin, leaving a fresh scent in its wake. And this product comes with a 100% satisfaction and effectiveness guarantee, so you know it has to be good!
Rugged and Dapper was founded by a former construction worker who was searching for the perfect solution to his work-related skin issues. Ever since, the brand has been producing natural skin care products that help men look and feel their best.
7. Jack Black Turbo Wash
This natural formula is made in the United States by cult favorite Jack Black. Natural ingredients such as rosemary, eucalyptus, and juniper berry do a deep cleanse so you can get rid of dirt and oil and target buildup in your pores. Then arnica moves in to soothe your skin.
Men with particularly dry skin will be able to step out of the shower after using this wash without that annoying tight-skin feeling some chemical-based washes cause. Shea butter is the main ingredient behind the smooth sensation, with a little help from a coconut-derived surfactant that leaves your skin as soft as can be. Thanks to the essential oils mentioned earlier, this product provides an invigorating scent that’s a perfect morning pick-me-up.
8. Nivea Men for Sensitive Skin
This product from Nivea Men is ideal for sensitive skin and can be used not only as a body wash but also as a shaving gel, moisturizer, and shampoo. Bamboo extract provides skin with silica, a mineral that encourages collagen production and helps retain moisture. Then almond oil soothes and helps to even out your skin’s appearance and help it retain moisture. You won’t find alcohol in this formula (alcohol can dry out your skin), or any phthalates, parabens, or microplastic particles.
Users describe this body wash as leaving their skin feeling soothed and fresh. For environmentally-conscious men, this is also a favorite, as Nivea designs their packaging to minimize carbon emissions.
9. Native Moisturizing Body Wash
Native is a go-to for men seeking clean grooming products. This particular body wash from Native is made with ingredients you recognize and can pronounce while also delivering that soft and soothed skin feeling you crave.
Native’s natural blend relies on citric acid to maintain your skin’s pH balance, coconut-derived cleansing ingredients, salt to thicken, and an array of essential oil-based scents. If you want to smell woodsy and spicy, try the Citrus and Herbal Musk scent. Go for Eucalyptus and Mint if you want a refreshing aroma, or for the calming scent of Cucumber and Mint. If you’re after a natural body wash with scents that won’t overwhelm, Native has you covered.
10. Harry’s Body Wash
This product from Harry’s cleanses your skin while leaving it smooth and moisturized. Men love the variety of scents this body wash is available in, from warm and spicy Redwood to zesty Stone and energizing Fig. Citric acid helps break down and slough off dead skin, and glycerin repairs your moisture barrier without any sulfates, parabens, or dyes.
Harry’s is known for making products geared specifically toward men and their needs. This means focusing on formulas that feel and smell great while also working well. One percent of their sales support nonprofits that focus on men’s mental health issues.
11. Burt’s Bees Natural Body Wash
You’re probably already familiar with Burt’s Bees, and their simple and straightforward array of natural products. This natural body wash is geared toward men, with a blend derived from 99.9% natural ingredients that help to cleanse and remove odor, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your day.
Citrus and glycerin are the big players in this formula, and natural oils leave behind a bright, woodsy scent. Users claim that this body wash doesn’t have the thickest lather, but they note that it smells great and never leaves their skin feeling dry or tight.
12. Every Man Jack Aged Bourbon Wash
Every Man Jack is a favorite among men for their excellent natural products and affordable price tags. Coconut surfactants cleanse and hydrate, juniper and cypress essential oils leave a refreshing scent complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, and glycerin locks in moisture to leave your skin feeling smooth and soothed.
If aged bourbon isn’t your thing, choose from Coconut & Mango, Citrus & Sage, Green Tea & Cucumber, Sandalwood, Charcoal, Swim & Surf, and many more. Or go for the National Forest Collection, which includes four different woodsy-scented body washes and supports the National Forest Foundation. Great for any outdoorsman!
You’ll never find parabens, phthalates, or dyes in any of Every Man Jack’s vegan formulas, which are never tested on animals and are packaged in 50% recycled plastic.
13. L’Occitane Shower Gel
This shower gel from L’Occitane works as a powerful cleanser with a refreshing and intriguing scent, made up of woodsy spices and zesty citrus notes. Citron essential oil provides a kick of fresh scent, glycerin moisturizes and menthol provides an invigorating cooling sensation. This formula is gentle on the skin and provides the perfect refreshing cleanse.
You may have seen L’Occitane stores in malls just about everywhere, selling luxurious skincare products at affordable prices. Bring a little bit of French grooming into your home with this lightweight shower gel.
14. Method Men Juniper Sage
Juniper and sage essential oils help you smell earthy and rustic after you rinse off this body wash from Method Men. Natural ingredients blend to deliver a satisfying clean and fight odor-causing bacteria without any harmful chemicals in sight. This formula is straightforward, simple, and great for everyday use.
This product probably gives you the best bang for your buck of all the washes on this list. It’s not exactly luxurious, but it gets the job done and has a woodsy aroma that men love.
15. Huron Cleanse and Recharge
Cleanse and recharge with this body wash from Huron, which comes in 100% recyclable packaging and doesn’t contain any sulfates, phthalates, silicones, or aluminum. A satisfying lather conditions and soothes skin, while natural oils and vitamins help to nourish skin and contribute to its strengthening over time. Eucalyptus, menthol, and witch hazel help keep you smelling fresh, so this is a great wash to use after you work up a sweat in the gym.
Ready to finish up that bar of soap and opt for a body wash that addresses your skin issues and helps you smell great at the same time? Try out one of the products on this list next time you hop in the shower.
