Published date: 20/Dec/2024
A body wash that enriches your shower experience and caters to your skincare needs becomes essential to your daily body care routine. Besides fragrances, people look at the ingredients to decode the skincare benefits of a body wash. With the rising trend of eco-friendly products in India, the liking for natural body wash continues to grow. The impact of synthetic ingredients on the skin and the surroundings explains this shift towards natural ingredients.
Read on to discover the popular plant-based body wash ingredients to look for and their benefits. Learn how to find out the natural ingredients of a body wash from its label.
Like a face wash or hair care product, a body wash must be chosen carefully. Skin types and concerns are diverse. Some people have sensitive or dry skin, while others have oily skin with dark spots and pigmentation. Harsh chemicals can irritate or damage the skin and affect the environment adversely. A natural body wash is a sustainable and ethical alternative to a synthetic body cleanser. It is harmless and benefits both the skin and the environment. Here’s how:
Gentle on skin: Natural ingredients are derived from natural sources like plants, including their roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. They are mild and gentle on the skin. Plant-based ingredients like ylang-ylang essential oil and rose flower oil are known for their soothing properties. They do not irritate the skin or strip away its natural oil, making them a perfect choice for delicate and sensitive skin types.
Free of harsh chemicals: The key advantage of organic body washes is that they are free of potentially harmful chemicals. Synthetic body washes include chemicals like parabens and phthalates to create a lather and cleanse the skin, which can lead to skin itching and inflammation. Natural body washes do not contain artificial fragrances and colouring agents that irritate and damage the skin.
Maintains the skin’s pH balance: Plant-based ingredients are gentle. Synthetic chemicals wash away the skin’s natural oil and alter pH levels. Natural ingredients align with and help restore the skin’s natural pH, which is slightly acidic. While cleansing the skin, they neither disrupt the natural skin barrier nor cause an imbalance. Thus, they help promote healthy and damage-free skin.
Eco-friendly: Swapping to natural or organic body washes is the bit you can do for the environment if you prefer a greener way of living. Natural ingredients are free of toxins and are biodegradable. They do not pollute the surroundings, which makes them an eco-friendly option.
Rich in antioxidants and nutrients: Ingredients like cardamom seed oil or orange peel oil are natural antioxidants that protect the skin cells from damage. They also aid in repairing and rejuvenating the skin to give it a youthful appearance. Natural ingredients like macadamia nut oil and coconut extracts provide nourishment through vitamins and other nutrients that enhance the skin’s natural glow and health.
The best natural body wash revitalises your skin and enhances its health and glow besides merely cleansing it. When choosing a body wash, prioritise a formula with ingredients derived from natural sources. Here are some natural ingredients to look for:
A perfect body wash for the skin will not let it dry out or become flaky. Pick natural ingredients that hydrate the skin and prevent further dryness.
Ylang-ylang essential oil: It is known for its ability to hydrate the skin and balance sebum production, making the skin soft and supple.
Rose flower oil and rose extracts: They are natural emollients that make the skin smooth by avoiding moisture loss. They deeply hydrate and soothe the skin.
Unlike harsh chemicals, organic ingredients of a natural body wash clear out pollutants, impurities and sweat without stripping away the skin’s natural oils.
Tangerine Peel Oil: It is a mild cleanser that removes dirt from the skin without washing away the natural oils and moisture. It refreshes the skin without causing dryness or irritation.
Lemongrass Oil: With natural antibacterial properties, it refreshes the skin by removing impurities and excess oil. It also improves the skin tone.
Dead cells make the skin dull. Look for body washes with natural exfoliants to unveil the skin’s natural glow.
Crushed coconut extracts: They offer a gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells. Their fibrous texture works like a soft scrub, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed.
Ingredients of a natural body wash promote your skin’s health and wellness in various ways beyond washing off impurities, dirt, and pollutants. Unlike harmful synthetic compounds, they provide your skin with hydration, nourishment, antioxidants, and gentle care. Ingredients like hydrogenated jojoba oil and aloe vera leaf juice powder hydrate the skin, keeping it soft and moist. Antioxidants of rose extracts and orange peel oil protect the skin from damage and impart a youthful appearance.
Body wash ingredients like peony seed oil and white orchid extracts soothe the skin and prevent irritation. Citrus essential oils from tangerine and orange peel nourish the skin with nutrients like vitamin C. Natural ingredients help the skin heal and regain its natural glow. They are gentle and avoid causing itching and irritation on the skin, making them ideal for different skin types.
Among myriads of body washes, narrowing down the best-selling natural formulations that suit your skin type and preferences can be overwhelming. You may wonder how to identify if the body wash ingredients are natural. While some of you may look only at the sale price of a desired fragrance body wash, many other labels hint at what the formula contains, including:
Botanical names: Various natural ingredients are listed by their scientific names instead of common ones, such as mentha aquatica leaf extract for water mint leaf extract.
Recognisable names: Ingredients like coconut oil are often clearly labelled with their common names.
Essential oils: Ingredients like rose flower oil or citrus essential oils are often used as natural alternatives to synthetic aromas.
Certifications: Look for labels such as “Ayurveda,” “organic,” “vegan,” "cruelty-free," or "natural" that imply having negligible or fewer synthetic additives.
Beware of chemical names: Names such as parabens or phthalates can mean synthetic ingredients.
The rising demand for plant-based body wash ingredients reflects a shift towards eco-friendly skincare. Synthetic compounds are potentially harmful to the skin and the environment. The best natural body wash contains mild and natural ingredients that can hydrate, exfoliate, and nourish the skin. Natural antioxidants protect the skin from damage and add a youthful glow. Unlike synthetic body cleansers, they revitalise the skin while cleansing it. Look at the product label to make an informed decision before checkout.
Is natural body wash better for sensitive skin?
Yes, natural body wash is generally better for sensitive skin. It lacks harsh chemicals, synthetic aromas, and colours that irritate the skin. Natural ingredients like rose extracts and coconut oil are gentle and help soothe the skin. They moisturise the skin and do not strip away natural oils. This makes them a safer option for sensitive skin types.
What ingredients should I look for in a natural body wash?
Look for natural moisturisers such as ylang-ylang essential oil. Pick gentle cleansers such as citrus essential oils. You may consider natural exfoliants such as crushed coconut extracts or apricot seed powder. Plant-based body wash ingredients rich in antioxidants, such as orange peel oil, are a great choice to restore the skin’s natural glow and health.
Is natural body wash safe for daily use?
Yes, a natural body wash is safe for daily use as it is free of harsh chemicals that can potentially irritate and damage the skin. It contains natural ingredients that gently cleanse the skin without stripping off the natural oils and moisture. Besides, these ingredients hydrate and nourish the skin, improving its health, glow and smoothness.
How long does a natural body wash last?
Once opened, a natural body wash typically lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on its storage and formulation. It lacks synthetic preservatives, so it must be stored in a cool, dry place for a longer shelf life. Changes in scent, texture, or colour may indicate product expiry. Look at the product's expiry date before a purchase.
