7 Best Body Lotions Without Harmful Chemicals
Written by Irina Webb
With skin being the largest organ of your body, it is important that you be careful about what you put on it. Indeed, anything you apply on the skin gets easily absorbed into the bloodstream. However, many of the body and beauty products on the market today, even those for sensitive skin, contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to human health. These chemicals include petrolatum, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, and others. So, if you are you looking for a non-toxic body lotion, you are in the right place!
In this post, you will see my roundup of the best body lotions without harmful chemicals. Additionally, you will learn about ingredients that will help you avoid potentially toxic body lotions. Moreover, this ingredient list will help you spot other personal care products with potentially harmful chemicals, such as body butter, body cream, body wash, and others. As a bonus, I will share which body lotion with natural and organic ingredients keeps my skin hydrated and, therefore, is my personal favorite. So, read on!
Best Body Lotion Without Harmful Chemicals
To begin, the realization that personal care products may contain harmful chemicals came to me more than a decade ago when I was expecting my son. Searching for a safe baby shampoo, I was shocked to see how many baby products contained toxic chemicals, including baby sunscreens and baby wipes. My personal health issues related to explant surgery and autoimmune diseases just added to my decision to be selective about what I use on my skin and at home (e.g., water filter, safe cookware, organic mattress).
Now, more than a decade later, you would think that the market for safe baby, body, and beauty products has expanded. And it kind of has. However, not all the so-called “natural” and “organic” personal care products out there are truly without harmful chemicals. Even products with organic ingredients can contain other ingredients that arouse my concern safety-wise.
The good news is that after spending days trying to find non-toxic body lotions, I have some options for you. Note that none of them is perfect in absolute terms because people with sensitive skin may be allergic even to such mild ingredients as sesame seed oil, avocado oil or coconut oil. Nevertheless, I hope you will be able to find something for yourself.
Ingredients to Avoid In Body Lotions
Luckily, you don’t have to do the time-consuming and cumbersome work of studying ingredient safety because I have done it for you (and enjoyed it a lot, by the way). Below are the ingredients featured in some of the body lotions I came across while doing this research. As a result, I grouped the body lotions as follows: “not a fan,” “better,” “almost best,” and “best.”
The ingredient list below will help you decide which personal care products you can avoid buying in the first place. In my opinion, ❌marks ingredients of high-to-medium concern, and ⚠️marks ingredients of low concern. Also, please know that the same ingredient can pose a different level of concern depending on the product type. Thus, while in body lotions, I consider phenoxyethanol an ingredient of low concern, in waterproof mascaras and lipstick, I consider it an ingredient of medium -to- high concern.
| Ingredient | Reason for Concern |
| ❌Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) | – under assessment as endocrine disrupting (ECHA) – suspected carcinogen (source) |
| ❌Ethoxylated ingredients (e.g., ceteareth 20, polysorbate 60, PEG 40) | – made with carcinogenic ethylene oxide – may have residues of carcinogenic 1,4 dioxane (read What Are Polysorbates?) |
| ❌Fragrance (“parfum, “natural fragrance”) | – undisclosed ingredients – may harm the endocrine system, cause allergies, increase the risk of cancer (read Is Natural Fragrance Safe?) |
| ❌Fragrance isolates (e.g., coumarin, limonene, linalool) | – fragrance ingredients known for their allergenic potential (read Is Natural Fragrance Safe?) |
| ❌Petrolatum and mineral oil | – byproducts of petroleum refining – unless properly refined, may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminants, some of which are considered carcinogenic (source) – The European Union considers petrolatum “carcinogenic” and has banned it from use in cosmetic products unless the full refining history is known (source and source). |
| ❌Triethanolamine | – suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (ECHA) – a dermal irritant if formulated incorrectly; not to be used in cosmetic products with potential N-nitroso compound formations (source) |
| ⚠️Acrylates copolymer | – skin sensitizer (ECHA) |
| ⚠️Aminomethyl propanol | – may cause eye irritation and skin irritation (ECHA) – should not be included in cosmetic formulations containing N-nitrosating agents (source) |
| ⚠️Carbomer | – made of a petrochemical ingredient and may contain benzene residue (CIR) – animal and clinical studies showed a low potential for skin irritation and sensitization even at concentrations up to 100% – made with acrylic acid that is reported as an impurity and may cause an allergic reaction to acrylates (source) |
| ⚠️Dimethicone | – while non-toxic, it is not ideal for the environment and is unnecessary in a body lotion (read Does Dimethicone Belong In Toxin-Free Makeup?) |
| ⚠️Distearyldimonium chloride | – a quaternary ammonium salt – its relative dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride is considered to be very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects and causing serious eye damage (ECHA) |
| ⚠️Grapefruit seed extract | – may be contaminated with benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, triclosan or methylparaben (read WaterWipes Baby Wipes) |
| ⚠️Isohexadecane | – belongs to a group of isoparaffins, a component of petroleum (source) |
| ⚠️Phenoxyethanol | – potential allergen – may contain residues of corrosive phenol and carcinogenic ethylene oxide (read Phenoxyethanol in Skin Care) |
| ⚠️Stearamide AMP | – no safety data – very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (ECHA) |
| ⚠️Wax | – undisclosed ingredients – likely made from petroleum, hence, may have petroleum-based contaminants |
Not A Fan Of These Lotions
As of March 2024, the body lotions in this category contain multiple ingredients of concern, both ⚠️ low and ❌high-to-medium.
“Better” Body Lotion Options
As of March 2024, the body lotions in this category contain phenoxyethanol. They may also contain another ingredient of low concern.
| Category | Brand of Body Lotion | Ingredient Concerns |
| Better | Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion in Bright Grapefruit | ⚠️Phenoxyethanol ⚠️Carbomer |
| Better | Beauty Without Cruelty, Hand & Body Lotion, Fragrance Free ($10 or 10% off on iHerb) | ⚠️Phenoxyethanol |
| Better | Everyone Nourishing Lotion Unscented ($10 or 10% off on iHerb) | ⚠️Phenoxyethanol ⚠️Dimethicone |
| Better | Rainbow Research Baby Oh Baby Herbal Body Lotion Unscented ($10 or 10% off on iHerb) | ⚠️Phenoxyethanol ⚠️Grapefruit seed extract |
“Almost Best” Body Lotion Options
As of March 2024, the body lotions in this category do not contain phenoxyethanol but have some ingredients of low concern.
| Category | Brand of Body Lotion | Ingredient Concerns |
| Almost Best | Attitude Body Lotion for sensitive Skin Unscented ($10 or 10% off on iHerb) | ⚠️Non-organic botanicals |
| Almost Best | EO Products Body Lotion Calming French Lavender ($10 or 10% off on iHerb) | ⚠️Dimethicone |
| Almost Best | Tree to Tub Ultra-Gentle Unscented Lotion for Sensitive Skin ($10 or 10% off on iHerb) | ⚠️Sodium Acrylates |
7 Best Non-Toxic Body Lotions
As of March 2024, the body lotions in the “best” category do not contain phenoxyethanol or other ingredients mentioned above. However, they are not ideal in absolute terms. Read on to see what I mean!
- Annmarie Radiant Skin Silk Body Lotion
- Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion Aloe Unscented
- Blissoma Amend – Antioxidant Soothing Body Lotion
- Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand & Body Lotion
- Earthley Wellness Good Night Magnesium Lotion
- Kosmatology Lotion Bar Free & Clear
- Pure Haven Hand & Body Lotion
Annmarie Radiant Skin Silk Body Lotion
What I like about Annmarie Radiant Skin Silk Body Lotion is that the botanical ingredients, including aloe vera, are organic. Also, it contains squalane, a popular ingredient in a non-toxic anti-aging beauty routine. The preservative used is populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract, which is not only a natural preservative but also a potent antioxidant.
On the other hand, this body lotion contains too many extracts. In my opinion, the shorter the ingredient list, the better. Indeed, people are different and those with sensitive skin may react even to relatively mild ingredients. A shorter ingredient list can help prevent that.
Additionally, Myroxylon balsamum (peru balsam) oil can be skin sensitizing (ECHA), and Cinnamomum camphora linalooliferum (ho wood) oil is considered skin irritating (ECHA).
Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion Aloe Unscented
There are many organic ingredients in Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion Aloe Unscented ($10 or 10% off on iHerb). They include aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil. Plus, the lotion contains sodium hyaluronate, a desirable ingredient in a skin care routine for dry skin because it helps to keep your skin hydrated. The preservation system consists of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.
At the same time, just like Annmarie’s lotion, Avalon has a long list of ingredients, whereas a shorter one would equal fewer risks of sensitivities.
Blissoma Amend – Antioxidant Soothing Body Lotion
The Blissoma Amend – Antioxidant Soothing Body Lotion also contains lots of certified organic botanicals, including dandelion and rooibos, which is great. The preservative is COSMOS-approved leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate.
As for potential cons for those with sensitive skin, the lotion contains essential oils, namely those of rose geranium, spearmint, and lime. The label states, “essential oils in this product contain citronellol, geraniol, linalool, limonene, citral.” The latter are essential oils components, not fragrance ingredients, disclosed here in accordance with the EU requirement. You can read more about that in my post Is Natural Fragrance Safe?.
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand & Body Lotion
The Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand & Body Lotion ($10 or 10% off on iHerb) comes in peppermint, orange, and lavender scents. In turn, the latter come from essential oils of peppermint, orange, and lavender. Therefore, if you are sensitive to these oils, choose carefully.
I appreciate the fact that Dr. Bronner’s lotion’s ingredient list is much shorter than those of the products mentioned above. And the botanicals are organic, meaning there are close to zero chances of pesticide and herbicide residues. The preservative is organic ethyl alcohol which is controversial in terms of its drying effect. The good news is that you can determine that easily by using the product.
Earthley Wellness Good Night Magnesium Lotion
Out of all the lotions in this category, Earthley Wellness Good Night Magnesium Lotion has the shortest list of ingredients. It contains organic ingredients such as apricot oil, shea butter, and mango butter. It also has magnesium chloride flakes, candelilla wax, and lavender essential oil.
I do not see obvious preservatives, but it may be because the water comes last on the list meaning they use it in miniscule amounts. Probably, that’s why there is no need for a robust preservation system, and the interaction of the included ingredients in the formulation is sufficient to preserve the product. Be sure not to store the lotion in heat and sun and try to use it up quickly.
Kosmatology Lotion Bar
The natural and organic Kosmatology Lotion Bar Free & Clear also has a short ingredient list. Specifically, it contains such organic ingredients as shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil. Additionally, there is Candelilla wax and Sambucus Nigra fruit extract. In the absence of water, there is no need for a robust preservation system.
This lotion comes as a solid bar and may not be what you’d use at home on a regular basis. But it can be very handy on the road.
Pure Haven Hand & Body Lotion
My personal favorite is Pure Haven Hand & Body Lotion. It contains organic aloe vera and organic sunflower seed oil which is one of the most moisturizing oils out there (source). In addition, sunflower seed oil contains a high amount of naturally occurring vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that slows down skin aging. (And yes, I am aware that sunflower oil is highly prone to oxidative degradation during the frying process. Daily consumption of oxidized oils might be associated with the occurrence of dyslipidemia, fatty liver, and the development of leptin resistance.) The main preservatives in the lotion are caprylhydroxamic acid, sodium phytate, and glyceryl caprylate, which are some of the safest preservatives.
Currently, I use this product and like it because it is light, non-greasy, and keeps my skin hydrated. The scent is very mild and citrusy. Be aware, though, that the Pure Haven Hand & Body Lotion contains essential oils of lemon and lime.
Ultimately, I love Pure Haven for many reasons, some of them being:
- they require affidavits from their ingredient suppliers, attesting to the purity of their ingredients;
- they source high-quality and high-purity ingredients;
- they test for various contaminants; and
- they value my advice on ingredient selection.
You can learn more about this company in my Pure Haven Review.
Summary Of The Best Body Lotion Without Harmful Chemicals
Skin Is The Largest Organ Of Your Body, So When Shopping For Body Lotions, Avoid Those That Contain Harmful Chemicals.
In sum, although no body lotion is perfect in absolute terms, some are better than others in terms of safety. Indeed, anything you apply on the skin gets easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid beauty products, including body butter and body cream, containing chemicals that are potentially harmful to human health. These chemicals include:
- BHT
- ethoxylated ingredients
- petrolatum and mineral oil
- synthetic fragrances
- triethanolamine, and others.
Based on my roundup of the best body lotions without harmful chemicals, the most non-toxic ones are as follows:
- Annmarie Radiant Skin Silk Body Lotion
- Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion Aloe Unscented ($10 or 10% off on iHerb)
- Blissoma Amend – Antioxidant Soothing Body Lotion
- Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand & Body Lotion ($10 or 10% off on iHerb)
- Earthley Wellness Good Night Magnesium Lotion
- Kosmatology Lotion Bar Free & Clear
- Pure Haven Hand & Body Lotion (what I use and like)
Pure Haven is my top recommendation because they test for contaminants, source high-quality and high-purity ingredients, and value my advice on ingredient selection.
For an option for non-toxic body butter, check out the non-toxic hand creams category of my shop.
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Thank you for your time and dedication to reviewing ingredients! I recently bought the Alevia brand of body wash & body lotion (probiotic unscented) and was curious if this lotion would have made your list.
Thank you for your feedback, Natalie!
You can find the answer to your question by following this link: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/ingredient-review/