The 15 Best Cruelty-Free Body Washes

Are you looking for the best cruelty-free body washes on the market right now? You’ve come to the right place. Researching and testing all cruelty-free formulas, we’ve selected the 15 best cruelty-free body washes on 2022’s market.

Cruelty-Free Body Wash

One of the first things you do every day is take a shower. It is the moment you start to awake and ready yourself for the day.

What better way to start your morning routine than lathering up with a body wash that refreshes your skin, smells like a treat, and that you don’t have to feel guilty about, because it isn’t tested on animals?

Ahead, the 15 best cruelty-free body washes.

Body Washes for Different Skin Types

Body washes and shower gels come in a range of variations. Some merely cleanse and refresh, while others target specific skin concerns like dryness, breakouts, dullness, and sensitivity.

Just like with any skincare product it is important to take a look at your skin type and needs when choosing a body wash.

If you have dry skin, it is best to opt for a non-drying formula that contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and glycerin.

If you suffer from body acne a shower gel that uses ingredients like skin-clearing tea tree oil can do wonders.

Dull, rough skin can benefit from an exfoliating wash, whereas sensitive skin is better off with a fragrance-free or soap-free formula.

Whatever your skin type and needs are, in this post we discuss all the best cruelty-free body washes for every skin type.

Whether you’re looking for a body wash from the drugstore aisle or something high-end, there’s a cruelty-free body wash for everyone. Ahead, find the best body washes for every budget and skin type.

Cruelty-Free + Vegan

In the beauty industry, ‘cruelty-free’ refers to animal testing and means a product and its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals.

The term doesn’t say anything about if a product contains animal-derived ingredients (in other words, if it’s vegan). This means a cruelty-free product can still contain animal ingredients or (by)products, just as a vegan product can still be tested on animals.

Do you want your body wash to be free of animal testing as well as animal (by)products? You’re the best! This list offers you 12 cruelty-free + vegan options.

The 15 Best Cruelty-Free Body Washes

1. Best Overall: AVEDA – Rosemary Mint Hand & Body Wash VEGAN
2. Best Overall, Runner-Up: Weleda – Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash VEGAN
3. Best Shower Oil: Kopari – Sudsy Shower Oil VEGAN
4. Best Budget: Bliss – Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash VEGAN
5. Best for Dry Skin: SheaMoisture – African Black Soap Body Wash
6. Best Splurge: Aesop – Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser VEGAN
7. Best Multi-Tasker: Dr. Bronner’s – Pure Castile Liquid Soap VEGAN
8. Best Fragrance-Free: The Seaweed Bath Co. – Hydrating Cleansing Body Wash VEGAN
9. Best Cleansing Oil: Glossier – Body Hero VEGAN
10. Best Scent: Le Labo – Santal 33 Shower Gel VEGAN
11. Best Budget: Method – Body wash Pure Peace VEGAN
12. Best for Sensitive Skin: Sukin – Sensitive Skin Soap Free Body Wash VEGAN
13. Best Exfoliating Body Wash: Mario Badescu – A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap VEGAN
14. Best for Acne- and Eczema-Prone Skin: Jason – Purifying Tea Tree Body Wash
15. Aromatherapy: Dermalogica – Conditioning Body Wash

The 15 Best Cruelty-Free Body Washes

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1/15

Best Cruelty-Free Body Wash Overall:

AVEDA

Rosemary Mint Hand & Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$

If you love a spa-like fragrance, this hand and body wash from holistic beauty brand Aveda is a must-try. The combination of organic peppermint and rosemary will make sure you start your day fresh and energized. What’s more, the creamy formula can also be used as a hand wash.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, Aveda is a PETA- and Leaping Bunny certified-cruelty-free brand. However, Aveda is owned by Estée Lauder, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, Aveda is a vegan brand, meaning none of their products contain animal-derived ingredients | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: post-consumer recycled plastic

2/15

Best Cruelty-Free Body Wash Overall, Runner-Up:

WELEDA

Hydrating Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $

This creamy body wash gently cleanses while leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. It’s made with sea buckthorn berry oil for its antioxidants which revitalize your skin. Since it’s formulated without harsh surfactants it is a good choice for sensitive skin types too. This body wash is scented with orange, mandarin, and grapefruit essential oils for an instant good mood.

Best for: all skin types, including sensitive | Cruelty-free: yes, Weleda is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Weleda is not a vegan brand, as it also offers products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: recyclable plastic

3/15

Best Shower Oil:

KOPARI

Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil

VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$

If regular shower gel leaves your skin dry and itchy, enter Kopari’s Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil. The oil transforms into the sudsiest foam to cleanse without stripping moisture. Instead, vitamin C and oils derived from coconut, hibiscus seed, and passionfruit leave skin so supple, hydrated, and silky-smooth. It smells like coconut with a hint of vanilla, in the best way. Oh, and it’s great for shaving your legs too.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, Kopari is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Kopari is not a vegan brand, as it also offers products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, gluten, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: recyclable plastic

RELATED: The Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Cleansing Oils

4/15

Best Budget:

BLISS

Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $

For a body wash that does the job, smells delicious, and doesn’t break the bank, give this sudser a chance. The shower gel works into a foamy lather to cleanse your body effortlessly while the refreshing herbal-citrus smell awakens your senses. It’s made with aloe leaf juice and glycerin to leave your skin hydrated and soothed.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, Bliss is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Bliss is not a vegan brand, as it also offers products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oil, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: recyclable plastic

5/15

Best Cruelty-Free Body Wash for Dry Skin:

SHEAMOISTURE

Cocoa & Almond Butter Replenishing Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $

Thirsty skin? Opt for this moisturizing formula. It’s made with shea-, cocoa- and almond butter to hydrate and soothe skin while it cleanses. Although being as moisturizing as it is, it rinses completely clean. Bonus points for the delicious chocolate almond scent and the budget-friendly price tag.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, SheaMoisture is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. However, the brand is owned by Unilever, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oil, animal testing | Packaging: plastic

6/15

Best Splurge:

AESOP

Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser

VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$

One of the Australian brand’s best-selling products is this luxurious body cleanser. The shower gel cleanses thoroughly, leaving your skin feeling soft and smelling like a garden of geraniums in the best way possible. You only need the tiniest amount for it to lather up, so you can expect this amber-colored bottle to stick around in your bathroom for quite some time (which kind of justifies the price tag, right?)

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, AESOP is a PETA- and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, AESOP is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: recycled plastic

7/15

Best Multitasking Body Wash:

DR. BRONNER’S

18-In-1 Hemp Baby Unscented Pure Castile Soap

VIEW ON AMAZON | $

Love a multi-use product? This shower gel can also be used as a shampoo, face wash, laundry detergent, to clean your makeup brushes, and many more. The eco-friendly formula is made with over 90% organic ingredients, of which 70% are certified fair trade (aka ethical working conditions), and the packaging is made of post-consumer recycled plastic, for which you can buy refills. It is highly concentrated so a little goes a long way. Besides the unscented version for the little ones, it comes in 7 different fragrances.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, Dr. Bronner’s is a PETA- and Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes this is a vegan product. However, Dr. Bronner’s is not a vegan brand, as it also offers products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, gluten, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: post-consumer recycled plastic that is recyclable

8/15

Best Fragrance-Free:

THE SEAWEED BATH CO.

Hydrating Cleansing Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $

If you prefer a fragrance-free body wash that doesn’t leave your skin dry post-shower, opt for the one of Seaweed Bath Co. The unscented formula is stacked with good-for-your-skin ingredients including the brand’s signature bladderwrack seaweed containing over 65 different vitamins and minerals to detoxify and replenish, while aloe and glycerin hydrate the skin. It suds up well, rinses off easily, and leaves skin feeling clean and moisturized.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, The Seaweed Bath Co. is a Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, The Seaweed Bath Co. is not a vegan brand, as it also offers products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, gluten, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: plastic

9/15

Best Oil Cleanser:

GLOSSIER

Body Hero Daily Oil Wash

VIEW ON GLOSSIER | $$

Inspired by the ultra-popular cleansing oils for your face, this body wash starts as oil and mixed with water emulsifies into a milky lather. Oil attracts grime, sweat (and sunscreen), which is why it’s such a good way to thoroughly cleanse your skin. The 7 oils blend of Glossier leaves skin clean and moist without leaving any oily residue or leaving skin dry. The flowery sweet scent fills your bathroom and lingers lightly on your skin throughout the day.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, Glossier is a Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Glossier is not a vegan brand, as it also offers products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: plastic

RELATED: The Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Sunscreens (Face & Body)

10/15

Best Scented Body Wash:

LE LABO

Santal 33 Shower Gel

VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$$

Sometimes you need a little extra to start your day on a good note. Enter Santal 33 Shower Gel of high-end brand Le Labo. Not only is it packed with skin-pampering ingredients such as vitamin E, olive leaf extract, and aloe vera, but it also comes with the iconic scent Santal 33: a unisex, sensual, woody aroma, that will subtly linger on your skin throughout the day, instead of washing down the drain. Despite being sulfate-free, the liquid formula lathers up well.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, Le Labo is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. However, Le Labo is owned by Estée Lauder, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, Le Labo is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: plastic

11/15

Best Cruelty-Free Body Wash For Sensitive Skin:

SUKIN

Sensitive Skin Soap Free Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $$

Sensitive skin? Opt for a soap-free body wash. Regular body washes usually contain harsh chemicals and could leave sensitive skin dry, itchy, or irritated. The non-soap shower gel from Sukin is the perfect way to ensure even the most sensitive skin is left clean and nourished. It calls on all-natural ingredients including green tea and rose hip oil to gently cleanse and refresh, while cucumber and chamomile calm skin. It delivers a creamy lather and has a mild warm scent.

Best for: sensitive skin | Cruelty-free: yes, Sukin is a Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Sukin is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates, phthalates, fragrance, mineral oil, silicones, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: recyclable plastic

12/15

Best Drugstore:

METHOD

Simply Nourish Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $

This coconut, rice milk, and shea butter infused body wash moisturizes and nourishes while cleansing. The creamy formula comes with a warm sweet scent. With a price tag under $10, it’s one of the most affordable body washes on this list.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, Method is a PETA- and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand. However, the brand is owned by S.C. Johnson, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, Method is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, phthalates, gluten, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: 65% recycled plastic

13/15

Best Exfoliating Body Wash:

MARIO BADESCU

A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap

VIEW ON AMAZON | $

If you struggle with body acne, bumps, or an uneven skin tone, enter Mario Badescu’s bestselling AHA Body Soap. The gentle exfoliating wash is made with AHAs (glycolic acid) and fruit enzymes to help unclog pores, smooth skin texture, beat body acne, and reduce dullness, while cleansing gently but thoroughly. It also contains oatmeal, to heal and soothe irritated skin. It leaves skin super smooth and it has a light refreshing citrus scent.

Best for: all skin types, especially acne-prone | Cruelty-free: yes, Mario Badescu is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Mario Badescu is not a vegan brand, as it also offers products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, gluten, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: plastic

RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Face Exfoliators

14/15

Best Body Wash for Acne- and Eczema-Prone Skin:

JASON

Purifying Tea Tree Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $

If your skin is prone to acne or eczema, this body wash might come in handy. It’s infused with tea tree which is known for its purifying properties. Many reviews rave about their skin being cleared from acne or eczema after using this shower gel for a while. It’s also formulated with vitamin E and aloe vera to moisturize and soothe the skin. It has a fresh scent that isn’t overpowering.

Best for: acne- and eczema-prone skin | Cruelty-free: yes, Jason is a PETA- and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, animal testing | Packaging: recycled plastic

RELATED: The Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Acne Products

15/15

Best Aromatherapy:

DERMALOGICA

Conditioning Body Wash

VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$

The best part about this body wash is the aromatherapeutic scent of essential oils eucalyptus and lavender that turns your shower into a stress-relieving spa moment. It’s is a soap-free formula that cleanses gently, while retaining skin’s moisture. It comes with a handy pump to control the amount of product you need.

Best for: all skin types | Cruelty-free: yes, Dermalogica is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. However, they are owned by Unilever, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, animal testing | Packaging: plastic

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Body Wash Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t overdo It. While it can be tempting to cover yourself in suds from head to toe, overusing body wash can lead to dry and itchy skin
• When lathering up, especially pay attention to the armpits and folds of your skin, as this is where the most bacteria are, and which cause body odor
• Wash with lukewarm water instead of piping hot. Hot water can strip your skin’s natural moisture, so wash with lukewarm water (and end your shower with cold water to close your pores and improve your skin’s overall health)
• If you have dry skin, wash your body with a creamy, moisturizing body wash, instead of a gel. If you have oily or acne-prone skin a shower gel is the better way to go
• If your skin feels dry after showering, use a body moisturizer afterward
• Don’t use body wash on your face, as the skin on your face is much more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body. It can strip your skin of its natural oils, clog pores and cause irritation
• If you have sensitive or irritated skin, steer clear of synthetic fragrances (which can cause more sensitivity/irritation)

Body Wash and Shower Gel Brands That Are Not Cruelty-Free*

• Aveeno
• Avène
• Bath & Body Works
• Bioderma
• Caress
• CeraVe
• Cetaphil
• Curél
• Dove
• Eucerin
• Fresh
• Ivory
• Kiehl’s
• Klorane
• La Roche-Posay
• L’occitane
• Necessaire
• Neutrogena
• Nivea
• OGX
• Olay
• Philosophy
• Softsoap
• Tone

*Note this is not an exhaustive list.

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FAQ

How Do We Know If A Brand Is Cruelty-Free?

We at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty always do our research to ensure the brands on this site don’t test on animals or allow others to do so on their behalf.

We check the brand’s cruelty-free status on their website, we reach out to brands, we verify if the brand is certified cruelty-free by PETA or Leaping Bunny, and we check its status with cruelty-free database Cruelty-Free Kitty.

Sometimes, the cruelty-free status of a brand remains unclear. If there is any doubt about a brand being 100% cruelty-free, the brand will not make it in here.

Parent Company Note

A cruelty-free brand can be owned by a parent company that does tests on animals.

Since the products and ingredients of the brand itself are never tested on animals, we at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty consider these brands to be cruelty-free.

However, we do always mention it below each product when a brand has a parent company that tests on animals.

What Is The Difference Between Cruelty-Free and Vegan?

The term cruelty-free means a product and its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals. Whereas vegan means a product does not contain any animal ingredients or (by)products.

A product can be cruelty-free and not vegan. In the same way, a product can be vegan and not cruelty-free.

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Why Trust Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty

We at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty are beauty enthusiasts + devoted animal lovers that pour through the internet to select the best cruelty-free skincare, hair, and makeup products that are here to find.

Our findings are based on reading (lots of) customer reviews, hours of product- and ingredient research as well as testing the best products on the market ourselves. We combine all of these insights to compile this list.

Questions or Remarks?

Do you have any questions or remarks about any of the cruelty-free body washes in this article, or do you know about a shower gel that needs to be on this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments down below.

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