Last Updated on November 6, 2021 by The Filtery Staff
We don’t often think of it as one, but our skin is actually our largest organ. We might think that what we put into our bodies is more important than what we put onto our bodies, but the fact is that our skin absorbs a lot! What percentage of ingredients that we put onto our bodies get absorbed? That’s debated, and it most likely varies from ingredient to ingredient.
But we do know that a lot of what we rub on our epidermis (the top layers of our skin) does get absorbed into our bloodstream and then circulated through our bodies—so using body lotion without harmful chemicals matters.
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What’s Wrong with Conventional Body Lotion?
Most conventional body lotions contain ingredients that have either been found to be toxic to human and/or environmental health or are highly suspected to be potentially damaging.
These ingredients can cause hormone disruption (which can then lead to a host of issues over a long period of time), they may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), they might be associated with organ damage or fertility problems, or they might cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Many of these ingredients are banned by law in places like Europe, while the United States continues to allow companies to use them in products—even ones that are specifically targeted toward babies and children.
What Harmful Ingredients Are Found in Body Lotions?
Although this is not an exhaustive list, below are some of the most common toxic chemicals and other ingredients that are often found in conventional body lotions and moisturizers.
The top toxic ingredients in lotions include:
Parabens: Often found in body lotions, parabens are preservatives that are also endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with essential hormonal functions in the body and potentially cause chronic conditions over time.
Sulfates: A petrochemical byproduct, sulfates can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Phthalates: Used to make fragrances stick to skin, many body lotions contain phthalates which can also be endocrine disruptors.
Synthetic Fragrance: Under federal law to protect “trade secrets,” companies are not required to disclose what is actually in their fragrance—it could potentially contain a whole host of toxic chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and more.
Benzalkonium Chloride: Used as a preservative, this ingredient has been associated with skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.
Butylatedhydroxy Anisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene: These are synthetic antioxidants which are likely carcinogenic and may cause liver damage.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): A binding agent, EDTA may cause organ damage.
Polyethylene glycol: A solvent, this ingredient and other PEG compounds may be carcinogenic, depending on how they are processed.
Why Should You Use Natural & Chemical Free Body Lotions
Why go non-toxic for lotions? Why is body lotion without harmful chemicals important?
Small amounts of the ingredients above may not cause any noticeable damage, but toxins of all kinds abound in our personal care products, food, environment, air, and emotional/relational lives—and that can all add up!
We don’t have control over all of that, but there are certain things we do have control over… and choosing a body lotion without harmful chemicals can be an easy choice!
Knowing that so many conventional body lotions carry potentially toxic ingredients, why would you risk it when nature offers the same (or better!) skin benefits? There is no shortage of brands using nourishing, plant-based ingredients in their body lotions, which will provide deep hydration to your skin without risking your health.
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What are the best organic body lotion ingredients?
Butters: Shea, Cacao, Mango.
You’ll find that a large number of the non-toxic body lotion brands below use shea butter in their formulations. Shea butter is a powerful natural ingredient that has been used since the 14th century (maybe even before). It moisturizes deeply because of its fatty acids and polyphenols, it has antibacterial properties because of catechins, it carries oleic acid which is anti-inflammatory, it contains high amounts of Vitamin E which can protect your skin, it contains cinnamic acid esters which can help with irritation and redness and more. Shea butter is truly a powerlifter when it comes to natural and non-toxic skin health, so it’s no wonder so many organic body lotion brands use it as a primary ingredient.
Mango Butter is another nourishing ingredient; it contains vitamins A, C and E, which help to fight free radicals (and therefore, wrinkles).
Cacao Butter contains cocoa mass polyphenols, which some studies have indicated may reduce signs of aging. Like Shea Butter, it also contains polyphenols, which help to provide deep moisture. It contains antioxidants too.
Oils: Argan, Coconut, Olive, Jojoba, Avocado, and Sunflower Seed.
These natural oils like argan contain elements such as squalene, which help to lock moisture into your skin and improve elasticity.
Coconut and jojoba oil may help with a whole host of things, from reducing inflammation to preventing the growth of bacteria, to helping treat acne, to aiding in wound healing. Avocado oil can help treat sunburned skin, improve nail health, and improve scalp health.
Herbs: Calendula, Lavender, Chamomile, Green Tea
Herbs can provide a whole host of benefits to your skin. Lavender and chamomile can have a calming effect. Calendula can help heal wounds, scars, and lines with its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea also has a ton of antioxidants, while the caffeine can also help perk up tired skin.
Best Non-Toxic Body Lotion Brands

Reed + Gwen
This clean beauty brand is brought to you by one of the best non-toxic mattress & bedding brands on the market: Avocado.
Their “intensely moisturizing” body melt and grounding dry body oil (for a less greasy, faster-absorbing lotion) are made with safe, natural, and non-toxic ingredients like avocado oil (of course!), chamomile, moringa, reishi, and more.
Their products come with a variety of labels including B Corp, 1% For the Planet, Climate Neutral, Vegan, and Cruelty-free.

Silk Therapeutics
Silk Therapeutics’ Body Enrich Moisturizer is made from just 11 clean and consciously sourced ingredients. The key ingredient is their own Activated Silk,™ which is a liquified silk and works with your body’s own collagen to keep skin looking and feeling fresh.

Eu’Genia Shea
Eu’Genia Shea’s super-luscious shea butter is sourced directly from female farmers in Ghana. They offer Unscented, Lavender, and Grapefruit, which are mixed with other natural oils like Moringa. Or you can choose their Dermatological Strength Shea Butter, which is 100% shea and made for extra dry skin.

True Botanicals
True Botanicals’ Nourishing Lotion is made with key ingredients like green tea and shea butter. This one is a more lightweight option that still works to hydrate thirsty skin. It’s cruelty-free and MADESAFE certified.

Beautycounter
On a mission to make beauty products safer for everyone, Beautycounter a collection that includes a balm, lotion, butter, oil, and cream—so you can get what’s best for your skin type and needs.

Weleda
Weleda was founded in Switzerland in 1921 by a philosopher, a chemist/pharmacist, and a doctor (one of Europe’s first female doctors!). For the most active and nourishing ingredients, they work with biodynamic gardeners and farmers to establish fair trade relationships. Weleda carries a wide range of moisturizing products for a variety of concerns, but their Skin Food is a popular one!

Earth Mama
Earth Mama’s gentle skincare products are specially formulated for babies and mamas. They carry scented and unscented baby lotion, belly butter, and eczema cream that’s been accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Breedlove
This luxurious Triple Butter Whipped Body Butter is handcrafted out of just 12 plant-based ingredients that will provide your skin with antioxidants and vitamins to keep you protected and hydrated.

One Ocean Beauty
If you’re looking for a non-toxic sculpting and/or firming lotion, One Ocean Beauty is your go-to. Their Bioactive Body Sculpting Marine Cream and Ultra Marine Cellulite Night Cream are actually clinically-proven to improve muscle tone and tighten and firm the skin. They use what they call “Blue Biotechnology,” which uses active marine ingredients which have a whole host of regenerative benefits.

100% Pure
As the name indicates, 100% Pure uses only natural and non-toxic ingredients in their collection of body butters and creams.
Best Chemical Free, Organic Body Lotions

Organic Bath Co.
By mixing shea butter for deep hydration, protective sweet almond oil with antioxidants, and argan oil which delivers essential fatty acids to support skin health, Organic Bath Co.’s Body Butter provides all-organic skin nourishment that lasts all day long.

Annmarie
Annemarie’s body butters, oils, and lotions are infused with nourishing herbs like milk thistle, calendula, and lavender. The Annmarie team builds relationships with sustainable farmers to curate wildcrafted ingredients, and everything is cruelty-free and made in the United States.

Honest
Honest’s Organic All-Purpose Balm is USDA certified organic and made for dry and/or sensitive skin. It’s technically marketed for babies, but it’s great for adults too!
Best Non-Toxic, Moisturizing Body Lotion for Very Dry Skin:

Pipette Eczema Lotion
Pipette’s fragrance-free eczema lotion is specifically formulated for those with the most sensitive skin—even babies. The plant-based ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and jojoba work to soothe flare-ups and provide relief for dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
All of Pipette’s products carry the National Eczema Association seal, are cruelty-free and vegan, are dermatologist tested, and are backed by pediatricians.
Best Natural Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin:

Attitude Moisturize & Repair Dry Skin Body Cream (Sensitive Version)
Attitudes’ Moisturize & Repair Dry Skin Body Cream is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, so it’s safe for the driest and most sensitive skin. The key ingredient is argan oil, which is a gentle, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy moisturizer that you can use throughout the day. It’s cruelty-free, ECOLOGO certified and made in Canada.
When looking to purchase a new lotion or moisturizer, non-toxic is the way to go!
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Image credits: Karolina Grabowska, Sora Shimazaki, all product photos below to respective brands
FAQs
What is the best body lotion without chemicals? ›
- Whamisa Organic Fruits Body Lotion. ...
- Vertly California Bloom Body Oil. ...
- Cocokind Sake Body Lotion. ...
- Fitglow Beauty Body Cream. ...
- Asutra Melt Body Butter Lotion. ...
- Bite Body Balm. ...
- Routine Natural Body Oil & Dream Cream.
- Tree To Tub Shea Butter Lotion for Very Sensitive Skin.
- Peach Soothing Body Lotion Refillable Stick - Starter Kit.
- Tree To Tub Shea Butter Body Lotion for Dry Skin.
- Egyptian Magic All Purpose Healing Skin Cream.
- Burt's Bees Butter Body Lotion for Dry Skin with Cocoa & Cupuaçu.
- Bliss of Greece oil. ...
- BeeFriendly Face and Eye Cream. ...
- Honest Beauty Organic Facial Oil. ...
- Eminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Moisturizer. ...
- Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily Calming Lotion. ...
- Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser.
- Reed + Gwen. This clean beauty brand is brought to you by one of the best non-toxic mattress & bedding brands on the market: Avocado. ...
- Silk Therapeutics. ...
- Eu'Genia Shea. ...
- True Botanicals. ...
- Beautycounter. ...
- Weleda. ...
- Earth Mama. ...
- Breedlove.
- Pai Skincare The Anthemis Chamomile and Rosehip Soothing Moisturizer.
- Dr. ...
- Aurelia London Balancing Ultra-Light Moisturiser.
- Aurelia London Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser.
- Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream.
- Burt's Bees Sensitive Night Cream.
- Cetaphil Restoring Lotion.
- Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion.
- Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair.
- Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Shea + Enriching Cocoa Butter.
- Gold Bond Healing Lotion.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
- Kiehl's Crème de Corps Hydrating Body Lotion.
- NIVEA Body Lotion. ...
- Parachute Advansed Deep Nourish Body Lotion. ...
- Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Lotion. ...
- Lotus Herbals Aloesoft Daily Body Lotion. ...
- BOROPLUS Body Lotion. ...
- POND'S Men's Women's Silky, Smooth Skin Triple Vitamin Moisturizing Body Lotion Cream.
- Cetaphil Daily Moisturizing Lotion. ...
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Whipped Body Balm. ...
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. ...
- Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion. $9.24. ...
- Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion. $20.00. ...
- Caudalie Vinosculpt Firming Body Cream. $45.00. ...
- Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion. $6.99. ...
- Corrective Experience Comfort Cream. $6.65.
Nivea Naturally Good, Natural Lavender Body Lotion, For Dry Skin, No Parabens, 98% Natural Origin Ingredients, 350 ml.
Which cream is best for everyday use? ›- 1.Aroma Magic Vitamin C Day Cream:
- 2.Biotique Bio Saffron Dew Youthful Nourishing Day Cream:
- 3.Bio-essence Bio-Gold Day Cream:
- 4.WOW 10 in 1 Active Day Cream:
- 5.VLCC Anti Aging Day Cream:
- 6.Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream:
Which brand is best for natural skin care? ›
- Kora Organics. ...
- iKou. ...
- Alya Skin. alyaskinaus. ...
- Endota Spa. endotaspa. ...
- Biossance. biossance. ...
- Tata Harper. tataharperskincare. ...
- Biologi. biologiserum. ...
- Grown Alchemist. grownalchemist.
- Lotus Herbals White Glow Skin Whitening And Brightening Gel, Face Cream. ...
- Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Brightening Day Cream. ...
- Glow & Lovely Advanced Multivitamin Face Cream. ...
- Ponds Bright Beauty Spot-less Glow Cream. ...
- Himalaya Herbals Natural Glow Kesar Face Cream. ...
- Mamaearth Rice Day Cream.
Both CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Vanicream Moisturizing Cream come recommended by multiple dermatologists. CeraVe is our top pick overall because it relieves dryness with simple ingredients without leaving a greasy residue.
What lotion is safe for skin? ›Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, and sweet almond oil are all natural ingredients that are safe to use on skin. In fact, you can even try completely natural options like coconut oil and olive oil from your kitchen.
What should I avoid in lotion? ›...
- DMDM Hydantoin. ...
- Fragrance + Parfum. ...
- Parabens. ...
- Retinyl Palmitate.
- Triethanolamine.
- Dr. ...
- Plant Apothecary: A variety of body wash scents.
- Schmidts: My favorite deodorant brand. ...
- All Good: Body Lotion and sunscreen.
- OSEA: Body oil (a great alternative to lotion)
- True Botanicals: Body oil (a great alternative to lotion)
- Suntegrity: Sunscreen for the face and body.
- cocokind. Features | Certified organic ingredients, recyclable packaging, cruelty-free, gives back, ethically made in the USA, gives back via foundation. ...
- Ursa Major. ...
- 100% Pure. ...
- Weleda. ...
- OSEA. ...
- True Botanicals. ...
- One Love Organics. ...
- Juice Beauty.
- Bathe to relieve dry skin. ...
- Use a humidifier when the air feels dry. ...
- Wear gloves while doing housework and gardening. ...
- Protect your skin from the sun. ...
- Go fragrance free.
Drinking enough water each day replenishes your skin's tissue and cells, allowing for younger and healthier looking skin. Another key to maintaining a youthful appearance is to simply get some rest! When you sleep, your body continuously releases hormones that promote cell turnover and renewal.
How can I make my old skin look younger? ›Skin brightening treatments, like Microdermabrasion, Light Peels, Micro Laser Peels, or the Clear & Brilliant Laser treatment all help patients to look 10 years younger or more, with just a few treatments. These treatments can be used in order to combat the signs of aging in the face, such as: Wrinkles.
What is the safest moisturizer for face? ›
- Healthline Recommends: Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin.
- Healthline Recommends: Alba Botanica Aloe & Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer.
- Healthline Recommends: Neutrogena Intensified Day Moisture SPF 15.
- Healthline Recommends: Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer.
- Mamaearth Aloe Turmeric Gel From 100% Pure Aloe Vera.
- SqinCosmetics 100% Organic & Pure Vegetable Glycerine For Face.
- Kama Ayurveda Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil.
- Good Vibes Almond Brightening Facial Oil.
- KORA ORGANICS Turmeric Glow Moisturizer.
- a) Mad Hippie Face Cream.
- b) Burt's Bees Daily Face Moisturizer Cream for Sensitive Skin.
- c) Weleda Soothing Facial Cream, Almond.
- d)Pai Anthemis Calm Soothing Moisturizer.
- f) Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream.
- h) Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream.
Our formulae contain at least 95% naturally derived ingredients. The remaining 5% or lesser ingredients are for the stability and safety of the formula, which is extremely important to be 100% skin-safe.
Is Nivea chemical free? ›With no hidden ingredients, these products are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, mineral oils, silicone oils, and microplastics thereby offering 100% transparency for you and your skin.
What body lotion does not have petroleum in it? ›- Dry. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 3) 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 3) 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,928. ...
- Sensitive. Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion (12 oz) Lotion · 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) ...
- All. Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion with Triple Oat Complex 4 fl Ounce (118 ml) Lotion. Lotion · 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Best Clean Skincare and Hair Brand: Alaffia.
- Best Clean Makeup Brand: Beautycounter.
- Best Value Clean Beauty Brand: Love Beauty & Planet.
- Best Drugstore Clean Beauty Brand: Garnier Whole Blends.
- Best Luxury Clean Beauty Brand: L'Occitane.
- Best Luxury Clean Skincare Brand: Babor.
Exfoliants, fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, and preservatives can be some of the most triggering skincare ingredients for sensitive skin. If you suspect any of these may be irritating your skin, consult with your dermatologist.
What is the best treatment for sensitive skin? ›- Avoid taking very hot showers.
- Choose sensitive skin body wash, face wash and moisturizer, as well as sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin.
- Avoid perfumes.
- Avoid scented beauty products and laundry detergents.
- Apply moisturizer regularly to prevent dry skin.
In general, creams are better for people with dry skin while lotions are better for those with oily skin. The thicker formulas lock in moisture and/or provide a protective layer to better keep skin hydrated and supple. Thinner formulas help prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Which cream is best to apply at night? ›
Night Cream Products Collection
Nykaa SKINRX Vitamin C Illuminate + Night Moisturizer For... Olay Retinol Night Cream - Retinol & Niacinamide - All Sk... Pilgrim Retinol Night Cream with Vitamin C & Hyaluronic A... O3+ Night Repair Cream Brightening & Glow Boosting Dermal...
Iba Cosmetics
The brand claims to use only pure natural ingredients while avoiding all animal-derived ingredients, alcohol and harsh chemicals like ammonia, sulphates, parabens and so on. They offer a wide range of cosmetics, skin and hair care products as well as perfumes.
Nyassa. If you find aromatherapy appealing, then Nyassa and its range of all-round skincare and beauty products are right up your alley. They have everything from body care to facial care and hair care, with all these products naturally scented. You can buy handmade soaps, bath salts, and body butter on LBB!
What is the world's best skin care? ›- SkinCeuticals. SkinCeuticals has been a leader in skin care for over two decades thanks to its science-backed approach. ...
- Emma Lewisham. ...
- The Secret. ...
- CeraVe. ...
- esmi Skin Minerals. ...
- La Roche Posay. ...
- Kiehl's. ...
- The Ordinary.
- Best Overall. Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-Free.
- Best Fragrance. Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Body Moisturizer.
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion.
- Jergens Skin Firming Body Lotion.
- Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion - Unscented.
- Parabens.
- Phthalates.
- Formaldehyde.
- Fragrance/Parfum.
- Mineral oil.
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
- Aluminum.
- Coal tar dyes.
- Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer — $14.00. ...
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — $16.00. ...
- Avène Trixera Nutrition Nutri-fluid Balm — $42.00. ...
- AmLactin Rapid Relief Lotion — $21.00.
- CCMD Restorative Hand Cream — $30.00. ...
- Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream — $28.00.
Because body lotion is more readily absorbed by the skin – due to its lower viscosity than cream – it's excellent for normal to slightly dry skin. It leaves a less greasy residue than cream and is ideal for use during the day and in hot summer months.
How do I choose a body lotion? ›Aim for a heavier moisturizer and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, which help keep skin hydrated. Glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, and urea also help attract water to your skin. Lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum lock in moisture.
Is moisturizer harmful to skin? ›In general, moisturiser can be good for your skin by acting as a protective barrier for conditions such as eczema, but if overused, your skin could start to rely on the moisturiser and not properly exfoliate on its own or produce as many natural lipids and proteins.