Soap Stars: 10 Best Natural Soaps and Body Washes

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Take a deep dive into the nitty gritty details about soap (we promise, it’s more interesting than it sounds) and learn the answers to some commonly asked questions about ingredients, effectiveness, and if natural and organic soaps are really better or if it’s all just a load of hogwash.

Throughout history, the process of mass-producing soap and body washes has become more and more laden with synthetic ingredients and, unfortunately, many of those ingredients are linked to health and environmental harm.

Things to avoid:

• Artificial fragrances: Contain numerous toxins, including phthalates—known to be associated with reproductive and thyroid harm—along with derivatives of petroleum
• Diethanolamine or DEA: Associated with kidney and liver problems and considered a carcinogen
• Parabens: Associated with estrogen issues and harmful to both the body and environment
• Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate: Add foaming action, but can irritate skin and lungs and is harmful to marine life
• Triclosan: Banned by the FDA in hand sanitizers due to its link to organ damage and buildup in the body, but it still can be found in cleaning products

Natural soaps are those that don’t contain the artificial, super-harsh ingredients that are wholly unnecessary for a good clean. We’re happy to assure you that natural soaps are just as effective as conventional soaps—and they usually smell better, too.

Is natural soap chemical-free?

Here’s the thing: chemicals are found all over the place in nature — but not all chemicals are harmful. However, certain artificial or synthetic chemicals can do harm to our bodies and the environment. Natural soaps and body washes are free of the harmful chemicals conventional products contain.

Is natural soap better for your skin?

The same ingredients in conventional soap that make it “sudsy” often include known harmful chemicals like sulfates — commonly known as SLS. Artificial fragrances in conventional soaps contain many harmful substances and are often made from petroleum (as in petrol). At Grove, we focus on safe, pure ingredients that nourish and keep your skin happy.

At Grove, our mission is to make it easy to choose natural and organic body washes and soaps — all of our products meet high standards for safe ingredients that are good for us, our planet, and future generations.

There are a ton of awesome organic soaps and natural body washes from brands like Rooted Beauty, Dr. Bronner’s, Mrs. Meyer’s and method, but we’ve narrowed down our top ten favorites according to member and staff accolades.

Pacha Soap Co. Bar Soap

Why we love it: This soap is made with natural ingredients and is free of harmful chemicals and artificial additives. And more, it's crafted with care in small batches to ensure high quality and attention to detail. Look no further for a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free option for your everyday bar soap needs.

The Seaweed Bath Co. Detox Exfoliating Body Soap

Why we love it: Seaweed Bath Co. focuses on the nourishing vitamins and antioxidants of seaweed in their products, and this soap doesn’t disappoint. An array of seaweed, coconut oil, coffee bean, and glycerin provide a refreshing treatment for your skin.

Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Why we love it: As one product with 18 different uses — from face to hair to dishes to laundry — Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap reduces waste and clutter in your home. It's also certified organic, free trade, vegan, and has never been tested on animals. 100% post-consumer recycled packaging further reduces its overall environmental impact.

Rooted Beauty Bar Soap

Why we love it: Crafted by hand with organic oatmeal and olive oil, it creates a rich lather that nourishes and moisturizes for healthier, smoother skin. Every Rooted Beauty Soap Bar is made with only clean, vegan, good-for-you ingredients that support a cruelty-free lifestyle. Last but not least, it comes in a FSC-certified paper box made from recycled paper and responsibly harvested wood, making it an eco-friendly choice with zero plastic waste.

method Body Wash

Why we love it: This body wash features cruelty-free, plant-derived components and comes in a variety of scents to invigorate or calm, whichever you prefer. Method’s packaging is 65% recycled, which also scores points with us.

Mrs. Meyers Body Wash

Why we love it: Mrs. Meyer’s Body Wash comes in amazing scents, and all of them are paraben-free and derived from over 90% natural ingredients. Fresh and clean, soft and hydrated skin at a great value.

Tree to Tub Gentle Body Wash for Very Sensitive Skin

Why we love it: Tree to Tub is excellent for sensitive skin. Members love this soap’s all-natural, pH-balancing ingredients, and they swear by the hydrating, sudsy effect of soapberry.

Spinster Sisters Co. Bar Soap

Why we love it: Each bar carries a complex, signature blend — from nostalgic Oatmeal Milk & Honey to earthy Patchouli Rose — and is infused with essential oils and luxurious exfoliants for a lavish, skin-loving cleanse. Carefully made with certified sustainable and fair-trade ingredients, it's also vegan and sulfate-free.

SheaMoisture African Black Soap

Why we love it: This brand is a beacon not only for empowering women globally, but also for pure, clean products. This traditional African black soap both calms and clears skin with traditional ingredients and rich shea butter.

Oars + Alps Exfoliating Bar Soap

Why we love it: Everyone loves this soap! Its got blue charcoal and blue-green algae extract that work to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, while shea butter helps moisturize.

Looking for more cleaning how-tos and other sustainable swaps you can make at home? Grove has you covered with our buying and cleaning guides. And let us know how if you have any cleaning questions (or share your own tips using #grovehome) by following Grove Collaborative on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

If you're ready to take on your natural skin care, shop Grove Collaborative's body care essentials for the natural products that make the job easy.