Best Cruelty-Free Vegan Body Washes 2023

Last Updated: December 4, 2021

Many people are turning their heads towards cleaner and safer products in their showering regimen, and nothing shouts pure than a 100% cruelty-free vegan body wash.

These body washes are made using natural emollients that work in perfection to give a soothing bathing experience without introducing animal-derived ingredients. But finding a proper cruelty-free vegan body wash is not as simple as it sounds.

With the increased popularity of these products, the entire market is saturated with thousands of fake shower gels that claim to be vegan and cruelty-free.

Therefore, to give you the most natural and pure showering experience, we have researched and found five of the best cruelty-free vegan body washes that are genuinely devoid of animal testing and animal-derived ingredients.

We also recommend reading our FAQs that inform you of cruelty-free and vegan showering products in detail.

Let’s look at our first product that has the potential to become an integral part of your vegan showering regimen.

Our Top 7 Cruelty-Free Vegan Body Washes In 2023

1 – Method Body Deep-Detox Cruelty-Free Vegan Body Wash

Method Body’s Deep Detox body wash is a gentle take on cruelty-free vegan body wash available on the market.

The product is infused with cucumber, seaweed, and green tea to add a refreshing touch to your showers. Because of its mild ingredients, our winner product is highly suitable for various normal to oily skin types.

This invigorating 28-ounce bottle of pure gel liquid is manufactured using naturally derived ingredients that are entirely mild and pure. It’s infused with seaweed, cucumber, and green tea extracts, which add a nourishing and refreshing touch to your showers. The ingredients ensure that people will surely enjoy a quick refreshing burst of freshness with each bath.

Method Body has mindfully created this showering gel without any harmful phthalates and parabens. Skincare products that do not contain phthalates and parabens are bound to make your skin healthy naturally.

Users can expect a soothing smell that doesn’t feel chemically punched. The gel tends to last long as a bit of quantity is enough for a blissful lather. Manufacturers have come up with six flavor variants containing exciting amalgamations of various natural ingredients for skin types and showering needs.

This plant-based product is made without any harsh chemicals and isn’t tested on animals. The product is 100% cruelty-free and safe for most ages. Shower gel bottle is made using 65% recycled materials for a lesser carbon footprint and greener manufacturing.

Many users feel that refreshing agents like tea tree oil can be a little harsh on sensitive skin, and people with extra sensitive skin should consider purchasing other flavors of their line with even milder raw ingredients.

Manufacturer: Method
Skin Type: Normal To Oily
Scent: Tea Tree, Cucumber
Ingredients: Water, sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamide propyl betaine, fragrance, glycol, methyl glucose caprate, propanediol, phenoxyethanol, ethyl hexyl glycerin, ammonium chloride, coco-glucoside, lauryl lactate, seaweed extract, cucumber fruit extract, green

PROS

Naturally derived ingredients
Without any phthalates and parabens
Six flavor variants
Bottle is made using recycled materials

CONS

Little harsh on sensitive skin

This showering gel will truly leave your skin feeling nurtured with a satisfying sense of pride for using a pure vegan product. We highly recommend using the brand’s corresponding moisturizers for more supple skin.

2 - Nubian Heritage Abyssinian Oil And Chia Seed Cruelty-Free Vegan Body Wash

We are confident that a purely vegan product made with multiple interesting ingredients is a scarce find. Our runner-up product, The Nubian Heritage Body Wash, is an exciting product manufactured using ancient ingredients like chia seed oil and Amarnath extracts.

This rare find works effectively to clean your skin without stripping away its healthy oils and protective layers. This deeply moisturizing body wash is completely vegan and does not test the product on animals at any stage of its production.

Shower gel is wholly sulfate-free and infused with restorative Abyssinian and Chia Seed Oils that work on the aging signs. Apart from these ingredients, you will also find a healthy dose of Amarnath extract and Ginseng that provides nourishment and revitalizes your skin by making it look younger.

Its natural ingredients are completely pure and don’t strip away your skin’s oils. You are bound to feel well moisturized at the end of your bath. The gentle formula is perfect for all skin types starting from oily to dry. Even buyers with sensitive skin can use this product since all the ingredients are plant-based.

This product originated and manufactured in the United States of America complies with a stringent manufacturing process for the ultimate quality. The ancient ingredients and herbs are said to work well for skin that suffers from acne and zits. The pores look healthy, and the acne production fairly declines after dedicated use.

The spicy yet sweet herbal smell of Nubian Heritage Body Wash can be very intense for people with a reasonably sensitive nose.

Manufacturer: PerfumeWorldWide Inc.
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Scent: Abyssinian Oil And Chia Seed
Ingredients: Water, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, cocamide propyl betaine, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, aloe leaf juice, fragrance, shea butter, hydrolyzed amaranth protein, Abyssinian seed oil, hydroxypropyl guar, sodium phytate, chia seed oil, sodium benzoate, capryl hydroxamic acid, and caprylic glycol.

PROS

Infused with Abyssinian and Chia Seed Oils
Nourish and revitalizes your skin
Perfect for all skin types
Originated and Manufactured in the USA

CONS

Spicy smell can be very intense

3 - Alba Botanica Very Emollient Cruelty-Free Vegan Body Wash

Alba Botanica is famous for making 100% vegan products with nothing but powerful botanical ingredients. This 1979 born brand now produces a vast range of cruelty-free vegan body wash for all skin types.

Alba Botanica is famous for its ultra vegan raw ingredients and cruelty-free testing for a cleaner body wash. This french lavender body wash is a true hypoallergenic formula packed with pure botanicals.

The body wash does not contain synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or parabens. Each bottle is manufactured with 100% vegetarian formula for an ultimate bathing experience. The rich-lathering shower gel is enriched with pure coconut that ensures your skin stays optimally nourished, soft and supple.

Other ingredients like lavender, aloe leaf juice, lemon balm, and chamomile pamper your senses while actively nourishing your skin. Most Alba Botanica products are packaged in bottles made from 100% post-consumer resin. The unit cartons are made using FSC certified paperboard to ensure that the paper stock is sustainably sourced.

The pump-style body is highly efficient and perfect for quick disposal of the product during showers.

Many of Alba’s loyal customers feel that the company has changed its ingredients, notably altering the product’s smell. The newer aroma is less soothing than the original version. The product has a higher chance of getting spilled during transit. You may also encounter defective or broken pumps.

Manufacturer: Alba Botanica
Skin Type: Dry To Normal
Scent: Lavender
Ingredients: Water, sodium lauryl glucosides hydroxypropyl sulfonate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, cocamide propyl hydroxy, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, lime oil, lemon Peel Oil, coconut oil, lavender oil, aloe leaf juice, calendula flower extract, mayweed flower extract, lavender extract, macrocystis extract, melissa leaf extract, dog rose fruit extract, salvia, sage extract, citric acid, guar hydroxypropyl chloride, sodium chloride, sodium stearoyl lactylate, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, coumarin, limonene, and linalool.

PROS

Tru hypoallergenic formula
Without synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or parabens
Enriched with pure coconut
Bottles made from 100% post-consumer resin

CONS

Defective or broken pumps

Suppose an individual is genuinely on the fence about using a vegan product. In that case, a completely hypoallergenic formula can be an excellent incentive for trying out such a vegan shower product. We recommend switching to Alba Botanicas if you enjoy tropical flavor ranges of mild yet hydrating shower gels.

4 - Yes To Cucumber Soothing Cruelty-Free Vegan Body Wash

Yes-To is an exciting company with various horizontal and vertical lines of products based on fruits and vegetables. Their Yes To cucumber is a purely soothing and refreshing line that is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

This gentle body wash is entirely vegan and cruelty-free for people who wish to start using a natural and plant-based product.

The body wash is formulated with soothing cucumbers and calming green tea that leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft, and fresh. The product is entirely hypoallergenic and is perfect for sensitive skin types because of its natural and mild ingredients. The hypoallergenic formulation is thus ideal for sensitive skin types.

People who enjoy light fragrances can easily include this light, refreshing and crisp cucumber scented vegan body wash in their everyday routine. The formulation does not contain silicones, SLS, and parabens for an even natural and skin-friendly bath essential product.

Its extra sudsy formula is excellent and long-lasting. The product truly works on the principle that a little goes a long way. The clean ingredients do not leave any residue on the skin and rinse reasonably quickly.

The product’s formulation contains a few ingredients that can sting your eyes more than any average vegan body wash.

Manufacturer: Yes To Inc.
Skin Type: Sensitive
Scent: Cucumber
Ingredients: Water, sodium coco-sulfate, cocamide propyl betaine, cucumber fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, glycerin, sodium chloride, glycol stearate, citric acid, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, and fragrance.

PROS

Leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft, and fresh
Entirely hypoallergenic
Perfect for sensitive skin types
Extra sudsy long-lasting formula

CONS

It could make your eyes sting

This shower gel is suitable for people who demand highly light and mild scents for their showers. We also recommend checking their watermelon, grapefruit, charcoal, and coconut products for adding a bit of variety to your regimen.

5 - Dr. Bronner's Cruelty-Free Vegan Pure Castile Liquid Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap truly doesn’t need any introduction as the product is exceptionally famous for its multiple uses and pure formulations. Another good thing about the product is the statement label that makes it stand apart from the rest.

This product is the best cruelty-free body wash drugstore offers. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap is made using vegan plant-based products and does not test the shower gel on animals at any stage. This liquid soap is fully biodegradable and uses vegan ingredients that pose zero threat to the environment.

Its pure ingredients are excellent for moisturizing your skin even after a long exfoliating bath. The shower gel is perfect for all sensitive to standard skin types. This lavender-scented vegan body wash is made using over 90% organic ingredients and over 70% certified fair trade raw materials. The company creates and supports a proper cycle of ethical working conditions at all levels of production.

You will find zero synthetic preservatives, foaming agents, or detergents in this plant-based shower gel. The clean and clear soap is perfect for your skin while keeping the outer epidermis’ natural oils intact.

The product is bound to last long as it is 3X concentrated than any other shower gels available on the market. To use the product, dilute the liquid and use it accordingly. Bronner’s vegan shower gel is packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles for a greener manufacturing process.

You can find various certifications like the USDA Certified Organic, Fair For Life, Vegan, and Leaping Bunny certification on each bottle of this shower gel.

Dr. Bronner’s Cruelty-Free Vegan Pure Castile Liquid Soap does leave a waxy and sticky residue on the shower tiles if your shower dispenses hard water. People, especially those living in California, should pay attention to the water type before using it in the bathroom.

Manufacturer: Dr. Bronner
Skin Type: Sensitive To Normal
Scent: Lavender
Ingredients: Water, organic coconut oil, potassium hydroxide, organic olive oil, Lavender extract, organic fair deal hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, citric acid, and tocopherol.

PROS

Fully biodegradable
Perfect for all sensitive to standard skin types
Excellent for moisturizing your skin
Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic
3X concentrated than any other gel

CONS

Leaving waxy and sticky residue on the shower tiles

This lavender-scented shower gel is excellent for summer, but we recommend using a heavy moisturizer with this body wash during the drying winter months. Apart from showering, individuals can use this Castile liquid soap for various kitchen and general cleaning purposes.

Cruelty-Free Vegan Body Washes FAQ

Which body washes are vegan?

Skincare and bathroom essentials are everyday products. Wanting to lead a Holistic life drives us to think about the impact we have on the environment when we use them. With the rise of awareness about Environmentally Responsible routine that consists of ethical products, people are looking for Vegan options.

From makeup to Body washes, Vegan products are more and more sought after. Body washes form a part of our daily routine, and it is only fair to want to have vegan options that harm the fauna as little as possible. To recognize if a Body wash is vegan or not, we need to pay attention to the details on the packaging and the companies’ information website. For a body wash to be categorized as vegan, it needs to be cruelty-free too.

Some logos signify if a product is cruelty-free. Three influential organizations impart cruelty-free certification: PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Choose Cruelty Free.

When a product is cruelty-free, it has the logo of a bunny, which signifies the certification. Information about a body wash being vegan can be found on the companies website also.

In cases where the company does not explicitly mention these credentials, one can always reach out to that companies’ customer service and make their inquiries. There is a vegan logo too, but it might not be as widely used.

Recognizing if a product is vegan or not is a tricky task. But with a combination of personal research, looking out for cruelty-free logos, and being ecologically vigilant, one can definitely determine this trait.

Are most body washes vegan?

Unfortunately, No. Responsible product usage is all about identifying the impact our everyday choices have on the environment in the long as well as the short run.

The products we use make a difference in the environment, and therefore wanting them to be vegan, cruelty-free, and ethical is undeniable.

Not all body washes pass the bar to be categorized as a vegan. Beauty brands are now transparent in their ingredients, more than ever. It is leading everyone to recognize which products are vegan and cruelty-free and which ones are not. Although there is an increase in vegan options in body washes, it’s still significantly less than non-vegan options. Vegan body washes are the ones that do not use any ingredients that are derived from animals or animal by-products.

However, Body washes from most of the brands that aren’t vegan use ingredients that are derived from animals. It includes beeswax, honey, glycerine saualine, and lenolin (derived from wool). Brands that test their products or ingredients used to make those products on animals are also categorized as non-vegan. Therefore the majority of the body wash options available in the market are not vegan. It makes them not so suitable for compassionate purchases that many customers are looking to make these days.

Is Dove body wash vegan?

No. Dove Body Wash is not vegan. Dove’s website does mention how it is “not tested on animals.” It is also certified as cruelty-free by PETA’s “Beauty without Bunnies Program” and has a cruelty-free logo. But upon searching ‘Vegan’ on their website, it shows no results. It hasn’t been certified as vegan by most standards; therefore, it cannot be recognized as a Vegan Body wash.

In the lack of evidence of it being vegan, it is not identified as a Vegan Body wash. Dove’s parent company Unilever is known to test products on animals when required by law and is not a cruelty-free brand.

Dove also sells its products to China. In China, post-production animal testing is rampantly carried out.

When a customer makes a complaint, the testing is done on animals. It makes it unethical. For any brand to be called vegan, it needs to be completely cruelty-free, and Dove’s ambiguous stance makes it a little concerning. Therefore it cannot be said that Dove is a vegan body wash option.

Is Vegan shower gel cruelty-free?

Yes. For a shower gel to qualify as vegan, it has to be cruelty-free also. Without having the certification of being cruelty-free, no shower gel can be categorized as a vegan. Ecologically Conscious consumers looking for ethically sourced ingredients and products are constantly filtering out the brands that minimize their footprints of the purchases they make.

They want their bodies clean but also their souls. Therefore, they go for vegan and cruelty-free products. It makes sure that they are taking care of themselves without causing unnecessary harm to the environment.

For that to occur, we must learn how vegan shower gels have to be necessary cruelty-free.

Does Vaseline test on animals?

Yes. Vaseline has been secretive about its animal testing policy. Vaseline does not have a fixed animal testing policy and therefore does not mention it anywhere on their website, indicating that the brand carries out animal testing. It comes under the parent company Unilever, which allows animal testing by many of its suppliers, making it non-cruelty-free.

It tests its ingredients, products, and by-products on animals and is therefore not a cruelty-free brand. Vaseline, though being the most used brand for skincare, cannot be recognized as cruelty-free.

Does Dove test on animals?

No. Dove is a completely cruelty-free brand that openly mentions its no animal testing policy on its website. It has a cruelty-free certification by PETA and is very vocal about ethical testing of products without harming any animals.

Dove does not mention anything about them being vegan anywhere.

If they do use animal-derived products, then they might not as well be categorized as cruelty-free, which makes it ambiguous for an ethically aware consumer to put it into the cruelty-free category.

Conclusion

We hope our well-curated list of vegan and cruelty-free body washes gave a few options for selecting the perfect shower gel for your shower regimen.

It is a common misconception that vegan shower gels are ineffective compared to your regular animal-based shower washes.

On the contrary, the natural plant-based ingredients in these products help moisturize skin while making it supple.

Lastly, always pay attention to the ideal skin type recommendation before using it, irrespective of the product and brand.

Are you ready for a clean, conscientious shower experience?

About the author

Jason Hughes

"Hey there, I'm Jason, and you've just landed on the most exhilarating spot on the web - my VL universe! Here's the deal: I'm wildly obsessed (in the best way possible!) with all things diet, strength training, fitness, health, and wellness. It's not just a passion; it's a lifestyle!

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