This post reviews the best non-toxic body lotions and creams. Lotions that are made from healthy ingredients, and are free from parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances and irritants. Many of these moisturizers are organic, cruelty free and natural too.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links whereby if you purchase the product through that link I make a small commission. This does not cost you anything extra and allows me to keep this website running.
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Why choose a safe body lotion?
Most people have at least one body lotion in their home. These moisturizers can help skin stay moisturized, lock in hydration, smooth the skin, and can also help you smell really nice.
Unfortunately, not all body lotions are created equally. Conventional body lotions can contain ingredients that are not so great for our health. Sadly, the regulations for the personal care industry are rather lacking in many countries (including both Canada and the US), which means that harmful ingredients, toxic chemicals, toxic ingredients, synthetic fragrances, and other skin irritants can end up in the products that are sold on shelves. That is why it’s important to always read product labels and only choose personal care products, such as body lotions, creams and moisturizers, that are made with safe, non-toxic ingredients.
The reason this is so important is that our skin is our body's largest organ, and many of the ingredients that we put on our skin get absorbed directly into our bloodstream, meaning that they can then impact our internal organs. This is why it's so important that the ingredients you are using on your skin be safe for health.
When it comes to body lotions, luckily there are now many brands that make your health and safety their priority, and formulate their products with safe ingredients. More and more brands are using natural, organic ingredients that are also often vegan, cruelty free, fragrance free and nontoxic.
Since I have been interested in non-toxic living for many years, over time I have tested A LOT of clean body lotions, some of which I loved, and some of which I didn't. Here I will share the ones that I think are the best and will give you my honest opinion on them including the good and the bad. These creams are all made with clean ingredients, are free from harmful chemicals, and includes natural lotions, organic lotions and vegan lotions too.
The Best Non-Toxic Body Lotions
Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion
Size: 240 mL or 8.11 ounces
Price: $29 USD for the initial bottle and $28 USD for the refills
Features and certifications: cruelty free, vegan, tested for contaminants, made with organic ingredients.
The hydrating body lotion from Beautycounter is my my overall top pick for the best body lotion. Beautycounter takes the safety of their products very seriously, even going as far as testing every batch of products for contaminants to ensure that no harmful ingredients end up in their products. No other brand does this to ensure product safety which is why this is my top pick.
What I like about it:
- This lotion is light weight and non greasy.
- Is scented with essential oils and is made without synthetic fragrances, parabens or phthalates.
- It's great for those with sensitive skin.
- The product is eco-friendly because you initially buy a bottle, and then simply purchase the refills after that. Plus the bottles are made with aluminum rather than plastic.
- I love the light and fresh scent that this lotion has.
Cons:
- It is more expensive than some of the other lotions in this roundup.
- It's a light weight lotion so isn't as hydrating as some of the others in this review.
Primally Pure Body Butter
Size: 4 ounces or 8 ounces
Price: $26 USD for 4 oz and $46 USD for 8 oz - be sure to use my 10% off code to help you save money!
Features and certifications: all natural ingredients, made with organic ingredients.
Primally Pure makes amazing natural body care products, and their body butter is the best body butter! It is so hydrating! This is my top pick for the best non-toxic body butter.
Why I like it:
- It's made with all natural ingredients including tallow from grass fed cows which is rich in Vitamins A, D, E and K. It's so rich and hydrating!
- The formula is so thick, smooth and creamy.
- I also love using this body butter as a really hydrating hand cream.
- It's great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Comes in a few different scents, which are all naturally scented with essential oils. My personal favourite scent is the citrus mint one.
- Comes in a recyclable and reusable glass jar.
Cons:
- Is more expensive than some of the other options in this review.
- Is not vegan.
Attitude Body Lotion
Size: 16 ounces
Price: $19.35 USD
Features and certifications: Made in Canada, cruelty free, vegan, EWG verified, recyclable, and Ecologo certified, biodegradable and low aquatic toxicity.
Pros:
- Attitude body lotions are an affordable option that are easily found in many drug stores and grocery stores.
- They are made with hypoallergenic, natural ingredients that are great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Their products are also eco-friendly.
- Their lotion comes in many different scents.
- Rubs in easily and no sticky residue.
Cons:
- Packaged in plastic.
- It's not a super hydrating lotion so if that is what you are looking for I would choose a more hydrating formula or a body butter.
100% Pure Body Lotion
Size: 8 ounces
Price: $26 USD
Certifications and features: Cruelty free, vegan, gluten free, made in the USA.
Pros:
- It is made with natural ingredients.
- Comes in many different scents including vanilla bean and honey almond.
- Compared to the body butter the is a light weight moisturizer if that is your preference.
Cons:
- Packaged in plastic so not as sustainable as some of the others in this review.
- Not as hydrating as some of the other lotions in this review.
- Some of the scents are a little strong for my personal preference.
- No safety certifications.
Acure Seriously Soothing Body Lotion
Size: 8 ounces
Price: $11.07 USD
Features and certifications: Vegan and cruelty free.
Acure body lotion is another great safe option. It's made with cocoa butter, colloidal oatmeal, sunflower seed oil and aloe.
Pros:
- This lotion is paraben free, sulfate free, mineral oil free, petrolatum free, and formaldehyde free.
- This lotion is unscented so if you are sensitive to scents or fragrances this is a great option.
- Easily found at drug stores and Target.
- It is very highly rated online.
- It's thick and highly moisturizing.
Cons:
- I personally like how thick and hydrating this lotion is but some people have complained that they find it hard to rub in and slow to absorb.
Babo Botanicals Lotion
Size: 8 ounces or 237 mL
Price: $12.32 USD
Features and certifications: EWG verified, vegan, cruelty free, pediatrician tested, safe for babies and children.
Babo Botanicals makes amazing non-toxic and clean products for babies and adults with sensitive skin. They offer a variety of body lotions, some being fragrance free, and some scented with essential oils such as lavender.
Pros:
- Made with plant based ingredients.
- Their moisturizers are hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
- Their lotion is gluten free, soy free and dairy free.
- Many people comment on how good it is for eczema.
- More affordable than some of the other lotions in this review.
- Rubs in really easily.
Cons:
- Comes in plastic packaging.
- I didn't find it as hydrating as some of the other lotions in this collection.
Dr. Bronners Organic Hand and Body Lotion
Size: 8 ounces
Price: $16.57 USD
Features and certifications: Cruelty free, non-GMO, USDA organic, fair trade.
Dr. Bronner's has been making natural and organic soaps and organic body lotions for over 100 years. Their organic hand and body lotion comes in many different scents and is vegan and made without any animal products.
Pros:
- It's good for most skin types, including sensitive, dry, rough or combination skin.
- Easily found at drug stores and Target.
- Is light weight and absorbs easily into the skin.
Cons:
- Can be ashy on darker skin tones.
- This may sound vain but these bottles just aren't as pretty as some others.
Everyone Body Lotion
Size: 32 ounces
Price: $29.85 USD for a 2-pack
Features and certifications: EWG verified, GMO free, cruelty free, gluten free.
Everyone makes body lotions in many different scents. Their lotion is plant based and made with pure essential oils, coconut oil, aloe vera and vitamin E.
Pros:
- Is a very affordable lotion.
- Is an ultra gentle formula that is gentle enough to be used on your face and body.
- This lotion is paraben free, triclosan free, and synthetic fragrance free.
- Their bottles are also made with previously-used recycled plastic so are an eco-friendly option.
- Easily found at drug stores and grocery stores.
- This lotion absorbs really well.
Cons:
- The bottles are quite large so they aren't great for travelling.
- They don't have the best looking labels in my opinion, and look less luxurious on your counter compared to some other lotions.
Pipette Body Lotion
Size: 170 mL or 5.7 ounces
Price: $8.99 USD
Features and certifications: Hypoallergenic, EWG verified, vegan and cruelty free.
Pipette is another great clean beauty brand. They make safe products for babies and those with sensitive skin. Their baby body lotion is a daily moisturizer that you can use all over, head-to-toe.
Pros:
- It's lightweight and quick absorbing.
- Specifically designed for babies' sensitive skin.
- My friends who have children love this lotion!
- You can get this one at Target and grocery stores.
- Light weigh enough to carry in a purse, gym bag or diaper bag.
Cons:
- The scent is not my favorite and I prefer the unscented option.
- Packaged in plastic.
Rocky Mountain Soap Body Lotion
Size: 240 mL (daily lotion size)
Price: $21 CAD
Features and certifications: Vegan, non-GMO, cruelty free.
Rocky Mountain Soap Company is local to where I live and they make amazing non toxic and natural personal care products so I had to include them in this roundup.
Pros:
- Made in Canada from all natural ingredients.
- Their lotions come in many different scent options. The vanilla and lemongrass are my personal favourites. During the holidays they offer a limited edition vanilla mint scent which is amazing! I always stock up on it during that time of year.
- I love how these lotions make your skin feel.
- They offer a recycling program where you can return your empty containers to the store so they can be re-used.
Cons:
- Comes in plastic packaging.
- Not available in grocery stores or drug stores.
Carina Organics Body Lotion
Size: 250 mL
Price: $13.69 USD
Features and certifications: Hypoallergenic, cruelty free, paraben free, biodegradable, vegan and gluten free.
Carina Organics makes many different body lotions and creams including unscented and scented options. I personally love the unscented option.
Pros:
- Made with natural and certified organic plant, vegetable, flower, and tree extracts.
- My local organic grocery store carries this one so I can buy it locally.
- Nice and light weight.
Cons:
- Packaged in plastic.
- Some reviewers have complained that it leaked when shipped (I have only bought it in store so haven't had this issue).
Not my favourites:
As I mentioned in the intro I have tried many non-toxic body lotions over the years and some of the others I have tried but didn't love as much include:
- Alaffia Body Lotion - This formula can be a little watery and tends to separate when you put it on your skin. I did find that shaking the bottle before pumping helped with this but I found having to do that annoying so this isn't one of my top picks.
- Weleda Skin Food Lotion - The smell of this one is a little unusual and is not my favourite scent of all the lotions I tried.
- 100% Pure Body Butter - I just like the Primally Pure body butter so much better and it is also more affordable so this one isn't my top choice. If you do want more scent options however this one comes in many different scents.
- Earth Mama lotion - I found the scents to be too strong for me and one of my bottles arrived with the cap broken.
Of course there is no way for me to possibly include all the safe and non toxic lotions out there in this post. As such, I thought it would be helpful to share a list of ingredients or harmful chemicals to watch for and avoid when you are out shopping for lotions.
Ingredients to avoid in lotions:
In case you are out shopping and trying to read labels, here is a handy list of ingredients to watch for when you read ingredient lists. If you see any of these terms I would recommend avoiding the product.
Fragrance or parfum
Fragrances are considered to be trade secrets. This means that companies don't have to disclose the ingredients they use to make their fragrances. Hidden within that little unassuming term could be hundreds of chemicals or ingredients, some of which could be harmful to your health. And you don't get to know what any of them are. And unfortunately, the ingredients used to make these fragrances can be harmful to your health.
The ingredients used to make fragrances can be hormone disruptors, allergens, airway irritants, neurological-toxins and ingredients linked to infertility. That's why I recommend avoiding any product, not just lotions, that uses synthetic fragrances or that won't disclose their fragrance ingredients. Unfortunately, the majority of lotions on the market do contain fragrances so it's important to read labels and the ingredient list carefully. To avoid fragrances, check for the words "fragrance", "scent", "perfume" or "parfum" in the ingredients list.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives and anti-bacterial agents used in many beauty and skincare products, including body lotions, to help increase their shelf life and stability. The parabens used most often in personal care products are methyl, ethyl, butyl and propyl paraben.
The problem with parabens is that some of them have weak estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity. In other words, they can lead to hormone imbalances and are therefore considered to be endocrine disruptors or hormone disruptors.
Hormone imbalances can lead to a number of health problems including thyroid disease, infertility, acne, fatigue, weight gain, etc. And parabens have been linked to breast cancer, skin cancer, decreased sperm counts and infertility (Reference, Reference, Reference, Reference).
Phthalates
Phthalates are used to make products flexible and to help fragrances and scents last longer.
Phthalates can also be included in a products fragrance formula so also be sure to avoid products with the words fragrance, perfume or parfum in the ingredient lists.
Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA)
Europe and Canada prohibit the use of DEA in cosmetics and personal care products due to concerns regarding the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. However, these chemicals are still allowed to be used in other countries.
There is also concern that these chemicals can negatively impact male fertility as in vitro studies have shown they impair sperm motility and viability. Animals studies also shown concering neurological effects. TEA is also an immune and respiratory toxin.
To avoid ethanolamines, look for DEA, TEA and MEA when reading ingredient lists.
PEGS
PEG compounds (PEGS) are formed by condensing water and ethylene oxide. While PEG compounds themselves are usually safe for health, they can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is a known carcinogen and because they are used as penetration enhancers, depending on what other ingredients are in the product, they can potentially make other toxic ingredients more harmful.
Triclosan
Tricolsan is an anti-bacterial agent that is added to personal care products in order to prevent bacterial contamination, and to kill bacteria on the surface of the skin. Triclosan is used so commonly that 75% of Americans have detectable levels in their urine.
Animal studies have shown triclosan to be an endocrine disruptor and other studies show that it can alter your microbiome.
Formaldehyde releasing preservatives
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and certain preservatives when used in personal care products can release formaldehyde over time. Some of these preservatives to watch for and avoid include:
- quaternium ingredients
- DMDM hydantoin
- diazolidinyl urea
- imidazolidinyl urea
Others:
- Petroleum-based ingredients:
- petrolatum
- polysorbate ingredients
- propylene glycol
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Retinyl Palmitate - you can read more on why I avoid retinol in this post.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
But don't worry, you don't need to memorize this list of chemicals. I have created a free printable download with a lists of ingredients for you to watch for and avoid in cosmetic products and personal care products.
Frequently asked questions:
While both are moisturizers, generally lotions are lighter in texture and formulated with more water compared to creams which are usually thicker and more hydrating.
You can apply body lotion anytime, but it works especially well if you apply it after bathing to help lock in moisture.
No it is not. Bath and Body Works products contain artificial fragrances as well as other unsafe ingredients which I would recommend avoiding.
I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions please let me know.
Other health information you will like:
- The Best Non Toxic Dental Products
- The best non toxic period underwear
- The best non-toxic deodorants
- Best non-toxic dry shampoos
- The best non toxic laundry detergents
- Is there mercury in your mascara?
- Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better?
- How to choose safe cookware
- Are candles toxic?
- The best non toxic toothpastes
- The best non toxic face masks
Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips!
Our expertise:
Dr. Erin Carter, MD, FRCPC, is a physician with board certifications in internal medicine and rheumatology. She is passionate about nutrition, environmental health and low toxicity living and has been doing research and publishing information in this area for years. She is also a self-trained chef and has been creating and publishing recipes since 2015. Her recipes have been featured on many different websites and online publications.
Leann
Rocky Mountain (Soup) typo
Erin Carter
Oh thanks so much for noticing! I just fixed it 🙂