If you’re looking to replace just one personal care or beauty product with a cleaner, non-toxic version, body lotion is a great place to start. It covers a large portion of your body and it sits on your bare skin all day so it’s important, given those circumstances, that the ingredients are safe! Yes, it’s entirely possible that some of the ingredients in body lotions can permeate the epidermis and enter your bloodstream. Yes, it’s possible that some of those ingredients in conventional lotions pose a risk to your health when used for a sustained period of time. The good news is that there are SO MANY clean, non-toxic options. I’ve tried quite a few and I am going to share with you a handful of body moisturizers that I like and that suit a number of needs.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid In My Body Lotions?

Parabens - Parabens are found in so many beauty and personal care products, including body lotions. Look for butylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, or ethylparaben on the ingredients list. Parabens are a preservative, which is essential, but unfortunately there is some concern about their possible link to hormone disruption and even breast cancer. Manufacturers have found safer preservatives like citric acid and vitamin e to replace parabens, but consumers should be aware that the shelf life will be shorter. Make sure you use all paraben-free products up by the date provided on the packaging.

Fragrance/Parfum - Yes, fragrance is going to make your lotion smell really good, but it’s those undisclosed ingredients in fragrance that are of concern. Phthalates, in particular, are the most concerning because of their link to a variety of health issues including hormone disruption, fertility issues, cardiovascular issues and obesity. Phthalates are used to help fragrance last longer and “cling” to the skin.

Mineral Oil - Mineral oil is too heavy for the skin and doesn’t allow it to breath. It basically sits on top of the skin like a plastic coating rather than sinking into the skin and providing a permeable protective layer. It can clog pores and not allow the skin to naturally eliminate toxins.

DMDM Hydantoin - DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde releasing preservative added to many personal care items including body lotions. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can be present in products that include DMDM hydantoin in their ingredients.

Benzalkonium Chloride - Benzalkonium chloride is another preservative and also a surfactant and has been associated with significant skin, eye, and respiratory irritation as well as allergies.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) - EDTA is a binding agent added to personal care and beauty products to help improve stability. There is concern that is may be toxic to organs.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds) - PEGs are commonly used in beauty and personal care products as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. There is concern that during the manufacturing process, PEGs may be contaminated with significant amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are carcinogens.

Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) - Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient made from both palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). An FDA study has shown that retinyl palmitate, accelerates the development of certain skin cancer lesions and causes photosensitization. The FDA as well as health agencies in Norway and Germany have raised concerns that consistent application of vitamin A creams may also contribute to excessive vitamin A intake for pregnant women and other individuals.

Get Ready for Dry Skin Season with These Clean Beauty Body Moisturizers

Solid

Kate McLeod’s Body Stone - Kate McLeod has formulated a combination of oils and botanical butters to create this incredibly unique solid moisturizer that melts into skin upon contact. It’s available in a full and mini size and several formulations. The mini is perfect for traveling since it’s solid (no spills) and packs easily. I love that the packaging is completely plastic free and that all ingredients are botanically-based. Mini is $14 and the full size starter kit is $45 (refills are $38).

Mountain Madness Solid Lotion Bar - Formulated with olive oil, local beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, calendula extract, essential oils of lemon, rosemary and vitamin E and that’s it! Simple yet hydrating, it’s great for the whole body or spot treating those dry spots like elbows and cuticles. $12 on the Mountain Madness Soap Co. website.

For Eczema Prone Skin

Acure Everyday Eczema Lotion - This highly rated unscented formula with colloidal oatmeal and and a variety botanical oils helps sooth and protect skin between and during eczema outbreaks. Vegan and paraben, sulfate, petrolatum, mineral oil, formaldehyde and cruelty free. $12 on Amazon.

Pipette Eczema Lotion - Perfect for eczema prone skin of all ages. Plant-based squalane and colloidal oatmeal help soothe, moisturize and protect during eczema flare ups. Free of steroids, petrolatum and silicones. $14 on Amazon.

Adaptive

Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisturizer - Formulated with squalane, aloe vera, plum oil and phytic acid, this moisturizer is uniquely designed to adapt to your individual skin’s moisture needs. Light in texture and scent, this lotion sinks right in and leaves skin feeling soft with no greasiness or stickiness. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, this is perfect. $39 on the Beautycounter website.

Body Balm

Beautycounter Melting Body Balm - Enriched with argan and avocado oils, this body balm is perfect for skin that needs a good boost of hydration and protection (good for those really dry, cold winter months) without being heavy or greasy. It’s also great for spot treating areas like elbows, cuticles and hands and a little goes a long way. $42 on Beautycounter’s website.

Sheabrand CBD Muscle, Joint and Skin Balm - Loaded with healing essential oils along with CBD, this balm is formulated for providing relief to aching joints and muscles along with providing hydration. $30 on the Credo Beauty website.

Anti-Aging

oSea Anti-aging Body Balm - We use anti-aging products for our face but what about our bodies? This anti-aging balm from oSea is so luxurious and hydrating, plus it contains antioxidants and seaweed extract to help tighten and firm skin. It’s loaded with botanical oils that sink into skin and give a soft, dewy finish. $48 on the oSea website.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil - An antioxidant and vitamin rich body oil that promotes radiant and healthy skin from head to toe. Richly hydrating with evening primrose and camellia oil. Good for all skin types and can also be used as a deep conditioning hair mask.. $120 on the Credo Beauty website.

Body Oil

Weleda Hydrating Beauty and Body Oil - A blend of botanical oils that can be used on body, hair and in the bath. Simple, nourishing and hydrating. $21.50 on the Credo Beauty website.

oSea Undaria Algae Oil - Perfect for every skin type this luxurious body oil is infused with seaweed extracts and botanical oils to hydrate and firm skin. $48 on the Credo Beauty website.

Baby

Pipette Fragrance Free Baby Lotion - Gentle, lightweight and fast-absorbing, this lotion is perfect for baby’s delicate skin. Adults can use it too! Contains plant-derived squalane, essential fatty acids and ceramides. Completely fragrance free and well priced at $8 a tube. Available on Amazon.

Beautycounter Daily Baby Protective Balm - Specially formulated for baby’s delicate, sensitive skin this balm includes shea butter, sunflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil to soothe, hydrate and protect. Also great for sensitive adult skin. $22 on the Beautycounter website.

Simple

Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion - Beautycounter’s tried and true body lotion in its signature citrus mimosa scent. Loaded with hydrating botanical butters and oils for smooth, hydrated skin. $25 on the Beautycounter website.

Billie Dry-Bye Body Lotion - Formulated with aloe, shea butter, grapeseed oil and chamomile for soothing all-day hydration with a light citrus scent. A matte, comfortable finish with no greasy, sticky feel. $12 on the Billie website.

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