Your skin is the largest organ in your body; it covers you from head to toe and acts as a shield against the outside world. And whatever touches your skin doesn’t just stay on the surface but actually gets absorbed into your bloodstream. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of what you slather on your skin (especially lotion, which covers such a large area). So, I’m sharing my favorite non-toxic body lotions to make shopping easier.
A lot of popular lotions on the market are packed with toxic chemicals. Those body lotions may look and smell great (and they can be enticing when the branding is cute), but they often contain ingredients harmful to your health. However, you don’t have to sacrifice safety for performance – the options below are loaded with skin-pampering nutrients, like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and avocado oil.
When shopping for your lotion, try the avoid the following ingredients: parabens, phthalates, polyethylene glycol (PEG), formaldehyde, fragrances (these are trade secrets – anything can be labeled as fragrance!), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and triclosan. Many of these ingredients can cause hormonal imbalances, allergies and rashes, and have even been linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Here are some great options!
This Oliveda Anti-Aging Body Balm Lotion has a light scent that both my husband and I like. It’s incredibly hydrating but ultra-light, so it absorbs quickly and is never greasy. It’s loaded with green olive leaf cell elixir, which gives a serious boost of hydration, soothes irritation, and helps kickstart new cell growth. It uses cold-pressed oils, herbal extracts, mango butter, and sweet almond oil to protect and moisturize. (You can read my full Oliveda Skincare Review here — all their products are non-toxic.)
I’ve used the Primally Pure Body Butter for years (on both Thomas and myself) and can’t sing its praises enough. It’s thick and creamy, made with all-natural and safe ingredients, and doesn’t break the bank. Since it’s a body butter rather than a lotion consistency, it’s perfect for anyone who has truly dry skin. It also comes in 3 scents (eucalyptus and lavender are my favorite). This does leave a bit of a greasy feeling, so I prefer to use this at night rather than during the day. (Here’s a post about how to get the best results from body butter.)
The Wink Llama lotion is my #1 pick for body lotion for kids. I first ordered Wink Llama Lotion when my first baby was about a year old, and we still use it now that he’s four. We also use it on my 8-month-old. It has a lightweight smell and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It helps repair dry or cracked areas and doesn’t sting. The key ingredients are shea butter, lavender, and coconut oil. It can also help with skin issues that babies are prone to, like eczema, baby acne, and cradle cap.
The bottle is huge, which makes it a steal for under $25. The founder of Wink is a mom and a friend of mine from college, so I know anything they produce will be safe and effective. I tried Wink products for a few months before realizing it was Danny and Shalayne’s company, and it made me fall in love with it even more after I learned they created it.
If your little one (or you!) has seriously dry skin or rashes, the Primally Pure Baby Balm is a must. It’s incredibly gentle and hydrating. It’s very thick and never irritates even the most sensitive skin (which my little guy has!). I started using this when we had our first newborn and still keep it on hand, four years later. Both of my boy’s cheeks are prone to eczema in the winter, so I slather this on their faces before bed and first thing in the morning.
Oliveda’s Anti Aging Hand Cream is, hands down (hehe), my favorite hand lotion. I keep it in our powder bathroom and get compliments from guests whenever they use it. It has a lovely, subtle scent and absorbs quickly. I love that this doesn’t leave my hands feeling greasy.
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner is one of the most popular non-toxic self-tanning lotions on the market for good reason. They also make a tanning mousse, which I’m including here instead of the lotion since the mousse is easier to apply without a mess. It’s made up of 81% water and certified organic ingredients, and the other 19% are naturally derived ingredients without toxic or harmful additives. The active ingredient is sugar-beet-derived DHA, a sugar derivative that gives the top layer of the skin a bronzed glow. (It’s different — and safer — than the DHA most brands use.)
It applies clear (unlike others that dispense as a dark tan or even dark olive color) and has NO funky self-tanning smell (thanks to a more natural form of DHA). I own this and love it.
The best face lotion for normal or combination skin is Oliveda’s F05 Anti Oxidant Face Cream. It’s a simple but effective everyday moisturizer that protects, balances, and hydrates your skin. It contains antioxidants (olive leaf extract) and rosemary. It is lightweight and plumping and you only need a small amount, since a little goes a long way.
I have super dry skin, and I use the Oliveda F42 Corrective Face Cream as my daytime moisturizer. This day cream is ideal for dry/aging skin because it has extra hydroxytyrosol in it (a super powerful antioxidant). It’s soothing, super hydrating, improves elasticity, and reduces fine lines. It also contains a sun protection factor, which I appreciate. The texture is thick, but it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel heavy.
If you struggle with dry, sensitive skin, I highly recommend the Oliveda F74 Regeneration Intense Face Cream for your night cream. It’s the most hydrating night cream I’ve ever used — and I’ve tried a LOT, including the $300 Augustinus Bader Rich Cream that has a cult following — and still prefer this Oliveda face cream. It’s made with highly bioactive ingredients that work to protect skin cells. This is scent-free, making it a great option for sensitive skin. The texture is weird and feels a little tacky as you first apply it, but as it warms on your skin, it will spread more easily and absorb.
The Acure Seriously Soothing Day Cream is a great non-toxic face lotion for teens and young adults because it’s easy to order and reasonably priced. It’s made with argan oil and sunflower amino acids, leaving your skin soft and hydrated. It also contains chamomile, which is calming for sensitive skin. I love that you can order this straight from Amazon.
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I hope this list was helpful! If you need other recommendations for non-toxic lotions, leave a comment. I’m happy to help!
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