Is Native Body Wash Good For You? [+Safety Guide]

Native body wash

Searching for a mellow, moderate body wash without too many chemicals? Wondering if Native’s Body Washes are good for healthy, vibrant skin? 

Well, they are! Native body washes are a more natural alternative to chemical-filled bath soaps and gels. They substitute many artificial additives with plant-based alternatives. They use clean ingredients for a rejuvenating shower. 

Native is making strides towards being eco-friendly. But they aren’t skimping on quality. This article will give you an idea about Native body washes. It will explore their suitability and safety for your skin needs. 

Native body wash ingredients

These ingredients are common across all varieties

IngredientWhat does it do?
Cocamidopropyl BetaineThis is a mild surfactant made from coconut oil. It helps with lathering and foaming.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate or Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateThese are gentle cleansing surfactants. They bind to dirt, making removal easier. They are also emulsifiers. They help oil and water-based ingredients to blend together without separating.  They also moisturize and condition skin.
Citric AcidThis natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliates the skin. It removes dead skin cells, leaving skin bright and dewy.
Salt Salt is added to make the wash thicker. It also balances the pH.

Does Native body wash have a fragrance?

Technically, yes. The Native body wash does contain fragrances. As per F.D.A. rules, essential oils with innate smells classify as fragrances. Native uses their own in-house combination for the scented washes. 

The proprietary blend contains natural extracts, natural oils, and some synthetic oils. These are all sustainably sourced and manufactured. There are no harmful phthalates in these fragrances. 

There are Native unscented body washes as well. This is great for people who want that crisp, clean, fresh-out-of-the-shower smell. 

Does Native body wash contain caffeine?

No, Native body wash doesn’t contain caffeine. Caffeine is added to body wash in the form of ground coffee. It may also be coffee extract. Caffeine is a powerful antioxidant. It is used for its antioxidant properties. 

It prevents early aging. It also tightens the skin and clears pores. Caffeine helps in collagen production. This keeps the skin plump and supple. It reduces wrinkles and sagging skin. It lightens and brightens. It also soothes puffiness under the eye.

Does Native body wash contain gluten?

There is no gluten in Native body wash. But it is not certified gluten-free. This is because of the possibility of cross-contamination. They may use shared manufacturing or processing facilities. This common use may leave traces of gluten.

But gluten is not added as an ingredient. No grains or grain extracts are used intentionally in the formulas. And the quantities are probably negligible- almost nil. The machine lines are also cleaned after each use. So people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can use this safely.

Does Native body wash contain lye?

No, Native body wash does not contain lye as an active ingredient. Lye is also called sodium or potassium hydroxide. It is used to convert oils into soaps in a process called saponification.

All body soaps use lye during manufacturing. Otherwise, soap can’t be made suitable for use on the human body. It will remain a harsh detergent.

Lye may certainly be used in the making of Native body washes. But the end-product does not contain it. The saponification process removes all traces of lye in the final soap.  

Does Native body wash contain palm oil?

No, the Native body washes do not contain palm oil. But the Native bar soaps do contain palm oil extracts. These include sodium palmate and sodium palm kernelate. These are both surfactants with a slightly fatty odor. 

The Native bar soaps also use palm acid and palm kernel acid. These compounds make the soap opaque. They also create a covering on the skin to prevent loss of moisture. Instead of palm oil, Native body washes use coconut oil. 

Does Native body wash contain parabens? 

No, Native body wash does not contain parabens. Parabens are used as preservatives. Common forms are methyl, ethyl, and propyl parabens. Native body washes use alternative preservatives. These include sodium benzoate and sodium salicylate. 

These salts are antimicrobial and antifungal. 

They prolong the shelf-life of the body washes. They prevent it from becoming rancid and stale. Parabens are potentially harmful. They are thought to cause hormone imbalances and reproductive malfunction. These effects aren’t proven scientifically. But, better safe than sorry! 

Is Native body wash antibacterial?

No, Native body wash isn’t an antibacterial soap. It is not marketed as an antibacterial. Nor does it have an antibacterial formula. Usually, antibacterial soaps contain triclosan or chloride compounds. Natural antibacterial soaps may use plant extracts. 

The Native body wash does have some ingredients with antibacterial properties. These include spearmint, geranium, and lavender oils. These essential oils kill bacteria. Other ingredients like citrus and charcoal may also have minimal antimicrobial effects.  

They are not added to bust bacteria. They are added mainly for fragrance. But these extra benefits don’t hurt! In any case, scientists believe that normal soap is just as good as antibacterial soap. Native body wash ensures equal hygiene. 

Is Native body wash safe for pregnancy? 

Yes, Native body washes are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. Native doesn’t contain any parabens, phthalates or sulfates. These are the main ingredients to avoid when expecting. They are suspected of retarding development and causing cognitive problems. 

Native is free of such nasty chemicals. The body wash is very gentle on the skin. This is essential because the skin gets very sensitive during pregnancy. It also keeps skin hydrated and soft. This helps to combat itchiness from stretch marks and general dryness. 

Sodium salicylate was briefly under the scanner. But there was no conclusive evidence of toxicity or carcinogenicity in this form. It is completely safe during pregnancy or otherwise. 

Is Native body wash safe for babies?

No, Native body wash isn’t baby-safe or suggested for infants. It isn’t toxic or dangerous. But it does have ingredients that could have negative effects. It has common irritants like coconut oil, natural fragrances, and surfactants. The citric acid may also cause a stinging sensation. 

These could be harsh on your baby’s skin. It could cause redness, irritation, and inflammation. Your baby may also be allergic to some ingredients. It is always best to stick to baby-specific or body washes.

Is Native body wash vegan and cruelty-free? 

Yes, Native body washes are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. They do not contain any animal products or animal-derived ingredients. They also do not test on animals. They only conduct volunteer-based testing on humans.

Their third-party suppliers also don’t conduct animal testing. The company does not conduct testing in buyer countries. Countries like China legally require animal tests on all products. By avoiding this, Native has upped its vegan credentials. It is kind to people and to the planet. 

Is Native body wash good for sensitive skin? 

Yes, Native body wash is good for sensitive skin. It does away with chemicals that can aggravate the skin. It doesn’t contain dyes, sulfates, or strong exfoliators. It is also free of top allergens and preservatives like MCI/MI. These are all the main triggers for contact dermatitis. 

But, Native body washes are not hypoallergenic. It contains ingredients like essential oils, mineral powders, and Balsam from Peru. These can be sensitizing. They can cause rashes, blisters, and hives. Cocamidopropyl Betaine only worsens these reactions.  

It finally depends on each person’s skin composition and what they react to. 

Is Native body wash good for dry skin?

Yes, Native body washes are a good option for dry skin. It contains moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and other essential oils. Some of these oils are hydrating. Others prevent water loss from the skin surface. Salt also retains water in the skin, making it firm and smooth.

Native body washes do not have sulfates. The sulfates provide a bubbly foam. It leaves you feeling clean. But it also strips your skin of necessary oils. It creates a sebum imbalance. Native steers clear of these dehydrating sulfates. 

Is Native body wash good for eczema? 

No, Native body wash is not good for eczema. It is mild enough to not aggravate it. But some ingredients may trigger occasional flare-ups. Eczema needs a specified soap or wash. It needs a medicated formula to help keep it under control. Native can soothe and soften the skin. 

It may make the condition a little more bearable. Some Native body washes contain ingredients like cucumber extract. These can calm down skin inflammation. But it isn’t designed to treat eczema outbreaks. So it won’t be very effective. 

Is Native body wash good for acne?

Yes, some Native body washes may be good for acne. They aren’t formulated to tackle acne specifically. But some varieties may have ingredients that are helpful for this condition. For example, lavender oil can prevent bacterial accumulation. This may help acne to subside. 

Native also has a balanced pH. This soothes flakiness that may accompany acne breakouts. But if you have a severe case of acne, Native is not for you. You need a dermatologically-approved wash. It must be specifically created to curb and control acne. 

Is Native body wash good for pH balance? What is the pH?

Yes, Native body wash is fairly good for maintaining pH balance. They have an average pH of about 5.5. Body and skin pH ranges from 4.8 to 5.7. Native body washes are perfectly synced to your skin composition. They are light and non-irritating.

Healthy skin pH is also slightly acidic on the pH scale. This is crucial to prevent infections. It also protects the skin from external damage. At the same time, Native body washes aren’t too acidic. Excess acidity can knock off the oil balance. This may further lead to breakouts. 

It also keeps alkalinity in check. Alkalinity can dry out the skin and cause cracks. Native’s pH is quite optimal for most skin types.

Can you use Native body wash as shampoo? 

No, you cannot use Native body wash as a shampoo. It does not contain ingredients to promote hair health or growth. The cleaning agents are not suitable for use on your locks. Your hair will remain grimy and sticky. It may look unwashed and dull. 

Using the body wash may also leave your hair brittle and lifeless. It can also prompt a dandruff problem.

But Native body washes do have anti-static properties. They also have a pH similar to most shampoos. If you do end up using it, try to limit it to emergencies. You can only expect frizz-free and perfumed hair. Nothing else! 

Can you use Native body wash on your face?

Yes, you can use Native body wash on your face. But it is not recommended. Native is a rather tender cleansing agent. But ideally, your facial skin needs more care. 

Native body washes have ingredients that could clog up your pores. They are not non-comedogenic. It could make your face oily and pimple-prone. 

Native does have sulfates or parabens. So it won’t cause skin peeling or soreness. If you have normal skin, Native may work. But for combination or oily skin, it could go wrong. Facial skin reacts quicker and stronger to sensitizing ingredients. So use wisely. 

Can you use Native body wash on dogs?

No, you cannot use Native body washes on dogs. Your pooch has a completely different body pH. Using human body washes can disrupt their skin regulation. A dog’s pH is more alkaline. Native is more acidic. This could lead to parasitic growths because their system is disturbed. 

You can use it as a one-off solution. But routine use is not a good idea. Your dog will itch and scratch leading to raw, exposed skin. The oil used can also be toxic if ingested. It won’t be life-threatening. But your furry friend could get sick.

Native body washes definitely strike a balance between efficiency and nourishment. If they float your boat, get in on the experience. Make your showers a beautiful, light, and enjoyable time! 

References:

  1. https://www.nativecos.com/products/body-wash-coconut-vanilla
  2. https://www.skinsafeproducts.com/native-coconut-vanilla-body-wash-11-5-fl-oz#:~:text=SkinSAFE%20has%20reviewed%20the%20ingredients,Glycol%2C%20Oil%2C%20and%20Dye.
Anand Srinivasan
Latest posts by Anand Srinivasan (see all)