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It seems every brand is trying to woo us with newly “natural” ingredients and plant-based products these days. Nearly every label has some elements of green and is labeled “NO PARABENS” in big, bold letters. While I appreciate the effort, it can be overwhelming as a consumer to decipher the walk from the talk.
So, I’ve been on a quest to figure this out for myself. In my year and a half experiment with natural products, only one brand has made label-reading actually easy on me: Native.
We like
- Exceptional natural ingredient list
- Overall brand transparency
- Leaves skin feeling soft
- Variety of scents to choose from
- Availability both at retailers and online
- Free of animal testing
We don't like
- Premium price
- Only one size available
- Stronger scent (although Unscented is an option)
Native Body Wash
Native's body wash is made with simple ingredients you understand while still delivering on the delightful experience that you expect out of a body wash.
We like
- Exceptional natural ingredient list
- Overall brand transparency
- Leaves skin feeling soft
- Variety of scents to choose from
- Availability both at retailers and online
- Free of animal testing
We don't like
- Premium price
- Only one size available
- Stronger scent (although Unscented is an option)
Clean As A Whistle
Native is a personal care brand that makes premium products with clean ingredients. It all started when the founder, Moiz Ali, checked his deodorant’s ingredient list and found it was full of aluminum and other not-so-good-for-you ingredients. From then on, he, as well as the entire brand, has been committed to, “sweating the small stuff” and ensuring your body care is clean as can be.
Since its founding, Native has expanded to a variety of body care products beyond antiperspirant. Native now offers bar soap, toothpaste, sunscreen, hair care, and even skin care – all with the same attention to detail as the OG deodorant.
From the Factory to My Shower
On a kick to clean up my family’s personal care products, I recently decided to try out Native’s Body Wash ($10). When I went to order online, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of scents. Typically, “natural” body washes and shampoos are quite bland in their scents, many even leaving them out all together. I’m a scent gal, a true sucker for things that smell good. My personal M.O. when it comes to body care is anything coconut flavored, so naturally, I went with Coconut & Vanilla. Other scents include Cucumber & Mint, Eucalyptus & Mint, Lavender & Rose, as well as several enticing limited edition scents.
At $10 for 18 oz, this is admittedly more than I’ve spent on grocery store body wash. While you can subscribe and save 20%, I always like to try things before I commit to subscribing. The actual process of ordering was blessedly easy, with a quick check out and easy-to-use interface. The body wash arrived a few days later in a neat box with recyclable packaging. The actual bottle is stunningly simple, able to elevate any shower’s look and feel.
Getting Squeaky Clean
I loved the act of actually putting the bottle in my shower and tossing the other store-bought generic brand to the wayside. The first time I showered with the body wash, I was really surprised to see that it is totally clear! I guess when I thought “coconut,” my mind instantly went to a white or off-white type of wash, but this is a totally clear liquid. This makes a lot of sense, based on the ingredients that are on the back.
Speaking of the back of the bottle, the simplicity of the ingredients list might be my favorite part of the product. In a brief table, Native explains the mere eight ingredients in the wash, as well as what that actually means in, you know, human terms. Refreshingly, you don’t have to be a scientist to understand what’s in this wash.
Refreshingly, you don’t have to be a scientist to understand what’s in this wash.
The soap gives a true, luxuriously smooth wash, which is something I never had experienced with a clear body wash. It also smells like vacation. Who doesn’t love to wake up to vacation vibes in the morning? Even better, it’s multi-purpose. In addition to both my husband and myself using it as a body wash, I also shaved my legs with it.
Good Prices, Even Better Ingredients
Though $10 may be more than you’re used to spending on a generic, grocery-store body wash, you only get one body! It’s critical to take care of it by putting good stuff in and around you. Switching to Native is an easy choice for your peace of mind. And honestly, that’s pretty priceless.
5 More Reasons to Love Native:
- The brand is a member of 1% for the Planet, which means Native donates 1% of every purchase to environmental nonprofits.
- Native does not perform any animal testing. The brand teasingly writes, “only on humans who willingly volunteer!”
- The products are made with different hair and bodies in mind; certain shampoos and conditioners are designed for curly hair and some for finer, straight hair.
- The brand offers a rewards program, so you can save as you purchase life’s essentials.
- If you don’t want to have to think about ordering your body wash, you can still get it right to your front door on a scheduled basis by subscribing. Frequency and product selections are totally up to you!
Native Bodywash FAQs
If you’re considering picking up a bottle of Native’s body wash next time you’re at Target, you still might have a few final questions. Understanding what makes a body wash qualify as “natural,” why it’s worth seeking out paraben-free and sulfate-free body washes, and why The Quality Edit team thinks these products are worth their (usually) slightly higher price point, can help you make educated choices when you’re in the aisle shopping—or getting ready to click “add to cart.”
Why is Native's Body Wash worth considering despite its premium price?
If you’re used to buying generic, inexpensive bottles of body wash, Native and other similar brands may come with a bit of sticker shock. And while it’s true that each bottle is likely a bit more than the bargain brands, Native’s other characteristics can help explain some of that higher price point.
Native’s body washes are formulated with simple ingredients and designed to keep your skin hydrated, which we can all use, particularly in the colder winter months. Native uses vegan ingredients and has a pH level that’s close to that of your skin. Not only that, but the brand works to support sustainability efforts, which is super important to many consumers.
Why Should I Buy Paraben-Free and Sulfate-free Body Wash?
Whether you regularly buy the same brand of body wash or you like to switch things up quite a bit, you likely don’t continue to buy (or even try the first time) body washes, shampoos, and other products that contain products that might irritate your skin. Phthalates, parabens, and sulfates are all types of ingredients that are somewhat controversial because of the potential impact on people’s health and skin. Particularly if you have sensitive skin, you likely will want to avoid buying lots of products with these types of ingredients.
What is Meant by “Natural” Body Wash?
Native is known for its “natural” body washes and other products, but what does that really mean? Essentially, in Native’s case, it means that the ingredients in the products are derived from nature. The brand is referring to things like cleansers derived from coconut oil, water, citric acid (from citrus fruits), and a variety of salts. Native’s body wash does include SLS (a surfactant), which can cause skin irritation, according to WebMD, but in a product like body wash, it gets rinsed off of your skin relatively quickly—Native uses it to add “foamyness” to the body wash.
Editor Note: Since the publication of this article, Native has launched their all-natural Whole Body Deodorant Spray ($14). Going beyond the usual use of deodorant, this product is clinically proven to reduce sweat and odor in your pits, privates, and more. It’s safe for sensitive skin and leaves no residue. This is a product our TQE editors (and dermatologists) recommend you try in addition to the products mentioned above!
Treat yourself to a better body wash today – you deserve it.
