The Best Non-Toxic Body Lotions + Ingredients to Avoid!

Slathering on your favorite lotion or body oil is a simple yet almost luxurious act of self-care. But what if I told you that your current moisturizer might be hiding a not-so-luxurious secret?

Unfortunately, many conventional body lotions contain a list of potentially harmful ingredients that can contribute to a host of health conditions over time. Even some of the priciest and most fragrant body lotions might not be as “clean” as you might think.

Ironically, body lotions and moisturizers that don’t contain harmful chemicals don’t have as many(or any) fillers and unnecessary ingredients. So you actually get a better concentration of the ingredients that nourish your skin. Now that’s truly luxurious.

What to look for in a non-toxic body lotion:

Just like what you put in your body, some of the same rules apply to what you put on your body. Think of it as food for your skin.

When you flip the container over, you want to see a relatively short ingredient list with items you recognize and can pronounce. Organic ingredients are also a plus because they’re less likely to be exposed to toxic pesticides.

Ingredients to AVOID in Your Body Lotion

Your skin is your largest organ. About 60 to 70% of what you put on it is absorbed and enters your bloodstream. (Yikes!) So, the last thing you want to do is give potential endocrine disruptors and carcinogens a direct route into your body. Find out what ingredients to avoid in your beauty products here.

When you’re looking for a non-toxic body lotion, these are a few ingredients you’ll want to avoid:

A quick note on fragrance: Fragrance can be one of the most toxic substances on the list. The term fragrance can indicate any combination of over 3,059 chemicals that companies do not have to disclose.

Now that you have an understanding of what to look for and what to avoid in your body care products, here are some of my top picks.

I’ve broken them up into three categories: body oils, lotions, and body butter. Most people have a texture preference, so this makes it easier to find what you’re looking for based on texture.

Body Oils

1. Momotaro Tonic

There’s a reason this one is first on my list. I stan a multi-use product, and this one checks off so many boxes. It’s a Bath and Body Oil Concentrate that even helps with yeast infections and prevents ingrown hairs. Use my code CHUNTE at checkout for 10% off!

2. Melanin Hair Oil

You might remember this product from my August round-up. Needless to say, I’m obsessed with it. Technically, Melanin is a haircare brand. But this lightweight oil soothes my skin from scalp to sole. And to top it off, it’s black woman-owned. Need I say more?

3. Beautycounter Luminous Hydration Body Oil

This one’s at the top of my wishlist. I love the way body oils make your skin look, but don’t usually wear them during the day out of fear of ruining my clothes. This one is actually a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly.

4. Flawless Refreshing Lavender Body Oil

This body oil is perfect for a nighttime ritual. It’s nourishing, lightweight and has a calming lavender scent to wind things down.

Body Lotions

These non-toxic body lotions are my ultimate favorites and help me keep my skin hydrated and healthy.

5. Beautycounter Bright Grapefruit Hydrating Lotion

Another pick from Beautycounter. This body lotion caught my attention because of its grapefruit scent and refillable packaging. Hydrating and eco-friendly.

6. Dr. Bronner’s Coconut Lavender Body Lotion

You really can’t mention natural skincare products without mentioning the OG – Dr. Bronner. Although this brand is best known for its multi-use soap, they also have body lotions in several scents, including unscented.

Body Butters

These are the ultimate hydration method for dry skin. Body butters are luxuriously thick and feel like a treat to apply. These are my favorites:

7. Divine Clementine Whipped Body Butter Sampler

These body butters are always in rotation at my house. They’re super rich and made from quality ingredients. Did I also mention that this brand was founded by a fellow fibroid survivor?

8. Nourish by Ovule

I’m so proud to share this brand. Not only is this rich butter of superior quality, but it the brand is also founded by my cousin! I also appreciate that this one is packaged in glass.

9. Alaffia Shea Body Butter

I have to say, a tube of this rich shea-based butter lasts FOREVER. It’s also fair trade and supports women-led coops in West Africa.

DIY Non-Toxic Lotion Options

There’s also the option to DIY your own body oils and lotions. Or you can simply pick out an oil that works well on your skin and go with that.

Personally, I enjoy the experience of supporting these brands. Many of them are small black-owned brands that do incredible work for their communities.

Do you have a favorite brand that I missed? Let me know below in the comments.