Ivory · Body Wash
Ivory Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash
Lower PFAS concern; routine body wash with no known risk triggers.
Ivory's exfoliating body wash is a simple surfactant-based cleanser with no waterproofing, grease-resistance, or coating claims. No public PFAS concerns or detections reported for this product.
Shop Ivory on Amazon →Material
Water, surfactants, glycerin, exfoliating microbeads or particles
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Ivory Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash is a water-based surfactant blend with glycerin (humectant) and physical exfoliating particles, typically plastic microbeads or ground pumice depending on formulation year. The surfactants clean by breaking down oils; glycerin retains moisture and softens the skin. Physical exfoliants remove dead skin mechanically without chemical action, which is why this formula avoids harsh acids or enzymes. No heating or prolonged skin contact occurs during normal shower use, so leaching of coating contaminants is not a concern for this product type.
The brand's record and disclosure
Ivory, owned by Procter and Gamble, has not published detailed ingredient sourcing or third-party safety certifications for this specific product. The brand does not prominently disclose PFAS presence or absence, though no public safety recalls or health complaints specific to Ivory Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash appear in FDA or Consumer Product Safety Commission records. P&G maintains general safety and compliance statements but does not volunteer voluntary certification (e.g., EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny) for this mass-market line.
How it compares in its category
Body washes sit at the lower end of personal care product hazard concern because they rinse off within minutes and do not accumulate in skin or organs. Ivory's formula is simpler than many premium alternatives and lacks added fragrance oils, essential oils, or botanical extracts that can trigger sensitization or allergic contact dermatitis. Compared to bar soaps, liquid washes allow better control over rinsing and reduce residue buildup. Exfoliating body washes as a category are considered safe when microbeads are solid (non-degrading plastic or natural mineral) rather than dissolving polymers.
If you buy it
Use as directed on wet skin during shower; rinse thoroughly to avoid residue or irritation, especially if you have sensitive or compromised skin. Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin. If microbeads are plastic, they will not degrade in your shower drain and contribute to microplastic pollution in waterways; consider pumice or sugar-based alternatives if environmental impact concerns you. Store in a cool, dry place and discard if the product separates, thickens unusually, or develops odor, which may indicate microbial growth or preservative breakdown.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Ivory Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash does not list added fragrance or essential oils in widely available formulations, reducing risk of contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitization compared to scented alternatives.
1,4-dioxane (manufacturing contaminant in surfactants)
Surfactants derived from ethoxylation (common in commercial body washes) may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct. Ivory does not disclose testing or removal; no specific contamination has been publicly reported for this product, but the risk exists at low levels in most conventional body washes.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
No evidence that Ivory Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash uses formaldehyde releasers (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin); modern Procter and Gamble formulations typically use non-releasing preservative systems, but the brand does not transparently disclose preservative identity.
Microplastic pollution from exfoliating particles
If this product contains plastic microbeads (common in older Ivory formulations), they do not biodegrade and accumulate in waterways and aquatic organisms. Many regions have banned plastic microbeads; Ivory has phased them out in some markets but formulation varies by region and purchase date. Check the ingredient list for 'polyethylene,' 'polypropylene,' or 'polystyrene' to confirm.
Skin irritation from physical exfoliation
Overuse or application to sensitive, damaged, or sunburned skin can cause micro-abrasions, redness, or stinging. This is a use-related risk rather than a toxicological hazard and is manageable with appropriate frequency and technique.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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Dr. Bronner's
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More body wash grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.