Kiehl's Since 1851 · Body Wash
Kiehl's Bath Shower Liquid Body Cleanser
Lower concern, a basic liquid cleanser with no typical PFAS application; no red flags in public formulation info.
Kiehl's Bath Shower Liquid Body Cleanser is a water-based liquid soap with no disclosed PFAS ingredients or known application reasons (e.g., water resistance, nonstick) that would require fluorochemicals.
Shop Kiehl's Since 1851 on Amazon →Material
Water-based liquid cleanser, surfactants and botanical extracts
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
Kiehl's Bath Shower Liquid Body Cleanser is a water-based liquid formulation containing synthetic and botanical surfactants, plus plant extracts marketed for skin benefit. Liquid cleansers in this format avoid the ceramic-glaze and metal-coating hazards of solid alternatives and do not require heating that would trigger volatile release. The surfactant base is typical of mass-market body washes and has no documented acute toxicity at use concentrations, though individual sensitivity to fragrance or preservatives is possible.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kiehl's (owned by L'Oreal) does not publicly disclose full ingredient safety certifications or third-party testing results for PFAS or other emerging contaminants, reflecting standard industry opacity for prestige personal-care brands. The brand has no major recalls or regulatory violations on public record for this product line. Kiehl's maintains general sustainability messaging but does not commit to independent safety audits or PFAS elimination statements.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mid-to-premium segment of body washes. It avoids synthetic polymer microbeads (banned in many regions since 2015) and uses dissolved botanical extracts instead. Compared to ultra-budget alternatives, Kiehl's formulation is likely more refined and less prone to skin irritation, though no categorical safety advantage exists; compared to indie brands with third-party certifications (EWG, Cradle to Cradle), Kiehl's offers less transparent hazard documentation.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to slow surfactant oxidation and preserve fragrance integrity. Use as directed; do not ingest. If sensitivity (rash, itching) develops, discontinue and rinse thoroughly. Liquid cleansers typically last 6-9 months in a bathroom; replace if separation, discoloration, or odor changes occur, indicating 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
Body washes in this price tier typically contain fragrance blends that may trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals; full fragrance ingredient disclosure is not mandated on packaging in most markets.
Preservative-related contact irritation
Liquid cleansers require preservatives (commonly methylisothiazolinone or parabens) to prevent microbial growth; these are safe at label use but can cause localized skin sensitization in some users, particularly on damaged skin.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservative system
No public evidence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in Kiehl's formulations; however, ingredient lists are not fully transparent, so presence cannot be ruled out without direct brand communication.
Heavy metals in colorants or botanical extracts
Liquid body washes do not typically accumulate heavy metals, and botanical extracts in cosmetic-grade products are generally screened for contaminants; no recalls or testing data for this product suggest concern.
Microbial contamination if packaging compromised
Pump or squeeze bottles can develop mold or bacterial growth at the nozzle if exposed to moisture and warm bathroom conditions; regular cleaning of dispenser and timely replacement limits this risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.
Safer alternatives in Body Wash
Cetyl
Dr Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap
saponified vegetable oils (castile base), no protective coatings
Lower-concern choice; simple castile soap formulation carries minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
Dr. Bronner's
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Plant-based soap (coconut, olive, palm oils); no coatings or treatments
Lower PFAS concern, uncoated liquid soap with no water- or stain-resistant treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
Dr. Bronner's
Dr Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap
Plant-based soap (coconut, olive, palm oils)
Lower PFAS concern, pure castile liquid soap has no typical vector for forever chemicals.
⚠Risky category by default
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.