Kiehl's Since 1851 · Body Wash
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser
Lower-concern cosmetic cleanser; no known PFAS drivers in typical formulation.
Kiehl's Creme de Corps is a rinse-off body cleanser with no inherent PFAS risk factors, it contains no nonstick coatings, water-resistance treatments, or grease-repellent finishes typical of PFAS use. The brand has not disclosed PFAS testing or made public claims either way.
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water-based cleanser with plant-derived emollients
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
This is a water-based body wash formulated as an oil-to-foam cleanser, meaning it contains plant-derived emollients (likely botanical oils) that convert to lather on skin contact. The base is surfactants (cleansing agents) dissolved in water, not silicones or heavy synthetics. Plant-derived emollients in rinse-off cleansers present minimal absorption risk because the product is washed away immediately after use, unlike leave-on creams or oils.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kiehl's is owned by L'Oreal and maintains reasonably transparent ingredient lists on product pages, though the brand has not made public commitments to PFAS phase-out specifically. The brand has no widely documented safety recalls or contamination incidents in this product line. Kiehl's complies with FDA cosmetic regulations and avoids known banned substances in US-market products, but transparency on emerging concerns like PFAS is limited compared to some competitors.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the premium body wash segment. Compared to drugstore equivalents (Dove, Cetaphil), Kiehl's emphasizes plant-derived ingredients and botanical positioning, which may reduce synthetic chemical exposure but does not meaningfully change safety profiles for rinse-off products. Compared to luxury cleansers (Augustinus Bader, Susanne Kaufmann), Kiehl's offers similar safety grades with less price premium. For oil-to-foam formulations, this category is inherently lower-risk because emulsifiers are designed to rinse away completely.
If you buy it
No special handling is required beyond normal shower use; rinse thoroughly to avoid residue on skin. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent ingredient degradation. If you develop skin irritation, discontinue use and patch-test on a small area first, as botanical extracts can trigger sensitivity in some individuals. Replace when empty or if the formula separates significantly; this product has no expiration risk unique to its category.
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
Kiehl's formulations typically include fragrance compounds, which are not fully disclosed on labels due to trade secret exemptions. Common fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool, eugenol) may be present and could trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, though rinse-off exposure minimizes systemic risk.
Botanical extract contaminants (pesticide residues)
Plant-derived emollients and extracts are not typically tested for pesticide residues in cosmetic supply chains, but no recalls or contamination reports exist for this specific product or Kiehl's plant-derived lines. Risk remains theoretical unless source transparency improves.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservatives
Rinse-off cleansers may contain preservatives that release trace formaldehyde (common in cosmetics). Exposure is minimal in a body wash because contact time is seconds and the product is rinsed away, but individuals with formaldehyde sensitivity should review full ingredient lists or contact the brand.
Heavy metals in pigments (if colored)
This product is marketed as transparent or translucent (oil-to-foam conversion suggests minimal added colorants). No known reports of heavy metal contamination in Kiehl's color cosmetics. Risk is negligible for this specific formulation unless undisclosed pigments are added.
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in ethoxylated ingredients)
Surfactants derived from ethoxylation (common in body washes) may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct. FDA does not regulate cosmetics for this contaminant, but levels in rinse-off products are typically below health concern thresholds. Kiehl's has not publicly committed to 1,4-dioxane testing or removal.
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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⚠Risky category by default
Dr. Bronner's
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⚠Risky category by default
Dr. Bronner's
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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.