Lush · Body Wash
LUSH MOISTURIZING BODY WASH
Lower concern, body wash formulations rarely require PFAS, but Lush offers no public PFAS disclosure.
Lush Moisturizing Body Wash is a liquid cleanser with no known PFAS-prone ingredients (no Teflon-family coating, water-resistant coatings, or grease-repellent treatments typical of rinse-off cosmetics). Lush does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or make PFAS-free claims.
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Water, plant-derived cleansing agents, glycerin, essential oils, 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
Lush Moisturizing Body Wash is formulated primarily with water, plant-derived surfactants (typically sodium lauryl sulfate alternatives or similar gentle cleansers), vegetable glycerin, and essential oils or botanical extracts. This composition avoids synthetic detergents that carry microplastic risk and relies on humectants (glycerin) rather than silicones for moisture retention. The absence of synthetic polymers and reliance on water-soluble plant ingredients means minimal bioaccumulation risk and reduced environmental persistence compared to conventional body washes.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lush maintains a public commitment to ethical sourcing, animal welfare, and transparency about ingredient sourcing, though the brand does not publish detailed chemical safety data sheets or third-party testing results. The company has no documented recalls or safety violations for body wash products on file with health regulators. However, Lush offers no explicit PFAS disclosure or public statement ruling out fluorinated compounds, which is a gap in transparency, though body wash formulations rarely require PFAS, silence on this point leaves room for uncertainty.
How it compares in its category
Body washes with plant-derived surfactants and high glycerin content occupy the safer end of the category spectrum, avoiding microplastic beads, phthalates in fragrance, and silicone buildup common in mass-market alternatives. Lush's formula is comparable to premium natural body washes (e.g., Seventh Generation, Burt's Bees) in ingredient safety profile, though Lush products typically cost 2-3 times more. The main differentiator is Lush's brand transparency on sourcing practices, which exceeds many competitors' disclosure standards.
If you buy it
Use as a standard body wash; no special handling required. Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs, particularly if sensitive to essential oils or plant extracts (e.g., lavender, rose oils can trigger contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals). Check the product's expiration date on purchase, as plant-based preservative systems may have shorter shelf life than synthetic alternatives. Store in a cool, dry place to extend stability of essential oils, which can degrade if exposed to heat or direct light.
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 (essential oils and botanical extracts)
Lush body washes typically contain concentrated essential oils and plant extracts listed as fragrance components. While natural, these compounds can trigger contact dermatitis, sensitization, or respiratory irritation in individuals with fragrance sensitivity or eczema-prone skin; patch testing is advisable for sensitive users.
Plant extract contamination (microbial or pesticide residues)
No recalls or documented contamination of Lush body wash with bacteria, molds, or pesticide residues are on record. The company's stated sourcing practices suggest quality control, but independent third-party testing of botanical ingredients is not publicly available.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Lush does not use formaldehyde donors (such as DMDM hydantoin or imidazolidinyl urea) based on publicly available ingredient lists. The brand relies on plant-derived or chemically synthesized alternative preservatives, which carry minimal formaldehyde release risk.
Heavy metals in botanical pigments or extracts
No reports of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Lush body wash products exist in public safety databases. Lush's stated sourcing standards and lack of regulatory action suggest ingredient screening, though independent metal testing data is not disclosed.
Skin irritation from high pH or surfactant strength
Some Lush body washes contain sodium lauryl sulfate or similar mild surfactants at concentrations that may irritate sensitive or compromised skin barriers; individuals with very dry, eczema-prone, or reactive skin should test on a small area first or opt for milder alternatives.
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.