Softsoap Creamy Moisture Body Wash Paraben Free Buttery Shea and Almond Oil Scent 20 fl oz
Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This body wash contains beneficial ingredients like shea butter and sweet almond oil, which provide moisturizing benefits. However, it also includes several synthetic fragrance components and surfactants that can be harsh on the skin and potentially cause irritation. The presence of these ingredients, along with the use of ethoxylated compounds, contributes to a moderate processing level, impacting the overall score.
Key ingredients 26
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterVery Good
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, known for its moisturizing properties. It is minimally processed to retain its beneficial compounds, such as vitamins and fatty acids. It provides deep hydration and nourishment to the skin.
Benefits
Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, offering excellent moisturizing benefits.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilGood
Sweet almond oil is a natural oil rich in vitamins and fatty acids, known for its moisturizing properties. It is cold-pressed to preserve its nutrients and is gentle on the skin. It provides nourishment and hydration, improving skin softness and elasticity.
Benefits
Rich in nutrients, offering excellent moisturizing and nourishing benefits.
Citrus Aurantium Peel OilGood
Citrus aurantium peel oil is a natural essential oil known for its refreshing scent and potential antimicrobial properties. It is cold-pressed from the peel of bitter oranges, retaining its natural compounds. It provides a pleasant aroma and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits.
Benefits
Offers a refreshing scent and potential antimicrobial properties.
MicaGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Adds shimmer and enhances product appearance.
Iron OxidesGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Provides color and enhances product appearance.
WaterNeutral
Water is the primary solvent in this body wash, providing a base for other ingredients. It is typically purified to remove contaminants, ensuring safety and effectiveness. No significant interactions or concerns are noted with water in this formulation.
See more about Water →Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to reduce irritation from harsher surfactants. It is produced through a chemical reaction involving dimethylaminopropylamine, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It helps to create a rich lather and improve the texture of the product.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides mild cleansing and helps to stabilize foam.
Acrylates Crosspolymer-4Neutral
This ingredient is a synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize formulations. It is created through polymerization, which involves combining monomers into a larger compound. It enhances the texture and spreadability of the product.
Benefits
Improves product consistency and application.
Citric AcidNeutral
Common acidulant and preservative — safe at typical use levels, neither beneficial nor harmful.
Benefits
Helps maintain skin-friendly pH and provides mild preservative effects.
Glycol DistearateNeutral
Glycol distearate is used to give the product a pearlescent appearance and improve texture. It is derived from stearic acid and ethylene glycol through esterification. It enhances the visual appeal and feel of the body wash.
Benefits
Improves product appearance and texture.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium chloride, or table salt, is used to adjust the viscosity of the body wash. It is a natural mineral that is safe for use in cosmetics. It helps to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Benefits
Adjusts viscosity and enhances product texture.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of the product, ensuring it is suitable for skin contact. It is a strong base that must be used carefully to avoid irritation. Proper formulation ensures it is neutralized and safe in the final product.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation if not properly neutralized.
Benefits
Ensures product pH is balanced for skin compatibility.
Acacia Senegal GumNeutral
Acacia senegal gum is a natural gum used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics. It is derived from the sap of the acacia tree and is considered safe for use. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
GelatinNeutral
Gelatin is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It is derived from animal collagen and is generally considered safe for topical use. It contributes to the viscosity and texture of the body wash.
Benefits
Improves product viscosity and texture.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics. It is produced through fermentation of sugars by Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. It enhances the texture and stability of the product.
Benefits
Provides thickening and stabilizing effects.
Amyl SalicylateNeutral
Amyl salicylate is a fragrance ingredient used to impart a sweet, floral scent. It is synthetically produced and generally considered safe in low concentrations. It enhances the olfactory appeal of the product.
Benefits
Contributes a sweet, floral scent to the product.
Titanium DioxideNeutral
Titanium dioxide is used as a whitening agent and to improve opacity in cosmetic formulations. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is processed for purity and safety. It enhances the appearance and consistency of the product.
Benefits
Improves product opacity and appearance.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh Sulfate And/or Sodium Laureth SulfateBad
These are surfactants used for their cleansing properties, but they can be harsh on the skin. They are derived from ethoxylation, a process that can introduce impurities like 1,4-dioxane. These sulfates can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Risks
Potential skin irritation and dryness due to their harsh nature.
Benefits
Effective at removing dirt and oil from the skin.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth, extending product shelf life.
Laureth-4Bad
Laureth-4 is an emulsifier and surfactant that can be irritating to the skin. It is produced through ethoxylation, which can introduce impurities like 1,4-dioxane. It helps to mix oil and water components in the formulation.
Risks
Potential skin irritation and presence of impurities from production process.
Benefits
Aids in emulsifying and stabilizing the product.
Tetrasodium EDTABad
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and efficacy of the product. It is synthetically produced and can enhance the penetration of other chemicals into the skin. Concerns exist about its environmental impact and potential to cause irritation.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation and environmental concerns.
Benefits
Improves product stability and prevents metal ion interference.
Amyl CinnamalBad
Amyl cinnamal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is used to impart a floral scent but is a known allergen. Its presence in the formulation may pose a risk for those with fragrance sensitivities.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a floral scent to the product.
HexamethylindanopyranBad
Hexamethylindanopyran is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used for its long-lasting scent. It is a synthetic musk that can accumulate in the environment and in human tissue. Concerns exist about its persistence and potential for bioaccumulation.
Risks
Potential for environmental persistence and bioaccumulation.
Benefits
Provides a long-lasting fragrance to the product.
Hexyl CinnamalBad
Hexyl cinnamal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It is used to impart a jasmine-like scent but is a known allergen. Its inclusion may pose a risk for those with fragrance sensitivities.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a jasmine-like scent to the product.
LimoneneBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation if oxidized.
Benefits
Provides a fresh, citrus scent.
FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is added for scent but can contain undisclosed chemicals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often a complex mixture of synthetic compounds, which can include allergens. The lack of transparency in fragrance components poses a risk for sensitive individuals.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions due to undisclosed allergens.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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