Is Coconut & Hibiscus Illuminating Body Wash Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Shea Moisture
This page reviews Coconut & Hibiscus Illuminating Body Wash by Shea Moisture as a skincare. Its current score is 75/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol.
75 / 100
Why score is 75
The body wash contains a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients. While it includes beneficial components like shea butter and coconut oil, it also has synthetic preservatives like benzyl alcohol, raising moderate concerns about overall composition quality.
Main concern
Benzyl alcohol is a synthetic preservative that can cause irritation in sensitive skin, raising concerns about its inclusion.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains shea butter and coconut oil, which are known for their moisturizing properties, contributing positively to skin hydration.
- Includes natural extracts like hibiscus and aloe vera, which may enhance skin appearance and provide soothing effects.
- Glycerin is present as a humectant, helping to retain moisture in the skin, which supports skin hydration.
- Natural extracts such as carrot root and neem seed oil may offer additional skin benefits, enhancing the product's overall quality.
Concerns
- Benzyl alcohol is a synthetic preservative that can cause irritation in sensitive skin, raising concerns about its inclusion.
- Fragrance is included, which may lead to allergic reactions or irritation for some individuals, impacting overall safety.
- The presence of maltodextrin, a processed ingredient, may indicate a level of refinement that detracts from the product's natural appeal.
- Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, while functional, is a synthetic ingredient that may not align with a preference for all-natural formulations.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this skincare and why it matters.
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Is Water safe in this skincare?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this body wash, facilitating the distribution of other ingredients and enhancing texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
-
Is Decyl Glucoside safe in this skincare?
Good
Decyl Glucoside is used here as surfactant. Decyl glucoside is a mild, plant-derived surfactant that helps to cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils, promoting a gentle cleansing experience.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: Decyl Glucoside
-
Is Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate safe in this skincare?
Medium
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is used here as emulsifier. Sodium lauroyl lactylate acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water components, but is a synthetic ingredient that may raise concerns for some users.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Read the full ingredient profile for Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
-
Is Propanediol safe in this skincare?
Medium
Propanediol is used here as solvent. Propanediol is a synthetic solvent that enhances the texture and absorption of the product, though it may not appeal to those preferring natural ingredients.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Propanediol
-
Is Glyceryl Stearate safe in this skincare?
Medium
Glyceryl Stearate is used here as emulsifier. Glyceryl stearate is a common emulsifier that helps stabilize the formulation, but it is derived from glycerin and stearic acid, which may not be fully natural.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Glyceryl Stearate
-
Is Fragrance safe in this skincare?
Bad
Fragrance is used here as fragrance. Fragrance is a common allergen and can cause irritation for sensitive skin types, raising safety concerns regarding its use in this product.
Role in formula: fragrance
Original: Fragrance
-
Is Glycerin safe in this skincare?
Good
Glycerin is used here as humectant. Glycerin is a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin, enhancing hydration and contributing positively to skin health.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: Glycerin (Vegetable)
-
Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter safe in this skincare?
Good
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is used here as base. Shea butter is a natural emollient that provides deep moisture and nourishment to the skin, supporting skin barrier function and hydration.
Role in formula: base
Original: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*
Read the full ingredient profile for Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
-
Is Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride safe in this skincare?
Medium
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is used here as conditioning_agent. This ingredient acts as a conditioning agent, improving the texture and feel of the product, but is a modified natural polymer that may not be fully natural.
Role in formula: conditioning_agent
Original: Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Read the full ingredient profile for Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
-
Is Cocos Nucifera Oil safe in this skincare?
Good
Cocos Nucifera Oil is used here as base. Coconut oil is a natural oil known for its moisturizing properties, helping to nourish and hydrate the skin effectively.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
-
Is Benzyl Alcohol safe in this skincare?
Bad
Benzyl Alcohol is used here as preservative. Benzyl alcohol is a synthetic preservative that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, raising concerns about its safety in cosmetic formulations.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Benzyl Alcohol
-
Is Benzoic Acid safe in this skincare?
Medium
Benzoic Acid is used here as preservative. Benzoic acid is a preservative that helps prevent microbial growth, but it is a synthetic compound that may not align with natural product preferences.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Benzoic Acid
-
Is Panthenol safe in this skincare?
Good
Panthenol is used here as conditioning_agent. Panthenol is a form of vitamin B5 that acts as a moisturizer and skin conditioner, enhancing skin hydration and softness.
Role in formula: conditioning_agent
Original: Panthenol
-
Is Tocopherol safe in this skincare?
Good
Tocopherol is used here as antioxidant. Tocopherol, or vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, contributing positively to skin health.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Tocopherol
-
Is Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice safe in this skincare?
Good
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is used here as natural_extract. Aloe vera juice is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it beneficial for calming irritated skin.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Read the full ingredient profile for Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
-
Is Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract safe in this skincare?
Good
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract is used here as natural_extract. Carrot root extract is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which may help improve skin appearance and provide nourishment.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
-
Is Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil safe in this skincare?
Good
Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil is used here as natural_extract. Neem seed oil is known for its antibacterial properties, which can help maintain skin health and prevent breakouts.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil
-
Is Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk safe in this skincare?
Medium
Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk is used here as conditioning_agent. This ingredient is derived from silk and acts as a conditioning agent, enhancing the product's texture but is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: conditioning_agent
Original: Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk
-
Is Tricholoma Matsutake Extract safe in this skincare?
Good
Tricholoma Matsutake Extract is used here as natural_extract. Matsutake mushroom extract is known for its antioxidant properties, which may help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Tricholoma Matsutake Extract
-
Is Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract safe in this skincare?
Good
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract is used here as natural_extract. Vanilla extract is often used for its fragrance and may also provide antioxidant benefits, enhancing the product's appeal.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract
Read the full ingredient profile for Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
-
Is Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Flower Extract safe in this skincare?
Good
Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Flower Extract is used here as natural_extract. Hibiscus extract is rich in antioxidants and may help improve skin elasticity, contributing positively to skin health.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract
-
Is Lactobacillus Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract safe in this skincare?
Good
Lactobacillus Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract is used here as natural_extract. This extract is known for its exfoliating properties, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother skin texture.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract
-
Is Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract safe in this skincare?
Good
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract is used here as natural_extract. Coconut fruit extract provides additional moisturizing benefits, enhancing the overall hydrating properties of the body wash.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Read the full ingredient profile for Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
-
Is Glycine Soja Oil safe in this skincare?
Medium
Glycine Soja Oil is used here as base. Soybean oil is a common emollient that helps to moisturize the skin, but it is a processed oil that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
-
Is Triethyl Citrate safe in this skincare?
Medium
Triethyl Citrate is used here as solvent. Triethyl citrate is used as a solvent and may help improve the texture of the product, but it is a synthetic ingredient that raises some concerns.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Triethyl Citrate
-
Is Caprylyl Glycol safe in this skincare?
Medium
Caprylyl Glycol is used here as preservative. Caprylyl glycol is a synthetic preservative that also acts as a skin conditioning agent, but its synthetic nature may be a concern for some users.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Caprylyl Glycol
-
Is Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate safe in this skincare?
Medium
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is used here as surfactant. This ingredient is a mild surfactant that helps cleanse the skin, but it is a synthetic compound that may not align with natural preferences.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Read the full ingredient profile for Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
-
Is Sodium Chloride safe in this skincare?
Good
Sodium Chloride is used here as buffer. Sodium chloride, or table salt, is used to adjust the viscosity of the product and is generally safe for skin use.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Sodium Chloride
-
Is Sodium Methyltaurate safe in this skincare?
Medium
Sodium Methyltaurate is used here as surfactant. Sodium methyltaurate is a synthetic surfactant that aids in cleansing but may not appeal to those seeking natural formulations.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: Sodium Methyltaurate
-
Is Brassica Campestris Seed Oil safe in this skincare?
Medium
Brassica Campestris Seed Oil is used here as base. Rapeseed oil is an emollient that helps moisturize the skin, but it is a processed oil that may not be favored by all consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
Read the full ingredient profile for Brassica Campestris Seed Oil
-
Is Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate safe in this skincare?
Good
Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is used here as natural_extract. This ferment filtrate is known for its preservative properties and may also provide skin benefits, enhancing the product's quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
-
Is Beta Carotene safe in this skincare?
Good
Beta Carotene is used here as colorant. Beta-carotene is a natural colorant and antioxidant that may provide skin benefits, contributing positively to the product's composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Beta-Carotene
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this skincare?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a thickening agent that can improve product texture but is a processed ingredient that may not align with natural preferences.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this skincare?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to adjust pH and can act as a natural preservative, contributing positively to the product's stability.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Citric Acid
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4269729
More from this brand: Shea Moisture products in Zerotox
Similar products: skincare in Zerotox database
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