My Honest Review of BYOMA Body Wash (2025)

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I’ve been following BYOMA for a while because of its reputation for skin barrier-focused products. When the brand expanded from facial skincare into body care, I was curious to see if they could carry over that same philosophy. I tried all three of their body wash variants—the Hydrating, Brightening, and Sensitive Skin versions—over the course of a few weeks, rotating them according to my skin’s needs. This gave me a clearer picture of how each performed beyond just one or two showers. This review combines my personal impressions with the brand’s claims and a wider look at what other users are saying. The goal is to give you a clear, honest picture of what you can expect from BYOMA’s body wash line.

Packaging

BYOMA’s square bottles stand out immediately. They’re bold, colorful, and look cheerful in the shower caddy—yellow for Brightening, pink for Hydrating, and a soft neutral tone for Sensitive Skin. I like that they’re made of fully recyclable mono-material plastic and come without extra cardboard boxes or shrink wrap. The bottles even have clear instructions on how to recycle them.

That said, my experience echoed some of the complaints I saw online. On my Hydrating bottle the pump dispenser stopped working when there was still about a third of the product left, and I had to unscrew the top to get it out. This also led to product dribbling down the sides of the bottle, which feels at odds with the brand’s sustainability messaging. The bottles are a generous 16.9 fl oz (500 mL) in the U.S., but there are no travel sizes or refills. As someone who travels frequently, this was a noticeable gap—especially because BYOMA’s square bottles would otherwise pack nicely into a travel kit.

Ingredients Analysis

Each BYOMA body wash is built on the same base: their Tri-Ceramide Complex and Prebiotic Complex. These ingredients are designed to mimic the skin’s natural lipids and support its microbiome so cleansing doesn’t strip or disrupt it. All of the body washes are vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested.

• Hydrating Body Wash: Best for dry or dehydrated skin, with Squalane and Beta-Glucan for barrier repair and moisture retention. I liked using this after swimming because it stopped my skin from feeling tight.
• Brightening Body Wash: Aimed at dull or uneven skin tone, featuring Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid, plus antioxidant-rich Carrot Seed Oil. I found this great for morning showers because it left my skin feeling refreshed.
• Sensitive Skin Body Wash: Designed for eczema-prone or highly reactive skin, fragrance-free and sulfate-free, with Colloidal Oat Extract, Urea, Panthenol, and Allantoin for soothing and calming. This was the one I reached for after workouts when my skin felt hot or itchy.

I appreciate the consistency of this platform approach, but it’s worth noting that BYOMA doesn’t publish much about its ingredient sourcing or supply chain, and some ethical rating platforms have given it low marks for transparency.

Scent and Fragrance Profile

This is where BYOMA body washes become truly divisive. The Hydrating Body Wash’s scent struck me as fresh and simple, but I can see how its citrusy-musk notes could feel “masculine” or old-fashioned to others. The Brightening Body Wash has a light citrus aroma that I found pleasant and energizing—almost like peeling an orange in the shower—but again some users describe it as stale or off. The Sensitive Skin Body Wash is marketed as fragrance-free, but the base formula has a faint chemical smell that’s noticeable if you’re sensitive to odors. One friend even said it reminded them of hair dye. Personally, I only picked up on the odor while pumping it out of the bottle; it didn’t linger on my skin after rinsing.

If you’re prone to headaches or migraines from strong scents, proceed cautiously with the fragranced versions and maybe sample them in-store first.

Texture, Lather, and Application

One area where BYOMA shines is the feel of the products. The Hydrating Body Wash is creamy and gel-like; the Brightening Body Wash feels rich and slightly jelly-like; and the Sensitive Skin Body Wash is thick and soothing. All three lather up beautifully—rich, foamy, and satisfying without feeling harsh or overly soapy. I only needed a pump or two for full coverage, and they rinsed off cleanly without leaving residue. This non-stripping cleanse really does align with their skin-barrier promise.

Effectiveness and Performance

For everyday cleansing, these body washes do an excellent job. My skin felt clean but not tight, and the Hydrating version in particular left my skin feeling soft and plump for hours after showering. Some users online have said they didn’t find it as hydrating as promised, so your experience may vary. The Brightening Body Wash gave my skin a subtle glow and improved smoothness, but I didn’t notice dramatic changes to hyperpigmentation—which is expected for a rinse-off product. The Sensitive Skin Body Wash was gentle on my arms and legs, though a few reviewers mentioned it causing irritation or rash, so patch testing is a good idea if you’re highly sensitive. I also saw reports of breakouts on the chest and back with the Hydrating Body Wash, so keep an eye out if you’re acne-prone.

Price, Size, and Value

At around $12.99 for 16.9 fl oz in the U.S. (around £11.99 for 400ml in the U.K.), BYOMA’s body washes sit in the “affordable but elevated” space. Considering the generous bottle size, the ingredient list, and the overall experience, I found them to be good value. The brand occasionally runs bundle offers or promotions—Target, for example, sometimes offers gift card deals, and BYOMA’s website gives discounts when you buy multiple products. The main thing missing is a refill option, which would not only support sustainability but also save loyal users money in the long run.

Brand Philosophy and Reputation

BYOMA was founded in 2020 by Marc Elrick with a clear mission: to make skincare accessible, affordable, and approachable while educating people about the importance of skin barrier health. The body wash line extends this philosophy beyond the face to the whole body. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and PETA certified. The brand has built a strong reputation with high average review scores and frequent sellouts. Its website features full ingredient breakdowns under “The Inci Decoded,” which I appreciate as a consumer. The only area where it risks undermining this trust is the gap between its sustainability marketing and the reality of packaging waste and transparency around sourcing.

Who is This For? (Recommendations)

If you’re looking for a body wash that feels like skincare, BYOMA is a great option. The Hydrating Body Wash suits those with normal to dry skin who want a creamy, moisturizing cleanse (but test the scent first). The Brightening Body Wash works best for people looking to gently boost radiance and evenness but shouldn’t be expected to erase dark spots on its own. The Sensitive Skin Body Wash is the mildest, fragrance-free choice, but because of its odd base odor and mixed reports from ultra-sensitive users, I’d recommend buying from a retailer with a good return policy or trying a sample first if possible.

Final Verdict and Overall Rating

My Top Pick: If I had to choose just one, the Hydrating Body Wash was my personal favorite for its creamy texture and the way it left my skin feeling supple long after my shower—though I do recommend sniffing it in-store first to be sure you like the scent.