My Honest Review of Harry’s Body Wash (2025)

Melanie Dixon1 month ago

packaging of harry’s body wash pump version

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When I first heard about Harry’s Body Wash, I was curious to see if the brand that had disrupted the shaving world could do the same for body care. Harry’s built its reputation on providing simple, high-quality grooming products at fair prices, and their 2018 entry into the body wash category was a big step toward becoming a full-service men’s grooming brand. After using it extensively for several weeks across different seasons and even packing a travel-size bottle for a weekend trip, I can confidently say this body wash reflects much of the brand’s core mission: it feels thoughtfully designed, has an elevated feel compared to mass-market competitors, and comes at an accessible price point. But, as with any product, there are areas where it excels and others where it could improve.

Packaging

Harry’s packaging immediately stands out. The body wash comes in sturdy plastic bottles available in standard flip-top caps and larger pump dispensers. I personally find the pump option convenient, especially in the shower when my hands are wet. On my last trip, I appreciated how the smaller 3.4 fl oz size slipped easily into my toiletries bag without leaking. The brand recently refreshed its packaging with a unified “electric blue” color scheme, which creates a striking block on store shelves. Some consumers, myself included, think the new look feels a bit clinical—almost like a medicinal bottle—compared to the older, more colorful designs tied to each scent. Still, the bottles are recyclable and contain post-consumer recycled materials, which is a plus. Although Harry’s is exploring more sustainable options, it hasn’t yet made its body wash packaging a headline sustainability story, though I do like that it offers 36 fl oz refill pouches to cut down on plastic.

Ingredients Analysis

One of the biggest reasons I tried Harry’s was its claim of a gentle, sulfate-free formula. The body wash uses a blend of coconut-derived surfactants—Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauric Acid, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, and Decyl Glucoside—that create a rich lather without stripping skin. It also includes glycerin and emollients like Glyceryl Oleate to help keep my skin soft and hydrated. I appreciate that it’s paraben-free and dye-free, which aligns with the clean beauty movement. Interestingly, Lauric Acid not only cleans but may help with acne thanks to its antibacterial properties, though Harry’s doesn’t market it that way. The one caveat is fragrance: the formulas include parfum and common fragrance allergens like Limonene and Linalool, which can bother very sensitive skin. Personally, I haven’t experienced irritation, but I do wish they offered an unscented version for those who need it.

Scent and Fragrance Profile

The scents are where Harry’s really shines. The brand partnered with a French fragrance house to develop cologne-quality scents that feel far more sophisticated than the overly sweet or chemical-smelling options I find with some competitors. My personal favorites are Stone—a cool, fresh blend of Japanese Yuzu, Charcoal, Bergamot, and Lime—and Wildlands, which smells like crisp mountain air with notes of Sandalwood, Cypress, White Birch, and Eucalyptus. Other core scents include Redwood (a brisk, woodsy forest scent), Fig (a bright, spicy Mediterranean-inspired fragrance), and Spring (a bright, herbal mix of Lemon, Basil, Crushed Shiso, and Oakmoss). Harry’s also releases seasonal or limited-edition scents like Heat Wave, which keeps things interesting; I snagged a bottle last summer and loved its bright neroli twist. The only downside? While the scents smell amazing in the shower, they don’t linger long on the skin afterward. Depending on your preference, this could be a pro or a con. I personally like a bit more staying power.

harry’s body wash stone scent

Texture, Lather, and Application

Harry’s comes in a gel format that feels creamy and luxurious when you squeeze it out. I was impressed by how easily it creates a rich, foamy lather despite being sulfate-free—a big plus because many gentle washes can feel flat and unfulfilling. A small amount goes a long way, which makes each bottle last longer than I expected. The texture is thick enough to feel premium, but occasionally I’ve noticed it can come out of the bottle a little quickly if tipped, which wastes product. It rinses off cleanly without leaving any residue or sticky film behind, leaving my skin feeling fresh and comfortable. Even after back-to-back showers at the gym, my skin didn’t feel tight or itchy.

Effectiveness and Performance

On performance, Harry’s really delivers. The formula leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped, which is exactly what I look for in a daily body wash. In the winter, when my skin tends to get dry and itchy, it’s been surprisingly forgiving. It’s not as moisturizing as a cream-based bar soap like Dove, but it hits a nice middle ground: a thorough clean with a softer feel than most mass-market men’s washes. The only real performance drawback is, again, the scent longevity. As someone who enjoys a lingering fragrance after showering, I find it fades too quickly. However, for people who prefer to layer their own cologne without interference, this subtlety may actually be a positive.

Price, Size, and Value

One of Harry’s biggest strengths is its value proposition. The body wash is priced in the “masstige” category—premium experience without the premium price. A standard 18 fl oz bottle typically retails around $7.99, and the larger 30 fl oz pump size is about $11.99, offering a lower cost per ounce. Travel sizes are also available, which I found handy for trips or trying out new scents. Harry’s even offers 36 fl oz soft-pouch refills that slot perfectly into my old bottle, saving money and plastic. This multi-size strategy gives consumers flexibility and makes it easy to stock up on the scents they love. Compared to department store grooming lines, Harry’s feels like a bargain, but it still feels upscale compared to budget brands.

backside of harry’s body wash bottle

Brand Philosophy and Reputation

Harry’s is more than just a grooming brand—it has a strong mission-driven identity. It’s officially cruelty-free, and its entire body wash line is vegan-friendly. Even more impressive is its commitment to men’s mental health: the company donates 1% of all sales to non-profit organizations that provide mental health care for men. Knowing that my purchase contributes to this mission adds a layer of meaning that I don’t get with most other brands. The company’s transparent communication and quality-focused manufacturing also reassure me that I’m supporting a brand with integrity. For example, learning that their face, body, and hair care products are formulated in labs in the U.S. and U.K. while they retain close oversight really reinforced my confidence.

Who is This For? (Recommendations)

I think Harry’s Men’s Body Wash is perfect for men who want a premium-feeling body wash at a fair price. It’s especially good for those with normal to dry skin who want a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Because the scents are balanced and sophisticated, they also appeal to women or anyone looking for a unisex body wash option—my partner has been sneaking my bottle of Stone because she loves it too. If you’re sensitive to fragrances or want a strong, lingering scent, you may want to try it first or look for an alternative until Harry’s offers an unscented or longer-lasting version.

Final Verdict and Overall Rating

Overall, Harry’s Body Wash lives up to much of its promise. It delivers a refined shower experience at a reasonable price, backed by a brand that clearly cares about quality and social impact. The scents are standout but short-lived—a fixable flaw that could take the product from great to exceptional. For me, the positives far outweigh the negatives, and I’ll continue using it, especially for its Stone and Wildlands scents. On balance, I’d give it a 8.4 out of 10 for its combination of performance, value, and brand integrity.

check price
8.4 / 10Overall
Packaging 8.0
Ingredients 8.5
Scent and Fragrance Profile 8.5
Texture, Lather, and Application 8.0
Effectiveness and Performance 8.5
Price, Size, and Value 8.5
Brand Philosophy and Reputation 8.5

Harry’s Body Wash

Pros
  • Sophisticated, “cologne‑quality” scents developed with a French fragrance house
  • Sulfate‑free, paraben‑free, dye‑free formula that feels gentle yet effective
  • Good lather and a clean rinse, even without harsh detergents
  • Wide range of sizes, pumps, and refills for convenience and value
  • Cruelty‑free, vegan‑friendly, and supports men’s mental health initiatives
  • Refill pouches and travel sizes make it easy to try and save
Cons
  • Scents fade quickly after showering, which can disappoint fragrance‑lovers
  • No fragrance‑free option for those with severe sensitivities
  • New packaging design has divided opinions, and color‑coded labels are gone

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