My Honest Review of Kitsch Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Wash

Finding the perfect body wash can be a challenge, especially if you’re looking for something that is both moisturizing and exfoliating without being too harsh on the skin. When I came across the Kitsch Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Wash, I was intrigued by its promise of natural ingredients, a solid bar format, and eco-friendly packaging. After using it for a while, I’m ready to share my honest experience—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Packaging

One of the first things that stood out to me about this product was the sustainable packaging. The body wash bar comes in a recyclable cardboard box, which is a refreshing change from traditional plastic bottles. The clean, minimalist design gives off a high-quality, natural vibe, and there’s even a small hole in the box that lets you see the bar inside.

The bar itself has a square shape, which makes it easy to hold, and its natural white color is complemented by light brown swirls—these swirls contain the exfoliating particles. It’s compact, lightweight, and perfect for travel. However, because it’s a solid bar, you’ll want to make sure you have a soap dish with proper drainage to prevent it from getting mushy over time.

Ingredients

I always pay close attention to ingredients, and I was pleased to see that this bar is made with primarily natural, plant-derived components. The star ingredient is shea butter, which is known for its deep moisturizing and nourishing properties. For exfoliation, it contains apricot seed powder, a natural alternative to harmful microbeads.

Another big plus is that the product is free from parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. While it’s not labeled as hypoallergenic, the absence of common irritants means it’s unlikely to cause issues for most people. The brand is also Leaping Bunny certified, meaning no animal testing is involved—always a win in my book!

Scent

The scent of this body wash bar is mild but pleasant, officially labeled as Almond & Shea. However, I—and many other users—picked up on a distinct cherry almond aroma, which is warm and slightly sweet. It lingers subtly on the skin but isn’t overpowering, making it a great option for those who prefer a more natural, unisex scent.

Personally, I found the scent comforting and relaxing, but if you’re sensitive to fragrances, you might want to test it first. Since the fragrance comes from natural sources, it doesn’t have that artificial, overpowering feel that some scented body washes do.

Effectiveness

Now, onto the most important part—how well does it actually work?

For cleansing, the bar does a great job of removing dirt and sweat without stripping my skin of its natural oils. The apricot seed powder provides gentle exfoliation, helping to slough off dead skin cells without being too abrasive. If you have sensitive skin, this is great news because it won’t leave you feeling raw or irritated.

One thing to note is that the lather is rich and creamy, but it might take a little extra effort to work up compared to traditional liquid body washes. Some people love the squeaky-clean feeling it provides, while others might find it slightly drying. If you have very dry skin, you may want to follow up with a moisturizer.

Another big selling point is that it seems to be well-suited for skin conditions like eczema and keratosis pilaris. Several users with eczema or psoriasis have reported that it doesn’t cause irritation and even helps with dryness. A few people have also mentioned it may help with body acne, although that’s not one of its advertised benefits.

So far, the cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing aspects have worked well for me, making it a solid choice for everyday use.

Size and Lifespan

The Kitsch Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Wash comes in a 4 oz (113 g) solid bar. While it’s not available in multiple sizes, this single bar is designed to last several weeks, depending on usage.

Since it’s a solid soap, it doesn’t break apart easily, which is great. However, if left in standing water, it can soften and dissolve faster than expected. Proper storage, like keeping it on a draining soap dish, is key to making it last longer. Compared to liquid body washes, this bar format offers less waste and more efficiency per use.

Brand Reputation

Kitsch is a female-founded beauty brand based in Los Angeles, California, and they focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Their products are cruelty-free, plastic-free, and emphasize eco-friendly alternatives to traditional beauty products.

The brand has gained a loyal following, with many customers praising their innovative and environmentally conscious approach. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond just body wash bars, as they offer a range of hair accessories and beauty products designed with minimal waste in mind.

Price and Value

At around $12 per bar, the Kitsch Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Wash falls within the mid-range for natural skincare products. Given its high-quality ingredients, long-lasting format, and eco-friendly packaging, I’d say it offers good value for money.

They also offer bundle deals and subscriptions that make it more cost-effective in the long run. Plus, Kitsch frequently runs sales and discounts, so you might be able to snag it for less.

Availability

You can purchase this body wash bar directly from the Kitsch website, as well as major online retailers like Amazon, iHerb, and 4ocean. It’s also stocked in select specialty beauty and wellness stores.

Shipping costs and availability vary by location, but the brand often offers free shipping on larger orders. If you prefer shopping in person, you may need to check local specialty stores since it’s not widely available in big-box retailers.

Overall Rating

After using the Kitsch Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Wash, I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. It delivers on cleansing, exfoliation, and sustainability, but requires proper storage to get the most out of it. If you’re looking for a natural, eco-conscious body wash, this is definitely worth considering!