My Honest Review of Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash

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I’ve always been curious about exfoliating body washes that claim to transform rough, bumpy skin into something noticeably smoother. When I first heard about Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash, I was intrigued by the promise of a 5% Glycolic Acid formula—something we usually see in face products—now formulated for the body. After using it consistently, I wanted to share my experience, including little observations and habits I developed while using it, so you know exactly what to expect before adding it to your shower routine.

Packaging

The minimalist design immediately caught my eye. The body wash comes in a 16.9 fl oz opaque plastic pump bottle—the opacity isn’t just for style; it actually helps protect the active acids from light, keeping them potent for longer. The bottle feels sturdy in the shower, even with slippery hands. There’s also a tamper-evident seal on the pump, which gave me confidence I was opening something fresh. The pump is smooth and durable—I’ve never had it clog—and dispenses a consistent amount each time. The only thing I found frustrating was getting the last bit of product; I had to unscrew the pump and tilt the bottle upside down. And while it fits neatly in a shower caddy, it’s not travel-friendly—I found myself decanting it into smaller bottles for trips.

Ingredients Analysis

This formula is powered by a thoughtful blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids. The 5% glycolic acid is the hero, but I appreciated the inclusion of glycerin, sodium PCA, and sodium lactate, which counteract dryness from exfoliation. Naturium is refreshingly transparent about what’s inside—the label proudly lists the acid percentage and pH range (around 3.5–4.0). It’s also fragrance-free and formulated without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. While it’s dermatologist-tested and gentle for most, I did feel a tingle (especially on sensitive spots), a reminder that these acids are active. That sensation mostly faded after the first couple of uses, but it’s worth patch-testing if you’re sensitive. And because it’s an AHA product, it’s non-negotiable: sunscreen is essential if you’re exposing treated skin to sunlight.

Scent and Fragrance Profile

This is a fragrance-free body wash, and I loved that. I didn’t have to worry about clashing scents with my perfume or lotion afterward. There’s a faint “clinical” smell from the acids, but it’s subtle and gone as soon as I rinse. For people like me, who sometimes get headaches from heavily scented products, this was a relief. It also makes it perfect for layering with any scented body oils or perfumes after showering.

Texture, Lather, and Application

The texture is a serum-like gel—silky and not too thick or watery. I only needed one to two pumps for most of my body. It lathers into a creamy, low-foam wash—not the bubbly kind, but it spreads easily and feels pleasant. I picked up a great tip from reviews: leave it on for about 60 seconds to let the acids work. I adopted that and noticed better results. Occasionally, there was a slight tingle (especially if I used it after shaving), but nothing unbearable. It rinses off cleanly without any residue, and afterward my skin felt clean, soft, and refreshed, not tight or stripped.

Effectiveness and Performance

This body wash really delivers. After the first few uses, my skin felt noticeably smoother. Within a couple of weeks, my Keratosis Pilaris bumps on the backs of my arms softened, and my skin tone looked more even. It also helped clear up the occasional breakout on my back. When I made the mistake of using it right after shaving, I got a sharp sting—lesson learned. Now, I space out shaving and exfoliating days. Even though it’s gentle enough for regular use, I still applied a moisturizer afterward (something bland like CeraVe or La Roche-Posay). And yes—I cannot stress this enough—sunscreen is mandatory if you’re baring any skin treated with this wash.

Cost and Value

It sells for about $18 for 16.9 fl oz, which at first felt like a splurge for a body wash. But the more I used it, the more I saw the value. You only need a little per shower, and it doubles as what you’d normally need a scrub or exfoliating lotion for. I’ve seen it go on sale at Target, and Naturium’s website even has bundle deals and subscription discounts. Considering the quality ingredients and results, it felt like money well spent.

Availability and Accessibility

It’s easy to find in the U.S.—I bought mine at Target, but it’s also on Amazon and Naturium’s own site. Occasionally it sells out (which is frustrating mid-routine), but restocks are fairly quick. For friends outside the U.S., it’s mostly available online, and shipping fees can be annoying. The biggest gap is the lack of a travel size—I’d love to toss a mini bottle into my gym bag or suitcase without decanting.

Brand Philosophy and Reputation

Naturium is all about “clinical but approachable” skincare. It was founded by Susan Yara, a beauty educator who really champions ingredient transparency. The brand is vegan, cruelty-free, and open about things like pH levels and active percentages—something I wish more brands would do. This particular body wash has even been highlighted as a top recommendation by Allure’s experts, which added to my confidence in trying it. While there was some early controversy around the founder’s disclosure, Naturium addressed it and has since built an engaged and loyal community. Judging by the reviews, I’m far from the only one seeing real results.

Final Verdict and Overall Rating

After weeks of use, I can confidently say this is one of the most effective exfoliating body washes I’ve ever tried. It’s not a luxurious, spa-like wash—it’s clinical, functional, and straightforward—but the results speak for themselves. If you struggle with Keratosis Pilaris, body acne, or uneven texture, it could be a game-changer. I’d rate it 8.5 out of 10 stars. The missing travel size and occasional sting keep it from perfection, but it’s still a product I’ll repurchase.