My Honest Review of Pears Body Wash (2025)

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When I first came across Pears Pure & Gentle Body Wash, I immediately felt a sense of nostalgia. Pears is one of those heritage brands that has been around for centuries, and I had already been familiar with its iconic transparent soap bar. Naturally, I was curious to see if the body wash lived up to the same reputation. Over time, I tried it extensively to understand its strengths and drawbacks, and in this review, I’ll share my honest experience.

Packaging

One of the most striking features of Pears Original Body Wash is its transparent amber-orange liquid housed in a clear bottle. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a deliberate nod to the classic Pears soap bar that’s been around since 1807. I found the bottle itself practical, with larger sizes (500 mL and 750 mL) equipped with a pump dispenser that makes shower use very convenient, while the smaller 250 mL bottles have a flip-top cap, which is handy for travel. I also appreciate that the packaging is marketed as 100% recyclable, though I noticed the exact details about recycled content weren’t mentioned. Still, it carries the broader eco-friendly commitments of its parent company, Unilever.

Ingredients Analysis

The standout ingredient in this formula is glycerin, which makes up a significant portion of the wash. Pears claims it contains 98% pure plant-based glycerin, and I could tell from the way my skin felt afterward that this wasn’t just marketing fluff. Glycerin works as a humectant, drawing in moisture and leaving the skin hydrated. The body wash is also free from parabens and soap, and it’s pH balanced, which makes it gentler than traditional alkaline soaps.

That said, the formulation does include Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a common surfactant. While SLES is milder than SLS, it can still irritate very sensitive skin. Another potential downside is the inclusion of fragrance and allergens like Limonene and Linalool. For most people, this won’t be an issue, but if you’re prone to fragrance sensitivity, it’s something to keep in mind. The amber hue is enhanced with added colorants and protected with Benzophenone-4 to maintain its look in the clear bottle.

Scent and Fragrance Profile

The scent of Pears Original Body Wash is one of its strongest selling points. To me, it smells almost identical to the traditional Pears soap bar—clean, herbal, and slightly spicy with sandalwood and clove undertones. I found it both nostalgic and comforting, like a fragrance that transports you back in time. The intensity, however, is subjective. On some days, I felt it was subtle and barely-there, while other times it seemed stronger, lingering in the bathroom after use. On my skin, the scent didn’t last very long, which I personally prefer as I don’t want my body wash to clash with perfumes or lotions.

It’s worth noting that Pears doesn’t offer a fragrance-free version of this body wash, which could exclude people who need unscented products. For me, the scent was a highlight, but for others, it could be a drawback.

Texture, Lather, and Application

The body wash itself has a smooth, gel-like consistency that’s easy to dispense. On its own, it doesn’t lather much when applied by hand, but when I used it with a loofah or shower puff, it created a rich, creamy lather that felt luxurious. In fact, I found it lathered better with a loofah than the original Pears soap bar.

One of the most debated aspects of this body wash is how it feels after rinsing. For me, the glycerin-heavy formula left my skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. But I also noticed a slightly slippery sensation that didn’t go away easily. Depending on your perspective, this can either feel like moisturized skin or like there’s a residue left behind. Personally, I liked the hydrated feel, but I can understand why some users find it less than ideal.

The formula is also quite economical. Just a small coin-sized amount was enough for my entire body when used with a loofah, making the bottle last much longer than expected.

Effectiveness and Performance

In terms of performance, I would describe Pears Original Body Wash as gentle but effective. It cleanses without stripping my skin of its natural oils, which is a huge plus for someone like me who tends to have dry skin. After consistent use, my skin felt less tight and more supple compared to when I used harsher soaps.

I wouldn’t recommend it for someone looking for heavy-duty cleansing after a sweaty workout or oily residue, as it’s not designed for that. But for daily use, especially if your priority is mildness and hydration, it does the job beautifully. Some people with very dry skin even mention they can skip body lotion after using it, and I had a similar experience during humid days.

Price, Size, and Value

One of the trickiest aspects of buying Pears Original Body Wash is its inconsistent pricing. Since it’s not widely distributed in U.S. stores and is mostly available through online importers, prices vary a lot. I’ve seen a 250 mL bottle go for as low as $10 or as high as $20–25, depending on the seller. Larger bottles, like the 750 mL size, tend to give better value, but even then, the cost per ounce is often higher than mainstream body washes like Dove or Olay.

That said, I found it to be quite economical in actual use. Because only a small amount is needed per wash, a bottle lasted me longer than expected. For those who truly value its moisturizing properties and nostalgic scent, the price feels justifiable, though I admit it’s not the most budget-friendly option.

Brand Philosophy and Reputation

The Pears brand has a rich history dating back to 1789, when it introduced the world’s first transparent soap. That legacy is still visible in the body wash today, both in its translucent amber look and its familiar scent. The brand emphasizes purity and gentleness, values that have carried it for more than two centuries.

Being under Unilever’s umbrella, Pears also benefits from the company’s sustainability and ethical initiatives. The bottles are recyclable, and the broader company has commitments toward reducing plastic waste. However, it’s worth noting that Unilever as a parent company is not certified cruelty-free, which may concern some consumers who strictly follow ethical purchasing practices.

The brand’s reputation is somewhat divided. Loyal users often swear by it, praising its moisturizing qualities and iconic fragrance. Others, however, find the slippery after-feel unpleasant or think it doesn’t give them the “squeaky clean” finish they expect from a wash. In my opinion, this makes Pears more of a niche favorite than a universal crowd-pleaser.

Who is this for? (Recommendations)

Based on my experience, I’d recommend Pears Original Body Wash for:

• People with dry or sensitive skin who want a gentle, moisturizing cleanser.
• Long-time fans of the Pears soap bar who want the same experience in a more convenient liquid form.
• Anyone who appreciates a classic, nostalgic scent over trendy, heavily perfumed washes.

I wouldn’t recommend it to those who:

• Strongly prefer a squeaky-clean finish with no residue.
• Are looking for a budget-friendly option easily found in local stores.
• Need an unscented or hypoallergenic formula.

Final Verdict and Overall Rating

Important Notes

Before trying Pears Original Body Wash, it’s worth considering a few things:

• Always check seller credibility when buying online, as prices and availability vary greatly.
• If you have very sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies, patch test before full use.
• The slippery post-rinse feel is intentional due to glycerin—whether you like it or not depends on your personal preference.
• Since it’s primarily imported, availability can fluctuate, so stocking up when you find a good deal might be wise.

In conclusion, Pears Original Body Wash is a heritage classic with a modern twist. It may not please everyone, but for those who appreciate its unique qualities, it remains an irreplaceable part of their shower routine.