Bath and Body Works · Body Wash
Bath and Body Works Fragrance and Body Care
Low PFAS concern for typical formulations; no evidence of intentional PFAS use.
Bath and Body Works fragrance and body care products are liquid cosmetics with conventional ingredients like water, glycerin, and fragrance. PFAS is not commonly added to these product types; no public disclosure or testing data exists suggesting contamination.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
fragrance, water, glycerin, alcohol, emollients
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Bath and Body Works Fragrance Body Care is made of, ingredients and materials
Bath and Body Works fragrances and body care products are formulated with water, glycerin (humectant), alcohol (preservative and carrier), and proprietary fragrance blends plus emollients like oils or butters. Glycerin and water form the hydrating base; alcohol volatilizes post-application, leaving fragrance and conditioning agents on skin. The fragrance component is a complex mixture of aromatic compounds, naturals, and synthetics whose full disclosure is protected as trade secret in most jurisdictions, which limits transparency on individual sensitizing compounds.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Bath and Body Works fragrances are not labeled with specific allergen disclosures (e.g., limonene, linalool, geraniol); individuals with fragrance sensitivity or atopy may react to undisclosed aromatic compounds in proprietary blends. Risk scales with application frequency and skin barrier integrity.
1,4-dioxane (process contaminant in emulsifiers)
1,4-dioxane can form as a byproduct during synthesis of some surfactants and emulsifiers used in body lotions and creams. Bath and Body Works does not publicly commit to testing or removal; risk is low in fragrances and alcohol-based mists, higher in cream or lotion formulations if emulsifiers are not ethoxylate-free.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public record of formaldehyde releasers (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) identified in Bath and Body Works formulations, though ingredient lists do not confirm their absence. Alcohol and glycerin suggest reliance on alcohol-based preservation.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Bath and Body Works fragrances and most body care products are colorless or lightly tinted; no evidence of high-pigment formulations or pigment-related contamination. Risk is low for typical uncolored fragrance mists and lotions.
Source, FDA ↗Talc contamination
No evidence that Bath and Body Works fragrances or body lotions contain talc. Some bath and body powders or dusting products may carry talc; this assessment applies to fragrances, mists, and liquid body care only.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Bath and Body Works does not publish detailed ingredient lists for fragrance blends or publicly disclose PFAS testing or avoidance commitments. The brand has faced no major recalls or regulatory actions tied to cosmetic safety violations in recent years. Consumer complaints on file center on fragrance intensity and skin irritation in sensitive individuals, not systemic contamination or undisclosed hazardous ingredients. Third-party ingredient transparency is limited by industry standard fragrance confidentiality.
How it compares in its category
Bath and Body Works occupies the mass-market personal care segment with formulations broadly comparable to competitors (e.g., Victoria's Secret, drugstore brands). Major differences from premium or indie brands, less likely to feature hypoallergenic or allergen-certified formulations, less detailed allergen labeling, and stronger synthetic fragrance load than unscented or minimalist alternatives. No significant advantage or disadvantage versus mainstream peers on heavy metal contamination or preservative risk.
If you buy it
Patch test any new fragrance on inner forearm or behind ear 24 hours before full-body application, especially if you have sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Store away from direct heat and sunlight to preserve fragrance stability and prevent alcohol evaporation that concentrates residual compounds. Discontinue use immediately if redness, itching, or burning develops; fragrance sensitivity can worsen with repeated exposure. Shelf life is typically 12 to 24 months; discard if scent becomes noticeably off or product separates.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 75% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Bath and Body Works has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More body wash grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.