Kiehl's Body Wash in Bath & Body
Low PFAS risk for typical body wash product.
Body wash is a rinse-off cosmetic with no known PFAS-prone materials or treatments. Kiehl's does not disclose PFAS status, but standard formulations present lower concern than products with water-repellent or grease-resistant finishes.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water, glycerin, surfactants, fragrance
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Kiehl's Body Wash in Bath & Body is made of, ingredients and materials
Kiehl's Body Wash is a water-based cleanser built on surfactants (detergents that lift oils and dirt) plus glycerin for hydration. The formula includes fragrance compounds and preservatives to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. None of these ingredient classes, when used in rinse-off body wash, typically pose acute toxicity; the product is designed to be applied briefly to skin then washed away, which limits exposure.
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
Kiehl's body wash contains 'fragrance' as a labeled ingredient. Fragrance compounds can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization in a subset of users, particularly those with sensitive skin or prior fragrance sensitivities. No specific allergen triggers for Kiehl's fragrance blend are disclosed on product labeling.
Preservative irritation or sensitization
Body wash formulas require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; common ones include parabens, phenoxyethanol, or formaldehyde releasers. Kiehl's ingredient list has not been cross-referenced here, so specific preservative identity is not confirmed. Some users may experience mild irritation with repeated exposure, though rinse-off nature limits risk.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
1,4-dioxane contamination
1,4-dioxane is a potential contaminant in surfactants derived from ethoxylation, not a deliberately added ingredient. No tests or recalls for Kiehl's body wash document elevated 1,4-dioxane levels; contamination, if present, would be at trace parts-per-million in rinse-off applications.
Heavy metals
Body wash is typically clear or lightly tinted; iron oxides and synthetic colorants used in cosmetics are regulated and tested by manufacturers. No recalls or test results naming heavy metal contamination in Kiehl's body wash products are on public record.
Source, FDA ↗Talc contamination
Kiehl's body wash is a liquid cleanser, not a powder, so talc is not an ingredient. This hazard is not relevant to this product format.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Kiehl's does not publicly disclose a comprehensive ingredient safety or chemical management policy; the brand is owned by L'Oreal, which maintains general cosmetic compliance with FDA and EU regulations but does not advertise third-party certifications (e.g., EWG verification, clean beauty labels). No recalls or safety controversies specific to Kiehl's body wash products are on public record. The brand's silence on PFAS stance is typical for the mainstream personal care category.
How it compares in its category
Body washes occupy a middle tier of scrutiny in cosmetics, they rinse off quickly, so skin contact is brief, but fragrance and preservative systems are common across brands. Kiehl's is a conventional formulation without marketed 'clean' or allergen-free claims; competitors emphasizing fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or certified organic options may appeal to sensitive-skin consumers, though clinical differences are often minor. Price point reflects brand positioning rather than ingredient purity.
If you buy it
Use as directed on packaging, apply to damp skin, lather, and rinse thoroughly with water. Store in a cool, dry place; do not allow water to pool at the bottle base, which can promote bacterial growth in the nozzle. Discontinue use if irritation, rash, or allergic reaction develops. Body wash does not require replacement on a fixed schedule unless formulation changes or product quality visibly degrades (discoloration, separation, off-odor).
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Kiehls 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.