The Body Shop is a globally well-known British Cosmetics Brand whose presence is felt in more than 60 countries. You can always find The Body Shop Outlets in various malls and shopping centers. It’s quite popular all over. In fact, my very first face wash was from The Body Shop. No, it wasn’t from Himalayas or Garnier! My aunt gifted me The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream along with the face wash. That was when I was a fresher in college. It was a period when I didn’t even know my skin type. I clearly remember I wasn’t fascinated with the products. Fast forward to the present, I know what would suit my skin type better. Now that I have tried a handful of The Body Shop Products, I’ll be sharing my experience with them in this post. Honestly, some of them were good and some weren’t. Read on to know more about them. Are they really worth the hype and investment? Hop on.
Disclaimers:
1: All products are purchased from my own hard-earned money.
2: This post contains affiliate links. By making a purchase through those links, you help me run this blog successfully at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
The Body Shop Products Quick Overview
1. Skin Clearing Tea Tree Face Wash
Refreshing and purifying face wash. Helps control acne breakouts & heal acne faster. A must-try for oily acne-prone skin types. My rating: 4.5/5
2. Satsuma Shower Gel
Loved by many. Personally, I am not a fan of its scent. Smells like the soft drink Fanta. Except that, it’s a nice refreshing shower gel. My rating: 2.5/5
3. Shea Body Butter
An amazing body butter that is insanely nourishing and moisturizing. Has a nice nutty aroma that you wouldn’t want to miss. My Rating: 4.6/5
4. Fuji Green Tea Gel Lotion
A super lightweight body lotion that adds a burst of hydration along with imparting a healthy glow to the glow. It has a fresh, light scent and is apt for summers and oily skin. My Rating: 4/5
5. Oils of Life Sleeping Cream
Infused with good anti-aging ingredients. A lightweight gel-cream product that moisturizes the skin without leaving the skin greasy. It has a warm perfume scent and is a bit highly-priced. Suitable as a night cream for oily-normal-combination skin types. My Rating: 4/5
6. Grapeseed Glossing Serum
This is one of the best hair serums. It not only imparts shine and detangles hair, but it also adds a beautiful bounce to my fine hair. It smoothens out every strand and stays frizz-proof for at least 4 days. My Rating: 4.5/5
7. Vitamin E Moisture Protect Emulsion SPF 30 PA+++
A milky white emulsion-type liquid sunscreen. It has a very nourishing formula, gives a dewy finish, and can make you look like a grease ball if you have oily skin. Has a mild white cast and flashbacks in photographs. Try it if you have dry skin and/or live in colder climates. My Rating: 2.5/5
8. Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother
It’s a Vitamin C-infused skin primer-like product. Other than smoothening out the skin surface temporarily, I don’t see the benefit of using this product. Strongly scented and highly scented. My Rating: 2.5/5
9. Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Cleansing Oil in Gel
It is a gel-type product that emulsifies upon contact with water. Typically, it’s an oil cleanser. Removes makeup and impurities without drying out the skin. My Rating: 3.5/5
10. All in One Base Makeup
Fragrance-free, mattifying, light to medium coverage powder foundation. Gives a natural-looking finish and is available in 5 shades. A good product for oily acne-prone skin types. My Rating: 4/5
Read further to know in-depth about The Body Shop Products.
The Body Shop Products Review
1. The Body Shop Skin Clearing Tea Tree Facial Wash
Since I have acne-prone skin, I always look out for products that target acne or pimples. I was eyeing the tea tree oil but ended up picking the face wash among the entire Tea Tree Range. I was high on pimples when I first started using this a couple of years ago.
As you can see, The Body Shop Green Tea Face Wash is a greenish gel-based face wash with a medium-thick consistency. A doll-up of the face wash was more than enough to clean my face as it foams up nicely. It has the signature Tea Tree Oil smell which I’m used to. But new Tea Tree Oil users may find it medicinal and strong on the nose. For me, the scent wasn’t overpowering compared to the other Tea Tree Oil Products that I’ve used.
This face wash has a cooling effect on the skin while washing off and instantly feels refreshing. It rinses off easily as it doesn’t have too much slip like other gel face washes. It clears off dirt and impurities really well, with totally no complaints on the cleaning part. My skin also looks clean, clear, and brighter. The face wash did not feel drying in the first few washes, but after days of using it, I felt this made my skin a little drier unless I use more hydrating products. So I started using it once a day, usually at the end of the day which was more beneficial.
Coming to its effects on acne, it did help in controlling my acne breakouts and also heal existing acne faster. Overall, this is a great purifying face wash for those suffering from frequent breakouts. Also, this 250 ml bottle will easily last for more than 4 months, even when used daily, twice a day. This is one of my all-time favorites for acne.
Rating: 4.5/5
2. The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel
This Satsuma and the Strawberry variant are the most popular ones among all TBS shower gels. I got this one as I love citrus-scented body products. But unfortunately, this scent failed to impress me. The fragrance is exactly like that of Fanta (a popular soft drink). It is not bad as such but I did not like this scent in my shower gel. As it is strongly scented my whole bathroom smells like Fanta and the scent lingers on my skin for the initial two or three hours post-shower.
The Satsuma Shower gel does not foam up heavily with just hands, unlike the Neutrogena Rainbath Shower Gel, but a little was enough to bring it to a rich foam using my loofah. It leaves a slippery residue on my skin so I always use more water to rinse it off. The shower gel does give a refreshing cleaned-up feel and does not dry out the skin which is a good thing. But still, I needed to moisturize thereafter as I have very dry body skin.
Overall, this isn’t a bad shower gel, I know a lot of people who rave about this, it’s just that I did not like its fragrance.
Rating: 2.5/5
3. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter
Just like their shower gels, The Body Shop has got a variety of Body Butters. If there is one product that you need to try from TBS, then it must be their Body Butters. I went in for the Shea Butter variant which has a mild nutty fragrance.
This Shea Body Body Butter is super nourishing with Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Babassu oil. It has the perfect semi-thick buttery texture. I usually apply in dots and then massage it over nicely, in that way it covers each and every area and gets absorbed completely. This does not leave any residue nor feels greasy. It instantly moisturizes and the skin looks healthy and supple. It tackles dryness superbly.
My skin is prone to itchiness if it’s dry or cracked and applying this twice a day has healed them completely. This is an amazing body butter that all the normal to dry skin beauties should try. I loved this.
Rating: 4.6/5
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4. The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Replenishing Gel Lotion
The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Replenishing Gel Lotion is super lightweight on the skin and is perfect for the summer season. It has a fast-absorbing smooth and light texture that sinks in within seconds. It has a bit of coolness when it touches the skin and leaves no greasiness, sticky, or oily residue. It is not very moisturizing but adds a burst of hydration to the skin.
It is best for those oily skin ladies who want a light hydrating body lotion. It also adds a healthy glow to the skin with its suppleness. Above all, the fragrance is mesmerizing. It has a very fresh, summery light fragrance which can be irritating for sensitive noses. The scent does not stay long and yes re-application is needed since it’s a light lotion. I thoroughly loved using this Gel Crème Lotion and have been eyeing their Body Yogurts now.
Rating: 4/5
5. The Body Shop Oils of Life Sleeping Cream
I received samples of these along with my Body Shop orders. Despite being an award-winning product, I was initially doubtful if this will suit my acne-prone skin but gladly this didn’t break me out. This is not a rich cream as I thought, but more of a gel-cream product that is lightweight on the skin. It absorbs so quickly and leaves the skin moisturized without being greasy or shiny. In fact, I think this will not be enough moisturizing for very dry skin types. I guess dry skin types can use this in your 10-step skincare routine.
I simply liked how this instantly left my skin soft and the next day I woke up with healthy and supple skin. I was impressed with the usage of these samples which lasted me for a week at least. It has got Black Cumin Oil, Rosehip Oil and Camellia Oil which I believe are great anti-aging ingredients. The Sleeping Cream has a warm perfume kind of scent that vanes away within seconds of application, so it’s not a bother.
In all, this is a perfect non-greasy night cream suitable for those with oily-normal skin and in their late 20s. If I had all the money, I would be getting this full size to see its long-term benefits.
Rating: 4/5
Where to buy? Amazon.in / Amazon.com
6. The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum
This is the possession of, one of our writers, Sneha. She swears that this is the best hair serum out there. It is rare to find a hair serum that doesn’t weigh down fine hair. But this is it! The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum not only imparts shine and detangles hair, but it also adds a beautiful bounce to fine hair. It smoothens out every strand and stays frizz-proof for at least 4 days. It also removes static from hair which is a major problem for those living in dry weather.
Styling the hair also becomes easier after applying this serum. It has the right thick consistency of a serum and one pump is all she needs to tame her mid-waist-length mane. The hair serum has a mild fruity fragrance that lingers for about half a day (totally non-bothering) but still makes you smell fresh for the next couple of days. Except for the silicones, there isn’t a reason why you shouldn’t buy this.
Rating: 4.5/5
7. The Body Shop All in One Face Base
This was one of my first compact foundations. I absolutely adored and loved using this for giving me a nice polished look without giving a made-up look. The powder is silky smooth and velvety soft. It has got no fragrance at all which is a big plus for sensitive noses like mine. The compact comes with a mirror and separate sponge which is soft and is of good quality.
The all-in-one face base is available in 5 shades and I had shade 02 which is a light beige. This powder can be used both wet and dry. It has light coverage when used dry and medium coverage when used wet. It does not cover very dark spots and pigmentation though. The powder is mattifying and is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin types as it has never broken me out.
Powders are usually not suitable for dry skin types and so is this one. Although it can be used after a heavy-duty moisturizer to prevent the powder from clinging onto dry patches. The staying power of this powder is good too. My face looks fresh and nice for around 5-6 hours after that I need a light touch-up.
In all, I loved this product. It’s a great product but I have moved on to the MAC Studio Fix Compact Plus Foundation as it has more coverage.
Rating: 4/5
8. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Protect Emulsion SPF 30 PA +++
The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Protect Emulsion SPF 30 PA +++ claims to be a lightweight lotion that acts as a moisturizer plus sun protection which is true. It is a milky white runny emulsion. It’s liquidy in consistency hence it spreads and blends effortlessly.
The sunscreen is highly moisturizing and it can make you look greasy or oily if you have oily skin or stay in humid weather. Not that a layer of compact powder can’t resolve the shininess issue though. However, I doubt that one can use the recommended ¼ teaspoon with this sunscreen as I’m sure this will make oily skin types shine like a disco ball. Typically this will be a great sunscreen for dry to very dry skin types and the cold winter months.
The sunscreen has a dewy finish and exhibits a very mild white cast in person but an obvious flashback in photographs. It’s not that bad though. Having used a lot of sunscreens, I will say this sunscreen exhibits a minimal white cast. The sunscreen has a synthetic floral cream fragrance that is not too bothering. The packaging of the product is sleek and the pump dispenser is convenient to use. However, when the product reaches the bottom of the bottle, the pump fails to dispense the remaining product. When I shake the bottle I could sense the emulsion inside it. So unless I break open the pump, some of the product is left behind unused.
Unfortunately, since this is not a sunscreen for oily skin types, I didn’t really enjoy using this. However, if you have super dry skin, you will love how nourishing this sunscreen is. Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Wheatgerm Oil are all excellent skin-soothing ingredients so those with sensitive skin and easily prone to sunburns will benefit from this sunscreen.
Rating: 3/5
9. The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother
Just like its name, this is an instant skin smoother. It smoothens out fine lines, blurs out pores, and gives a silky smooth finish while providing skincare benefits of Vitamin C. In short, this is a skincare plus makeup product. The smooth finish it provides is perfect as a makeup base. It is recommended to use the instant smoother after your cleansing, toning, and moisturizing steps.
The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother has a light serum-like gel texture that spreads and gets absorbed easily. It has got a citrus fragrance that’s kind of refreshing but those who are sensitive to fragrance might not like it. The product as such stays true to its claim of providing smooth skin. However, personally, I didn’t see any benefit in using this product except that as a primer. But then I can easily replace this product with a less-priced primer. The fragrance is a bit turn-off for me, as it might irritate sensitive skin and also leads to pimples on acne-prone skin.
Overall, the product is what it claims to be. It is up to you whether you need this product. As for me, I don’t find it beneficial for my skin, and investing in this product is not fruitful.
Rating: 2.5/5
10. The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Cleansing Oil in Gel
The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Cleansing Oil in Gel has a unique oil in gel formulation to cleanse the skin while providing nourishment to the skin. The cleanser is enriched with 3 precious seed oils that help to keep the skin’s natural moisture balance.
The cleanser is suitable for standalone use as well as a makeup remover. I usually require a pea-sized amount of the product. I massage it directly on dry skin. The pale orange gel melts into an oil providing a warm sensation like some cleansing oils. It dissolves skin impurities and makeup really well. After a few seconds of massaging the oil, I moisten my fingers and continue massaging. Upon contact with water, the oil emulsifies into a milky essence further dissolving impurities deep inside the pores. Finally, I rinse it off with generous splashes of water to reveal smoother and cleaner skin. The cleanser doesn’t leave the skin dry at all, instead, it leaves the skin radiant and nourished.
Overall, it is a great heavy-duty cleanser that isn’t drying but leaves the skin clean, fresh, and nourished. I got it during the sales. I do recommend this cleanser for all skin types.
Rating: 4/5
FAQ Asked Questions on The Body Shop
Is The Body Shop Cruelty-Free?
Yes, The Body Shop is Cruelty-Free. You must be aware there were speculations some years ago when The Body Shop was under the L’Oreal Company which tests on animals. Now that the ownership has changed yet again, it is clearly confirmed that The Body Shop is Cruelty-Free. It is now owned by Natura, a Brazilian company that is strongly against animal testing and has even initiated no animal testing petitions. On another note, The Body Shop is the first company to be certified with a Leaping Bunny Logo in 1997.
Is The Body Shop Vegan?
Around half of The Body Shop products are Vegan. You can easily check out their websites to find Vegan-Friendly Products. Most of their Popular products from their Tree Tea Range, Aloe Range, Body Yogurts, lip Juicers, Lip Balms, Sheet Masks, and a lot more products are Vegan Friendly. It’s not just limited to skincare & body care, many of their makeup products such as their foundations, compacts, and even brushes are Vegan.
Is The Body Shop Halal?
Although The Body Shop is not Halal Certified, it’s fairly easy to shortlist halal products in them. Due to the fact that their products are 100% Vegetarian and have Vegan-Friendly options (no animal or animal by-products), you might have to mostly look into whether they contain intoxicating alcohol in them. Most products don’t contain them. Also, The Body Shop is well received in the Middle Eastern Countries where Halal Products are Preferred. So I guess with a little bit of analysis of ingredients, you can easily find Halal Products from The Body Shop.
Is The Body Shop Chemical Free And Really Natural?
To be honest Chemical Free is really overrated. Everything is chemical in this world from water to oxygen. Everything is chemical. They use safe, toxin-free, and approved ingredients in their products. Their formulations are tested for consumer safety and comply with international safety laws.
As for being Natural or Not. They do use natural raw ingredients in almost all their products such as Shea Butter, Tree Tea Oil, etc with synthetic ingredients added to enhance the products. Personally, I believe that you shouldn’t expect a 100% Natural product from any brand because ideally preservatives are needed to keep the product and its efficiency intact. You don’t want to use mold-infested or unsafe preservative-free products right! My recommendation would be to always check the ingredient list thoroughly and choose products wisely, be it any brand.
Who shouldn’t use The Body Shop Products?
Anyone who is sensitive and allergic to fragrances should skip The Body Shop. Many of their products are high on synthetic/artificial fragrance, so it may not be for everyone. In fact, The Body Shop is a brand well known for its fragrances, just like The Bath and Body Works. Go for it only if you love fragranced skincare & body care.
My final thoughts on The Body Shop Products
Usually, I don’t fall for such mid-range luxury brands, but I have a soft spot for The Body Shop. I have liked most of the products that I have tried so far and I always keep a close watch on their sale seasons. To be honest, that’s the only time I buy their products. The high price is usually justified by its longevity, as most of them last for a couple of months. My all-time favorites from The Body Shop are the Tree Tea Skin Clearing Facial Wash and The Shea Body Butter.
In a nutshell, The Body Shop is a global beauty brand that is worth your money. They are great performers so do get them if you are not obsessed with being all-natural.
That is all we have for today. See you in another interesting post soon. Don’t forget to share your thoughts, and experiences with the brand in the comments section below. If you have any other brand review suggestions, do let me know in the comments as well. Thank You so much for reading until the end.
Safiya is the editor and founder of TheBeautyInsideOut. With 7 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has been contributing content since its inception in 2016. She’s keen on trying out skincare from various verticals – be it Western skincare, Korean beauty, or Indian Ayurveda and sharing their unbiased opinions on them.
Serum to recently use kar rahi hu, oils of life facial oil bhi n satsuma ka bathing soap use kiya hai aur ye shea body butter n green tea bhi use kiya hai, bahut satisfied hu ?
Loving your brand focus series. You give honest and detailed reviews. As you said TBS products are high in artificial fragrances, so am never impressed to try anything from the brand.