Beauty

I Keep Repurchasing This Glycolic Acid Body Wash From Naturium — Here’s Why

Published

A bottle of Naturium body wash on a green towel.
(Amazon)

While I’m fairly consistent with my skincare routine, one thing I don’t mind switching up semi-regularly is my body cleanser. My skin is generally forgiving, though I do get the occasional breakout on my back and shoulders — which I blame on the reformers in Pilates class. That said, I love a product that ticks multiple boxes, which is exactly why I adore The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium. I love it so much, in fact, that I’m already on my second bottle.

The gentle, fragrance-free formula works effortlessly, exfoliating the skin and leaving it happy, hydrated, and smoother than ever without the need for gritty sugars or salts.

Now, let’s talk details.

Key Specs

  • Formula: Liquid Gel Cleanser
  • Bottle size: 16.9 fl. oz. | 500 mL
  • Fragrance: Fragrance-Free
  • Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Red Algae
  • Other Notable Details: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-free, Paraben-Free

My review of The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium

Alice holding a bottle of Naturium body wash in her shower.
Nautrium | The Smoother (product photo) (Alice Prendergast)

As I mentioned, The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium has been a staple in my shower routine for some time now. I’ve tried several alternatives over the past few months, but I keep coming back to this one. Why? Because it’s clean, effective, and simply gets the job done.

While I don’t mind switching up my body cleanser, there are a few boxes I need the formula to tick — and luckily, this one ticks them all. The AHA blend of glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids effortlessly sloughs away dead skin cells, leaving my skin smooth and glowing. Unlike many exfoliants that can be harsh and stripping, this one is enriched with red algae, which hydrates while clearing away impurities. For peace of mind, the formula is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested.

It’s gentle enough for daily use — so gentle, in fact, that it can even be used as a facial cleanser. I’ve tried it on my face in a pinch, though I found it a little drying for my already dry skin, so I prefer to stick to my Elemis cleansing balm and Tatcha matcha-fuelled cleanser. Those with combination, normal, or oily skin could likely use it on their face without issue.

I also appreciate the generous bottle size. While it’s pricier than drugstore alternatives like Neutrogena or Eucerin, you truly get what you pay for. The pump makes it easy to dispense just the right amount, so you won’t overdo it.

The drawbacks of The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium

Two bottles of Naturium body wash next to a towel.
Naturium | The Smoother (Amazon)

In my opinion, there are only two real drawbacks: the packaging and the price. A few buyers have reported receiving broken bottles, which is a bit surprising given that they’re made of thick, heavy-duty plastic. The pump can also be prone to breaking — I’ll admit that my previous bottle fell off my shower shelf and shattered on impact. Not entirely shocking, but worth noting that it’s not the most durable option.

As for the price, it’s slightly higher than some drugstore competitors. That said, considering the size, clean ingredients list, and omission of harsh chemicals, I think it’s justified.

Another very minor consideration is the scent — or lack thereof. If you enjoy scent layering and treating your shower like an aromatherapy experience, this isn’t the one for you. It’s fragrance-free, which is perfect for sensitive skin, but it won’t transport you to a tropical paradise or a cake bakery while you lather up.

My final thoughts on The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium

A bottle of Naturium body wash next to a loofah.
Naturium | The Smoother (Amazon)

If you’re after an affordable body cleanser that leaves your skin soft and silky, you’ll likely love this one. Unlike physical exfoliants, it does its job gently, smoothing rough, uneven skin with a blend of acids. It also won’t leave your skin feeling dry or stripped, saving you from having to slather on thick moisturizers and oils after your shower when you just don’t have time for the extra steps.

The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium Pros

  • Exfoliates effectively, smoothing out skin
  • Targets multiple concerns, including rough skin, keratosis pilaris, uneven texture, dullness, and dryness
  • Gentle enough to be used as a face cleanser
  • Comes in a large bottle, so it lasts a while

The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium Cons

  • Despite being made of plastic, the packaging is fragile and prone to breaking
  • More expensive than some drugstore alternatives

What are reviewers saying about The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium?

Reviewers are loving The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash from Naturium, which boasts an impressive average rating of 4.2 stars on Amazon Canada. Many say it leaves their skin feeling soft and silky, with some noting that it’s helped reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris and kept ingrown hairs at bay. The only significant issue mentioned by reviewers is the packaging — a small number reported that it arrived damaged or broken.

Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.