mindbodygreen Beauty Refresh Awards 2024: The Best In Body Care

Review from editor Alexandra Engler

"Listen: Essie knows how to make good nail polish! I shouldn't be surprised that their plant-based version was as good as it was, but here I am singing its praises. I loved the shades they launched with, including the bright cherry red. It's earned me countless compliments.

Review from cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline

"Essie Love By Essie nail polish has quickly become my go-to choice for a flawless manicure. As a clean cosmetic chemist, I very much appreciate the innovative 80% plant-based formula. The formula applies smoothly and evenly, with rich pigmentation that provides full coverage in just one to two coats. Plus, the wide brush design makes application a breeze, even for those hard-to-reach corners." 

Review from editor Jamie Schneider

"Essie has been a staple brand of mine for years, especially their creamy pastel hues. (You couldn't catch me without a coat of Fiji on my toes.) So when they launched their new 80% plant-based formula, of course I grabbed the pale yellow, aptly named 'on the brighter side.' The color payoff is just as creamy as my other Essie favorites." 

Review from dermatologist Apple Bodemer, M.D.

"Great coverage with a single coat, and it held up well." 

Review from editor Alexandra Engler

"Over the years, I've gotten very good at recommending natural deodorant to folks. (I've tested enough at this point!) I always want to be mindful of folks' sensitivity level to certain ingredients, how they plan to use natural deodorant, what scents they like (if any). I take it all into account before I dish out my recs. But honestly, I'd recommend this formula to anyone. 

"It's so gentle and hydrating on the skin (which folks don't always prioritize with deodorants—that is, until you've had a bad reaction. Then it's all you think about.) It comes in a good variety of scents (and unscented too), so you can find a fragrance profile you enjoy and works with your body. You can apply it anywhere, just in case someone is looking for odor control other than the underarm area (think thighs, feet, etc.). And most importantly: It works!" 

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

"A high-performing, aluminum-free deodorant is not a pipe dream. I've been a Native stan for years at this point, but their Whole Body Deodorant really wowed me this year. The sticks glide smoothly onto the skin, sans sticky residue—and not a clothing stain in sight—while the sprays instantly neutralize odors without leaving your pits wet, for lack of a better phrase. Do yourself a favor and snag the lilac and white tea scent, which smells like perfume."

Review from cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline

"The formula is free from aluminum, baking soda, talc, and other harsh chemicals, yet it still provides all-day odor control without irritation. I love how it glides on smoothly and dries quickly, providing odor protection throughout the day."

Review from editor Hannah Frye

"Making a clean deodorant that actually works is not something many brands can get right, but Native did. The formula glides on with ease and never leaves behind stains on your favorite dark clothing. It's comparable to more expensive products in the same category but more affordable and accessible than those luxury items."

Review from editor Alexandra Engler

"A somewhat embarrassing fact about me is that I never get compliments from my dentist. I'm almost always doing something wrong or have failed him in some way, shape, or form. Usually, I get a lecture about flossing or holding my jaw too tight or not rinsing after coffee or the list goes on. He's a hard man to please! But I'm thrilled to announce that my last visit went spectacularly—he said my teeth have never looked brighter and my gums have never been healthier. I'm not being hyperbolic when I say I credit that to this toothpaste."

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

"Besides the fact that having a lychee-flavored toothpaste just sounds fancy, Cocoshine has truly elevated my oral care routine. The sulfate- and peroxide-free formula calls upon nanocrystals of hydroxyapatite (n-HA), a mineral that makes up 97% of teeth's enamel, to gently buff and brighten my already sensitive enamel. I used to wince in pain at the thought of intense brightening toothpastes—now, thanks to Cocofloss, it's something I look forward to leveraging in my regimen." 

Review from editor Hannah Frye

"Finally, a gentle toothpaste that gets the job done! I believe it's products like this that remind folks beauty is not pain, and this most certainly applies to your daily oral care routine."

Review from editor Alexandra Engler

"NativaSPA just understands body care through and through. Everything they make is so sensorially enjoyable, from lush body oils to delicious-smelling creams. I just always look forward to using their products! This hand cream uses a blend of hydrating botanical ingredients (including the special 100% pure quinoa oil that's a throughline through all their products) and a bio-retinol to help improve the appearance of hands. Specifically, this is ideal for anyone who needs to help address texture, fine lines, and crepey skin on the hands." 

Review from editor Hannah Frye

"I'm a big of Nativa SPA's body care for its firming effects thanks to the nutrient-rich quinoa oil. Whipped together with shea butter, coconut oil, and pantheon, your hands will get an equally soothing and hydrating hug upon application. Not to mention, they went beyond just a simple lavender or rose scent common in hand creams and blended four different flowers—lavender, iris, violet, and lilac—for a true aromatherapy experience."

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

"Your body care should be an extension of how you treat your face (skin is skin!), so I think it's so smart that Youth To The People modeled their first-ever body scrub after their bestselling Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial. The blend of chemical and physical exfoliants makes my skin seriously glow, and I can't stop touching my skin after each time I use it."

Review from editor Hannah Frye

"Exfoliating your body can feel like a chore, especially if you want to go the chemical route. Luckily, this product makes it easy, effective, and enjoyable by combining AHAs and gentle natural beads into one in-shower step. Not only that, but it leaves your skin feeling hydrated after you step out of the shower, proving the formula was made with the barrier in mind. The experience is so refreshing."

Review from trichologist Bridgette Hill

"What I look for in a body scrub is how moisturized my skin feels after use the night before without applying additional body oil. This scrub made the cut, and my skin felt unbelievably supple and nourished without residue."

Review from cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline

"As a cosmetic chemist, I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into formulating this scrub. The brilliant combination of 10% AHA chemical exfoliation as well as the physical exfoliation from jojoba beads and olive seed powder gently buffs away dead skin cells, revealing a softer, smoother complexion underneath after the very first wash. What truly sets this scrub apart is its enriching formula, infused with skin-loving ingredients to rejuvenate and protect the skin while providing gentle, effective exfoliation. But it's the captivating aroma of citrus and ginger that truly makes each use a revitalizing experience. I find myself looking forward to that scent every morning!"

Review from dermatologist Apple Bodemer, M.D.

"I don't usually like coarse scrubs, but this left me feeling awake and energized. It was more gentle than other scrubs I have tried, and while my skin does not tolerate daily use, I would include this once or twice a week. I used it on my daughter's keratosis pilaris and it was gentle enough to not leave her arms more red while helping smooth her bumpy arms." 

Review from makeup artist Lisa Aharon

"Love the smell and so does my husband! The creamy texture feels great going on the skin, and it's been keeping my body soft and smooth."

Review from director Alexandra Engler

"I have sensitive skin from head to toe, so I'm particular about what I use—that includes shave gels. So many on the market are pumped with irritating fragrances, which means there a no-go for my easily agitated skin. I loved this fragrance-free shave gel from Billie. Like a few other testers noted, I used it as an allover shaving product, including my underarms and intimate areas. My skin felt so smooth and calm post-shave, which is not always a guarantee." 

Review from trichologist Bridgette Hill

"This product is designed for feminine use, but I used it for underarms and legs. This experience with this product proves the importance of high-quality sourced ingredients. The slide and close shave leave the skin soft, and I love that it is fragrance-free."

Review from editor Hannah Frye

"Let's be real—so many women shave their bikini line and vulva. Sorry to be so frank, but it's true, and we need products that help us do so safely. Enter, the Billie V Smooth—a shaving aid specifically formulated for use on this sensitive area. The fragrance-free, gel-like prep helps my razor glide with ease and gives me peace of mind that I won't irritate my vaginal pH or burn the very, very sensitive skin. It's become a staple in my shower and that of friends as well."

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

"I don't love to use shaving cream. Well, I should say, I often feel too lazy to grab the foam once I'm already in the shower. I'd rather just pair my razor with whatever heavily fragranced body wash I have on hand. As you can probably guess, this hasn't been the best plan of action. On more sensitive areas like my bikini line and underarms, it often results in irritation and ingrowns. Since adding Billie's fragrance-free into my rotation (which sits on my shower shelf for easy access), I have noticed much smoother, calmer skin. No messy, sticky foam, yet no razor burn. Win-win!"

Review from director Alexandra Engler

"This body cream is the perfect texture. It's rich but not overwhelming. It's effortlessly absorbing, not long-lasting. It's also ideal for sensitive skin, as the ingredients help soothe and nurture skin."

Review from editor Hannah Frye

"I'm a big Nauropathica fan, so I can't say I'm surprised by their latest and greatest body butter. The best way I can describe this product is comforting. The cream glides onto your skin and sinks in with ease, but the moisture stays for hours, leaving skin soft and smooth for a full day, if not more. The calendula is perfect for soothing irritation, be it from shaving, exfoliation, or too much sun exposure, making it the perfect sensitive skin holy grail as well."