A couple of years ago, I decided to venture into the world of body washes. Having always been a bar soap girl, I thought that I might reap some benefits from a body wash. I had heard that body washes tend to be less drying on the skin. I have had problems with very dry, itchy skin in the winter months, and would face particular miserableness right after my shower.

Because I wanted to go for a natural option, and something that wouldn't break the bank, I decided on Jason Apricot Satin Shower Body Wash. I found that many natural body washes were pricey, and the Jason's Body Wash appeared to be the most economical option, for a wash that did not have Lauryl or Laureth Sulfates. I can't remember what I originally paid for the 30 oz. bottle, but these days I pay $9.99. Jason's makes several versions of their body wash, in addition to Apricot. I have seen Aloe Vera, Tea Tree, and Lavender for example.

The Body Wash comes in a beige plastic bottle with a pump top. I like that it is hefty, and is difficult to tip over when full. The only time I have ever knocked this bottle over in the shower was when I accidentally whacked my hand against the pump. Otherwise, it's pretty steady. The pump is easy to use, and enables me to control how much I want to dispense.

According to the label, Jason Apricot Satin Shower Body Wash:

-Is concentrated
- Is a pH Balanced Formula
- Contains Natural Deodorant Action
- Does Not Contain Any Animal By-Products
- Was Not Tested on Animals
- Is Bio-Degradable
- Does Not Contain Parabens

The ingredients are:

Aqua (Purified Water), Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Gel (Aloe Vera)(Certified Organic), Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin (Vege), Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract (Chamomile)(Certified Organic), Lauramide MEA, Glycol Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Allantoin, Panthenol (Vit. B5), Sodium PCA, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil (Apricot), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower)(Certified Organic), Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis Seed Extract (Grapefruit), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Color (Natural), Fragrance Oil Blend

Many of the ingredients are certified organic.

Let me address the "concentrated" claim first. I do not find that this body wash is terribly concentrated. In fact, when I have applied it to a wash cloth, I find that I need to use quite a bit to work up a decent lather. I find that I get the best results using my standard method- applying a quarter-sized amount to a net bath sponge. I then wet the sponge, squeeze it to disperse the body wash, and use it to wash my body. I find that by doing this, I do get a very nice amount of lather. However, I certainly wouldn't consider this to be concentrated.

The body wash is an apricot orange color, with a slight pearlized sheen. It is a thick liquid, as opposed to a gel. The smell is nice, and leaves that hint of apricot smell on my skin even after it is rinsed. I do find that the smell is a bit more perfumed than a completely natural scent. I would prefer it to smell a bit more natural. I am an allergic person, but this scent does not bother me whatsoever.

I do find that this body wash cleans very effectively. I have used it at times when I am downright filthy (i.e., like this past Saturday when I was sweating profusely after painting our spare bedroom), and it made me feel clean and refreshed afterwards. It does seem to help prevent body odor, as it helps keep me smelling fresh during steamy summer months.

As I mentioned earlier, I originally ventured into the realm of body washes to help control my dry itchy skin in the winter. I use to have such deep itchiness on my legs for example, that I would wake up in the middle of the night to scratch them. I have not had this problem since switching to this body wash. My skin does need some extra moisturizer occasionally, but I find that this body wash alone tends to control my dry skin. It also leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.

I have never tried to use this body wash as bubbly for my bath. However, according to the back label of the bottle, it suggests that as an option. I am a shower girl, and not a bath girl. But, if I were to take bubble baths, I wouldn't hesitate giving this wash a shot in the bath.

I am very happy with this body wash, due to the fact that it addresses my dry itchiness in winter, while also cleaning me thoroughly and effectively. I also really like that it is cruelty free and natural. If I were to change two things about it, I would make it more concentrated, and I would make the scent a little more naturally fruity. Then, it would be perfect.

I tend to purchase Jason's Apricot Satin Shower Body Wash at my local Whole Foods for $9.99. However, if you do not have a Whole Foods nearby, I know that you can also find it on-line at Drugstore.com for $10.49.

Recommended: Yes