I Tried the Laurel Bath House Araki 40 & Nudie Body Washes (Review)

This Laurel Bath House review was weeks in the making. Since giving birth to my twins, I’ve finally been free to explore new skincare and body-care formulas, and I’ve been searching for a non-toxic body wash that smells beautiful, cleans effectively, lathers well, and does not leave my sensitive skin feeling dry or tight. I tested both the ARAKI 40 and the Nudie body washes repeatedly. They were both in the Laurel Bath House Discovery Set, which includes two gender-inclusive scents: Araki 40, a bold cherry-forward blend of cherry blossom, almond, and cedarwood, and Nudie, a softer floral-musk fragrance featuring bergamot, jasmine sambac, and musk.  

In this honest Laurel Bath House body wash review, I’ll examine the complete 12-ingredient formula, fragrance transparency, packaging, cleansing performance and value for money. I’ll also compare Araki 40 vs. Nudie to help you decide whether this non-toxic body wash Discovery Set is worth its $48 retail price.

You can also read my review of OrganiWash, find out what I really think about Native deodorant, and explore my firsthand experience with ATTITUDE products. If you’re looking for pregnancy-focused skincare, don’t miss my Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter review.

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About Laurel Bath House

Laurel Bath House is an independent fragrance and body-care brand founded in Los Angeles in 2024 by David Teitelbaum and Laura Pandolfo. The company began after the founders struggled to find a body wash that combined gentler ingredients, effective cleansing, distinctive fragrance, and accessible luxury. Rather than treating fragrance as an afterthought, Laurel Bath House designs each scent as a sensory “chapter” inspired by a particular place, time, or memory. 

According to the brand, its products are designed and hand-filled by the founders in small batches in Los Angeles. Laurel Bath House says it uses naturally derived fragrance oils and ethically sourced ingredients, including some upcycled extracts, and follows GMP-certified manufacturing practices. Its products are also vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested before being released. 

The collection extends beyond body wash and currently includes:

• Fine fragrances and eau de parfums
• Fragranced body washes
• Solid serum deodorants
• Body creams
• Discovery and sampler sets
• Coordinated bundles for layering the same scent

The idea is that customers can wear one fragrance across several products rather than combining conflicting scents. Laurel Bath House also uses a proprietary system called Clairscent in its body washes, deodorants, and body creams. The company describes it as a bio-based technology that targets odor-causing molecules instead of simply masking them, although detailed information about its composition and independent performance testing is limited.  

For its body washes, the brand combines fragrance with skincare-focused ingredients such as niacinamide, gluconolactone, and coconut-derived surfactants. The formulas are advertised as pH-balanced and free from SLS, SLES, parabens, phthalates, silicones and PEGs. However, they are not fragrance-free, and the complete fragrance compositions are not individually disclosed, which is worth considering if you have fragrance allergies or very sensitive skin.

My search for safer personal-care products goes far beyond body wash. I’ve also reviewed my favorite non-toxic chapstick brands, tested some impressive aluminum-free deodorants and non-toxic sunscreens, explored the best natural alternatives to hairspray, and found gentle, clean baby lotions for your little ones.

Lauren Bath House Body Wash Ingredients 

Araki 40 and Nudie have the same 12-ingredient body-wash base.

• Water (Aqua) — Low concern: Water acts as the formula’s solvent and base. It does not present a concern, although any water-based product requires an effective preservative system to prevent bacteria, yeast and mold growth.
• Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate(Potential irritation concern): This is the primary surfactant responsible for removing oil, sweat, and dirt and creating a generous lather. It is not SLS or SLES, but “sulfate-free” does not necessarily mean exceptionally gentle: sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate can be a powerful cleanser and may feel drying or irritating on very dry, eczema-prone or compromised skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded that sodium alpha-olefin sulfonates are safe in rinse-off products when properly formulated.
• Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine: This coconut-derived surfactant supports cleansing, improves the foam, and can help make the overall surfactant blend feel milder. Available safety assessments found it non-irritating and non-sensitizing in the reported human testing, although sensitive individuals can potentially react to surfactants or trace manufacturing impurities.
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 commonly used to support the skin barrier, improve moisture retention, and calm the appearance of redness. It is a welcome addition, although this is a rinse-off formula, so I would not expect the same results as from a leave-on niacinamide serum.
• Lauryl Glucoside: Lauryl glucoside is a sugar-based, non-ionic surfactant that helps cleanse the skin and support lather. It is generally considered safe when formulated to be non-irritating, but alkyl glucosides can cause allergic contact dermatitis in a small number of sensitized individuals. 
• Gluconolactone: Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid, or PHA, that can gently exfoliate while also attracting moisture. It is generally milder than stronger alpha-hydroxy acids, but its benefits may be limited in a product that remains on the skin for only a short time.
• Sodium Benzoate: This preservative helps prevent microbial growth and makes the water-based formula safer throughout its usable life. It is generally considered a low-concern preservative at permitted cosmetic concentrations, although irritation is possible in particularly sensitive users.
• Potassium Sorbate: Potassium sorbate is another conventional preservative used to control mold and yeast. It is not inherently toxic at the low concentrations normally used in cosmetics, but it can occasionally irritate already damaged or highly reactive skin.
• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride: This is a modified guar-derived conditioning polymer that thickens the formula, improves slip and helps the skin feel smoother after rinsing. Despite the word “chloride,” it is not the same as chlorine bleach. I did not find a significant toxicity concern associated with its normal use in a rinse-off body wash.
• Fragrance (warning): “Fragrance” can represent a mixture of numerous aromatic ingredients that do not have to be identified individually on a US cosmetic label. Fragrances are also among the common causes of cosmetic allergies, so these body washes may not be suitable for people with fragrance allergies, migraines, eczema or highly reactive skin.  
• Sodium Chloride: This is ordinary salt, used here to adjust the thickness and texture of the body wash. It is safe for most users, although a salt-containing cleanser may sting broken, freshly shaved, or severely irritated skin.
• Citric Acid: Citric acid adjusts the formula’s pH so that the finished wash is more compatible with the skin. Concentrated citric acid can be irritating, but the small amount normally used for pH adjustment in a rinse-off formula is not considered a meaningful toxicity concern.

The only apparent difference between Araki 40 and Nudie is the proprietary fragrance blend:

• Araki 40: cherry blossom, almond and cedarwood scent notes.
• Nudie: bergamot, jasmine sambac and musk scent notes.

Based on the disclosed ingredients, I would describe Lauren Bath House Araki 40 body wash as a relatively concise, conventionally preserved, fragranced body-wash formula. Most of the ingredients are low concern in a properly formulated rinse-off product, but sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate may be too cleansing for very dry or compromised skin. Fragrance is the largest limitation for shoppers who prioritize full ingredient disclosure or avoid potential allergens.

For most fragrance-tolerant users, I would not classify the formula as toxic. However, people with eczema, fragrance allergies, or very reactive skin may be better served by a simpler, fragrance-free cleanser.

A note on the “skincare-infused” claims

Laurel Bath House describes the formula as containing facial-grade vitamins A, C, and E with niacinamide. However, niacinamide—vitamin B3—is the only clearly identifiable vitamin in the 12-ingredient list provided. I do not see separate INCI names corresponding to vitamins A, C or E, so I would ask the brand which listed ingredients supply those vitamins before repeating that claim.

Is Laurel Bath House Non-Toxic?

I would not describe Lauren Bath House body washes as non-toxic because they contain fragrance. The formula avoids SLS, SLES, listed parabens, silicones and PEGs, while the brand also claims it is phthalate-free and contains no endocrine disruptors. However, the complete fragrance composition and specific fragrance allergens are not disclosed. It is also unclear which ingredients provide the advertised vitamins A, C, and E, since only niacinamide—or vitamin B3—is identifiable on the ingredient list, and the brand provides limited public documentation about its proprietary Clairscent technology. Overall, I consider this a relatively concise fragranced formula, but not a fully transparent option for people with fragrance allergies, eczema or highly reactive skin.

Related Article: Fragrance-Free vs. Unscented: What’s the Difference

My Lauren Bath House Araki 40 Body Wash Review

First Impression

My first impression of Araki 40 was that it looked much more expensive than its $24 price suggested. The bottle arrives inside a detailed decorative box with a folded lid, and the creative branding gives it a premium, gift-worthy appearance. The outer shipping box was appropriately sized, although the decorative inner box was considerably larger than the bottle. The bottle itself is plastic; at this price, I would have preferred glass or another more elevated packaging material, although glass can be less practical in a wet shower.

What Does Araki 40 Smell Like?

Araki 40 is described as a combination of cherry blossom, almond and cedarwood, with black cherry included in the brand’s longer description. To me, the cherry was the most noticeable element. The fragrance was bold, complex and interesting, with enough depth to prevent it from smelling overly sweet or like a simple fruity body wash. I found it pleasant and genuinely unisex rather than distinctly masculine or feminine. The scent remained consistent during use and did not develop into something noticeably different once applied.

Texture, Lather and Cleansing Performance

The body wash has a thick gel consistency that feels luxurious as it spreads across the skin. It produces a relatively low-sudsing lather, so do not expect an abundance of foam. I needed one pump when using it as a hand wash and approximately three pumps on a shower sponge to cleanse my entire body. Despite the restrained lather, it cleaned effectively and left my skin feeling genuinely fresh.

The gel rinsed away easily without leaving a slippery film or unwanted residue. My skin felt noticeably softer afterward rather than tight, stripped or dry. I also experienced no redness, itching, burning or other negative reactions, despite having sensitive skin.

Does the Araki 40 Scent Last?

Although the scent was bold while I was using the wash, it became much lighter after rinsing. I could still detect it on my skin for approximately one hour, but it remained subtle rather than performing like a perfume. This makes it suitable for people who enjoy a noticeable fragrance in the shower without wanting their body wash to compete with the fragrance they apply afterward.

Packaging and Ease of Use

The sturdy pump dispensed the gel smoothly and gave me good control over how much I used. The bottle was easy to handle in the shower, and I experienced no leaking. While the plastic bottle was functional, the elaborate outer packaging created an expectation of a more premium bottle material.

Who Would Enjoy Araki 40?

Araki 40 would suit someone who enjoys bold, modern fragrances that combine fruity sweetness with floral and woody notes. Its cherry-forward character feels youthful, but the cedarwood and almond add enough complexity for a broader audience. I see it working particularly well during autumn or cooler evenings, although it is versatile enough for daytime and year-round use. It would also make an attractive gift for a younger fragrance lover or anyone who prefers unusual unisex scents over traditional floral shower gels.

My Araki 40 Verdict

My rating: 8.5/10. Araki 40 delivered a luxurious gel texture, effective cleansing, and a distinctive fragrance without drying or irritating my sensitive skin. While I enjoyed using it and would happily receive it as a gift, $24 is above what I would personally spend on a body cleanser, especially one packaged in plastic. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to someone willing to pay more for creative presentation, a premium shower experience and a unique cherry-forward fragrance.

Related Article: Natural Febreze Alternatives

My Lauren Bath House Nudie Body Wash Review

First Impression

When I first opened Nudie, I noticed a soft, subtle fragrance rather than an overpowering burst of perfume. It smelled fresh and natural to my nose, although the undisclosed fragrance composition means I cannot determine how much of the scent comes from natural or synthetic aromatic materials. The overall presentation is young, edgy and creative, making the product feel particularly geared toward a younger demographic.

What Does Nudie Smell Like?

The brand describes Nudie as a blend of bergamot, jasmine sambac and musk, which I found accurate. The jasmine gives it a distinctly floral character, while a hint of musk adds softness and depth. The bergamot was much more understated, so I would not describe this as a strongly citrusy body wash. The combination felt complex and unusual. I had not smelled another body wash quite like it.

Nudie can work as a unisex fragrance, although it leaned slightly feminine to me because of its prominent floral character. It was noticeably softer than Araki 40 and would be the better option for someone who prefers a restrained fragrance.

How the Fragrance Develops

Nudie remained consistent from application through the dry-down rather than changing noticeably on my skin. After rinsing, the fragrance became very subtle and stayed close to the skin, meaning someone would generally need to be near you to notice it. I could detect it for approximately one hour before it faded.

Texture, Lather and Cleansing Performance

My skin felt remarkably soft and silky after using Nudie, without any sticky, oily or uncomfortable residue. I experienced no irritation, dryness, or sensitivity, and the formula felt gentle on my skin. This was one of the strongest aspects of its performance.

Packaging and Presentation

The packaging supports the brand’s youthful, fragrance-focused positioning. It is bold, creative and visually distinctive, so the set initially feels premium and giftable. However, the decorative box was considerably larger than the product itself. Because I planned to recycle it immediately, the additional material felt unnecessary and wasteful.

Who Would Enjoy Nudie?

Nudie would be best for someone who enjoys soft floral fragrances with a clean musky undertone. Its subtle bergamot, jasmine and musk combination feels particularly appropriate for summer, daytime showers, and warmer weather. Although it is presented as unisex, people who enjoy traditionally feminine floral fragrances may be especially drawn to it. Its edgy presentation could also make it an appealing gift for a younger fragrance lover.

My Nudie Verdict

My rating: 8/10. Nudie offers a luxurious body-wash experience with a beautiful, distinctive scent and an exceptionally soft post-shower skin feel. I would gladly use it regularly if I received it as a gift, and I would recommend it to someone who prefers subtle floral fragrances that remain close to the skin. However, $24 is above my usual budget for a body cleanser, and the plastic bottle and oversized outer packaging make it more difficult for me to justify purchasing it myself.

Laurel Bath House Body Wash Pros & Cons

Pros

• Luxurious, thick gel texture.
• Cleans effectively without leaving a film.
• Leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.
• Did not cause dryness or irritation during testing.
• Unique, complex fragrances unlike typical body washes.
• Araki 40 offers a bold, cherry-forward unisex scent.
• Nudie offers a soft floral-musk scent for those who prefer subtle fragrance.
• Fragrance remains light and close to the skin after showering.
• Short 12-ingredient base formula.
• No listed SLS, SLES, parabens, silicones or PEGs.
• Sturdy, reliable pump with no leaking.
• Creative, premium-looking presentation.
• Suitable for gifting.

Cons

• At $24 per bottle, it is more expensive than many everyday body washes.
• The bottles are plastic; I would prefer more premium packaging at this price.
• The decorative boxes are much larger than the bottles and feel wasteful.
• The complete fragrance composition is not disclosed.
• Individual fragrance allergens are not identified.
• The fragrance lasts approximately one hour.
• Araki 40 may be too bold for people who prefer very subtle scents.
• Nudie may be too floral for those wanting a traditionally masculine fragrance.
• Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate may feel drying on very sensitive or compromised skin.
• The vitamins A, C and E claim is not clearly reflected in the published ingredient list.
• Limited public information supports the brand’s Clairscent and “no endocrine disruptors” claims.

Laurel Bath House FAQs

Is Laurel Bath House body wash non-toxic?

The disclosed formula does not contain an ingredient I would classify as inherently toxic when used as directed in a rinse-off product. However, the proprietary fragrance blend prevents a completely independent assessment, particularly for people with fragrance allergies or highly sensitive skin.

Is Laurel Bath House EWG Verified?

Laurel Bath House states that its body washes are EWG Verified, although I could not locate individual Araki 40 or Nudie entries in EWG’s publicly searchable database. I would like the brand to provide direct certification links for these exact products.

Does Laurel Bath House contain phthalates?

The brand states that its body washes are phthalate-free, and no phthalates are individually listed. Because the fragrance composition is proprietary, this claim relies on the brand and its fragrance supplier’s documentation.

Does it contain sulfates?

The ingredient list does not include SLS or SLES, and the brand markets the formula as sulfate-free. It does contain sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, a different type of cleansing surfactant that may still feel strong on very dry or sensitive skin.

Is sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate a sulfate?

No. Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is chemically a sulfonate, not a sulfate, despite the similarity between the names. It is still an effective cleanser and may be drying or irritating for some sensitive users.

Is Laurel Bath House safe for sensitive skin?

Neither Araki 40 nor Nudie irritated my sensitive skin, and both left it feeling soft. However, fragrance and strong cleansing surfactants can affect people differently, so those with eczema, fragrance allergies or a compromised skin barrier should patch-test first.

Are Laurel Bath House products naturally fragranced?

The brand says it uses naturally derived fragrance oils, but the label lists the blend only as “fragrance.” Without a complete breakdown, I cannot determine how much of each scent comes from natural extracts, essential oils or synthetic aroma compounds. 

Is Laurel Bath House cruelty-free and vegan?

Laurel Bath House describes its products as vegan and cruelty-free. These claims mean the formulas reportedly contain no animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals, but they do not necessarily indicate third-party certification. 

What does Araki 40 smell like?

Araki 40 has a bold, complex and cherry-forward fragrance, supported by almond, cherry blossom and warm cedarwood notes. I found it pleasantly sweet and woody rather than excessively floral, and genuinely unisex.

What does Nudie smell like?

Nudie is a soft floral fragrance led by jasmine sambac, with subtle bergamot and a smooth musky finish. It can be worn by anyone, although its floral character made it lean slightly feminine to me.

Does the fragrance remain on your skin?

Both scents became considerably lighter after rinsing and remained close to my skin for approximately one hour. They provide a noticeable fragrance during the shower without performing like long-lasting perfumes.

Is Araki 40 or Nudie better?

I preferred Araki 40 for its bolder, more distinctive cherry-and-wood fragrance, giving it 8.5/10, while Nudie earned 8/10 for its softer floral-musk scent. Choose Araki 40 for greater intensity and Nudie for something more subtle and daytime-friendly.

Is the Discovery Set worth the money?

The Discovery Set is worthwhile if you want to compare the scents before purchasing full-size bottles or need a creatively presented gift. However, the oversized boxes, plastic bottles and premium price may make it less appealing to value- or packaging-conscious shoppers.

Can you use Laurel Bath House body wash every day?

The brand recommends the body wash for daily use, and I experienced no dryness or irritation during testing. Those with very dry, reactive or compromised skin may need to use it less frequently or alternate it with a fragrance-free cleanser.

Is the packaging recyclable?

The cardboard outer boxes should generally be recyclable when clean, but the brand does not clearly identify the bottle’s plastic resin or provide detailed disposal instructions. The bottle’s acceptance will depend on your local recycling program, while pumps containing mixed plastic and metal components are often not accepted through standard curbside recycling.

Final Thoughts on the Lauren Bath House Body Washes

After several weeks of testing, I found the Laurel Bath House Discovery Set luxurious, gentle, and far more memorable than the average body wash. Both formulas cleansed effectively, rinsed without leaving residue, and made my sensitive skin feel noticeably soft without causing dryness or irritation. Araki 40 was my favorite, earning 8.5/10 for its bold cherry-forward unisex scent, while the softer floral-musk Nudie earned 8/10.

The biggest drawbacks are the $48 retail price, plastic bottles, oversized decorative packaging, and undisclosed fragrance composition. I would also appreciate clearer documentation supporting the brand’s claims about Clairscent, endocrine disruptors and vitamins A, C and E.

Overall, I recommend the Discovery Set to fragrance lovers who want a premium shower experience and prefer unusual, gender-inclusive scents. I would happily use both washes again—especially if I received them as a gift—but the price and packaging would make me hesitate to purchase them regularly.