The Glow-Up Starts in the Shower: My Honest Review of Salt & Stone + Nécessaire Body Washes

Let me tell you something. At this big age, I've learned that self-care doesn't always mean a trip to the spa or a bubble bath with candles and rose petals (although I'll take that too). Sometimes, self-care is simply having 10 minutes in the shower with no one banging on the door asking if we have any more waffles. And honey, when those precious minutes roll around? I want my products to deliver.

That's why I treated myself to two little luxuries: the Salt & Stone Body Wash with Antioxidants and the Nécessaire The Body Wash – Santal. Two different vibes. Two different energy levels. And both? Worth talking about.

So let's get into it. Here's my honest, no-fluff review from one fabulous, tired, glowing Black mama to another.

First Up: Salt & Stone Body Wash – Moisture in a Bottle

Now this right here? She's soft. She's gentle. She's got that "I care about my skin and drink water" energy.

Salt & Stone's body wash is free from all the drama—no sulfates, parabens, or dyes. It has clean, skin-loving ingredients with antioxidants that do more than just clean. This wash leaves your skin feeling hydrated, not stripped.

The texture is silky, not too thick, and it lathers like a dream without making you feel like you bathed in detergent. It's giving spa... on a Tuesday... in your own bathroom... with a towel you didn't have to share with your teenager.

Skin Benefits:

• Deep hydration without the greasy residue

• Gentle enough for everyday use, even on sensitive skin

• Antioxidants that support skin health and glow

I used this one after my morning walk. It rinsed away the sweat but didn't leave me feeling dry. My skin said, "Thank you, sis."

The Showstopper: Nécessaire The Body Wash – Santal

Whew. Let me catch my breath.

Nécessaire’s Santal body wash? Baby, it's not just a product—it's a whole experience. If Salt & Stone is a warm hug, Nécessaire is a slow dance.

Let's start with the smell. You ever walk into a fancy hotel spa, and you don't know what the scent is, but you know you want to bottle it up? That's this. It's earthy, woodsy, a little smoky, a little creamy. Like sandalwood met vanilla and they decided to settle down and raise your shower standards.

What Does Santal Smell Like?

• Imagine walking through a high-end boutique that only sells cashmere and quiet luxury.

• It's not floral or fruity—this is grown woman scent.

• Think: warm wood, soft musk, and just enough sweetness to make it linger.

This isn't the one you use when you're rushing. This is the one for after the kids are in bed, the door is locked, and the playlist is set to "R&B Chill."

Let's Talk Ingredients

Nécessaire is out here feeding your skin. Literally.

• Niacinamide: Helps even out tone and smooth the skin

• Vitamin C & E: Your skin's best friends for brightness and protection

• Omega 6/9: Deep nourishment without the clog

• Epsom Salt + Minerals: For muscle relaxation and recovery (great after a long day of momming)

And don't forget—it's free of sulfates, parabens, and all the extra stuff we're leaving behind in 2007.

My Shower Routine Split: When to Use What

Here's how I balance them:

• Salt & Stone is my everyday wash. It's reliable, clean, and keeps my skin moisturized after long days.

• Nécessaire is my ritual body wash. That once-or-twice-a-week reset. When I need to remind myself, I am that woman.

They both work beautifully. They both play their part. And depending on your skin type or mood, you might lean more toward one. But honestly? I keep both.

Who Are These For?

Salt & Stone:

• Anyone with dry or sensitive skin

• People who want hydration without heavy scents

• Folks looking for a clean, everyday staple

Nécessaire Santal:

• Scent lovers who want clean + sensual

• Anyone wanting to upgrade their shower into a spa

• Perfect for both men and women (the scent is beautifully unisex)

Final Verdict: Worth It?

Yes, yes, and again—yes.

These body washes serve skin, luxury, and practicality. They've turned my everyday shower into an act of self-care. And let's be real—when you're juggling work, home, kids, and everything in between, you need something that feels just for you.

So no, you don't need a reason to buy them. You don't need a holiday or a birthday. Just get them because your skin deserves softness, your nose deserves something beautiful, and your day deserves a 10-minute moment of peace.

Now excuse me while I go restock. Because these bottles don't stay full long around here.

Heads up: This post includes affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you shop—no extra cost to you, just extra cookies for the blog!