Best Body Wash for Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals
Choosing the right body wash for your Airbnb involves more than just grabbing what's on sale. It requires balancing cost, guest preferences, logistical concerns like refills and dispensers, and understanding how this detail contributes to your property's impression. The right choice can enhance reviews and satisfaction, while the wrong one might become an issue.
In this guide, we break down the essential factors every host should consider when selecting the best body wash for their Airbnb or STR property. We explore packaging options, key ingredients to look for (and avoid), cost-efficiency, and provide specific Amazon recommendations that balance quality and value. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision that enhances your guest experience while making sense for your business.
Top Body Wash Recommendations for Airbnbs & STRs
Showplace recommends focusing on reliable and accessible solutions for hosts, so the following recommendations prioritize products readily available on Amazon. We've selected options that balance cost, guest appeal, ingredients, and STR-suitable packaging. Prices and availability on Amazon fluctuate, so confirm current information before purchasing.
Method Body Wash Refill - Simply Nourish
A sleek, eco-conscious option from a recognized consumer brand, featuring large refill options for existing Method dispensers.
Method combines eco-friendly credentials with attractive design and brand recognition. The Simply Nourish formula contains coconut oil to moisturize skin without heavy fragrance, and refills work with Method's pump bottles to enhance bathroom presentation.
Pros:
Recognized brand with favorable guest perception
Mild, widely accepted scent
Plant-based, cruelty-free formula appeals to environmentally aware guests
34oz refill bottles minimize plastic waste
Stylish pump bottles enhance modern bathroom designs.
Cons:
Higher cost per ounce than industrial bulk options
Refill process can be chaotic.
Unsecured pump bottles (risk of theft)
Less economical than wall-mounted dispensers for properties with high volume
Best For: Design-conscious Airbnb hosts who prioritize aesthetics and sustainability while seeking a recognized brand.
Puracy Natural Body Wash - Citrus & Sea Salt
A premium natural formula made in the USA, featuring plant-based ingredients and a refreshing, neutral scent.
Puracy offers a higher-quality bathing experience with coconut-based cleansers and sea salt. The subtle citrus scent creates a refreshing, clean experience without dominating the bathroom. Available in 16 oz bottles and 64 oz refill pouches, this system balances quality with reasonable economics.
Pros:
Natural, plant-derived ingredients with no strong chemicals
Hypoallergenic and gentle for delicate skin
Designed and made in the USA (quality assurance)
Biodegradable formula is eco-friendly.
Refill pouches use 90% less plastic than bottles.
Cons:
Higher price compared to budget options
Pump bottles need counter space and aren't stable.
Thinner consistency than some guests anticipate.
Refill pouches can be difficult to pour without spilling.
Best For: Higher-end properties where guest experience justifies the premium price, especially those marketing eco-friendly or premium amenities.
Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals All-Purpose Body Wash - Blue Chamomile
A hospitality-focused bulk body wash designed for rental properties and guest accommodations.
This product is purpose-built for the hospitality industry in gallon sizes with a mild, pleasing scent. The formula works well in most dispensers, including wall-mounted systems, making it ideal for efficient and straightforward operations.
Pros:
Excellent value in convenient gallon containers
Mild, widely accepted scent
Formulated for commercial dispensing systems
Paraben-free and cruelty-free
Designed for use in hospitality
Cons:
Less recognized brand than consumer goods
Plastic gallon containers contribute to waste
Requires transferring to dispensers
Formula is good, but not as luxurious as premium options.
Best For: Practical, budget-conscious hosts with multiple properties or high guest turnover seeking reliable performance without excessive costs.
Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap/Body Wash Refill - Fresh Breeze
A versatile, economical option from a trusted brand that works well as both hand and body wash in various settings.
Why it's a Good Choice for Airbnb: Softsoap offers exceptional value with its multi-purpose formula that works as both hand soap and body wash. This versatility allows hosts to stock one product for multiple uses, simplifying inventory management and refill processes. The mild Fresh Breeze scent is widely acceptable.
Pros:
Highly economical in gallon sizes
Recognized consumer brands fosters trust.
Works in any type of dispenser
Mild enough for regular use
Versatile as both hand and body wash
Cons:
More basic formula than specialized body washes.
Not positioned as a high-end product
Less moisturizing than dedicated body washes.
Generic "clean" scent lacks depth.
Best For: Budget-focused properties with multiple bathrooms or high turnover rates where operational efficiency is important.
Dr. Bronner's Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
A highly concentrated, versatile, certified organic soap with a dedicated following.
Dr. Bronner's offers a hypoallergenic unscented formula, ideal for properties catering to guests with sensitivities. The concentrated formula means a gallon lasts longer than conventional body washes when diluted, offering strong long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.
Pros:
Certified organic and Fair Trade certified
Versatile – works as body wash, shampoo, and additional uses
Extremely concentrated (dilute 1:3 for body wash)
No synthetic preservatives, detergents, or foaming agents
Strong brand recognition among environmentally conscious guests
Cons:
Requires proper dilution for optimal results
Higher upfront cost (great value when diluted)
Some guests may find the natural formula less appealing.
More complicated to implement correctly
Best For: Eco-conscious, wellness-oriented properties whose guests will appreciate the organic, hypoallergenic formulation, especially those catering to guests with sensitivities or allergies.
HELLO BELLO Plant-Based Body Wash - Vanilla Apricot & Lavender
A moderately priced, gentle formula from Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's brand, featuring plant-based ingredients in appealing packaging.
Hello Bello offers an appealing middle ground between budget and premium options, with its plant-based formula and attractive packaging. The 20oz pump bottles look intentional on bathroom counters, while the gentle formulation works for a wide range of guests, including families with children.
Pros:
Gentle formula for delicate skin
Attractive, cheerful packaging enhances bathroom aesthetics.
Plant-based ingredients attract eco-conscious guests
Pleasant, subtle scent options (especially lavender)
Celebrity-created adds uniqueness.
Cons:
Not available in bulk gallons (20oz bottles only)
Higher cost per ounce than bulk options
Unsecured pump bottles may be taken by guests.
Fewer scent options than other brands
Best For: Family-friendly properties and hosts seeking a step up from basic options without the premium price of luxury brands.
EcoRaider Commercial Amenity Body Wash - Lemon Tea Tree
A commercial-grade, eco-friendly formula designed for hotels and rental properties with dispenser capability.
EcoRaider combines commercial-grade durability with eco-friendly ingredients. The formula is designed for dispenser systems and hospitality use, with concentrated gallon containers for wall-mounted units. The Lemon Tea Tree scent provides a clean, refreshing experience without being too strong.
Pros:
Designed for commercial dispensers
Environmentally conscious formulation
Excellent cost per use for high-turnover properties
Consistent performance in various water conditions
Low-viscosity formula prevents dispenser blockages.
Cons:
Less recognizable than consumer brands
Utilitarian packaging requires moving to dispensers.
Limited fragrance options
More focused on functionality than a luxurious feel.
Best For: High-volume STR operators seeking a reliable, efficient solution for properties with wall-mounted dispensers or frequent guest turnover.
Why the Right Body Wash Matters More Than You Realize
Quality toiletries transform a functional stay into a memorable experience. When guests step into your shower and find a pleasant, luxurious body wash instead of harsh, generic soap, it signals that you've considered their comfort down to the smallest detail. This feeling creates a positive emotional response that extends to their perception of the property. Many guests mention enjoying high-quality bathroom amenities in their post-stay communications, indicating the significance of this detail.
Impact on Reviews and Ratings
Amenities – positive and negative – frequently appear in guest reviews. While exceptional body wash rarely becomes the centerpiece of a 5-star review, inadequate or poor-quality options can contribute to negative feedback. "Small detail, significant impact on reviews" describes the role of bathroom essentials. Guests may not praise your choice, but they'll notice (and potentially comment) if it irritates their skin, smells unpleasant, or comes in cheap, difficult-to-use packaging.
Reflecting Your STR's Brand Identity
The amenities you choose communicate your property's "brand" and the standard of care guests can expect. Thoughtfully selected body wash indicates attention to detail and guest consideration. Budget motels offer thin, harsh soaps in paper wrappers; luxury hotels provide premium products in elegant packaging. Your STR falls somewhere on this spectrum, and your selection helps position your property in guests' minds.
Operational Considerations (Cost & Efficiency)
Beyond guest perception, your body wash system impacts your operations. Individual bottles require frequent replacement and generate waste. Bulk dispensers reduce per-use cost and environmental impact but require different maintenance. Finding the right balance between cost efficiency and guest satisfaction is essential for sustainable operations. The ideal solution aligns with your turnover frequency, housekeeping schedule, and property management approach.
Key Factors for Choosing Body Wash for Your Airbnb
Finding the right balance between price and quality is crucial for any STR business decision. Instead of focusing solely on the sticker price, calculate the cost per use or cost per guest stay to understand true value. A $30 gallon of quality body wash lasting 100+ showers ($0.30/use) offers better value than twenty $3 bottles used for 5-10 showers each ($0.30-0.60/use). Additionally, higher upfront costs for better products can improve guest satisfaction and reviews, potentially justifying the investment through higher booking rates and prices.
Packaging & Dispensing
Bulk Wall-Mounted Dispensers:
Pros: Most cost-effective long-term, eco-friendly with minimal waste, reduced theft, often tamper-resistant, creates a neat aesthetic
Cons: Higher initial installation cost/effort, potential for clogging if not maintained, limited aesthetic options, requires periodic refilling and cleaning
Large Pump Bottles (Refillable/Disposable):
Pros: Easier setup with no installation, more stylish bottle designs, simple to replace when empty.
Cons: Can appear messy if not maintained, guests may use excessively, potential for tampering if not secured, less eco-friendly than permanent dispensers if disposable.
Small Individual Bottles:
Pros: Seen as more hygienic/luxurious by some guests, provides portion control, they can take remaining product (reducing waste)
Cons: Highest cost per use, significant plastic waste, frequent restocking, often stolen or taken home by guests
Generally discouraged for most STRs unless catering to high-end, low-turnover properties.
Scent Profile
Selecting the right scent for body wash is the most subjective aspect, but there are guiding principles. Choose neutral, unisex, or widely appealing scents that won't create strong reactions among guests. Excellent options include:
Light citrus (lemon, grapefruit, orange) for refreshing, clean energy
Gentle herbal (mild lavender, subtle eucalyptus, light tea tree) for calming qualities
Clean/fresh scents that evoke cleanliness without overpowering perfumes.
Unscented options for heightened sensitivity.
AVOID: Strong perfumes, overly sweet or foody scents (heavy vanilla or coconut can be divisive), heavy musks, or gender-specific scents. Aim for pleasant neutrality that appeals to a broad range of guests. Keep in mind that in enclosed shower spaces, scents intensify – what seems subtle in the bottle might be overwhelming in use.
Ingredients & Potential Sensitivities
Guest skin sensitivities are a significant consideration, as a reaction to your body wash can ruin a stay. Look for gentler formulas without common irritants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), strong fragrance, or harsh preservatives.
Terms like "gentle," "for sensitive skin," or "hypoallergenic body wash for airbnb" signal formulations less likely to cause reactions, but "hypoallergenic" isn't regulated. Products with natural moisturizers like glycerin, aloe, or oils are well-received.
If implementing a new bulk product, test it yourself first to evaluate its skin feel, rinsing, and scent in the shower.
Guest Demographics & Property Style
Your guest profile and property positioning should influence your body wash selection. Budget-friendly properties catering to outdoor enthusiasts prioritize functionality and value, while design-forward urban lofts require aesthetically pleasing packaging. Luxury properties serving high-end clientele need recognized premium brands to meet standards.
Consider your average guest stay length, longer-stay guests are more affected by product quality than weekend visitors.
Refill Availability and Ease of Use
For bulk systems or large bottles, consistent refill availability is crucial particularly on Amazon for convenience. Consider:
Is the product often out of stock or discontinued?
Are refills packaged for easy pouring without mess?
Will your housekeeping staff easily refill dispensers accurately?
Do refills come in eco-friendly packaging to minimize waste?
Even the best body wash loses its value if refilling creates complications.
Brand Perception
Brand recognition can impact guest perception of quality. A recognizable mid-range brand like Dove or Method (when available) is better received than an unknown bulk brand, even at a slightly higher cost. Brands with positive associations (eco-friendly, natural ingredients, trusted reputation) enhance your property's overall quality.
Bottom Line
Choose dispensers for your Airbnb that match your bathroom's aesthetic while remaining functional. For modern designs, consider sleek, minimalist options in brushed nickel or matte black. For rustic or traditional properties, amber bottles with pump tops or vintage-inspired dispensers are suitable.