Nécessaire, founded in 2018, redefines the role of bodycare in personal wellness. Rather than treating it as an afterthought, the brand formulates body products with the same rigor and ingredient integrity found in facial skincare. Based in Los Angeles, Nécessaire emphasizes clean formulations, clinical-grade actives, and sustainability. Their products are designed to treat the skin from the neck down with the same level of respect given to the face—making bodycare a necessary part of a complete self-care ritual.
As consumers grow more conscious of what they apply to their bodies, Nécessaire has positioned itself as a go-to for clean, results-driven products. Every product is formulated with purpose, whether it’s to hydrate, treat, exfoliate, or protect. From daily staples like body wash and lotion to potent treatments like exfoliators and body serums, Nécessaire delivers efficacy in sleek, minimalist packaging.
Brand Philosophy: Clean, Clinical, and Climate-Positive
Nécessaire stands out not just for its formulas but for its ethos. The brand adheres to three key principles:
- Clean Ingredients: Nécessaire excludes over 1,400 potentially harmful ingredients. Every product is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, drying alcohols, synthetic fragrances (in Fragrance-Free options), and other irritants.
- Derm-Grade Actives: Many Nécessaire products include active ingredients typically found in high-end skincare, such as niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHA/BHA, and ceramides.
- Sustainability and Transparency: Nécessaire is a certified Climate Neutral company. It offsets 100% of its carbon footprint and uses recyclable materials and FSC-certified boxes. Their website offers full ingredient lists, third-party certifications, and detailed sustainability reports.
This fusion of values and science positions Nécessaire as a brand for the modern consumer—demanding, ingredient-aware, and values-driven.
Best-Selling Nécessaire Products
Nécessaire offers a variety of body wash formulations, each tailored to specific skin needs and preferences. Some of their notable variants include:
Infused with nourishing oils like Marula and Cacay, this wash is designed to replenish dry skin.
Features enzymes and vitamins C and E to promote radiant skin.
Formulated with essential ceramides and niacinamide to support the skin barrier.
Each variant is crafted with clean, effective ingredients, free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
A treatment-first body product, The Body Serum contains 5 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid along with niacinamide and ceramide NP. It’s fragrance-free and specifically formulated to treat dry, compromised, or sensitive skin.
Why it’s a bestseller: Unlike many body moisturizers that focus on emollients, this serum dives deep into hydration at the cellular level. It’s a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that layers beautifully under lotion or oil.
Pairing with The Body Serum, this daily lotion features niacinamide, vitamins A, C, E, and omega-6 and -9 fatty acids. It has a buttery but fast-absorbing texture and is available in fragrance-free and scented variants.
Why it’s a bestseller: Its balanced formulation delivers both immediate hydration and long-term skin barrier benefits. It’s often praised for its velvety texture and its ability to soothe skin without greasiness.
Product Formulations: Transparency Meets Performance
Nécessaire provides full transparency on every product page. Each formula includes a detailed INCI list and functional breakdown, explaining what each ingredient does. For example, The Body Serum doesn’t just include hyaluronic acid—it includes a spectrum of molecular weights for maximum hydration efficiency.
Moreover, each product undergoes third-party testing for efficacy and safety. The brand’s commitment to science-backed ingredients and minimal irritation sets it apart in the clean beauty space.
Packaging and Design: Minimalism with Purpose
Nécessaire’s packaging is part of its visual identity. The muted tones and typewriter-style font evoke a modern apothecary feel. Packaging is primarily made from post-consumer recycled materials and designed for recyclability. The flip-cap tubes and pump bottles are user-friendly and hygienic.
Furthermore, the brand offers value-sized “Jumbo” options of The Body Wash and The Body Lotion, which not only reduce packaging waste but also provide long-term convenience.
Values and Certifications
Nécessaire proudly holds:
- Climate Neutral Certification
- FSC-certified packaging
- Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free status
- Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic claims
- Support for female reproductive health (1% of sales donated)
This multi-dimensional ethical framework elevates the brand’s credibility. Shoppers can feel confident that they’re purchasing from a business that aligns with broader environmental and social values.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Nécessaire combines actives like niacinamide, mandelic acid, and ceramides to deliver real results, not just hydration.
Full ingredient disclosure, sustainability initiatives, and third-party certifications build trust with consumers
Products cater to both sensitive skin users and those who enjoy a spa-like aroma experience.
Their minimalist, recyclable packaging looks chic and performs well in daily use.
Customers can build routines and save through sets and repeat delivery discounts.
Cons
Compared to drugstore options, Nécessaire products sit at a premium tier. However, many loyal users believe the clean ingredients, clinically effective formulas, and environmental standards justify the cost.
The brand focuses almost exclusively on body and scalp care. Shoppers looking for facial skincare or makeup products won’t find them here.
Limited-edition bundles and top-sellers like The Body Wash and The Deodorant Gel in fan-favorite scents can sell out quickly during promotional events, leaving some customers disappointed.
Customer Feedback and Community Sentiment
Nécessaire consistently earns high ratings across major platforms, including its own website, Sephora, Nordstrom, and other clean beauty retailers. Customers praise the brand for delivering on its promises—especially when it comes to skin texture, hydration, and long-term improvement in body skin appearance.
In particular, many users report visible results with products like The Body Exfoliator for keratosis pilaris, and The Deodorant Gel for evening out underarm skin tone. Reviewers also appreciate the packaging’s minimalism and the fact that most products come in fragrance-free variants, which is rare in the bodycare space.
The brand’s transparency about its ingredients and eco-initiatives also resonates well with values-driven shoppers who prioritize both skin health and planetary health.
Special Sets and Bundles Worth Exploring
In addition to its core product line, Nécessaire also curates bundles that provide value and convenience. Popular sets include:
The Body Treatment Ritual
Includes: The Body Wash, The Body Lotion, The Body Serum, The Body Retinol
Perfect for a full daily regimen, this set helps lock in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
The Scalp Duo | Hyaluronic Acid
Includes: The Shampoo and The Conditioner
These haircare additions feature biomimetic peptides and plant oils designed to support scalp health and hair vitality.
The Hand Duo
Includes: The Hand Cream and Hand Cleanser
Created for daily hand hydration and cleansing without dryness.
These curated collections make excellent gifts and are often eligible for additional discounts when purchased via subscription or during sitewide sales.
Final Thoughts
Nécessaire has carved a unique niche by treating bodycare with the same respect and science-backed rigor usually reserved for facial skincare. By combining potent ingredients, elegant design, and climate-conscious business practices, the brand delivers a routine that feels luxurious while supporting real skin health.
Although its prices are higher than average, the results, ethical commitment, and minimalist aesthetic make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to elevate their daily rituals. Whether for targeted treatment or indulgent everyday care, Nécessaire remains a favorite among those who view skincare as a full-body experience.