Naturistics emerged during the early 1990s, at a moment when consumers were becoming increasingly fascinated with “natural” beauty products, botanical ingredients, and environmentally conscious lifestyles. Created by Del Laboratories, Inc., the brand was carefully positioned to compete with upscale bath and body retailers such as The Body Shop, Garden Botanika, and Bath & Body Works, yet it distinguished itself by offering a far more affordable price point. Naturistics captured the atmosphere of the health-and-wellness movement that defined the era, translating the aesthetics of expensive mall boutiques into products that could be purchased in ordinary drug stores, supermarkets, and discount retailers. This accessibility was central to the brand’s identity: consumers could enjoy the sensation of a luxurious botanical beauty regimen without paying prestige prices.
The entire Naturistics line revolved around the sensory language of nature. Products were inspired by the colors, fragrances, textures, and perceived purity of the outdoors, incorporating ingredients associated with herbal remedies and botanical wellness. Aloe vera suggested cooling hydration and healing freshness, while yarrow evoked traditional herbal medicine and earthy simplicity. The formulas featured a broad range of plant extracts that reinforced the idea that beauty could be gentle, wholesome, and connected to the natural world. Packaging and fragrances often reflected this philosophy through soft greens, floral pastels, herbal scents, fruit nuances, and clean earthy tones intended to make consumers feel as though they were bringing a small piece of a garden or apothecary into their homes.
Naturistics also embraced environmental consciousness at a time when “green” marketing was still relatively novel in the mass market. The brand emphasized that its products were safety tested but not tested on animals, a message that resonated strongly with increasingly aware consumers during the early 1990s. Packaging reinforced this ethical positioning: bottles were made from recyclable plastic, cartons were produced from recycled paper, and products were cushioned with shredded recycled paper instead of styrene packing materials. These details gave the brand a progressive image that aligned with the growing environmental concerns of the period, allowing everyday shoppers to feel that even inexpensive personal care purchases could reflect socially responsible values.
The affordability of the line was one of its greatest strengths. While premium botanical bath brands often carried boutique pricing, Naturistics products ranged from approximately two dollars for soaps to four or six dollars for more elaborate skincare items. This pricing structure allowed the brand to spread rapidly through an enormous retail network of roughly 10,000 doors worldwide. Rather than remaining confined to exclusive shopping districts or upscale malls, Naturistics became visible in the everyday spaces of American life — neighborhood pharmacies, grocery chains, and discount stores — making the “natural beauty” lifestyle attainable to a much wider audience.
The company also benefited from the wholesome public image of Mary Lou Retton, who served as the brand’s spokeswoman. Retton embodied health, athleticism, optimism, and approachable American charm, qualities that perfectly matched Naturistics’ image. Her endorsement of the cruelty-free philosophy gave the brand emotional credibility, especially when she publicly stated that her love of animals influenced her decision to represent the company. This humanized the marketing campaign and reinforced the sense that Naturistics was not simply following a trend, but attempting to reflect genuine consumer concerns about ethics and environmental responsibility.
By 1993, Naturistics had become a substantial commercial success, generating more than $1.9 million in sales. Its popularity reflected a transitional moment in the beauty industry, when natural ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, cruelty-free policies, and affordable indulgence were beginning to move from niche concepts into mainstream consumer culture. In many ways, Naturistics anticipated the broader explosion of accessible “clean beauty” and botanical bath products that would dominate the market decades later, serving as an early example of how mass-market brands could merge affordability, environmental awareness, and sensory pleasure into a cohesive identity.
Product Line:
- Facial Scrub
- Facial Scrub Mask
- Facial Soap
- Facial Wash
- Facial Cleansing Cream
- Facial Moisture Cream
- Oil-Free Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Facial Moisture Lotion
- Purifying Facial Mask
- Glycerin Soap
- Body Scrub
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hand Lotion
- Muscle Massage Lotion
- Foaming Bath Grains
- Moisturizing Body Wash
- Bath & Shower Gel
- Bath Gel
- Bath Zest
- Bath Pearls
- Bubble Bath
- Foot Lotion
- Liquid Talc
- Cosmetics
- Moisturizing Body Balm
- Perfume Oil
- Cologne
- Moisturizing Body Splash
- Massage Oil
- Scented Candle
Fragrances:
Naturistics Almond (1991) - almond oil, calendula, allantoin
Naturistics Alpha Natural (1996) - Alpha Hydroxy
Naturistics Aromatherapy (1998) - Relaxing Formula - with lavender, sandalwood, neroli and Roman chamomile.
Naturistics Aromatherapy Energizing Formula (1998) - clementine, pink grapefruit, Jaffa orange, nectarine
Naturistics Bay Laurel (1998) -
Naturistics Blue Corn (1994) -
Naturistics Botanical (1992) - A green floral fragrance. "Green, floral. Fragrant, cool green notes surrounded by chamomile, comfrey, mallow, narcissus, jasmine and orange." Disc.
Naturistics Citrus (1991) - with lemongrass, orange and rosemary
Naturistics Coconut (1993) - coconut, chamomile, ginseng, primrose
Naturistics Cucumber (1991) - cucumber with allantoin and calendula
Naturistics Dewy Melon (1996) - cantaloupe with
Eucalyptus (1996) - eucalyptus, linden flowers, birch bark, spearmint
Naturistics Freesia Bouquet - freesia, lavender, ginseng, lineden
Naturistics Green Apple (1991) -
Naturistics Herbal (1992) - apricot seed, sea kelp, loofah
Naturistics Honey (1991) - honey, beeswax, sweet almond oil
Naturistics Island - Disc.
Naturistics Lime (1992) - lime, spearmint, elderflower, aloe vera
Naturistics Mango (1991) - mango, ginseng, papaya, aloe vera
Naturistics Marigold (1995) - marigold, juniper, white birch, geranium
Naturistics Melon - cantaloupe, papaya, aloe vera, lavender
Naturistics Mountain Berry (1993) - "Fruity. Natural fruity freshness of wild berries, gently caressed with bergamot, cassis and sandalwood."
Naturistics Naturally Vanilla (1991) - "Sensually warm, calming fragrance with essential oils of vanilla, patchouli and Bulgarian rose." Disc.
Naturistics Oatmeal (1994) -
Naturistics Orient - Disc.
Naturistics Papaya (1994) - papaya, apricot kernel oil, lavender, elder flower
Naturistics Paradise (1996) - "Sheer floral that has essential oils of Moroccan rose, mimosa and violet leaves."
Naturistics Passion Fruit (1992) - passion fruit, raspberry, sage, spearmint
Naturistics Peach (1992) -
Naturistics Peach Blossom (1999) - chamomile, peach kernel oil, orange blossom, calendula, aloe vera
Naturistics Peach Nectar - peach, tangerine, apricot oil, mandarin
Naturistics Peppermint (1991) - peppermint oil, menthol, rosemary, lavender
Naturistics Perfect Harmony (1997) - "A sheer floral with a whisper of the orient and a touch of lotus blossoms. With essential oils of bergamot, French marigold and Moroccan green moss."
Naturistics Pineapple (1994) - pineapple, walnut, rosemary
Naturistics Pink Grapefruit (1993) - grapefruit seed, orange blossom, yarrow
Naturistics Rainforest (1993) - Disc.
Naturistics Raspberry (1992) - raspberry, lime, passion fruit, spearmint
Naturistics Raspberry Riot (1997)- with spearmint oil, cherry bark and strawberry
Naturistics Sea Kelp (1994) - sea kelp, algae, lemongrass
Naturistics Sea Splash (1991) - A green oceanic floral fragrance. "Citrus/ozonic. Fresh, crisp airy notes of orange, lime, ylang ylang, sea kelp, lavender, rosemary, aloe vera, yarrow, birch. Disc.
Naturistics Sport/Fitness (2001) -
Naturistics Spring Bouquet (1996) - a light floral blend of geranium, hyacinth, aloe vera, chamomile, and jasmine
Naturistics Summer Bouquet (1996) - rose, honeysuckle, osmanthus
Naturistics Sweet Violet (1992) -
Naturistics Tea Tree Oil (1996) - tea tree oil, linden blossoms, wintergreen, peppermint
Naturistics Tropics (1993) - A green fruity floral fragrance. "Fruity, floral. Rich, luscious bloom touched with brisk notes of lemon, orange and grapefruit." Disc.
Naturistics White River Musk (1993) - "Floral/musk. Clean, delicate, fresh white floral bursting with jasmine, rose and violet."
Naturistics Wildflower Bouquet (1996) - intoxicating blend of violet, narcissus and sweet fennel.
Naturistics Wild Berries (1996) - jojoba, raspberry, blackberry
Naturistics Wild Strawberry (1991) - strawberry, lemongrass, ginseng, rosemary, apricot, raspberry
Naturistics Wintergreen (1991) - wintergreen, menthol, eucalyptus, lavender