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Nécessaire is one of those brands that tends to come up a lot when people are looking for elevated body care that feels clean, modern, and intentional. I’ve been using a range of Nécessaire products for several years now, across both body care and hair care, and my opinions have shifted as the brand has expanded and the market has caught up.
In this review, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on the Nécessaire products I’ve tried, what’s worth repurchasing, what feels more optional, and where I think the brand truly stands out. If you’re trying to decide whether Nécessaire is worth the price, or which products are actually worth adding to your routine, this should help you make a more intentional choice.
About Nécessaire
Nécessaire was founded in 2018 by Nick Axelrod and Randi Christensen with the goal of making clean, high-quality body care that actually works. Since then, they’ve expanded into haircare and wellness, all while keeping sustainability and thoughtful ingredient choices front and center.
Their products are designed to make everyday self-care feel simple, intentional, and a little bit luxurious.
Body Care Products
Nécessaire The Body Wash Review
The Nécessaire Body Wash is probably the brand’s most recognizable product and comes in several scent profiles, some permanent and some seasonal.
My Experience:
I’ve tried this in multiple scents over the years, and while it’s perfectly fine, I’ve never felt like it was special. No matter the scent, the experience is essentially the same: a gentle, non-stripping body wash that gets the job done but doesn’t stand out in a crowded category.
For the price point, I want either a noticeably luxurious texture, a standout scent experience, or results that feel meaningfully different from more affordable options. This just doesn’t deliver enough of any of those to justify a repurchase for me.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who wants a gentle, aesthetically pleasing body wash and doesn’t mind paying more for packaging and branding.
Would I Buy It Again?
No. It’s nice, but not enough to warrant the price.
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator Review
The Nécessaire Body Exfoliator is a gentle physical exfoliant designed to smooth skin without irritation.
My Experience:
As someone who deals with KP and body texture, I was genuinely excited to try this. On paper, it sounds like it should be effective but in practice, it’s extremely gentle. There’s very little “scrub” feeling here, which can be a positive or a drawback depending on what you’re looking for.
If you tend to find traditional body scrubs too harsh, this would likely be a great fit. For me, though, I prefer a bit more grit in my exfoliators, so this just didn’t quite do enough.
Who It’s Best For:
People with sensitive skin, KP, or anyone who wants a non-abrasive, low-irritation exfoliating option.
Would I Buy It Again?
No. I like a more substantial exfoliation and reach for grittier scrubs instead.
Nécessaire The Body Serum Review
When the Nécessaire Body Serum first launched, it stood out simply because body serums weren’t common yet. At the time, it felt innovative to bring facial-style hydration to the body.
My Experience:
I liked the idea of this product more than the reality of using it. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and layers well. But now that body serums are everywhere, this one no longer feels special, especially for the price.
More importantly, it adds an extra post-shower step that I don’t personally find necessary. If I have the time and energy to apply something after showering, I’d rather reach for a good body lotion or body oil and be done with it.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone who enjoys a multi-step body care routine and prefers lightweight, gel-based hydration.
Would I Buy It Again?
No. It doesn’t offer enough value compared to newer, more affordable options.
Nécessaire The Body Lotion Review
The Nécessaire Body Lotion is now available in multiple scent profiles and larger bottle sizes, making it more appealing as a long-term staple rather than an occasional splurge.
My Experience:
This is one of the few body products from Nécessaire I genuinely enjoy. I still gravitate toward the fragrance-free version even though there are more scents available.
The texture is substantial without feeling heavy, and it does a great job on dry areas like elbows, knees, and legs. It feels like a true skincare product for the body rather than a basic moisturizer dressed up with good packaging.
Who It’s Best For:
Anyone who wants a luxe-feeling, effective body lotion and prefers fragrance-free or subtle scent options.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes. This is one I’d happily repurchase.
Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel Review
The Nécessaire Deodorant Gel has recently been updated with new opaque packaging, though the formula itself remains the same.
My Experience:
This is still one of my favorite deodorants from the brand. The product works well, doesn’t irritate my skin, and I appreciate that it goes on clear and doesn’t leave residue.
While I’ve tried similar formulas from other brands, I genuinely prefer Nécessaire’s packaging. It feels elevated and looks nice enough to leave out on a vanity, which is something I oddly care about more than I’d like to admit.
Who It’s Best For:
Anyone looking for a gentle, aluminum-free deodorant that actually works and doesn’t feel sticky.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes. This remains a repurchase for me.
Haircare Products
Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo Review
The Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo is a daily strengthening shampoo designed to support scalp health, improve hair strength, and reduce breakage over time.
My Experience:
I’ve been using this shampoo multiple times a week for years, and it’s one of the Nécessaire products I consistently come back to. Since adding it to my routine, my hair looks shinier, and I’ve noticed less breakage overall. It’s the kind of gradual improvement you don’t necessarily notice right away, but definitely miss if you stop using it.
It cleans my hair well without feeling stripping, and it strikes a really good balance between effective cleansing and maintaining scalp comfort. I’m also glad it’s now available in a larger size, because this is a true staple for me rather than a “nice to try” product.
Who It’s Best For:
Anyone focused on long-term hair health, especially if breakage or scalp balance is a concern.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes. This is one of my most consistent repurchases from the brand.
Nécessaire Rosemary Conditioner Review
The Nécessaire Rosemary Conditioner is designed to support hair strength and scalp health while remaining lightweight enough for regular use.
My Experience:
I’ve been using this alongside the Rosemary Shampoo, and it complements it well. What I appreciate most is that it detangles easily without weighing my hair down.
It gives just enough slip to make hair manageable, but doesn’t leave that coated feeling some strengthening conditioners can have. I don’t see dramatic results on its own, but paired with the shampoo, it helps keep my hair feeling healthy and low-maintenance.
Who It’s Best For:
Anyone who wants a lightweight conditioner that supports hair health without heaviness.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes. This is a steady, reliable part of my routine.
Nécessaire The Shampoo | Hyaluronic Acid Review
The Shampoo | Hyaluronic Acid is a fragrance-free, scalp-focused shampoo designed to support hydration and overall scalp health.
My Experience:
Despite being marketed as a gentle cleanse, this shampoo gets my hair squeaky clean, almost more like a clarifying shampoo. That can be a good or bad thing depending on what your hair needs.
Because it’s fragrance-free, the scent isn’t pleasant. It has a slightly medicinal smell, but thankfully, it doesn’t linger once your hair is dry. I don’t use this as my everyday shampoo, but I always keep a mini on hand for when my hair needs a deeper clean or product buildup is getting out of control.
Who It’s Best For:
Anyone looking for a deep cleanse without added fragrance, or a reset shampoo to use occasionally.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes.
Nécessaire The Conditioner | Hyaluronic Acid Review
The Conditioner | Hyaluronic Acid is a lightweight, fragrance-free conditioner designed to hydrate and detangle without weighing hair down.
My Experience:
This is another product I like for its practicality rather than luxury. It detangles well, rinses clean, and doesn’t leave my hair feeling heavy, which is exactly what I want from a conditioner paired with a stronger-cleansing shampoo.
Like the shampoo, the scent isn’t great, but it doesn’t stick around. I keep this in mini form to use alongside the shampoo when I’m doing a deeper cleanse routine.
Who It’s Best For:
Anyone who wants a no-frills, fragrance-free conditioner that prioritizes function over experience.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes.
Nécessaire The Scalp Serum Review
The Nécessaire Scalp Serum is a lightweight, leave-in treatment designed to hydrate and soothe the scalp while supporting the appearance of fuller, healthier hair.
My Experience:
I used this consistently after it came in a set with the shampoo and conditioner. The texture is nice lightweight, quick-drying, and non-greasy. But I can’t say I noticed any meaningful difference while using it.
It didn’t irritate my scalp, but it also didn’t deliver results I could confidently point to. Once I finished the bottle, I didn’t feel compelled to replace it.
Who It’s Best For:
Someone curious about scalp serums who wants a very lightweight, non-oily formula.
Would I Buy It Again?
No. It didn’t make enough of a difference for me.
Overall Thoughts
After using a wide range of Nécessaire products over several years, my feelings about the brand are fairly settled.
Even though Nécessaire started as a body care company, it’s the haircare that I’ve been the most consistent about repurchasing. The rosemary shampoo and conditioner, in particular, have stayed in my routine because they’re reliable, easy to use, and make a noticeable difference in my hair.
The body care is more mixed for me. The formulas are well-made and thoughtfully formulated, but many of the products feel more like an occasional indulgence than something I repurchase on a regular basis.
That said, this is a brand I think works especially well for gifting. The packaging is elevated, the products feel considered, and most of the body care is neutral enough to give to anyone.
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