Your reasons for using the best biodegradable soap might differ from the next guy. Maybe you just need one for the weekend camping trip ahead, while somebody else has an all-encompassing eco-friendly approach to his shower caddy. But one thing is true for everyone: The best biodegradable soaps feel great on skin but also feel great from a consumerism point of view. They don’t send toxic chemicals or plastic microbeads into the ecosystem.
Instead, these soaps tend to mix things like vegetable and essential oils, lye, water, potassium hydroxide (potash), sodium chloride (salt), oats, and more. Each ingredient can be broken down by bacteria and funneled back into the circular order of things—not to mention, the best of these formulas is equally cradling for skin. And while there tends to be a lot of gray area on terms like “organic” and “natural”, note that neither of these qualities necessarily makes a product biodegradable (as both words refer to the ingredients used in production, and not the end result, which is where biodegradable distinction is earned).
Also, note that a product being biodegradable does not mean “use this in a river or lake”. It can still harm those marine environments if not properly disposed of. Practice “Leave No Trace” in the outdoors and dispose of these products at least 200 feet from any water source.
Below are our favorite (liquid and solid) biodegradable soaps.
The Best Biodegradable Body Bar
Amazon
Exfoliating products are a common source of harm for the environment, specifically when plastic microbeads are used. That's not the case in Ursa Major's body bar. You can always trust this brand for its eco ethos, and the volcanic rock in this one buffs your skin gently, alongside nourishing shea butter, invigorating peppermint oil, and cleansing coconut oil.
The Best Biodegradable Head-to-Toe Cleanser
Amazon
You can clean everything (including the kitchen sink) with Dr. Bronner's liquid soap, which is why it excels as a head-to-toe multitasker (whether you like to travel light or just prefer a liquid facial cleanser). We'll always go to bat for the peppermint version, too, since it tingles to the touch.
The Best Biodegradable Hand Soap
Amazon
This is one of those quintessential sink-ledge brands, but also the most eco-friendly one at that. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day tones and cleans your mitts with essential oils, aloe vera, and olive oil.
The Best Biodegradable Shave Soap
Amazon
These individual "leaves" dissolve in water and make for easy pocket-toting, TSA-friendly, spill-proof experience. In addition to building a shave-worthy lather with these leaves, Sea to Summit also makes biodegradable leaves for conditioning shampoo, laundry, body wash, and hand wash.
The Best Biodegradable Dish Soap
Amazon
The label on Grab Green's packaging paints a clear picture: This formula busts through dishware grime and leaves your plates, cups, and cutlery clear—while being gentle on the world around you.
The Best Biodegradable Laundry Detergent
DedCool
One of our favorite niche fragrance houses also makes one of the best-smelling laundry detergents—and one with a biodegradable formula at that. Available in multiple scents, "Spring" is our favorite for its mossy, patchouli-forward freshness.
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