Biodegradable soap that is good for the earth and your body
On rafting trips, most guides recommend scrubbing with only fresh water straight from the river. But if you're looking for something a little stronger for your next adventure, check out eco-friendly soap brands. Whether you need a luxurious body wash for sensitive skin or a simple camping soap, we recommend products that will keep you clean in almost any outdoor situation.
What is eco-friendly soap?
The eco-friendly soap we consider does not contain phosphates, surfactants, triclosan, or any other 'antibacterial' ingredients. In concentration, the first two can cause a surge in algae growth, resulting in turbid, sluggish rivers or overly nutrient-rich water. Think of a duck pond. Conversely, triclosan, found in hand sanitizers and most hand soaps, is extremely toxic to aquatic algae and many coral and fish species.
It's also important to remember that soap, eco-friendly or not, should not be used directly in rivers or lakes. Biodegradable soap needs to break down in the soil, so follow Leave No Trace guidelines and bathe at least 200 yards away from a water source. A bucket and towel are all the tools you need.
Here are the best eco-friendly soaps for your next outdoor adventure, whether it's camping, rafting, or backpacking.
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1) Best for Refill: Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash
An ultra-eco-friendly liquid soap, Bathing Culture's Mind & Body Wash is made with organic coconut, olive, and sunflower seed oils and packaged in 100% recycled bottles. fat? Bathing Culture offers refills so you don't have to buy more packages. And soap isn't just clean. The California-based manufacturer says this soap will make you feel like you've “just jumped into a cold river.” That seems pretty good to us.
Why we like it: Not only is this a versatile camping soap, it's a company founded by two friends who love the outdoors and celebrates the simple art of bathing and the way it connects all of humanity. They believe that bathing is sacred and should be enjoyed. After a long day on the river we couldn't agree more.
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2) Best suited for a variety of uses: Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Biodegradable Soap
A product that needs no introduction, Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap is a tried and true concentrated biodegradable soap popular as body wash, dish soap, and (for some brave souls) toothpaste. Dr. Few soaps boast the versatility that Bronner covers. The easily diluted Castile mixture has an ingredient list that even a 5-year-old can understand. There are so many variations available that you can find the scent that suits you or check out versions made with unscented oils.
Why we like it: Dr., a pioneer in creating environmentally friendly products. The Bronner brand continues to do the right thing. The company treats its employees particularly well and continues to donate millions of dollars to social and environmental causes every year. We use soap on multi-day trips for a variety of tasks, including bathing, and we know that soap can make you feel good.
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3) Best for long trips: Stream2Sea Conditioning Shampoo and Body Wash
The Florida company has become famous for its reef-safe sunscreens. Stream2Sea continues its tradition of environmentally friendly products with its new conditioning shampoo and body wash. Biodegradable soap containing healthy green tea extract relieves stinging sensations. The tube is made from sugarcane resin, so you don't have to worry about any other pieces of plastic.
Why we like it: Founded by cosmetic chemist and all-round outdoorsman Autumn Blum, Stream2Sea is on the cutting edge of eco-friendly soaps and skin care products. They conduct extensive research and testing to ensure that the ingredients they use are safe for all types of freshwater and marine life. Want more information about what's in your shampoo and body wash? Stream2Sea provides a full list of ingredients on their website.
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4) Best for Buggy Areas: SallyeAnder No-Bite-Me Bug Repellent Soap
Packed with aromatic ingredients, these SallyeAnder bars are environmentally friendly and help repel biting bugs like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and black flies from your skin. Biodegradable soap bars specifically made with cedarwood, mint and lemongrass essential oils help repel pesky pests for up to two hours after washing. It can also be used as a shampoo to keep your head and hair nice and clean. Includes No-Bite-Me bug repellent and a bottle of after-bite cream.
Why we like it: Family owned and operated, SallyeAnder has been making natural soap for over 40 years. Originally created to help people with skin conditions like eczema, the company's soaps are gentle on your body and the environment. Made without detergent, No-Bite-Me Bug Repellent is one of the only eco-friendly soaps of its kind.
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5) Best Smelling Body Wash: Juniper Ridge Body Wash
It's amazing that you can put just about anything in Juniper Ridge's body wash since it's free of so many ingredients, from dyes to preservatives, phthalates, and parabens. All ingredients are wild-harvested, sustainably harvested, and plant-based. Using biodegradable soap will ensure that it smells like the forest you enjoy. This is very similar to Juniper Ridge's intent.
Why we like it: Focused on natural scents, Juniper Ridge's small staff uses their own sustainably produced, steam-distilled essential oils to infuse their products with scents of pine forests and other West Coast essences. The company is also committed to protecting the environment, donating up to 10% of its annual profits to organizations that “Keep the Wild Wild.”
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Bonus Pick: Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Pocket Soap
Sea to Summit's Wilderness Wash is a highly concentrated, fragrance-free soap that comes in sheet form and is suitable for all outdoor activities. From washing your body to washing dishes, you can quickly add just the right amount of portable soap leaves to your water tank. You can store the rest without worrying about spilling it.
Why we like it: Sea to Summit is known for its extensive collection of outdoor-focused products. They designed their all-purpose, unscented sachet soap with hikers and paddlers in mind. Because it's not a liquid, you don't have to worry about taking it on the plane.
Looking for a bathing alternative for your next adventure? If you can't bathe with eco-friendly soap, consider biodegradable body wipes (here are our favorites!). Or, here are some tips on how to skip the shower altogether.
An earlier version of this eco-friendly soap post by Caitlin Kauffman first appeared in June 2015 and was rewritten and updated in November 2022.