• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Conscious Life & Style

Conscious Life & Style

Mindful Media for Thoughtful Living

  • Fashion
    • Shopping Guides
      • Full Ethical Brand List
      • Online Secondhand
      • Marketplaces
      • Clothing
        • Basics
        • Plus Size
        • Activewear
        • Jumpsuits
        • Pajamas
        • Casual Dresses
        • Formal Dresses
        • Sweaters
        • Workwear
        • Coats & Jackets
        • UK Brands
        • Linen Clothing
      • Undergarments & Swim
        • Underwear
        • Lingerie
        • Swimwear
      • Footwear
        • Vegan Shoes
        • Flats
        • Sandals
        • Boots
        • Sneakers
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Cloth Masks
        • Hats
        • Jewelry
        • Bags
      • Home Goods
        • Furniture
        • Home Decor
    • Brand Spotlights
    • Founder Interviews
    • Conscious Shop
  • Lifestyle
    • Low Waste
    • Travel
    • Home
  • Beauty
  • Blogging
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
  • Subscribe

14 Zero Waste Body Soaps for a Plastic-Free Shower

March 18, 2021
Share

One super simple way to reduce your usage of disposable plastics in your bathroom is to switch to zero waste body soap. 

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of zero-waste natural body soaps — curated by our contributor Madeleine of The Wise Consumer — that will help you eliminate plastic waste from your bathroom and keep you clean and smelling fresh. 

Why Switch to Zero Waste Body Soap?

I made the switch to zero-waste body soap after I realized how much plastic pollution my body wash and shampoo bottles were contributing to our beautiful planet. 

I was shocked when I learned that in 2018, in the U.S. alone, according to Euromonitor International, almost 7.9 billion units of rigid plastic were created just for beauty and personal care products. In fact, worldwide, the beauty industry creates 120 billion units of packaging every year! 

If these numbers aren’t quite sinking it, let me break it down for you. 

According to Reduce Plastic Waste, in 2017 more than 2.38 million people were using disposable body wash bottles.

Considering that the average person in the U.S. uses about 6 bottles of body wash per year, not including shampoo and/or conditioner bottles, that means that about 1.4 billion bottles of disposable body wash bottles are used every year. 

And, unfortunately, most of these bottles aren’t recycled and often end up in our oceans, landfills, and waterways. 

Switching to zero-waste body soap won’t solve the global problem of plastic pollution, but every little swap, change, and action we make to reduce our usage of single-use plastics makes a difference. 

Just imagine if 2.38 million people replaced disposable body wash bottles with zero-waste soap alternatives!  

Ready to make the switch? Here are a few brands to get you started…

Zero Waste Body Soap Brands

1. Meow Meow Tweet

Founded in Brooklyn by Tara Pelletier (she/they) and Jeff Kurosaki (they/them), Meow Meow Tweet, is a handmade, vegan, and low-waste skincare company that uses certified organic ingredients. They provide a variety of different soaps ranging in scents from Grapefruit Mint to Lavender Lemon and their soaps are also on Package Free Shop. Soap bars are packaged in paper boxes and you also have the option of purchasing refillable body wash packaged in a glass bottle with a post-consumer recycled plastic pump that you can mail back to Meow Meow Tweet to be recycled. 

Conscious Qualities: Low-Waste, Refillable Option, Organic & Fair Trade Ingredients

Price: Soap Bar: $12 | Refillable Body Wash Bottle: $20

Low waste and organic body soaps from Meow Meow Tweet

2. Unearth Malee

Unearth Malee, founded by Thai-American Marie Pechkam, is an organic, vegan, palm-free, woman-owned skincare company based out of Los Angeles, California. Soaps are handmade in small batches using certified organic vegetable oils, organic herbs, and pure essential oils, hand cut, and wrapped in plantable flower seeded paper. For each product sold a portion of proceeds is donated to the Orangutan Foundation International. Soaps scents, which are Asian-inspired, include Bali Flowers, Cucumber Mint, and more! 

Conscious Qualities: Palm-Free, Organic & Natural ingredients, WOC-Owned

Price: $6.50

Natural and zero waste body soap from Unearth Malee

3. Samudra Skin & Sea

Created out of the desire to bring the regenerative properties of seaweed to a healthy line of nourishing skincare, Samudra’s Skin & Sea products are created using hand-harvested wild seaweed from the Mendocino coast in California. Their Sea Soap, which can double both as body and shampoo bar, is made from soothing ingredients such as seaweed, olive oil, and avocado butter. Samudra Skin & Sea not only creates plastic-free and natural products but collaborates with ocean conservation programs to help in the fight against plastic pollution. 

Conscious Qualities: Sources Wild Seaweed, All Natural Soaps, Women-Owned

Price: $12

All natural and zero waste soap from Samudra Skin & Sea

4. Meliora

Although best known for their zero-waste laundry detergent and cleaning products, Meliora Cleaning also offers bath and body soaps that are dye-free, plastic-free, palm-oil-free, and free of harmful ingredients. Soap scents include lavender, peppermint, spiced orange, and unscented.

Conscious qualities: Made-Safe Certified, Rated A on EWG, 1% For The Planet Member, Plastic-Free

Price: $17 for 3 (Use code CONSCIOUSLIFE for 10% off @ EarthHero)

Zero waste and non-toxic soap from Meliora

5. R&R Luxury

This Black-owned African plant-based skincare line was founded by beauty entrepreneur Valerie Oba. The brand offers a range of luscious beauty formulations made from 100% natural shea butter (sourced directly from the Shea countryside of Ghana) and other natural ingredients. R&R Luxury sources, manufactures, sells, and exports from products Africa. The brand’s low waste soap options include the Black Soap Bar and Shea Soap. (Location Finder is here.)

Conscious Qualities: Natural Ingredients, Ethically Sourced & Made, Traditional African Soap Formulation, Black Woman-Owned

Price: $13 

Low waste and plant-based soap from R&R Luxury
The Conscious Edit Subscription Banner_Red

6. No Tox Life


This small family-run mother-daughter business offers a variety of plastic-free products from zero-waste deodorant bars to solid seaweed shampoo. Their vegan, zero waste body soaps are handmade in small batches using high-quality, plant-based, effective ingredients that come in a variety of scents ranging from Turmeric Ginger and Midnight Forest to Moroccan Cowboy. (There is also an unscented option.)

Conscious Qualities: Plastic-Free, Plant-Based Ingredients, Made in Small Batches, Woman-Owned

Price: $11.98 for 3

Plant-based and plastic-free soaps from No Tox Life

7. Chagrin Valley Soap

Chagrin Valley Soaps are handmade in Ohio and crafted in small batches using all-natural and USDA-certified organic ingredients such as herbs and flowers, vegetables and fruits, sustainable oils and butters, and pure essential oils. With more than 36 different soap scents to choose from, including Citrus Wood Green Tea, Winter Survival, and Bamboo Charcoal, you’re sure to find something for the entire family! 

Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Ingredients, Certified Leaping Bunny, 99% Plastic-Free

Price: $9.50

Fair trade and plastic-free soaps from Chagrin Valley Soaps

8. Wild Lather

These uniquely shaped triangle soaps are handmade in California using a blend of five fair-trade organic plant oils, naturally occurring clays, and solar-infused botanicals. They’re also cold-processed and free of palm oil and synthetic substances. Soaps are packaged in paper boxes and come in a variety of scents including Milky Oats + Calendula and Herbaceous Citrus.

Conscious Qualities: Handmade in Small Batches Organic Ingredients, Fair-Trade Oils, Palm-Free

Price: $14.00

Fair-trade and zero waste soaps from Wild Lather

9. Ethique

Founded by Brianne West in 2012, this 100% plastic-free, plant-based, certified carbon neutral cosmetics brand offers all types of zero-waste bath and body products — shampoo, body, pet, and laundry bars. Ethique believes in using honest and fair trade ingredients and, whenever possible, direct trade ingredients (you can read more about direct trading here). Plus, for every purchase made one tree or mangrove is planted. 

Conscious Qualities: Plastic-Free, Direct & Fair Trade Ingredients, Carbon Neutral, Palm-Free. Transparent Production, Certified by Living Wage Aotearoa.

Price: $6 – $13

Zero-waste and plastic-free soap from Ethique

10. TERRA TORY

TERRA TORY is 100% natural, handmade, hypoallergenic, palm-free, coconut oil-free, and cruelty-free. Founded by Kimerberly Waldropt in 2017, this small business creates uniquely scented soaps from natural, healing, and wholesome ingredients. Each soap is designed, packaged, and delivered by Kimberly herself! And, according to TERRA TORY’s website, these soaps are great for anyone who may have sensitive skin and prone to eczema. Scents range from Fresh Carrot and Tumeric Cube to Cactus + Charcoal Cube. 

Conscious qualities: Natural Ingredients, Handmade, Plastic-Free, Black Woman-Owned, Palm-Free

Price: $20

Cruelty-free and zero waste soap from Terra Tory

11. Plaine Products

If you’re not a fan of soap bars, Plaine Products, a refillable and reusable bath and body skincare brand, is a great plastic-free alternative to disposable body wash. Once you’ve finished your product, simply order a refill and a new bottle will be sent your way. All Plaine Products are made using plant-based ingredients, free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, and palm oil, and designed to biodegrade. The refillable body wash is available in Citrus Lavender or Rosemary Mint Vanilla. (There is also an unscented option.)

Conscious Qualities: Zero-Waste, Refillable & Reusable, Natural Ingredients, Biodegradable. Palm-Free, Member of the Plastic Pollution Coalition. 

Price: $30.00 (for 16 oz. bottle) 

Zero-waste and natural body wash from Plaine Products

12. Alaffia 

Alaffia’s fair trade soaps are handcrafted using a centuries-old recipe and unrefined shea butter, natural ingredients, and Orangutan-safe West African ​palm oil. The palm oil, which is native to Western Africa, is grown and harvested by small-scale farmers in the Maritime region of Togo using traditional methods. Soap scents include Authentic African Black Soap Triple milled Charcoal Reishi, Cold Brew, Hemp Olive Leaf, and Unscented. 

Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade, Clean Ingredients, For Life Certified by ECOCERT, Good Manufacturing Practices Certified

Price: $4.99

Fair Trade and natural soap from Alaffia

13. Dr. Bronners

Dr. Bronner’s 100% true pure-castile soaps are ethically manufactured using only the purest organic and certified fair-trade ingredients. Their soap bars are biodegradable and packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper and free of any synthetic detergents or foaming agents. There are 7 different scents to choose from, plus an unscented option. 

Conscious Qualities: Certified Fair-Trade and Organic, Leaping Bunny Certified, Natural & Biodegradable Ingredients. 

Price: $4.79

Biodegradable and organic soap from Dr. Bronners

14. The Right To Shower

Everyone deserves the right to shower! Unfortunately, in the U.S. about 550,000 people are experiencing homelessness and have limited or no access to everyday services, including showering. The Right To Shower is on a mission to fix that by building a personal care brand that donates 30% of its profits to mobile shower initiatives, such as Lava Mae, to help people currently experiencing homelessness. The Right To Shower soap bars are made in small batches using natural and organic ingredients, including rainforest certified palm oil. 

Conscious Qualities: Donates to Mobile Showers, Vegan, Low Waste, Cruelty-Free, Rainforest Alliance Certified Palm Oil

Price: $7.50 for Soap Bar | $8.99 for Body Wash

Do you have a favorite plastic-free body soap brand we should include to this list? 

About the Author:

Madeleine Wisecup - Writer for Conscious Life & Style

Madeleine is a Franco-American podcaster and blogger on a mission to inspire and empower women to live healthier, more eco-friendly, and conscious lifestyles. On her blog/podcast, The Wise Consumer, she covers topics ranging from nutrition and recipes to ethical fashion and eco living tips. When not working Madeleine is either spending time with family, developing new recipes, or running trails. 

Follow Madeleine and the Wise Consumer:

Website: TheWiseConsumer.com | Podcast: The Wise Consumer Podcast

@TheWiseConsumer on Instagram | The Wise Consumer on Facebook

JOIN THE CONSCIOUS EDIT

A weekly newsletter with mindfully curated reads and recommendations, plus the latest posts. (Preview an issue.)

    By subscribing, you agree to receiving emails from us and accept our Terms and Privacy Policy.

    Pin this post to reference it later:

    The best zero waste body soaps - Conscious Life and Style
    14 Zero waste body soaps - Conscious life and style

    You May Also Want to Check Out:

    25 Organic and Non-Toxic Skincare Brands

    An Ever-Growing List of Zero Waste Shops

    Low Waste Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

    Share this post

    Blog, Eco Living, Low Waste Home

    Related Posts

    The Sleekest Eco-Friendly Vegan Bags for Chic Cruelty-Free Style

    15 Brands with Ethical and Sustainable Socks

    17 Best Zero Waste & Sustainable Products for an Eco-Friendly Bathroom

    Not All Carbon Offsets Are Created Equal — Here’s What to Know
    30 Affordable Sustainable Clothing & Accessories Brands for Accessible Conscious Style

    Primary Sidebar

    Let’s connect

    Instagram

    *sigh* another week, another fast fashion greenwas *sigh* another week, another fast fashion greenwashing campaign.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
📧 Dear @hm, nothing about your clothes is conscious if they're made by people who aren't earning fair wages. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Your collections will never be conscious no matter what percentage of your clothes are made from recycled or "sustainably sourced" (whatever that means...) materials at these insane production levels.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Your very business model is reliant on a model of growth and excessive production that is incompatible with planetary limits.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Not to mention, the success of fast fashion is reliant on disposability. Fast fashion can only succeed by shoppers consistently buying, wearing (maybe), and discarding their clothes.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#fastfashionsucks #payupfashion #payyourworkers⁠⁠
    🧵🌿 WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE DESIGN?. // We talk 🧵🌿 WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE DESIGN?. // We talk a lot about the disconnection we have with the makers behind what we buy...
.
But industrialization and mass production has also resulted in a disconnect between designer and maker. 
.
For truly ethical production, there must be an equal knowledge exchange between makers & designers in the design process, especially when artisans are using traditional techniques & generations-old crafts. 
.
But what does collaborative design look like in practice? And how does this type of collaboration support more sustainable and ethical production?
.
I’m interviewed Tatiana of @zuahaza to discuss these questions and much more! Tune in and let us know your thoughts. 💗
    🛏🪑🏡 As promised, the guide to non-toxic f 🛏🪑🏡 As promised, the guide to non-toxic furniture is here!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
For a big list of eco-friendly and non-toxic furniture brands, check out the link in bio!⁠⁠
    🛋 Is your furniture off-gassing toxic chemicals 🛋 Is your furniture off-gassing toxic chemicals? Here's what to know about volatile organic compounds in furniture and how to reduce your exposure in your home.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Top tip: Buying used furniture is a great way to reduce your exposure since the highest concentration of VOCs are off-gassed with newly manufactured furniture just out of the factory. (If you are looking for new furniture that’s safe though, stay tuned for a list of non-toxic furniture brands coming soon!)⁠⁠ 💚
    🏡 Are you familiar with sustainable interior de 🏡 Are you familiar with sustainable interior design?⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Unsurprisingly, the home goods & furniture industry has much of the same problems as fashion: labor exploitation, unsustainable production, and massive amounts of waste.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
But, there are ways to style our homes with intention, in a way that goes beyond aesthetics and considers the impact on people, planet, and our health.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Swipe through for five tips from Kelly of @gratify_home and check out the link in bio for the full guide to sustainable interior design! 🛋 ⁠⁠
    🌿 Carbon offsets are much more complicated than 🌿 Carbon offsets are much more complicated than they might first appear.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
So, I've partnered up with @simplizero to talk about what carbon offsetting can (and cannot!) do, what the risks are of offsetting schemes, and how to find reputable offsetting projects. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
For much more on this topic, read the full article. Link in bio!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
[sponsored] ⁠⁠
    We talk about the importance of living wages a lot We talk about the importance of living wages a lot in the ethical fashion space, but what does this actually mean?⁠⁠
⁠⁠
This question — and the question of "will increasing wages increase clothing prices?" — came up during last week's IG Live with Ayesha of @remakeourworld.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
These are both really common questions, so I wanted to dedicate an entire post to address them.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
For more on the topic of living wages in fashion, follow @asia_floorwage, @cleanclothescampaign, and @remakeourworld + check out the article linked in bio for a much bigger deep dive I wrote on consciouslifeandstyle.com.
⁠⁠
#LivingWagesNow #PayUpFashion⁠⁠
    Standing in solidarity with the Asian American com Standing in solidarity with the Asian American community and amplifying/re-sharing some resources for ways to take action to #stopasianhate.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Yesterday's horrific shooting in Atlanta was the most recent anti-Asian hate crime — crimes which have increased nearly 150% in 2020 and surged even higher in cities like New York, which saw an increase of 833%. [Source: Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism]⁠⁠
⁠⁠
The hate must end. Visit anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co for a list of resources (updates, educational content, petitions, places to donate, mental health resources, etc.) Link in bio.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Tags for resources listed: @apen4ej @stopaapihate @smithsonianapa @versian.co @unapologeticallyasian_ @goldhouseco @asianamericangirlclub @theycantburnusall @weareaanow @hateisavirus @nextshark @aapiwomenlead @asianaaf @stopaapihatenyc @asians4antiracism @asianamericancollective @advancing_justice_atl @aaajalc @napawf_atl⁠⁠ | posts are from @jezzchung @sophfei @kimsaira + @annie_wu_22 | cover image is from @nhiii
.
#StopAAPIHate #hateisavirus #racismkills #dismantleracism
    ➡ IG Live with @remakeourworld's Ayesha Barenbla ➡ IG Live with @remakeourworld's Ayesha Barenblat is happening in just a couple hours (9am PST / 12pm EST)!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
We'll be discussing:⁠⁠
⁠⁠
👗 Why garment worker representation is so crucial to creating a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry⁠⁠
⁠⁠
👚 What centering garment workers would look like in practice⁠⁠
⁠⁠
👗 Whether or not brand-led initiatives and industry commitments have really led to any tangible improvements in the lives of garment workers (and why that's the case)⁠⁠
⁠⁠
👚 What sorts of reforms will be necessary to truly improve the industry⁠⁠
⁠⁠
👗 How we can all get involved in creating a more equitable future for fashion⁠⁠
⁠⁠
See you soon!⁠⁠
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    Join The Conscious Edit

    Footer

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • About
    • Contact
    Copyright © 2021 Conscious Life & Style LLC, Made by Underline DesignsBack to Top
    This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. We'll assume you're fine with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Got it! Reject Read More
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled

    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

    Non-necessary

    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

    SAVE & ACCEPT