Part of living an eco-friendly lifestyle is being conscious of the personal hygiene products you use daily. Soap is one of the most frequently used products in homes, medical settings, business settings, and a wide range of public places like offices, restaurants, music venues, and shopping malls. Since you probably spend more time at home than in any of those places, we want to support you in your eco-friendly journey at home. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best eco-friendly soaps that you can use to keep clean while supporting the health of planet Earth.
When using soap throughout your day, it’s easy not to think beyond your immediate environment. You may move through your hygiene routines without considering where the soap goes once it rinses off. Soap contains surfactants that remove dirt, oil, and impurities from skin, clothing, and surfaces. To do this job, soap must be formulated with powerful ingredients. However, these ingredients often cause unnecessary harm to human health and environmental health.
At The Imperfect Eco, we celebrate individuals who take small steps to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. One great way to do this is to intentionally shop for soaps that are safe for your body and for our waterways.
Soaps that are not created with human health or environmental health in mind can cause several problems:
Traditional soaps contain a range of synthetic ingredients, such as artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, which can contribute to allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. These harsh chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its delicate pH balance, leading to irritation, dryness, and allergic responses. Additionally, sulfates and parabens commonly found in traditional soaps are associated with allergic reactions and other adverse health effects like hormonal disruptions.
Most soap companies use chemicals derived from fossil fuels that release harmful pollutants into the air and water during manufacturing processes.
Soap ingredients matter, and so does soap packaging. Plastic packaging contributes to pollution and litter, as it often ends up in landfills, oceans, and natural habitats, where it can remain for hundreds of years without degrading.
Determining whether a soap is eco-friendly involves examining its ingredients and sources. Start by researching soaps made from natural, plant-based ingredients that are sourced sustainably. Avoid products containing synthetic chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, which can harm the environment and human health.
Additionally, consider soaps packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials to minimize waste. Choosing eco-friendly soaps certified by reputable organizations can ensure their environmental sustainability (e.g. USDA Organic, EcoCert). You can also opt for soaps packaged in minimal or plastic-free packaging to reduce waste and environmental impact.
In addition to mindful ingredients and packaging, eco-friendly soap brands can be identified by their recycling or refilling programs. Look for brands that encourage the return of packaging for recycling or offer refill options to reduce waste.
Eco-friendly body washes offer a myriad of benefits compared to their conventional counterparts. Firstly, they are formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients, avoiding harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. This means they are gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions, and promoting overall skin health.
Moreover, eco-friendly body washes are crafted with sustainability in mind, utilizing biodegradable and responsibly sourced ingredients. By choosing these products, consumers contribute to reducing water pollution and minimizing their ecological footprint. Conventional body washes often contain microplastics and harsh chemicals that can harm aquatic ecosystems when washed down the drain, whereas eco-friendly options prioritize eco-conscious manufacturing processes and packaging materials.
In essence, opting for an eco-friendly body wash not only nurtures personal well-being by safeguarding skin health but also demonstrates a commitment to preserving the health of our planet for future generations.
The Imperfect Eco Featured Product:
Soap Distillery Natural Hand and Body Wash
Choosing eco-friendly hand soap over conventional options offers numerous benefits for both personal and environmental well-being. Eco-friendly hand soaps are crafted with natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates, making them gentle and safer for your skin. By avoiding these harmful additives, eco-friendly hand soaps reduce the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions, promoting overall hand health.
Additionally, their biodegradable formulations and sustainable sourcing practices minimize water pollution and environmental impact, unlike conventional hand soaps laden with synthetic fragrances. Making the switch to eco-friendly hand soap not only supports your health but also contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet.
The Imperfect Eco Featured Product:
Meliora Foaming Hand Soap Tablets
Eco-friendly dish soaps ensure a safer and gentler experience for your hands while you’re washing dishes. Their biodegradable formulations and sustainable sourcing practices help reduce water pollution and minimize ecological impact, unlike conventional dish soaps which often contain harsh chemicals and contribute to environmental degradation.
The Imperfect Eco Featured Product:
The Home Farm Liquid Dish Soap
Opting for eco-friendly laundry detergent over conventional options is a wise decision for both personal and environmental well-being. Eco-friendly detergents are formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients, free from harmful chemicals like phosphates and optical brighteners, making them safer and gentler for your skin and respiratory health.
The Imperfect Eco Featured Product:
ZWS Essentials Laundry Detergent Mini Kit
Eco-friendly shampoos are crafted with natural, plant-based ingredients, free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, making them safer and gentler for your scalp and hair. By avoiding these toxic additives, eco-friendly shampoos reduce the risk of scalp irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions, promoting overall hair health. Like the previously listed soaps, biodegradable shampoos also help minimize water pollution and harmful effects on marine life.
The Imperfect Eco Featured Product:
Good Juju Balanced Hair Shampoo Bar
Choosing eco-friendly soap entails several considerations: prioritizing natural, sustainably sourced plant-based ingredients, avoiding synthetic chemicals harmful to both the environment and human health, and opting for recyclable or biodegradable packaging to minimize waste. Certification from reputable organizations like USDA Organic or EcoCert can help you identify the best options for your health and the health of the environment.
As you shift toward eco-friendly soap options, pay attention to these key soap categories:
We encourage you to shop our bath and personal care selection (insert link to bath and personal care category page). All brands that The Imperfect Eco endorses put a lot of care into the way they formulate their hygiene products. Thank you for investing in brands that support the future of our planet.
Remember: You don’t have to be perfect to be eco-friendly!
KAYLA H
VIEW ALL POSTS BY KAYLA H