If you’re planning a camping or hiking trip, it’s important to pack biodegradable soap. Regular soap can pollute waterways and harm wildlife. Biodegradable soap is made with natural ingredients that break down quickly and won’t damage the environment.
There are many brands of biodegradable soap on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs. Some soaps are designed for sensitive skin, while others have added benefits like insect repellent. When choosing a biodegradable soap, make sure to read the label carefully to ensure it meets your requirements.
Using biodegradable soap is simple – follow the directions on the packaging. Simply lather up and rinse off as you would with regular soap. If you use biodegradable soap and follow the “Leave No Trace” principles, you’ll be able to enjoy your camping trip while knowing you’re not harming the environment.
Table of Contents
- Best Biodegradable Soaps
- Campsuds Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
- Sea to Summit Pocket Soap
- Coleman Camp Soap Sheets
- Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash
- Dead Down Wind Base Camp Soap
- Direct 2 Boater Biodegradable Camp Soap
- Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap
- How Do I Know If My Soap Is Biodegradable?
- FAQs for Biodegradable Soap
- What does it mean if soap is biodegradable?
- Is Biodegradable Soap Eco-Friendly?
- Why Should We Use Biodegradable Soap?
- Is It OK to Use Biodegradable Soap in a Lake?
- Is Castile Soap Biodegradable?
- Is Glycerin Soap Biodegradable?
- What is the difference between “biodegradable” and “eco-friendly”?
- Can biodegradable products harm the environment?
- How can I be sure that my use of biodegradable products is environmentally friendly?
Best Biodegradable Soaps
Campsuds Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap
Campsuds Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap is a natural and effective outdoor soap that ranks high on the list of biodegradable soaps. Made with a blend of essential oils of lemon and lime, this soap is perfect for cleaning up after a long day outside. It’s strong enough to work well on pots and pans, but also gentle enough to use on your hands, face, and hair. Concentrated Campsuds has been trusted by campers for over 50 years and is the perfect choice for anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors.
It’s available in small, 4 oz Nalgene bottles, which are so lightweight and durable that they have been referred to as “the Swiss-army knife of plastic bottles for hiking, backpacking, and camping.”
There’s also a version with Citronella and other oils that help to repel insects while bathing.
Customer Reviews
Campsuds Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap is commonly praised for its versatility and eco-friendly properties, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. This soap is designed to be highly concentrated and biodegradable, suitable for a range of cleaning tasks from dishes to bathing in outdoor settings. However, some users have noted issues regarding its scent and packaging.
Pros
- Highly Concentrated Formula: A little goes a long way, which is ideal for backpackers looking to carry less.
- Biodegradable: The soap is environmentally friendly, safe to use in natural water sources without harming the ecosystem.
- Multipurpose Use: Effective for washing dishes, clothes, and even bathing, making it an essential multi-use item for camping.
Cons
- Strong Scent: Some users find the fragrance too strong or unpleasant, which can be overpowering in the wilderness.
- Packaging Issues: There are occasional complaints about the packaging, particularly the lid leaking or not being secure enough for rugged travel.
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Most users are highly satisfied with Campsuds Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap for its efficiency and environmental friendliness. The product scores well for those prioritizing sustainability and versatility in their outdoor gear. However, improvements could be made in terms of scent and packaging design to enhance user experience. Overall, it stands as a reliable choice for campers and hikers.
Get the best price available for the Campsuds Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.
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Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Dr. Bronner’s brand has long been well-known and liked by outdoor enthusiasts. It’s highly concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way. And it works well; we use it at our house for effectively cleaning shower tiles, wood floors and cabinets, as well as using it as a hand soap and body wash.
We also like that the Dr. Bronner’s company is known to be community, employee, and environmentally friendly — in fact, they’re a Certified B Corporation, and even earn an exceptionally high “B Impact Score”.
Widely available, moderately priced, available in many natural scents and unscented, and completely biodegradable: you can’t go wrong with Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap.
Customer Reviews
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is celebrated for its natural ingredients and multi-use capabilities. This soap is known for its eco-friendly formula, which includes organic and vegan components. Users appreciate its effectiveness in a variety of cleaning tasks, yet some have concerns over its consistency and skin compatibility.
Pros
- Natural and Organic Ingredients: Made with vegan, organic ingredients, appealing to those seeking eco-conscious products.
- Versatility: Useful for everything from household cleaning to personal hygiene, including as a shampoo and body wash.
- Economical: Highly concentrated, requiring only small amounts per use, making it a cost-effective choice.
Cons
- Drying to Skin: Some users report that the soap can be overly drying, particularly for those with sensitive or dry skin.
- Strong Scent: While many enjoy the natural scents, others find them too intense and sometimes overwhelming.
- Liquid Consistency: A few users have noted that the liquid is thinner than expected, which can lead to overuse if not dispensed carefully.
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Overall, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap receives high marks for its environmental ethos and versatility. It’s particularly favored by those who appreciate its organic makeup and multiple uses across the home. Nonetheless, there is room for improvement in skin friendliness and scent moderation. It remains a beloved staple for eco-conscious consumers looking for a multipurpose cleaning solution.
Get the best price available for Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.
- Made with Organic Oils & Certified Fair Trade Ingredients: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soaps are crafted with over 90% organic ingredients, and more than 70% of these ingredients are certified fair trade, ensuring ethical working conditions and fair prices.
- Organic & Fair Trade Palm Kernel Oil: Sourced from fairly-paid smallholder farmers in Ecuador, this palm kernel oil supports sustainable harvesting practices that protect local habitats while providing our soaps with a smooth and creamy lather, benefiting both people and the planet.
- No Synthetic Preservatives, Detergents, or Foaming Agents: Our liquid soaps contain plant-based ingredients you can trust, with no synthetic preservatives, thickeners, or foaming agents. This makes them environmentally friendly and gentle on your skin.
- 3X More Concentrated Than Most Liquid Soaps: With our highly concentrated formula, you can dilute our soap for multiple uses, such as laundry, mopping, hand-washing dishes, all-purpose cleaning, washing pets, and more. A bottle goes a long way, reducing waste in packaging.
- Packaged in 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic Bottles: Dr. Bronner’s is committed to sustainability by using 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, diverting discarded plastic from landfills, and promoting positive environmental practices.
Sea to Summit Pocket Soap
Soap sheets are compact, lightweight, and won’t leak out, making them an attractive option for camping or hiking. Sea to Summit Pocket Soap sheets work well and are phosphate, paraben, and fragrance-free.
Be warned that the soap sheet containers are not water-proof and if soap sheets get even a little damp, they end up sticking together and become a big hassle to use. Even very humid air can cause this problem.
Customer Reviews
Sea to Summit Pocket Soap is widely recognized for its compact and travel-friendly design, making it a favorite among travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. This dry, leaf-form soap offers convenience and minimal impact on the environment, but some users have pointed out limitations in terms of usability and effectiveness.
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for backpacking, camping, and travel, as it takes up minimal space and adds negligible weight.
- Environmentally Friendly: The soap is biodegradable and safe for use in various natural environments.
- No Risk of Leakage: Being in dry leaf form, it eliminates the common problem of liquid soaps leaking in baggage.
Cons
- Limited Lather: Some users find that the soap does not produce much lather, which can affect cleaning efficacy.
- Ease of Use: The leaf form can be inconvenient as individual leaves might stick together or become difficult to manage with wet hands.
- Durability of Packaging: Although the soap itself is travel-friendly, the packaging can sometimes be fragile and not withstand rough handling.
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Sea to Summit Pocket Soap generally receives positive feedback for its innovative design and eco-friendly properties. It’s particularly valued by those looking to reduce their travel load without sacrificing hygiene. However, improvements in lather quality and packaging durability could enhance its practicality and appeal. Overall, it remains a practical choice for minimalists and outdoor adventurers.
Get the best price available for the Sea to Summit Pocket Soap on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.
- Phosphate and Paraben Free: This product is formulated without phosphates and parabens, making it a safer and eco-friendly option.
- Biodegradable and Environment-Friendly: The soap leaves are biodegradable, ensuring minimal impact on the environment while using them during your outdoor activities.
- Light Green Tea Fragrance: Enjoy a refreshing scent of light green tea while using these soap leaves, adding a pleasant touch to your outdoor hygiene routine.
- TSA Carry-On Compliant: Travel with ease and convenience, as these soap leaves comply with TSA regulations for carry-on liquids, allowing you to take them on your flights hassle-free.
- 50 Soap Leaves: Each pack contains 50 soap leaves, providing you with ample supply for your travels and outdoor adventures.
Coleman Camp Soap Sheets
Coleman Camp Soap Sheets are an easy and convenient way to keep your hands clean while camping, hiking or backpacking. These soap sheets dissolve instantly in water to create a sudsy lather, making them perfect for use with hot or cold water. The small plastic compact container is easy to with your camping gear or accessories, and the camp soap sheets can be removed with dry hands.
These are not much different from the Sea to Summit sheets above. Use whichever one is available or is least expensive.
Customer Reviews
Coleman Camp Soap Sheets are praised for their convenience and portability, making them a popular choice for campers, travelers, and anyone needing a compact soap option. These sheets dissolve quickly in water and are packaged in a small, easy-to-carry case. Despite their practical design, some users have noted issues with the soap’s effectiveness and the packaging durability.
Pros
- Compact and Portable: Perfect for backpacking, camping, and travel due to their small size and light weight.
- Easy to Use: Sheets dissolve quickly in water, making them convenient for on-the-go washing.
- Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable soap sheets are environmentally responsible and suitable for outdoor use.
Cons
- Effectiveness: Some users report that the soap sheets are not as effective in cleaning heavily soiled items or greasy substances.
- Packaging Quality: Reports of the plastic case breaking or not sealing properly, which can lead to the sheets getting wet and sticking together.
- Limited Quantity per Pack: Each package contains relatively few sheets, which may not be sufficient for longer trips or frequent use.
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Overall, customers appreciate the Coleman Camp Soap Sheets for their innovative design and convenience, especially for short trips and light packing scenarios. However, the effectiveness for more demanding cleaning tasks and the packaging’s durability are areas highlighted for potential improvement. The product is well-received for light to moderate cleaning needs in travel-friendly contexts.
Get the best price available for the Coleman Camp Soap Sheets on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.
- Convenient Package: This product includes 1 package of 50 Coleman Camp Soap Sheets, perfect for your camping trips or outdoor adventures.
- Compact and Portable: The camp soap sheets come in a small plastic container, making them easy to carry with your camping gear or accessories.
- Works with Hot or Cold Water: These travel soap sheets are versatile and work effectively with both hot and cold water, making them ideal for any camping scenario, including car camping.
- Instant Dissolving Action: Simply remove the camp soap sheets with dry hands and add water to watch them instantly dissolve into a soapy, sudsy lather.
- Environmentally-Friendly: These camp soap biodegradable travel sheets are designed to be eco-friendly, making them a responsible addition to your camping gear.
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash has a biodegradable formula that is gentle enough for personal use and tough enough to easily handle greasy campfire cooking equipment like pots and pans, and dirty clothes. Plus, the tough bottle comes with a lid insert and secure cap to prevent any leaks in your pack or bag. So go ahead and enjoy the great outdoors – knowing that your impact will be minimal.
Customer Reviews
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash is highly regarded for its concentrated formula and versatility, suitable for a variety of outdoor cleaning tasks. This environmentally friendly wash is appreciated for being biodegradable and safe for natural water sources. Despite its strengths, some users have expressed concerns over its packaging and the accuracy of its “all-purpose” claims.
Pros
- Highly Concentrated Formula: Small amounts are effective for cleaning, making it last longer and reducing the need to carry large quantities.
- Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and non-toxic, designed to have a minimal impact on the environment, especially suitable for use in wilderness areas.
- Versatile: Effective for cleaning dishes, clothes, and as a personal body wash, making it an all-in-one solution for campers and hikers.
Cons
- Packaging Issues: Reports of leakage and the bottle not being robust enough for rugged outdoor activities.
- Scent and Sensitivity: Some users find the scent too strong or have experienced skin irritation, particularly with frequent use.
- Efficiency on Grease: While versatile, it is less effective on very greasy or heavily soiled items compared to specialized cleaners.
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Overall, Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash enjoys positive reviews for its environmental friendliness and multi-use functionality. It is especially valued by those who prefer to minimize their environmental footprint while engaging in outdoor activities. Nevertheless, some improvements in packaging durability and formula gentleness could further enhance its user appeal. The product remains a favored choice among eco-conscious travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Get the best price available for the Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.
- Biodegradable: The super thick concentrated formula of this product is biodegradable, making it an environmentally-friendly choice.
- Tough Bottle: The product comes in a tough bottle with a small nozzle and secure lid, ensuring it stays safe in your pack without leaks or spills.
- Multi-Purpose: This versatile soap is safe for personal use, cleaning pots, pans, clothes, or any outdoor gear, making it a reliable companion for various activities.
- Travel-Friendly: With its smaller size, this soap meets airport regulations for carry-on liquids, making it convenient for travel and outdoor adventures.
Dead Down Wind Base Camp Soap
Base Camp Soap is perfect for dishes, hunting gear, hands, and body. It’s gentle enough to clean your skin, yet tough enough to tackle the toughest grime. Plus, it’s 100% biodegradable and safe to use in the woods or outside when you’re hunting or fishing.
Base Camp Soap does not contain any antimicrobials, sulfates, or phosphates that could harm aquatic life or contaminate the water table. This scent-control body wash for hunting, and camping is proudly made in the United States. A great odor-eliminating body soap for camping enthusiasts (yes, you need biodegradable soap for camping).
So effective that one reviewer recommends it to mechanics as a great grease cutter, yet another reviewer remarks on how gentle it is for bathing. Incredibly, this product has no one or two star reviews, just three stars and up. How often does that happen?
Customer Reviews
Dead Down Wind’s Base Camp Concentrated Camp Soap is a versatile and popular product among outdoor enthusiasts. Customers appreciate its ability to effectively clean both dishes and skin while being gentle and environmentally friendly.
Pros
- Tough enough to clean greasy dishes and hunting gear, yet gentle enough for use on skin
- Eliminates a broad spectrum of chemical and organic odors
- 100% biodegradable formula, safe for use outdoors
- Concentrated solution, a little goes a long way
- Convenient for camping, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities
Cons
- Some users may prefer a scented soap
- Can be difficult to find in stock at times due to popularity
Overall Customer Satisfaction
The vast majority of customers express high satisfaction with Dead Down Wind’s Base Camp Concentrated Camp Soap. They love its versatility, cleaning power, and eco-friendly formula. Many appreciate that it allows them to pack light for outdoor excursions by serving as both a dish and body soap. The unscented nature is a plus for hunters trying to eliminate odors.
While a few users might prefer a scented option, most are very happy with this product and consider it a must-have for camping, hunting, and outdoor adventures. The only consistent complaint is that the soap is sometimes hard to find in stock, likely due to its popularity. Overall, the Dead Down Wind Base Camp Concentrated Camp Soap is highly rated and recommended among outdoor enthusiasts.
Get the best price available for the Dead Down Wind Base Camp on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.
- Kills Odors: Dead Down Wind camp soap is an effective odor eliminator that targets both chemical and organic odors. It’s perfect for hunting trips, outdoor activities, or whenever you need a quick rinse-free wash.
- Use Anywhere: This versatile soap can be used for various purposes, such as cleaning dishes, hunting gear, hands, and body. It’s also ideal for sports, backpacking, camping, hiking, and biking. The concentrated, biodegradable formula offers on-the-go convenience no matter where you are.
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Dead Down Wind camp soap is gentle enough to use on your skin, making it a versatile product for personal hygiene. It’s 100% biodegradable and safe to use in the woods or outdoors during hunting or fishing trips.
- Environmentally Friendly: Camp Soap does not contain any antimicrobials, sulfates, or phosphates that could harm aquatic life or contaminate the water table. It’s a great all-purpose cleaner, whether you’re traveling or using it around the house.
- American Made: This scent control body wash for hunting is proudly made in the United States, ensuring high quality and reliability. It’s an excellent odor eliminator body soap for both men and women who love the outdoors!
Direct 2 Boater Biodegradable Camp Soap
Are you interested in a biodegradable soap that’s safe for use in fresh or salt water? Then, you’ll be interested in Direct 2 Boater’s Biodegradable Camp Soap. This soap is also formulated to be gentle on the skin and effective in hot or cold water, making it ideal for boating, camping, hiking, or traveling. It’s also unscented, which makes it less likely to cause allergic reactions or attract wildlife.
It comes in a handy travel size that makes it easy to take on the go. And it’s 100% biodegradable, with no fragrances or dyes. This soap was specifically designed to be free of chemicals that can cause harm to coral reefs.
Customer Reviews
Direct 2 Boater’s Biodegradable Camp Soap is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts looking for an environmentally-friendly and versatile cleansing solution. This concentrated, all-natural soap has received praise from customers for its effectiveness and eco-conscious formula.
Pros
- Biodegradable and environmentally safe, containing no harmful dyes or fragrances
- Versatile formula can be used as body wash, shampoo, and dish soap
- Concentrated formula lasts a long time, making it convenient for camping trips
- Effectively cleans without leaving any residue or scent behind
- Suitable for use in both fresh and salt water environments
Cons
- Some users may prefer a scented soap option
- The 8 oz bottle size might not be sufficient for extended trips or larger groups
Customers express a high level of satisfaction with Direct 2 Boater’s Biodegradable Camp Soap. They appreciate its eco-friendly composition and the fact that it does not contain any harmful additives, chemicals, or artificial fragrances that could potentially disrupt delicate ecosystems.
Overall Customer Satisfaction
The soap’s versatility is another key selling point, as it can be used as a body wash, shampoo, and dish soap, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for camping and backpacking. The concentrated formula also provides value for money, as a small amount goes a long way.
While some users might prefer a scented soap option, the majority of reviewers appreciate the unscented nature of this product, as it allows them to maintain a low profile in the wilderness without attracting unwanted attention from wildlife.
Direct 2 Boater Biodegradable Camp Soap is a well-received and highly recommended product among outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize environmental responsibility and seek a multipurpose, efficient cleansing solution for their adventures.
Get the best price available for the Direct 2 Boater Biodegradable Camp Soap on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.
- Biodegradable Soap: This soap is specially formulated for use in fresh and salt water, without any dyes or fragrances. It’s perfect for various outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, and hiking, serving as camp soap, hand soap, dish soap, and more.
- All-Purpose Camping Soap: This versatile soap is ideal for multiple uses during camping trips. You can use it for washing hands, cleaning dishes, doing laundry, or even cleaning camping gear. Its convenient travel size makes it a perfect companion for any outdoor adventure.
- Environmentally Friendly: The soap is designed to work effectively in hot or cold water, regardless of whether it’s fresh, salt, brackish, or chlorinated. It’s a great choice for environmentally-conscious campers as it is biodegradable and safe for the environment.
- For All Outdoor Activities: This soap is suitable for various outdoor activities like backpacking, boating, hiking, swimming, and traveling. Its multipurpose nature makes it a valuable companion for any adventurer’s needs.
- Convenient Travel Soap: Whether you need a travel soap or an all-purpose camp soap, this product is designed to be easily carried with you wherever you go. It’s an essential item for backpackers and campers, providing a fragrance-free and biodegradable solution for personal and cleaning needs.
Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap
Mrs. Meyer’s brand is very well known, so you’re likely to come across it when searching for biodegradable soaps. Their main attraction, besides supposedly being eco-friendly, it that they come in a wide variety of pleasant scents. But this isn’t necessarily a plus in the wild, as these scents may attract insects or other wildlife. Possibly including, God forbid, bears. But even just insects is bad enough.
It’s true that Mrs. Meyer’s soaps do not contain common, more or less toxic ingredients like phthalates, parabens, ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, artificial colors, or petroleum distillates. But they do often use a preservative called methylisothiazolinone, which can harm aquatic wildlife.
Even so, you should not be using or dumping any soap in poi, so this may not be a deal breaker for you. Note that methylisothiazolinone also may cause allergic reactions or other skin irritation.
Customer Reviews
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap is a popular choice among consumers looking for an eco-friendly and pleasant-smelling dishwashing liquid. This biodegradable dish soap is available in a variety of garden-inspired scents and has received generally positive feedback from customers.
Pros
- Made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, free from parabens, phthalates, and animal-derived ingredients
- Effectively cuts through grease and leaves dishes clean and bright
- Pleasant, garden-inspired scents like Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Basil, Honeysuckle, and Rosemary
- Biodegradable formula is gentle on the hands
- Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified
Cons
- Some users may find certain scents too strong or overpowering
- May require more product compared to conventional dish soaps to achieve the same level of cleaning power
- Slightly more expensive than some other dish soap brands
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Most customers express satisfaction with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap, appreciating its effectiveness at cutting through grease and leaving dishes clean. Many users enjoy the various scent options, which add a touch of aromatherapy to the dishwashing experience. Customers also value the product’s eco-friendly and cruelty-free aspects, as it is made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils without harsh chemicals.
The biodegradable formula is gentle on the hands, which is a plus for those who hand-wash dishes frequently.
While some users may find certain scents too strong for their liking, the wide variety of fragrances available ensures that most customers can find a scent that appeals to them. The slightly higher price point than some conventional dish soaps is generally considered acceptable given the product’s quality, effectiveness, and eco-friendly attributes.
In summary, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap is a well-received product that offers an effective, eco-friendly, and aromatic dishwashing experience, making cleaning dishes more enjoyable for many customers.
Get the best price available for Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.
- Cuts Through Grease: This liquid Dish Soap is designed to effectively cut through grease, leaving your dishes clean and bright.
- Biodegradable Formula: The Dish Soap features a biodegradable formula with plant-derived cleaning agents and thoughtfully chosen ingredients, ensuring the grease disappears without harming the environment.
- Garden-Inspired Lemon Verbena: Enjoy the refreshing scent of Lemon Verbena, offering a mild citrus fragrance inspired by the garden.
- Easy to Use: Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap is user-friendly, making dishwashing a breeze. Plus, it’s free from parabens, phthalates, or animal-derived ingredients, prioritizing safety and sustainability.
- Cruelty-Free and Certified: Rest assured that Mrs. Meyer’s products are made with cruelty-free formulas and are Leaping Bunny certified, guaranteeing ethical and animal-friendly practices.
How Do I Know If My Soap Is Biodegradable?
You will know if your soap is biodegradable if you read the label and all it contains is natural ingredients, including:
- Animal or plant-based fats
- Water
- Shea or another plant-based butter
- Lye
- Essential oils
- Natural preservatives (like salt)
A “pure” biodegradable soap contains just two ingredients: animal or vegetable fat and lye. However, if the soap includes, for example, 100% pure lavender essential oil for fragrance, it’s still considered biodegradable.
Sometimes, biodegradable soaps contain other natural additives included for their unique properties—like aloe vera for softer skin.
Biodegradable soaps do not contain:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Petrochemicals
- Surfactants
- Antibacterial additives
- Artificial colors or fragrances
These products are proven harmful to the environment because they’re made from non-renewable resources (like petrochemicals) or because they don’t break down quickly when they come into contact with water or the earth.
Even if a brand is labeled “biodegradable” or features a tagline like “safe for camping,” check the ingredients list carefully to ensure the soap contains 100% natural ingredients. If the soap brand doesn’t list all of its ingredients on the label, head to their website to find out more or contact the company before buying the product.
FAQs for Biodegradable Soap
What does it mean if soap is biodegradable?
Essentially, it means the biodegradable soap is made from ingredients that can break down in nature within a short amount of time—about a year. These materials break down when they come into contact with soil, water, or carbon dioxide and, as such, don’t cause long-term damage to the ecosystem.
While those bars of soap or bottles of shampoo on the supermarket shelf might all look the same, not all soap is created equal. It’s especially important for anyone looking to hit the trail or pitch a tent in the wilderness to know what soap to take with them.
So, what is biodegradable soap made from? Whether in bar or liquid form, biodegradable soap is made from natural ingredients in their complete form. This includes animal or plant-based fats like lard or olive oil, water, shea butter, lye, and sometimes essential oils for fragrance.
Soaps containing artificial ingredients, chemicals like petrochemicals, parabens, and surfactants, or natural ingredients in concentrated form, like phosphorous, are not considered biodegradable.
It’s important to remember that not all soap is biodegradable, even if it contains the above-listed ingredients. Check the label for sneaky synthetic dyes and fragrances and problematic ingredients like triclocarban or triclosan, which take a long time to degrade.
Is Biodegradable Soap Eco-Friendly?
Yes… and no. In many ways, biodegradable soap is eco-friendly. And it’s certainly more eco-friendly than its synthetic counterparts.
Biodegradable soap should always be the choice for campers, hikers, and survivalists. However, it’s not a 100% foolproof solution for those looking to stay clean while out in the wilderness.
While genuine biodegradable soaps break down in the soil due to the abundance of beneficial bacteria, they need to be used at least 200 feet from a natural water source. This includes storm drains.
Why? Because even natural ingredients can not break down in water completely. The accumulation of these materials in a river, lake, or sea accelerates plant growth. This leads to decreased oxygen in the water, affecting marine and aquatic life, or worse, algae bloom, which is harmful to animals and people.
Why Should We Use Biodegradable Soap?
You should use biodegradable soap because it contains only saponified natural oils. These oils are easily biodegraded by bacteria in the soil and naturally occurring chemical agents like CO2.
In the 1950s, cleaning product manufacturers introduced a new development onto the market: soaps and detergents with surfactants. Surfactants are responsible for the fluffy lather you get when you use dishwashing detergent or shampoo.
While the bubbles might make a product seem like it’s cleaning better, the surfactants within it wreak havoc on the water system. At the time, visitors to Lake Erie reported towers of bubbles multiple feet high! Plus, the surfactants were highly toxic to underwater life.
In an attempt to remedy the situation, Congress passed an act called the Clean Water Act in the early 1970s.
While many of the worst offending surfactants were removed from products, many remain to this day. They are still not healthy for the environment.
This, in essence, is why you should choose biodegradable soap over standard soap—and not just while you’re camping but for use at home and in the workplace, too.
Is It OK to Use Biodegradable Soap in a Lake?
No, you should not use biodegradable soap in a lake or in a river, stream, pond, swimming hole, waterfall, or ocean. Though biodegradable soap sounds like it would be safe to use in water, that’s far from the case.
The word “biodegradable” means that something—a compound or material—can decompose in a particular set of conditions. This happens when it’s consumed by living organisms, something as tiny as bacteria or as large as insects or other animals, exposed to carbon dioxide or placed in a biomass environment (where the concentration of said living organism is highest).
Water does not have the same makeup as biomass (such as soil), so it does not contain all the conditions necessary to break down the natural ingredients in biodegradable soap. This means some of the components will stay in the water, contaminating it. The result? At best, slight reductions in oxygen levels; at worst, events like algal blooms.
If you want to save the environment, use your biodegradable soap well away from a body of water using a portable shower or simply a bucket.
Is Castile Soap Biodegradable?
Yes, castile soap is biodegradable. Authentic castile soap is made by combining vegetable oil (olive, hemp, coconut, sunflower, jojoba, and more) with water and lye.
Some makers add other natural ingredients to their castile soap to scent it (essential oils), preserve it (salt), and make it softer (plant-based butter).
True castile soap is free from chemicals and artificial ingredients. It is available as a pourable liquid or in a hard bar.
It is thought to have originated in Castile in Spain (hence the name), though today, it’s made all over the world. Sometimes, this biodegradable soap goes by the name “olive oil soap,” though be sure to check the ingredients list of anything with this name to determine whether it’s entirely made from natural ingredients.
Is Glycerin Soap Biodegradable?
Yes, glycerin soap is biodegradable—so long as it’s pure glycerin soap. Glycerin is a naturally derived compound that occurs in all soaps. It’s what makes your skin feel soft after you wash yourself.
However, there are some soaps available that are made mostly from glycerin. In fact, the FDA lists glycerin as the third most common ingredient in American-made cosmetics.
But how do you know if the glycerin soap you’re buying is pure? Once again, it comes down to checking the ingredients list. So long as the soap bar or liquid contains only glycerin and other natural additives—such as different types of sodium, seed and plant oils, and sucrose—it’s biodegradable soap.
What is the difference between “biodegradable” and “eco-friendly”?
While both terms are associated with environmental sustainability, they have different meanings.
Biodegradable refers to the ability of a material to break down naturally over time.
On the other hand, eco-friendly (or environmentally friendly) refers to products or practices that cause minimal harm to the environment.
A product can be biodegradable but not eco-friendly if its decomposition process harms the environment.
Can biodegradable products harm the environment?
Yes, biodegradable products can still harm the environment if not managed properly.
For example, biodegradable soaps can contaminate water bodies if they are used near them.
Also, biodegradable materials require specific conditions to decompose, and if these conditions are not met, they can end up as waste in the environment.
How can I be sure that my use of biodegradable products is environmentally friendly?
To ensure that your use of biodegradable products is environmentally friendly, it’s important to understand how to properly dispose of them.
For instance, biodegradable soaps should be used at least 200 feet away from any water source.
Also, only certified “home compostable” materials should be put in a home compost pile. Always check local programs’ guidelines before disposing of compostable items.
Do I Need Biodegradable Soap For Camping?
- Trusted Outdoor Brand: Proven performance for over 50 years as the original all-purpose outdoor cleaner. Perfect for campers, backpackers, and wilderness travelers. Made in the USA with natural ingredients for reliable cleaning power.
- Maximum Efficiency: A few drops create effective suds for all your cleaning needs. Works in hot, cold, and salt water. The perfect companion for camping, hiking, backpacking, or travel adventures.
- Versatile Performance: Tough on dirt but gentle on surfaces. Effectively cleans dishes, pots, pans, clothes, hands, body, and hair. The natural formula makes it safe for family use while maintaining professional-grade cleaning power.
- Environmental Protection: Made with biodegradable, natural ingredients that safely decompose. Follow Leave No Trace principles by digging a 6-8 inch hole for disposal, allowing natural breakdown without environmental impact.
- Natural Citrus Fresh: Essential oils of lemon and lime provide a light, refreshing scent. Eliminates odors naturally without harsh synthetic fragrances. Experience clean that’s kind to both you and nature.
- Trusted Outdoor Brand: Proven performance for over 50 years as the original all-purpose outdoor cleaner. Perfect for campers, backpackers, and wilderness travelers. Made in the USA with natural ingredients for reliable cleaning power.
- Maximum Efficiency: A few drops create effective suds for all your cleaning needs. Works in hot, cold, and salt water. The perfect companion for camping, hiking, backpacking, or travel adventures.
- Versatile Performance: Tough on dirt but gentle on surfaces. Effectively cleans dishes, pots, pans, clothes, hands, body, and hair. The natural formula makes it safe for family use while maintaining professional-grade cleaning power.
- Environmental Protection: Made with biodegradable, natural ingredients that safely decompose. Follow Leave No Trace principles by digging a 6-8 inch hole for disposal, allowing natural breakdown without environmental impact.
- Natural Citrus Fresh: Essential oils of lemon and lime provide a light, refreshing scent. Eliminates odors naturally without harsh synthetic fragrances. Experience clean that’s kind to both you and nature.
- All-in-one, multi-purpose liquid soap for camping, backpacking, and travelling; super-concentrated formula goes a long way
- Multi-purpose soap is safe and gentle for use on skin and hair, and also suitable for fabrics, dishes, and gear
- Fragrance-free; will not harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles
- Ultra-tough, leakproof bottle with a secure lid; 50ml bottle size is TSA-compliant for carry-on liquids
- Includes 3 bottles, each containing 1.7 ounces/50 milliliters of concentrated liquid
- KILLS ODORS: DEAD DOWN WIND BLACK Premium Field Spray eliminates odors faster and longer so you can remain scent free in the woods. Created with advanced odor-fighting enzymes and comes in a convenient, easy to use spray bottle.
- KILLS ODORS: The Dead Down Wind camp soap eliminates chemical and organic odors. It’s the perfect odor eliminator for hunting trips, outdoor activities, or whenever you need a quick and thorough clean.
- USE ANYWHERE: Great for dishes, hunting gear, hands, and body. Also, great for sports, backpacking, camping, hiking, and biking. A concentrated formula for on-the-go convenience no matter where you are.
- SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: This product does it all and is gentle enough to clean your skin, making it a safe option to use outdoors when you’re hunting, fishing, or adventuring.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Camp Soap does not contain antimicrobials, sulfates, or phosphates that could harm aquatic life or contaminate the water table. It’s a great all-purpose cleaner for travel and outdoors use, or around the house!
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