Green Beauty: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Bath & Body Care Items

In a world where sustainability and self-care intersect, it’s more important than ever to discover products that are good for the planet! According to CNN, green science has paved the way for green and clean brands to make products that outperform non-green products. Don’t worry, there are options out there! 

Not only are green body products becoming more widely available, but also focus on eco-friendly packaging and ingredients. Stay with us as we embark on a journey to explore the wonderful realm of eco-friendly body care. 

Eco-friendly bath & body care

According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition.org, the personal care industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging every year globally. Can you imagine how much package waste this figure produces? Using eco-friendly body care products is essential for both personal well-being and the health of our planet.  

Traditional body care products often contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals can absorb into your skin which can lead to potential health risks.  

Choosing eco-friendly alternatives for self-care can protect our bodies from unnecessary exposure to toxins. It can also create a healthier planet by choosing products with less environmental impact. Here are a few of our favorite options for all-around body care: 

Shampoo and conditioner bars

Firstly, shampoo bar soap eliminates the need for plastic packaging. This can significantly reduce plastic waste and can help combat environmental pollution. Additionally, these bars often feature natural, biodegradable ingredients, minimizing the release of harmful chemicals into ecosystems. 

Body wash bars

Much like shampoo and conditioner bars, body wash bars typically come in minimal or even zero-waste packaging. Which reduces plastic waste and environmental pollution. These bars often feature natural and biodegradable ingredients that aren’t harmful to ecosystems. Additionally, the concentrated formula of body wash bars means that they last longer than traditional liquid body washes. 

Reusable bottles

If bar soap isn’t your thing, try using reusable bottles to store and pack away your liquid body care essentials. individuals can avoid the need for repeatedly purchasing products packaged in disposable plastic containers, thus minimizing their carbon footprint. Taking the step to use reusable bottles can encourage mindful consumption habits.  

You can refill these bottles with your favorite body care products from bulk containers or make their own homemade concoctions! Plus, having these bottles on hand makes traveling with your body care liquids easier. Take reusable bottles a step further, by using some of the most common upcycled bottles you can use to store your liquids:

Deodorants

According to National Geographic, the deodorant industry also produces 15 billion pounds of plastic every year. Throwing away partially full aerosol deodorant cans can harm the environment and be considered hazardous waste. Eco-friendly deodorants, on the other hand, are crafted from natural ingredients like plant-based oils and butters. Additionally, these deodorants typically come in eco-conscious packaging, such as compostable tubes or recyclable containers, minimizing plastic waste.

Moisturizers

Conventional moisturizers are laden with synthetic ingredients and potentially harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly moisturizers prioritize natural, sustainable ingredients that nourish the skin without compromising health or the planet’s well-being. These moisturizers often feature plant-based oils, and organic components that hydrate skin and minimize the risk of irritation.

Eco-friendly oral care

Traditional oral care products often contain plastic components that don’t decompose easily. By opting for eco-friendly alternatives packaged in recyclable materials, individuals can reduce their plastic waste and environmental footprint. Many companies make eco-friendly oral care products from sustainable and biodegradable materials. Choosing these materials can minimize pollution, promote responsible consumption, and craft a healthier future for all. 

Here are a few of our top picks for eco-friendly oral care:

Toothpaste

People often find conventional toothpaste to contain synthetic chemicals, packaged in plastic tubes, and not recycled properly. Many eco-friendly toothpaste brands are getting away from traditional toothpaste tubes and plastic caps to 100% plastic-free. 

In the same way, some game-changing companies have taken the concept of eco-friendly toothpaste to a new level. By eliminating the tube altogether, you can keep your oral health in check with toothpaste tablets! 

Toothbrushes

We’d be remiss if we didn’t discuss the most popular eco-friendly toothbrush option out there – bamboo toothbrushes! Bamboo grows quickly and sustainably, and people harvest it without harming the environment. It also helps that bamboo is plant-based and abundant, making it an excellent green resource for products. You can compost or reuse bamboo toothbrush handles as garden plant markers, as a bonus.

Floss

According to Colgate, the materials used in traditional floss make recycling too difficult. Some research suggests it can take 80 years to break down in a landfill. While this may shock you, eco-friendly floss is an option! Most companies make eco-friendly floss from vegan wax and mixed with natural oils to protect your teeth.  

Best of all, some companies offer eco-friendly floss that’s biodegradable! This definitely reduces your floss’s time to decompose.

Other eco-friendly bath products

Switching to eco-friendly bath products instead of traditional ones helps the planet. Doing this is a simple yet impactful way to promote a greener future for generations to come. But it doesn’t stop at body care. Here are some more of our favorite eco-friendly swaps for other items you might have in your home:

Razors & shaving cream

Reusable razors last longer and don’t contribute to plastic waste pollution like disposable razors do. Pairing these razors with eco-friendly shaving cream, crafted from natural, sustainable ingredients offers a double benefit. Not only does eco-friendly shaving cream provide a smooth and effective shaving experience, but it also eliminates the need for aerosol cans. 

Toilet paper

Conventional toilet paper often contains bleaches, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. Typically, manufacturers make eco-friendly toilet paper options from recycled materials. In some cases, eco-friendly toilet paper distributors make their products from post-consumer waste. This can include textbooks and office paper.  

If you’re looking to limit even more paper waste, some companies even offer reusable toilet paper. These companies produce environmentally friendly toilet paper made from cotton or recycled fabric that can be washed and used almost forever! Using any of these eco-friendly toilet paper options can reduce paper waste making this choice a win for the planet.

Bath bombs

Traditional bath bombs often contain artificial fragrances and dyes and also contain ingredients that aren’t biodegradable. This makes traditional bath bombs not a friend to the environment and not eco-friendly. On the flip side, eco-friendly bath bombs are made from plant-based formulas that can biodegrade back into the earth. Some body care companies take it a step further to ship their eco-friendly bath bombs with sustainable or “naked” packaging.

Biodegradable sponges

Switching to biodegradable sponges is a fantastic choice to minimize their environmental footprint in their body care routine. Manufacturers craft traditional bath sponges from materials like plastic which take 100s of years to biodegrade.  

Biodegradable sponges for your bathing needs are plant-based loofahs. Loofahs are tropical plants that grow on vines and boom well into the fall months. Natural loofahs are a great choice for biodegradable sponges and are much stronger than traditional loofahs. Once you use them, these sponges naturally break down over time. 

Most importantly of all, natural loofahs can contain seeds! Not only will you be supporting the environment by using less plastic, you can grow your own plants and give back too!

Bubble bath

Traditional bubble bath solutions contain an array of chemicals such as fragrances and formaldehydes. These chemicals are harmful to the environment. Eco-friendly bubble bath formulas are made from paraben-free and plant-based extracts like almonds and coconut.  

Traditional bubble baths don’t break down naturally and pollute waterways, which is a major drawback. Eco-friendly bubble bath producers combat this problem by making their products biodegradable. 

Eco-friendly bathroom products

Take your bathing routine a step further by choosing eco-friendly items for your bathroom! Here are a few of our favorite choices:

Organic towels

Eco-friendly bath towels are crafted from sustainable materials like organic cotton and bamboo that grow without harmful pesticides. These materials require less water and energy to produce, making them more environmentally friendly than conventional options. Additionally, companies that produce eco-friendly bath towels use sustainable manufacturing practices and dye with natural, non-toxic pigments, further minimizing their ecological footprint.

Recycled shower curtains

Manufacturers typically make eco-friendly shower curtains from sustainable materials like recycled polyester or hemp. These materials are also free from harmful chemicals like PVC and chlorine, promoting better air quality in the bathroom environment. Additionally, eco-friendly shower curtains often come in stylish designs and colors, adding a touch of aesthetic appeal.

Bathroom cleaning products

Choosing to make your own eco-friendly bathroom cleaner is a great choice for you and for the planet. First, making your own cleaner puts you in control of the ingredients. You can choose to incorporate natural and non-toxic ingredients that are safer for the environment and your home. 

 Making your own cleaning products reduces the need for single-use plastic packaging. Reuse bottles from your home for storage instead of buying new ones each time, saving money and reducing waste. Lastly, making your own eco-friendly bathroom cleaner allows you to customize your solution to your specific cleaning needs.

Low flow showerheads

According to HGTV, you can save 60% of the water you use when showering every month just by using low-flow showerheads! Low-flow shower heads help conserve water by reducing the amount of water used during showers. Low-flow showerheads contribute to energy conservation by reducing the amount of hot water needed.

Green beauty and eco-friendly body care products are not just trends; they’re essential steps towards a healthier planet and a healthier you. As we’ve explored the vast array of eco-friendly options available. From shampoo bars to reusable razors and homemade cleaners, it’s clear that sustainable living can be both accessible and rewarding. The choices we make not only protect our own health but also contribute to the well-being of the environment for future generations. 

Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of earth-friendly natural gas plans in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.