The Ultimate Guide to Low-Waste Body Care: Ditch Plastic in the Shower

🧼 Why Switch to Low-Waste Body Care?

Most personal care routines are filled with single-use plastics, harsh chemicals, and wasteful packaging. From plastic shampoo bottles to disposable razors, the average bathroom contributes a significant amount of landfill waste every year.

But here's the good news: you can clean up your routine and your conscience—without giving up performance or convenience.

Going low-waste with your body care means:

• Reducing your environmental footprint

• Avoiding toxic ingredients

• Saving money over time

• Supporting ethical and sustainable brands

Whether you're a seasoned zero-waster or just eco-curious, this guide has everything you need to build a grooming routine that’s better for your skin and the planet.

🧴 Step 1: Clean Smarter with Bar Soaps and Solid Body Washes

🚿 Why Ditch the Bottle?

• 1 billion plastic bottles are discarded in the UK alone each year

• Most body wash formulas are 80% water + synthetic ingredients

🌿 Go-To Swaps:

• Natural bar soaps (with nourishing oils like olive, coconut, and shea)

• Solid body wash bars (specifically formulated for all-over use)

• Brands to try: Ethique, Dr. Bronner’s, Friendly Soap, Green People

💡 Store soaps in a draining dish or magnetic soap holder to increase longevity.

💇‍♂️ Step 2: Shampoo Bars = Zero Waste Haircare

🧠 Benefits:

• No plastic

• Longer lasting than liquid shampoo

• Ideal for travel (TSA-friendly!)

✂️ How to Use:

• Wet your hair and the bar, then swipe directly onto scalp

• Lather with hands and rinse as usual

Best Picks for Men:

• Wild & Stone Shampoo Bar (UK)

• HiBAR Moisturize Bar (US)

• Ethique Heali Kiwi (for dandruff)

🔍 Look for bars with no SLS, no palm oil, and pH-balanced formulas.

🧴 Step 3: Try a Solid Lotion Bar

Why It’s a Game-Changer:

• No pump = no plastic

• No water = longer shelf life

• Great for dry elbows, knees, or full body

Application:

• Warm in hands, rub onto skin, and massage in

Eco Brands:

• Lush solid massage bars

• SBTRCT Moisturising Bar (UK)

• Booda Butter Daily Moisturizer (US)

🧽 Step 4: Exfoliate Without the Waste

Ditch This:

• Plastic loofahs

• Nylon shower puffs

Try This:

• Natural loofah sponge

• Konjac sponges

• Bamboo body brushes

These options are biodegradable, compostable, and gentler on skin.

🌱 Pro Tip: Replace your loofah every 4-6 weeks for hygiene.

🧼 Step 5: Refillable or Compostable Deodorants

Your Options:

• Refillable sticks – Brands like Wild (UK) and Myro (US)

• Compostable packaging – Look for cardboard tubes with natural formulas

• Deo creams – Apply with fingers (works surprisingly well!)

Key Ingredients to Avoid:

• Aluminum salts

• Synthetic fragrances

• Triclosan

🔎 Natural deodorants take 1–2 weeks for your body to adjust—don’t give up too soon!

🪒 Bonus: Sustainable Grooming Tools

Consider:

• Safety razors with replaceable blades

• Stainless steel tweezers or nail clippers

• Reusable cotton cloths or flannels

These swaps reduce landfill waste and last for years.

✅ Final Thoughts: Build a Better Bathroom

Small swaps make a big impact.

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start with one product—maybe swap your body wash for a bar soap—and build from there.

Low-waste grooming is simple, satisfying, and good-looking on your shelf.

Want help picking your first swap? Download our free “Low-Waste Bathroom Starter Checklist.”