Biodegradable soap is not a new invention by any means. In fact, biodegradable soap has been around for centuries. The first recorded mention of biodegradable soap was in the early 1800s when French chemist Michel Chevreul developed a process for making castile soap from vegetable oils.
What is new, however, is the increased awareness and concern about the environment that has led to a renewed interest in biodegradable soap. As people become more and more aware of the impact their everyday choices have on the planet, they are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, and using biodegradable soap is one way to do that.
But what exactly is biodegradable soap, and why should you use it? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Biodegradable Soap?
Biodegradable soap, as the name suggests, is a soap that will break down into natural, harmless elements over time. This is in contrast to conventional soap, which is made from petroleum-based ingredients and can take centuries to break down.
The key difference between biodegradable and conventional soap is the ingredients that are used to make them. Biodegradable soap is made from natural, plant-based ingredients like vegetable oils and glycerin, while conventional soap is made from petroleum-based ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate.
So why does this matter? Well, for one thing, it means that biodegradable soap is much gentler on the environment. Petroleum-based ingredients can pollute the water and soil, while natural, plant-based ingredients are biodegradable and will not harm the environment.
Another key difference is that biodegradable natural bar soap is cruelty-free. Many conventional soaps contain animal products like tallow, which is derived from animal fat. Biodegradable soap, on the other hand, is usually vegan and does not contain any animal products.
Why Use Biodegradable Soap?
There are many reasons to use biodegradable soap, both for your own health and for the health of the environment.
For one thing, biodegradable soap is much gentler on your skin. Many conventional soaps contain harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can strip the natural oils from your skin and leave it feeling dry and irritated. Biodegradable soap, on the other hand, is made from natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle and nourishing for your skin.
Another reason to use biodegradable soap is that it is better for the environment. As we mentioned before, biodegradable soap is made from natural, plant-based ingredients that will break down into harmless elements over time. Conventional soap, on the other hand, is made from petroleum-based ingredients that can pollute the water and soil.
Finally, using biodegradable soap is a great way to support cruelty-free products. Many conventional soaps contain animal products like tallow, which is derived from animal fat. Biodegradable soap, on the other hand, is usually vegan and does not contain any animal products.
6 Best Biodegradable Soaps
Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is biodegradable soap?” it’s time to take a look at some of the best biodegradable soaps on the market.
1. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap
Have you ever used a bar soap that left your skin feeling dry and irritated? If so, you'll be happy to know that there is an alternative! Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap is made with only the finest organic ingredients, and it won't strip your skin of its natural oils. This bar soap produces a rich lather that is gentle on your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
In addition, it doesn't contain any synthetic preservatives, detergents, or foaming agents. So, not only is it good for your skin, but it's also good for the environment! Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap is made with recuperative natural certified palm oil.
What does that mean? Palm oil is grown by farmers to guarantee renewable harvesting via intercropping, biodiversity, and reforestation—providing the smooth and creamy lather of our soaps while benefiting farmers, the planet, and you.
The soap is also packed in 100% recycled post-consumer wrappers. Further, Dr. Bronner is diverting paper waste from dumps by increasing the recycled materials. This prevents landfill buildup and has a positive environmental impact!
Pros
- Made with only the finest organic ingredients
- Won't strip your skin of its natural oils
- Produces a rich lather that is gentle on your skin
- Good for the environment
Cons
- Most expensive on our list
2. Mrs. Meyer's Liquid Dish Soap
Have you ever finished washing the dishes, only to find that there's still a greasy film on them? It can be so frustrating! Mrs. Meyer's Liquid Dish Soap is here to help. This dish soap cuts through grease quickly and easily, leaving your dishes clean and bright.
Besides, it has a decomposable formula that has cleaning plant-derived agents and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients. And it comes in a garden-inspired Lemon Verbena scent that is light and refreshing. Mrs. Meyer's products are also made without parabens, animal-derived ingredients, or phthalates, and they are Leaping Bunny certified.
Pros
- Cuts through grease quickly and easily
- Biodegradable formula
- Made without parabens, animal-derived ingredients, or phthalates
- Leaping Bunny certified
Cons
- Heavenly scent but durability needs to be better
3. Sea to Summit Trek and Travel Pocket Soap
Now that we're all spending more time at home, it's the perfect opportunity to get into some new hobbies- like hiking! And when you're finally ready to head out into nature again, you'll want to make sure you have the Sea to Summit Trek and Travel Pocket Soap with you. This soap is not only TSA carry-on compliant but it's also biodegradable and phosphate free, so you can feel good about using it without harming the environment.
Moreover, the light green tea fragrance is refreshing and invigorating- perfect for starting your day off right. The best part is that each pack comes with 50 soap leaves, so you won't have to worry about running out any time soon.
Pros
- TSA carry-on compliant
- Biodegradable and phosphate free
- Refreshing light green tea fragrance
- Each pack comes with 50 soap leaves
Cons
- Too much compact for some users
4. Direct 2 Boater Biodegradable Camp Soap
This soap is formulated to be biodegradable, so it is safe for use in all kinds of water. It is also ideal for travel because it comes in a travel-size bottle. And it has no dyes or fragrances, so it won't leave any unwanted smells behind.
Also, it's biodegradable, so you can feel good about using it without harming the environment. This all-purpose soap is ideal for any outdoor activity, and it's gentle enough for use on hands, dishes, and clothing.
In addition, it's unscented and environmentally friendly. Simply add water to create a rich lather, then rinse away dirt and grime. When you're done, the liquid soap will biodegrade, leaving behind no waste or pollution.
Pros
- Formulated to be biodegradable
- Safe for use in all kinds of water
- Ideal for travel
- Gentle enough for use on hands, dishes, and clothing
- Unscented and environmentally friendly
Cons
- Good product, maybe better packaging
5. Coleman Camp Soap Sheets
Coleman Camp Soap Sheets are a great way to keep your hands clean while camping. These soap sheets dissolve instantly in water to create a soapy lather, making them perfect for washing up in a stream or lake.
They're also biodegradable, so you can feel good about using them without harming the environment. The small plastic container is easy to carry with your camping gear, and the sheets work with both hot and cold water. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, Coleman Camp Soap Sheets are a great way to stay clean on the go.
Pros
- Dissolve instantly in water to create a soapy lather
- Biodegradable
- The small plastic container is easy to carry with your camping gear
- Works with both hot and cold water
Cons
- Handy little soap for camp.
6. Campsuds Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap
Camping can be a great adventure. But, let's face it, sometimes it can also be a bit of a rustic experience. You're out in the middle of nature, after all. And that means you might not always have access to the same kind of amenities and creature comforts that you're used to at home. That's where Campsuds comes in.
Campsuds is the leading brand of outdoor body wash, and for good reason. It's concentrated, so a little goes a long way. It's safe and effective, made with natural ingredients that will clean even the heaviest of duty messes. And it's also very convenient and portable, coming in a lightweight bottle that you can take with you anywhere.
Campsuds are made from organic ingredients that degrade over time in an outdoor environment. To securely dispose of Campsuds, dig about six to eight inches of a hole deep give soapy wash and then bathe water.
This helps the bacteria to safely and fully consume Campsuds, and return the nutritious elements back to the soil. In addition to being environmentally friendly, Campsuds has a light and refreshing scent thanks to the essential oils of lemon and lime that are used in the soap.
Pros
- Concentrated, so a little goes a long way
- Safe and effective, made with natural ingredients
- Very convenient and portable, coming in a lightweight bottle
- Natural ingredients that degrade over time in an outdoor environment
- Light and refreshing scent thanks to the essential oils of lemon and lime
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Biodegradable Soap
It's important to choose a biodegradable soap that is gentle and won't harm the environment. Look for biodegradable soap options that are made with natural ingredients and are free of synthetic fragrances, colors, or preservatives. You'll also want to consider how easy the soap is to use and how convenient it is to take with you on the go. Some of the other factors to keep in mind include the scent, price, and packaging.
Scented vs. Unscented Soap
When it comes to biodegradable soap, you can choose between scented and unscented varieties. Scented soaps usually contain essential natural fragrance oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, olive oil, or other natural fragrances that can leave your skin feeling refreshed and smelling great. Unscented bar soaps, on the other hand, are free of any added fragrances.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for an unscented soap to avoid any potential irritations. You'll also want to consider the scent if you're planning on using the soap for cooking or washing dishes. In general, unscented biodegradable soap with aloe vera is a good choice for people who are looking for a natural and gentle product.
Price
Biodegradable pure Castile liquid soap is typically more expensive than traditional soap because it is made with natural ingredients and doesn't contain any synthetic fragrances or other harsh chemicals. However, the price can vary depending on the brand, size, and ingredients.
Some of the more expensive biodegradable soap sheets can cost as much as $12 for a small bottle. But you can also find some affordable options that are less than $5 for a large bottle. When choosing a soap, it's important to find one that fits your budget and needs.
Packaging
Another thing to consider is the packaging. Like shaving cream, some biodegradable soaps come in plastic bottles, while others are packed in recycled paper or cardboard. If you're looking for a more sustainable option, opt for soap that comes in eco-friendly packaging.
FAQ
What does it mean if soap is biodegradable?
The word “biodegradable” is often used to describe products that are environmentally friendly. In general, biodegradable products are those that can be broken down by natural processes, such as decomposition. This is in contrast to products that are not biodegradable, which remain unchanged even after years of exposure to the elements. Soap is an example of a biodegradable product. Over time, soap will break down into simpler compounds, such as water and carbon dioxide. This process is accelerated by the action of bacteria and other microorganisms. While all soap will eventually degrade, some types of soap degrade more quickly than others. For example, homemade soap made with natural ingredients is generally more biodegradable than commercial soap made with synthetic chemicals. When choosing a soap, look for one that is labeled as “biodegradable” to ensure that it will have minimal impact on the environment.
Why should we use biodegradable soap?
Everyone knows that soap is important for keeping clean. But did you know that the kind of soap you use can also have an impact on the environment? Traditional liquid soaps are made from petroleum-based ingredients, which can pollute waterways and damage ecosystems. Biodegradable soap, on the other hand, is made from natural ingredients that quickly break down in the environment. As a result, biodegradable eco-friendly soap is much gentler on the planet. In addition, it can actually help to improve soil quality by adding essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Biodegradable soap is a great choice for anyone who wants to be more environmentally friendly. It's made with natural ingredients and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals. Plus, it's easy to use and very convenient to take with you on the go. When choosing a biodegradable soap, keep in mind the scent, price, and packaging. And be sure to choose a soap that is gentle and won't harm the environment.
EDM Sauce is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here.
Recommended Reading:
