Camping is a great way to spend time with your family and friends outside of the everyday hustle and bustle.
The only downside is that you need to bring everything from home, including soap with which to wash away dirt and grime.
But why not try using biodegradable soaps for camping instead?
Biodegradable soaps are environmentally friendly because they don’t harm animals or plants in the area; they also won’t leave any harmful residues behind after use.
Biodegradable soaps have been on the market since 1991, but most people still think of them as new inventions. In reality, biodegradables have been around for over 100 years!
Back then, though, it was difficult for them to break down in the water, and they often left a soapy film on the skin.
Today’s biodegradable soaps are made with natural, plant-based ingredients that make them gentle enough for everyday use, as well as being environmentally friendly.
When it comes to camping and backpacking, there are a few things you should consider when purchasing biodegradable soaps, such as concentration of active ingredients, size, weight, and price.
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap – Unscented Baby-Mild
Dr. Bronner’s is a trendy brand of soap, and not only does it leave a squeaky clean feel on your skin after use, but it’s also biodegradable. It is soy-based, which makes the essential oils great for your skin – unlike petroleum-based ingredients that can be harsh on sensitive skin – and biodegradable under both industrial and home composting conditions.
It comes in four sizes: 18 fl. oz., 32 fl. oz., 64fl.oz, and 1 gallon (although the 1-gallon container is only available for purchase online).
Read more: How to Shower While Camping
Rocky Mountain Soap Company, Natural 3-in-1 Shampoo, Soap and Body Wash
Rocky Mountain Soap Company is a small, family-owned business that sells high-quality, all-natural soaps. This 3-in-1 shampoo, soap, and body wash is perfect for camping because it’s concentrated and doesn’t require any additional packaging.
It is a cold-process vegetable bar that uses a blend of pure essential oils for fragrance, and 100 percent USDA Certified Biobased ingredients. It is available in a 3.5 fl. oz bottle.
Planet Ultra Liquid Soap All-In-One
The Planet Ultra Liquid Soap All-In-One is a versatile soap for camping because it can be used as both a shampoo and body wash. Planet is a well-known brand of biodegradable products, which includes dishwashing liquids, hand soaps, and laundry detergents.
It’s also packed with vitamins A & E that are great for your skin, and it contains no dyes or ingredients derived from petroleum. Planet soap comes in two sizes: 16 fl. oz. and 32 fl. oz.
Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Pure Castile Liquid Soap – Unscented
Dr. Bronner’s is well-known for its castile soaps, which are made with 100 percent pure essential oils. This biodegradable soap is no different, and it’s great for camping because it comes in a range of sizes, from 2 fl. oz. to 18 fl. oz., making it perfect for travel or for packing in your camping gear. It is unscented and perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Seventh Generation Natural 2X Concentrated Dish Liquid
Seventh Generation is a household name in the green industry, offering biodegradable, environmentally-friendly products that are safe for your home and great for the outdoors.
This dish liquid is made with 100 percent plant and mineral ingredients and is phosphate-free. It is also vegan and cruelty-free. Seventh Generation dish liquid is available in a 26 fl. oz. bottle.
Campsuds Biodegradable Soap
Campsuds is a biodegradable soap that was specifically created for campers and backpackers because it is lightweight and has a minimum impact on the environment.
It comes in two bottles: 8 fl. oz. and 32 fl. oz., which makes it great for travel and camping or hiking trips. Note that there are different varieties of Campsuds that come in either bars or liquid form – make sure you purchase the biodegradable soap.
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castile Liquid Soap – Hemp Tea Tree
This biodegradable soap is a great choice for hikers and campers because it comes in a range of sizes, from 2 fl. oz. to 18 fl. oz., making it perfect for travel or for packing in your camping gear. It has a refreshing tea tree scent and contains no synthetic chemicals, detergents, or foaming agents.
How to Use Biodegradable Soap in the Nature
Using biodegradable soap is as simple as using your regular bar soap, which makes it perfect for camping and backpacking trips.
It comes in many different sizes that can be conveniently packed into small containers. These soaps are multi-purpose, making them lightweight and great for washing dishes or body parts if needed.
Some kinds of biodegradable soap are not recommended for use in rivers, lakes, or seas because they contain too much organic material that can pollute the waters.
If you want to use biodegradable bar soap while camping, it is best to wash your hands and dishes away from any waterways.
Read more: Best Camping Coffee Makers
How to Choose the Best Biodegradable Soap for Your Needs
Types of Biodegradable Soap
Many different kinds of soap come in either bar or liquid form and can wash your hair, body and dishes.
The liquid form is the best biodegradable soap for camping and hiking because it comes in a small, lightweight bottle that is easy to pack. It is also easy to use, just like your regular bar soap.
What Does “Biodegradable” Mean?
Biodegradable means that the product will break down into elements that do not harm the environment. It is not toxic or harmful to aquatic life, making it perfect for washing dishes or body parts in rivers and lakes.