5 of the Best Eco-Friendly Soaps

Most guides will tell you some fresh water and vigorous scrubbing will keep you plenty clean, but if your stink requires stronger weapons, you’ll want to find something biodegradable for your next river trip.

That means no phosphate, surfactants, triclosan, or any “anti-bacterial” ingredients. The first two spike algal growth resulting in mucky, sluggish rivers. Conversely, triclosan, found in hand sanitizers and most hand soaps, is extremely toxic to aquatic life.

Here are our top picks for eco-friendly soaps that will save the fish and your tent-mate from a smelly demise.

1) Organic Pure Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented) – Dr. Bronner’s

Instead of chemical-laden fragrances, Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Soap uses olive oil, perfect for those of us exposed to sun, wind and water all day everyday. Dr. Bronner’s is known for being the “swiss-army knife” of soaps so use this vegetable-based, organic product for anything; shampoo, toothpaste, dish soap… you name it!

2) Wilderness Wash – Sea to Summit

This super-concentrated eco-friendly soap goes a long way with just a few drops at a time. Sea to Summit’s Wilderness Wash also comes in a super durable container that will survive life in an ammo can for weeks without spilling.

3) Campsuds with Citronella, Lavender, and Peppermint Oil – Sierra Dawn

A dual-purpose product, Campsuds with Citronella, Lavender, and Peppermint Oil doubles as a natural insect repellent with essential oils. In buggy areas, the citronella will save you from bites and keep you smelling fresh.

4) Mt. Mazama Rogue Soap – United By Blue

Not only is this Oregon-made soap inspired by the Rogue River, it’s completely biodegradable and safe for the outdoors. Plus, for every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our oceans and waterways.

5) Coconut and Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes – Acure Organics

Avoid using water entirely and freshen up with these biodegradable wipes from Acure Organics. A few swabs of the pits, knees, neck and groin are all you need to stay clean.

That said, it’s important to remember that no soap, eco-friendly or not, should be used directly in rivers or lakes. Biodegradable soaps need soil to be broken down, so follow Leave No Trace guidelines and do your bathing at least 200 yards away from any water source. A bucket and a washcloth are all the tools you need.

Whatever you do, remember that no one notices your smell after a day or two and who knows, maybe you’ll take a second look at the bottles cluttering your bathroom and replace them all with just one.

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This post was last updated June 2018 | Photos: Cari Morgan