Zero Waste Soaps: Essential Guide for Sustainable Cleansing in 2025

Soap is an essential part of our daily hygiene routine. However, traditional soaps often come with excessive packaging that ends up in landfills. Zero waste soaps offer a wonderful alternative, allowing us to maintain cleanliness while being mindful of our environmental impact. These eco-friendly options typically come without plastic packaging and are made with natural ingredients that are gentler on both skin and the planet.

The movement toward zero waste living has grown significantly in recent years, and soaps have become a simple entry point for many households. Zero waste soaps come in various forms—from solid bars to concentrated liquid soaps in refillable containers. They often use plant-based ingredients rather than petroleum-derived chemicals, making them biodegradable and less harmful to aquatic ecosystems when washed down the drain.

When selecting zero waste soaps, pay attention to ingredients, packaging (or lack thereof), and production methods. The best options use organic, natural ingredients without harmful additives like parabens or synthetic fragrances. Consider whether the company uses sustainable manufacturing practices and if they offer refill options or completely package-free products.

We spent weeks researching and testing dozens of zero waste soaps to find options that clean effectively while minimizing environmental impact.

Best Zero Waste Soaps

We’ve carefully selected the finest zero waste soaps that combine luxury with environmental responsibility. These soaps come in plastic-free packaging and contain natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin while being kind to our planet. Our top picks will help you reduce bathroom waste without sacrificing the quality of your daily cleansing ritual.

No Tox Life Dish Block

This zero waste dish soap bar is an exceptional alternative to liquid dish soap for those wanting to eliminate plastic waste without sacrificing cleaning power.

Pros

• Creates rich, sudsy lather that cuts through grease effectively
• Lasts much longer than traditional liquid dish soap
• Free of harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances

Cons

• Takes practice to get used to using a solid dish soap
• Can leave residue where it sits when wet
• Slightly more expensive upfront than liquid options

We recently tried this unscented dish block in our test kitchen and were pleasantly surprised by its cleaning capabilities.

The solid bar lathers exceptionally well when you run a damp dish brush or cloth across it. Just a few swipes created enough suds to tackle a sink full of dirty dinner plates.

What makes this dish block stand out is its concentrated formula. Though the 6-ounce bar may seem small, it outlasts several bottles of liquid dish soap. We’ve been using ours for nearly two months of daily dishwashing, and it’s only diminished by about a third. The lack of plastic packaging is a wonderful bonus for our sustainability efforts.

The gentle formula has been kind to our hands during testing. Many of us with sensitive skin found we didn’t need gloves while washing dishes with this block.

The mother-daughter team behind No Tox Life has thoughtfully created a product free from phosphates, sulfates, parabens and fragrances. We appreciate that it’s made in a solar-powered facility in the USA, demonstrating their commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.

ZeroWastely Dish Soap Bars

These lemon-scented dish soap bars are a wonderful eco-friendly alternative to plastic-bottled liquids, providing effective cleaning while helping reduce kitchen waste.

Pros

• Long-lasting formula gives excellent value for money
• Creates rich, effective foam that cuts through grease easily
• Gentle on hands with natural ingredients and pleasant lemon scent

Cons

• Takes some adjustment if you’re used to liquid soap
• May soften if not stored properly between uses
• Slightly larger size can be awkward to handle at first

We recently incorporated these ZeroWastely dish soap bars into our kitchen routine, and we’re quite impressed with the results.

The solid bars produce a surprising amount of lather when rubbed against a wet sponge or dish brush. One quick swipe creates enough suds to tackle a sink full of dishes.

The lemon scent is refreshing without being overwhelming. It’s natural and clean-smelling, not artificial like some cleaning products. We particularly appreciate how gentle these bars are on our hands – no dryness or irritation even after washing multiple loads of dishes.

Each bar in this 3-pack is generously sized at 16 ounces, making them quite economical. We’ve found they last significantly longer than liquid dish soap bottles. The plastic-free packaging aligns perfectly with a zero-waste kitchen approach, which gives us that small but meaningful sense of doing something good for the environment with each dishwashing session.

E-Know Sisal Soap Bags

These natural sisal soap bags offer an eco-friendly way to extend the life of your soap while providing gentle exfoliation.

Pros

• Made from natural sisal fibers that exfoliate while you wash
• Prevents soap waste by using every last bit
• Allows soap to dry properly between uses

Cons

• Slightly rough texture may be too abrasive for sensitive skin
• Smaller size than some might expect
• May cause soap to dissolve more quickly if left wet

We’ve been testing these E-Know soap savers for several weeks now, and they’ve quickly become a bathroom essential.

The natural sisal material creates a wonderful lather while gently exfoliating the skin. Unlike plastic mesh alternatives, these bags feel substantial and well-made.

What impressed us most was how these soap bags extend the life of our favorite bars. Even tiny soap pieces that would normally be tossed can be placed inside, eliminating waste. The drawstring closure is secure, and the hanging loop makes storage simple and allows for proper drying between uses.

The set includes five bags, perfect for the whole family. We found them ideal for travel too, as they contain soap neatly without messy residue. For anyone looking to reduce plastic waste in their bathroom routine, these soap savers offer a practical solution that’s both functional and eco-friendly. The natural fibers are biodegradable, making these a truly zero-waste option for the conscientious household.

Cleancult Lemon Verbena Hand Soap Refill

This refreshing hand soap refill delivers a perfect blend of eco-friendliness and effectiveness that makes daily handwashing a delightful experience.

Pros

• Paper-based packaging reduces plastic waste by 90%
• Natural ingredients keep hands moisturized
• Lovely lemon verbena scent isn’t overwhelming

Cons

• Slightly higher price point than conventional options
• Requires compatible dispenser for best use
• May be too thin for those who prefer gel-like consistency

We recently tried this Cleancult hand soap refill and were immediately impressed by its thoughtful packaging.

The paper-based carton feels substantial in hand while knowing it contains 90% less plastic than typical soap bottles. This clever design element speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.

The soap itself has a wonderful consistency – not too runny, yet it dispenses smoothly from our soap pumps.

During testing, we noticed our hands remained soft after multiple washes throughout the day. No need for additional hand lotion! The aloe vera and essential oils in the formula provide gentle cleaning without that tight, dry feeling many soaps leave behind.

What truly distinguishes this product is its crisp lemon verbena scent. It’s bright and uplifting without being artificial or overpowering. The aroma lingers just long enough to be pleasant but doesn’t compete with food preparation in the kitchen. We’ve found this 32-ounce carton lasts quite a while, making it an economical choice despite the initial investment.

For those seeking to minimize household waste while maintaining excellent hand hygiene, this Cleancult refill offers a delightful solution.

SIMPLUT Zero Waste Dish Soap

We believe this natural dish soap bar is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to reduce plastic waste while effectively cleaning dishes.

Pros

• Cuts through grease well, even in cold water
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Plastic-free, eco-friendly packaging

Cons

• May leave spots on glassware
• Needs a proper soap dish to prevent melting
• Takes time to adjust to bar format

We’ve been testing these SIMPLUT dish soap bars in our kitchen for several weeks now.

The transition from liquid dish soap was surprisingly easy. Each bar creates a nice lather when wet, and we found it cuts through grease effectively, even on our most stubborn pots and pans.

The natural ingredients make a noticeable difference. Our hands don’t feel dry or irritated after washing a full sink of dishes.

The light lemon scent from essential oils is pleasant without being overwhelming, unlike many chemical-laden commercial products.

One bar has lasted us over a month of daily use, making it quite economical. We keep it on a small ceramic dish near the sink to prevent it from sitting in water. For those concerned about environmental impact, these soap bars represent a significant step toward reducing household plastic waste.

Buying Guide

When selecting zero waste soaps, we must consider several key factors to ensure we’re making the most sustainable choice. I’m simply delighted to share my expertise on this important topic.

Ingredients to Look For

The finest zero waste soaps contain simple, natural ingredients. We recommend seeking out these wonderful components:

• Plant-based oils: Coconut, olive, and castor oils provide excellent cleansing properties
• Essential oils: These offer natural fragrances without synthetic chemicals
• Botanical additives: Dried flowers, herbs, and clays enhance both function and beauty

Avoid products with microplastics, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. These harm our precious environment.

Packaging Considerations

The packaging is just as important as what’s inside. Truly zero waste options include:

Packaging Type	Environmental Impact	Reusability
No packaging (naked)	Lowest impact	N/A
Paper wrapping	Biodegradable	Limited
Metal tins	Higher production footprint	Highly reusable
Glass containers	Higher production footprint	Highly reusable

Production Methods

Cold-processed soaps retain more natural glycerin. They also typically require less energy to produce.

We find this method creates the most luxurious experience while honoring our commitment to the earth.

Look for transparency in manufacturing practices. The best companies openly share their processes and sourcing information.