I don’t know about you, but I’m so, so, SO done with plastic. I know my life isn’t going to become plastic-free overnight, but I’m learning to make small, sustainable changes over time, including a switch to plastic free and zero waste toiletries (particularly zero waste travel toiletries because I travel so often) and I’ve discovered it’s actually a lot easier than you might think…
As you can see from the length of this post, there are so many great zero waste toiletries and cosmetics out there to choose from; making the change as simple as ordering a plastic free deodorant when your next stick runs out. Plus, a lot of zero waste toiletries and plastic free alternatives come in solid form, so no more pesky 100ml plastic bottles in your hand luggage!
That’s right – it turns out that you can travel with just a carry on and save the planet at the same time! And so, I’ve titled this list Plastic Free and Zero Waste Travel Toiletries You Need to Know About – because I wish I’d known about them sooner too.
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
Notes: Many of the example products I’ve given can be found online via Amazon or Etsy (the links in this post should redirect to your local Amazon or Etsy site, which may show a related product if the exact one is not available in your region), as well as in Lush stores (the links below direct to the UK Lush online store). But of course, there may be other sites or stores more local to you not listed here.
I’m currently using Jason & The Argan Oil shampoo bar by Lush and it smells like rose-scented heaven, plus it leaves my dye-battered hair feeling gorgeous. Needless to say, Lush is the queen of the sustainable, ethical, organic, zero waste, plastic free [insert literally any positive eco-sounding adjective here] beauty world.
Bonus Eco-Tip: it’s best to buy a tin to keep your shampoo bar in, especially when you travel. One of the sales people in Lush recommended a square tin for a round shampoo bar, or a round tin for a square bar. That way, it won’t get stuck in the tin.
2. Conditioner Bars
Similarly, conditioner bars are a great zero waste toiletry option, though they tend not to lather quite as well as shampoo bars. I’m currently using Lush’s Sugar Daddy-O conditioner bar and it smells like the palma violet sweets I loved as a little kid fully grown adult.
3. Bulk Shampoo and Conditioner
An alternative to zero waste toiletries that will fit in your hand luggage is to buy shampoo and conditioner in bulk, and then decant into travel bottles. You can buy gallons of big name shampoo, conditioner or soap brands via online retailers such as Amazon.
I’m less of a fan of bulk buying and decanting because the bulk containers are still plastic (and usually non-recyclable) and the little travel bottles tend to be plastic too (I’m Team Zero Plastic Toiletry Alternatives, rather than Team Reusable/Recyclable because – let’s be honest – we don’t know how much of our recycling is actually recycled, especially when it’s exported), but if shampoo and conditioner bars are not for you for whatever reason, then this could be a better option.
4. Multi-Purpose Soaps
I’m hearing great things about Dr Bronner’s Pure Castile Multi-Purpose Soaps, which are organic, vegan, Fair Trade and can be used for just about everything: shampoo, toothpaste, dish soap etc. Therefore, you only need to buy one bottle for everything (it also comes in bar form), so that’s less plastic packaging and waste (plus, their packaging is biodegradable/100% post-consumer recycled).
However, the pH is a little on the alkaline side and can be drying, so if you have super-sensitive skin, like me, be aware of that.
5. Make Your Own Shampoo
Did you know you can make your own shampoo?! All-natural, zero waste and you can decant as much as you like into travel bottles to take with you on a trip! C’est magic! This recipe for pH balanced shampoo by Thank Your Body is simple to make and only has a few ingredients, plus it’s extra-kind to your scalp.
Alternatively, have a look at the video tutorials below for some great recipe ideas:
Disclaimer: I’m no expert on Type 3 or 4 hair, but this video has great feedback on YouTube:
6. How to Recycle Soap
For bonus zero waste points, you can also recycle slivers of soap by melting the scraps down and turning the mixture into a brand new bar. You could even add in a few extra ingredients for fun. This is something all hotels, restaurants etc. should be doing, right?
Here’s a video tutorial that breaks down how to recycle soap:
Eco-Friendly, Organic Moisturisers
I’m embarrassed to say that I have a whole toiletry draw at home filled with half-used hand creams, foot creams, body moisturisers, body butters, face creams… smellies make great Christmas and birthday presents, but most of these are liquid (sorry, hand luggage) and come in plastic tubes, bottles or tubs – not exactly environmentally friendly.
Here are some plastic free and zero waste (plus natural and organic!) alternatives:
1. Coconut Oil
Whatever did we do before the coconut oil revolution? This natural resource is great as a hair oil, conditioner, toothpaste, makeup remover, cooking oil… (just read 77 Uses for Coconut Oil by Dr. Axe for an idea of how the list goes on).
If you can, try to choose an organic coconut oil that is ethically sourced and Fair Trade, and comes in a non-plastic container. Also, coconut oil can be bought as a solid, but melts at around 24 °C (76 °F), so be mindful of this if you are travelling to a hot climate and plan to keep a pot in your hand luggage (or just take 100ml – a little goes a long way).
My new obsession is body butter bars. I recently gifted my mom a scrubee bar by Lush simply because it felt so good in my hand at the store! There are also plenty on Etsy. Many body butter bars are made to be used in the shower and are full of rich, natural, skin-softening ingredients (hands up who loves a good dollop of shea butter?).
Zero Waste Dental Care
All hail the the new duchess of dental, the bamboo toothbrush (long may she reigneth)! If you haven’t heard about the bamboo toothbrush trend yet, where have you been and tell me the secret of how you’ve managed to dodge all the Facebook advertising!
We’ve already discussed some natural toothpastes, including coconut oil, olive oil and multi-purpose soap. But if you’d rather have a designated toothpaste, then there are lots of natural products to choose from.
However, it’s weird that many of the organic/natural toothpastes I’ve found, including big names such as Earthpaste and Lush tooth tablets, still have plastic packaging (sigh).
Zero waste goddess Lauren from Trash is for Tossers has a great tutorial on how to make your own:
4. Zero Waste Floss and Mouthwash
Zero waste floss is a little harder to find, but there are a few plastic free options, including this organic silk floss in a glass jar, Lucky Teeth on Amazon (pictured). Similarly, Lush and other brands have jars of mouthwash tablets, which is another great non-liquid travel toiletry for your hand luggage as well.
Zero Waste Deodorant
The Human Footprint estimates that the average person uses a whopping 272 deodorant sticks in their lifetime. Plus, if you use spray deodorant then you should also be aware that aerosols are both bad for you and for the environment for a lot of different reasons that I won’t bore you with here (the same goes for spray sunscreen and hairspray etc.).
1. Deodorant Bars
I have a Lush deodorant bar in my toiletry bag ready to be used, but I haven’t finished my old Dove stick yet to try it, so watch this space for a review! I opted for the softer aromaco bar for my sensitive skin (closer to the stick deodorant I used to use), but the powders look great too.
Etsy has some great options for eco-friendly deodorant sticks, which tend to come in biodegradable cardboard packaging, like the one pictured above.
Bonus Eco-Tip: if you sweat a lot or you live in/you are travelling to a hot climate (no judgement – you should have seen the state of me when I was living in Hong Kong), you may feel more comfortable with an antiperspirant, rather than a deodorant, so check the product information first.
Zero Waste Makeup
In my opinion, this is the most difficult of all the toiletries to give up and find alternatives for, for a lot of reasons. For example:
I use Bare Minerals because it’s the first foundation I’ve ever used that gives me full coverage for my acne scars, doesn’t dry out my combination skin, isn’t oily so doesn’t make me break out, is the right colour for my skin tone, comes in powder form so I can put it in my hand luggage when I travel and I can just about afford it.
Do you know how difficult that is to find?! It’s the UNICORN of make-up!
Therefore, this section is tricky because every person has a specific skin type, skin tone, needs, budget and preferences.
So, I’m going to try and give a diverse range of options as best I can and personally pledge to swap out at least a few of my makeup items when I next run out:
1. Zero Waste Makeup Brands
Recommendations on zero waste makeup from eco-bloggers:
Note: I realise that literally all of the above women are fair-skinned, but many of the brands recommended also have foundations, concealers etc. in darker shades. But, I’m no expert on how good the ranges of shades are available.
Buying zero waste makeup online:
Etsy has a great section on zero waste makeup brands. The products in this section that do come in plastic containers are 100% recyclable.
Lush also has some great sustainable makeup options and though some of the packaging is plastic, you can reuse and recycle.
A search for zero waste makeup on Amazon didn’t get me anywhere, but bamboo makeup brushes are very easy to find (pictured).
Why is it that we care more about the ingredients in the products we put on our faces than those we use in and around our most sensitive areas? Not only are tampons, sanitary towels, pantyliners, condoms and lubricants etc. bad for the environment, the harmful ingredients in them are actually shocking. However, these are alternatives which are better for you and better for the planet:
1. Menstrual Cups
There are a bazillion menstrual cups to choose from, it’s actually quite insane! On Amazon alone, some of the big brands include the Lena Cup (pictured), Athena Cup, Blossom Cup, Duchess Cup, Diva Cup and Lunette Cup, to name but a few!
If you’re new to the menstrual cup game, here’s a video by OrganiCup to explain it all:
2. Menstrual Sponges
An answer to the question: what did women do before tampons? Sea sponges. They are reusable for three to six months.
3. Menstrual Underwear
You must have seen the ads on Facebook about Thinx period-proof underwear, which absorbs without you have to use any other products? (“Mila Kunis is Obsessed….!”)
4. Other Organic and Zero Waste Menstrual Products
But wait, there’s more! If you’re not ready to let go of the familiar tampon/pad routine, why not try a more sustainable (and body-friendly) alternative? You can use reusable menstrual pads made from cloth – just chuck them in the washing machine.
5. Safe Sex
OK, so there’s an Australian company called GLYDE that produces vegan condoms (that’s right – most condoms contain animal products– Google it!). They’re made with high quality and sustainably harvested natural rubber latex, and have been certified ethical, vegan and Fair Trade. Their formula is free of parabens, spermicide and casein, plus they come in strawberry flavour!
Their products boast a ton of benefits, including Fair Trade and FDA approvals, without any of the toxins, chemicals and other harmful ingredients usually found in these types of products.
Zero Waste Hair Products
Bamboo Hairbrushes and Combs
A lot of hairbrushes and combs are made of wood, but the bristles are usually made of plastic. A great alternative here is bamboo – like the above 100% natural bamboo bristles on the hairbrush and mini travel hairbrush set by NIPOO (what a name!), sold on Amazon.
Plastic Free Hair Grips, Ties, Bands and Bobbles
Yep, when I think about how many hair ties I lose every year (where do they go? How do they escape? Do they grow legs and run away in the middle of the night?) and how most are made from plastic-based elastic, that adds up to a lot of plastic waste.
Apparently, KOOSHOO hair ties are some of the only organic hair ties on the market made from organic cotton and natural rubber, which also support healthy and safe environments from crops to manufacturing.
Even their paper packaging is made from 100% recycled paper. Plus, the bands have a non-slip grip that locks in hair without damaging it, which means that their hair ties are better for your hair and scalp, as well as for the environment.
Non-Aerosol and Plastic Free Hairsprays
I am super-skeptical about this, but there are hairsprays out there claiming to be earth-friendly and eco-friendly… despite some being aerosols and having non-recyclable plastic packaging? How does that work? The closest that I can find on Amazon is the above non-aerosol hair spray, which claims to be “eco awesome”, whatever that means…
Or, you can make your own! This super-basic recipe uses sugar and water:
Zero Waste, Natural, Vegan Hair Dyes
Which brings us to hair dyes. I was lucky enough to start getting my silver unicorn hairs in my early twenties, so I dye my hair a lot and I dread to think what on earth is in those dyes and how bad they are for me and the environment (but it’s allowed me to experiment with every colour under the sun).
Henna is a much better, natural, plastic free, zero waste and vegan alternative to chemical hair dyes. You can also find henna on Etsy, Amazon and in many other stores, both online and on the high street.
Zero Waste Accessories & Other Products
OK, so now I feel like we’ve covered most of the basic zero waste travel toiletries you might want to take with you on a trip (and just plain use at home). What about all the other stuff? Here are a few beauty accessories or other cosmetics you may use and their plastic free alternatives:
Tweezers, nail scissors, razors and eyelash curlers: choose metal handles over plastic.
Shaving foam: use the above soaps or coconut oil.
Cotton pads: choose reusable cotton pads (on Amazon), or use a wash cloth or flannel.
Cotton buds and q-tips: go for biodegradable or reusable.
Postage and Packaging
One extra note is to consider postage and packaging when purchasing any of the above products. Are they being shipped from overseas? Will the packaging include plastic? Also, check if any of your existing cosmetics, beauty products or travel toiletries come in recyclable plastic containers, so they can be reused or recycled when it comes to get rid of them.
Companies such as Lush have recycling initiative schemes, so it might be worth checking whether the brands will take the packaging of your empty product back to be reused.
More Information
Phew! So that was a lot of information all at once! But, if you’re like me, when you look around your bathroom there are at least 15 to 20 different toiletries in plastic containers that you use on a regular basis. I’m no plastic free angel – I still have a long way to go in switching to zero waste alternatives.
I hope you found this brief (lol jk) guide to plastic free and zero waste toiletries/travel toiletries enlightening; it certainly was for me just researching and writing it. I’d greatly appreciate if you could share this post via social media to spread the zero waste word and let me know in the comments if you have any zero waste recommendations, tips or products you’d like to see included in this post.
4 thoughts on “Where to Find Plastic Free & Zero Waste Travel Toiletries”
I’m really trying to cut down on the waste I’m producing i in every day life, and am managing quite well on the food side of life, but it’s toiletries etc. that I struggle with. This is a great list! I’m super intrigued by zero-waste condoms…it totally seems like a product that shouldn’t be able to be zero waste, but I guess you learn something new every day!
I’ve been making steps here and there to cut down on waste. You did such an incredibly thorough job on this post, and now I have so many other options that I didn’t know about.
Thanks for sharing this.
I am a representative of Jaipur Tempo Traveller and we too find that incoming timer Waste Management will be a major key point that will reduce tourist footfall to all major cities.
We all have to work collectively to reduce the waste created during the travelling/journey.
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I’m really trying to cut down on the waste I’m producing i in every day life, and am managing quite well on the food side of life, but it’s toiletries etc. that I struggle with. This is a great list! I’m super intrigued by zero-waste condoms…it totally seems like a product that shouldn’t be able to be zero waste, but I guess you learn something new every day!
I’ve been making steps here and there to cut down on waste. You did such an incredibly thorough job on this post, and now I have so many other options that I didn’t know about.
Thanks for sharing this.
I am a representative of Jaipur Tempo Traveller and we too find that incoming timer Waste Management will be a major key point that will reduce tourist footfall to all major cities.
We all have to work collectively to reduce the waste created during the travelling/journey.