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Imagine a world where your hair care routine not only keeps your locks looking fabulous but also helps protect the planet.
These eco-friendly alternatives are formulated without harsh chemicals and come in packaging that minimizes waste. From solid shampoo bars to organic and vegan options, there’s something for everyone who wants to embrace sustainable hair care practices.
Join the movement towards greener beauty with these top picks for biodegradable shampoos!
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- 9 Best Biodegradable Shampoos
- 1. Ethique St Clements Shampoo Ba
- 2. Acure Coconut Argan Shampoo Ba
- 3. Mustela Baby Gentle Avocado Shampoo for Kids
- 4. J R Liggetts All Natural Shampoo Bars
- 5. Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty 2-in-1 Bar
- 6. Vegan Shampoo With Organic Ingredients
- 7. Reef Safe Coconut Shampoo Bar
- 8. Joshua Tree Body Wash & Shampoo
- 9. Biodegradable Body Gel and Shampoo
- How to Choose the Best Biodegradable Shampoo
- How to Use Biodegradable Shampoo in Accordance With Leave No Trace Principles
- Product Considerations for the Best Eco-friendly Shampoo
- Product Considerations for Camping Shampoo
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Choose a biodegradable shampoo that is made with natural ingredients and is free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
- Use biodegradable shampoo in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.
- Be sure to use small amounts of shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
- Bury the soapy water in a cathole at least 200 feet away from water sources.
9 Best Biodegradable Shampoos
Looking for the best biodegradable shampoos and conditioners? Look no further. Here are nine top picks for eco-friendly hair care:
- Ethique St Clements Shampoo Bar
- Acure Coconut Argan Shampoo Bar
- Mustela Baby Gentle Avocado Shampoo for Kids
- J R Liggetts All Natural Shampoo Bars
- Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty 2-in-1 Bar
- Vegan Shampoo with Organic Ingredients
1. Ethique St Clements Shampoo Ba
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If you have oily hair, you may want to try Ethique St Clements Shampoo Bar. This orange and lime scented bar shampoo is perfect for oily hair. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and paraben-free. It removes oil without stripping or drying hair.
However, it may be drying for some hair types and may leave hair feeling weighed down.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and paraben-free
- Removes oil without stripping or drying hair
- Orange and lime scented
- Scented with essential oils
- Small and portable
- May be drying for some hair types
- May leave hair feeling weighed down
- May not lather as well as liquid shampoo
2. Acure Coconut Argan Shampoo Ba
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Acure Coconut Argan Shampoo Bar is a sulfate free, paraben free, mineral oil free, petrolatum free and formaldehyde free shampoo bar that’s vegan and certified cruelty-free.
The bar is designed to cleanse and hydrate hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
- Sulfate free, paraben free, mineral oil free, petrolatum free and formaldehyde free
- Vegan and certified cruelty-free
- 100% VEGAN and palm oil free
- Cleanses and hydrates hair without stripping it of its natural oils
- Works great on the body
- May be drying for hair
- May require an ACV rinse after use
3. Mustela Baby Gentle Avocado Shampoo for Kids
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Mustela Baby Gentle Avocado Shampoo is a tear-free, biodegradable shampoo that’s gentle enough for daily use on fine, delicate hair and scalp. It’s composed of 93% plant-based ingredients and is free of parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol.
- Cleans fine, delicate hair and scalp
- Can be used daily
- Tear-free formula
- Biodegradable
- Composed of 93% plant-based ingredients
- Paraben, Phthalate and Phenoxyethanol free
- Hypoallergenic
- Some users reported that it made their baby’s hair frizzy
- May be used as a face cleanser
4. J R Liggetts All Natural Shampoo Bars
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JR Liggetts All Natural Shampoo Bars are sulfate-free and made with natural ingredients that nourish your hair and scalp. They’re perfect for people with sensitive skin or those who are looking for a more natural hair care routine.
- Sulfate-free
- Made with natural ingredients
- Nourishes hair and scalp
- Perfect for people with sensitive skin
- May be difficult to find in stores
- Can be more expensive than traditional shampoos
5. Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty 2-in-1 Bar
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Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty 2-in-1 Bar is a sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, cruelty-free, and vegan bar that cleanses and conditions fine, chemically treated hair. It’s formulated with organic coconut water, mimosa flower, and plant-based detanglers to provide body and hair volume, lightly moisturize, and give your hair volume and strength.
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
- Cleanses and conditions fine, chemically treated hair
- Provides body and hair volume
- Lightly moisturizes
- Gives your hair volume and strength
- Lasts for months
- May not be as conditioning as regular conditioner
- Has a strong coconut smell
6. Vegan Shampoo With Organic Ingredients
Vegan Shampoo With Organic Ingredients
This sulfate-free, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free shampoo is made with organic ingredients and is color safe.
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Made with organic ingredients
- Color safe
- Biodegradable
- Made in the USA
- May remove color from hair
- Takes a lot of shampoo to make a lather
- Leaves a residue behind
7. Reef Safe Coconut Shampoo Bar
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Looking for a reef-safe, biodegradable shampoo bar that’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, and vegan? Look no further than the Reef Safe Coconut Shampoo Bar!
This solid shampoo bar is perfect for all hair types and is made with natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp. It’s also biodegradable and reef-safe, making it a great choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly option.
- Reef-safe and biodegradable
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and vegan
- Made with natural ingredients
- Gentle on all hair types
- Easy to use
- May be difficult to lather
- May dry out hair for some people
- May break apart after a few uses
8. Joshua Tree Body Wash & Shampoo
Joshua Tree Body Wash & Shampoo is a great option for camping, hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities. It’s biodegradable and safe to use in a variety of water sources. It’s also unscented, so it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin.
- Biodegradable
- Safe to use in a variety of water sources
- Unscented
- May not lather well for some users
- May leave a greasy residue in hair
- May be too strong for sensitive skin
9. Biodegradable Body Gel and Shampoo
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Looking for a biodegradable shampoo that’s perfect for camping, hiking, or backpacking? Try Biodegradable Body Gel and Shampoo. It’s unscented, biodegradable, and works great in hot and cold water, whether fresh, brackish, chlorinated, or saltwater.
- Biodegradable
- Unscented
- Works great in hot and cold water
- Conveniently sized in a small 8 ounce bottle
- May sting eyes
- Not ideal for people who need sulfate-free shampoo
How to Choose the Best Biodegradable Shampoo
When choosing a biodegradable shampoo, there are a few things to consider.
First, you need to decide what type of shampoo is best for your hair. There are:
- Liquid shampoos
- Shampoo sheets
- All-purpose biodegradable liquid soap
Second, you need to decide if you want a scented or unscented shampoo.
Finally, you need to understand what “biodegradable” even means.
Types of biodegradable shampoo**
You have a few different options when it comes to choosing a biodegradable shampoo.
- Liquid shampoo
- Shampoo sheets
- All-purpose liquid soap
- No rinse shampoo
Liquid shampoo is the most common type of biodegradable shampoo. It’s made with biodegradable ingredients and can be used in the same way as regular shampoo.
Shampoo sheets are biodegradable sheets of soap that can be used to cleanse your hair. They’re lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel.
All-purpose liquid soap is a versatile product that can be used as shampoo, body wash, and laundry detergent. It’s made with biodegradable ingredients and is safe for use on all surfaces.
No rinse shampoo is a waterless shampoo that can be used to cleanse your hair without water. It’s perfect for camping or other outdoor activities.
Scented vs. unscented shampoo
In addition to choosing a biodegradable shampoo, you also need to decide whether you want a scented or unscented shampoo.
Scented shampoos can have pros and cons, depending on your hair type, skin sensitivity, and environmental impact preferences.
**What does “biodegradable” even mean?
While you’re frequently considering scented vs. unscented shampoo, it’s important to also understand what biodegradable means.
- Biodegradable means that something can be broken down by natural processes into its basic elements.
- Biodegradable products are better for the environment because they don’t contribute to pollution.
- When choosing a biodegradable shampoo, look for products that are certified by a third-party organization.
How to Use Biodegradable Shampoo in Accordance With Leave No Trace Principles
Do not dispose of any soapy water in backcountry water sources.
How to use biodegradable shampoo in accordance with Leave No Trace principles
- Pour soapy water into a cathole that’s 6 to 8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources.
- Be prepared to dig a cathole by packing a good camp trowel.
- Be prepared to carry water away from water sources with a pot, bottle, or water reservoir.
- Use small amounts of soap – a little goes a long way.
Product Considerations for the Best Eco-friendly Shampoo
When choosing an eco-friendly shampoo, there are a few things to consider, including:
- The ingredients
- The packaging
- The environmental impact
You should also consider your hair type and needs to find the best product for you.
Environmental impact of biodegradable shampoo
In addition to following Leave No Trace principles when using biodegradable shampoo, you should also consider the environmental impact of the product itself.
Look for shampoos that are made with natural ingredients and are biodegradable.
Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, as these chemicals can be harmful to the environment.
Usage guidelines for biodegradable shampoo
After considering the environmental impact of biodegradable shampoo, you’ll want to learn the proper usage guidelines.
- How much to use
- How to rinse it out
- How to store and dispose of it properly
Factors to consider when choosing biodegradable shampoo
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a biodegradable shampoo, including:
- The type of shampoo
- The scent
- The packaging
- The pH balance
- Your hair type
- If you have color-treated hair
Make sure to read the labels carefully and choose a shampoo that’s:
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Palm oil-free
Product Considerations for Camping Shampoo
When camping, it’s important to choose a biodegradable shampoo that’s safe for the environment.
Look for products that are:
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Be sure to use small amounts of shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Bury the soapy water in a cathole at least 200 feet away from water sources.
Biodegradable shampoo options.
For camping, you’ll need a biodegradable shampoo that’s lightweight and easy to pack.
Look for options that are:
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Some good options include:
- Bear Country
- Love Beauty and Planet
- The Honest Company
Proper use and disposal.
Since biodegradable shampoos aren’t harmful to the environment, you can use them without worrying about polluting water sources.
However, it’s still important to:
- Rinse with water thoroughly
- Bury soapy water at least 200 feet away from water sources.
Choosing the right product
Choosing the right biodegradable shampoo for camping requires considering your hair type, the environment, and your budget.
- Hair type: Look for a shampoo that’s sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and palm oil-free.
- Environment: Choose a shampoo that’s biodegradable and packaged in recyclable or reusable materials.
- Budget: Affordability is important, but don’t sacrifice quality for price.
Find a biodegradable shampoo that meets your needs and enjoy your next camping trip with clean, healthy hair!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using biodegradable shampoo?
Using biodegradable shampoo is better for the environment and your hair.
It’s gentler on your hair and scalp, and it’s less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
What are the ingredients to avoid in biodegradable shampoo?
When looking for a biodegradable shampoo, avoid:
- Sulfates
- Phthalates
- Palm oil
- Parabens
- Ammonium
- Dyes
These ingredients are harmful to the environment and can irritate your scalp and hair.
How do I use biodegradable shampoo in accordance with Leave No Trace principles?
To use biodegradable shampoo in accordance with Leave No Trace principles,
- Don’t dispose of any soapy water in backcountry water sources.
- Instead, pour soapy water into a cathole that’s 6 to 8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources.
What are the best eco-friendly shampoos?
The best eco-friendly shampoos are:
- Biodegradable
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Palm oil-free
What are the best camping shampoos?
When you’re camping, you need a shampoo that’s tough on dirt but gentle on your hair.
Biodegradable shampoos are the perfect option for camping, as they’re environmentally friendly and won’t harm the delicate ecosystem of the great outdoors.
Conclusion
Switching to biodegradable shampoo is one of the easiest ways to make a difference for the planet.
