Jason Merrill 
We’ve reviewed the best biodegradable soaps for camping and backpacking so that you can choose the best for the environment.
While you’re out exploring nature, you’ll likely work up a sweat, get dust or mud on your skin and clothes, and have dishes to wash after meals. That’s where biodegradable soap comes in. It allows you to get clean while being gentle on the environment.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best biodegradable soap for camping and backpacking. You’ll learn about the different types of soaps, how to use them in a Leave No Trace manner, plus we’ll provide reviews and recommendations for the top biodegradable soaps on the market.
7 Benefits of Using Biodegradable Soap
Before diving into the top picks, let’s look at why biodegradable soap should be your go-to for outdoor adventures:
- Gentle on the environment. Biodegradable soaps are designed to break down naturally over time without leaving behind harmful residue or chemicals. This makes them ideal for use in nature.
- Versatile. Most biodegradable soaps can be used to wash your hands, body, hair, dishes and clothing. Some can even double as toothpaste or shaving cream in a pinch.
- Travel-friendly. Biodegradable soaps for camping come in compact containers that are easy to pack and transport. Many are available in small leakproof bottles.
- Saves water. Since biodegradable soaps are highly concentrated, you only need to use a small amount to get effective cleaning power. This helps conserve your water supply.
- Won’t attract bears. Unscented varieties won’t leave strong odors that could attract bears or other wildlife to your campsite.
- Non-toxic. Biodegradable soaps contain plant-based ingredients free of harsh detergents. They are non-toxic and safe even if accidentally ingested.
- Affordable. Most biodegradable camping soaps are very reasonably priced, especially considering how long a bottle can last.
How to Choose the Right Biodegradable Soap
Liquid, Bar or Wipes
There are a few different forms that biodegradable soaps come in:
- Liquid soap – This is the most versatile and convenient option. Liquid soap is easy to dispense as needed and can be used for washing hands, body, hair, dishes and clothes. It’s available in leakproof bottles perfect for packing.
- Bar soap – Bar soaps are traditionally what come to mind, but they can be messier and bulkier to transport. If you want to go this route, look for smaller, lighter bars made specifically for camping.
- Soap leaves/sheets – These thin sheets of compressed soap foam up with water to wash hands and dishes. However, they aren’t practical for full-body washing.
- Bathing wipes – Wipes let you cleanse without needing water. While convenient, most aren’t biodegradable so must be packed out.
Scented or Unscented
Scented soap can smell great, but be cautious using it in bear country. Unscented is a safer bet in areas with wildlife that can be attracted to strong odors.
Multi-Purpose
Look for a soap that can pull double or triple duty, saving you from packing multiple grooming products. Quality biodegradable soaps can be used to wash your body, hands, hair, face, dishes and clothing.
Child/Baby-Safe
If you’ll be camping with little ones, choose a soap made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients safe for babies and children if accidentally ingested.
Concentrated Formula
Highly concentrated soaps allow you to use less for effective cleaning. This helps conserve the water supply you packed in.
Reputable Brand
With terms like “biodegradable” being used loosely in marketing, purchase from an established brand you trust. All the soaps we recommend below are from reputable companies.
Top 7 Biodegradable Camping Soaps
After extensive testing and research, here are our top picks for the best biodegradable soaps for camping and backpacking:
1. Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Top Pick)
With excellent cleaning power, versatility, ethics and affordability, Dr. Bronner’s rises to the top. Their popular castile soap has 18 uses – it can wash hands, body, hair, dishes, clothes and more. Despite being highly diluted, it strips grime and oils faster than other soaps we tested. Dr. Bronner’s is certified fair trade, organic, and vegan. The eco-friendly company also donates to environmental causes.
Scents: Unscented “Baby” formula, plus peppermint, lavender, citrus and other scented varieties
Sizes: 2oz to 1 gallon bottles
2. Sea to Summit – Wilderness Wash
This lightweight liquid soap excels at washing dishes and clothes without leaving residue. It suds up with minimal water and rinses clean. The compact 1 oz bottle is perfect for backpacking. Sea to Summit specializes in innovative, travel-sized outdoor gear. While not as versatile as our top pick, this soap does what it promises.
Scents: Unscented or citronella
Sizes: 1oz, 4oz
3. Campsuds – Liquid Soap
An affordable option available in a handy 4oz Nalgene bottle, Campsuds performs nearly on par with Dr. Bronner’s for cleaning ability. It can tackle dishes, clothes, body and hair while being non-toxic and biodegradable. The original pine scent deters insects.
Scents: Pine, citronella
Sizes: 2oz, 4oz, 16oz
4. Eco-Me – Camp Soap
Made with coconut oil, olive oil and other vegetarian ingredients, this liquid castile soap from Eco-Me is gentle on skin and the planet. It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan. The lavender-bergamot scent is subtly refreshing. While eco-friendly, it did not clean quite as well as our top picks in testing.
Scents: Lavender-bergamot, other varieties
Sizes: 8oz, 16oz
5. Coleman – Camp Soap Sheets
These biodegradable soap sheets from Coleman offer a no-mess alternative great for washing hands and dishes. Just dip the sheet in water to form a lather. While not as handy as liquid for full body washing, the sheets are compact, individually wrapped, and dissolve fully after use.
Scents: Fragrance-free
Size: 50 sheets per pack
6. Sea to Summit – Wilderness Wipes
Sometimes you just want the convenience of a wipe without needing water. Though not biodegradable (must be packed out), these soft, thick wipes cleanse skin with an aloe-infused, pH balanced formula. They remove dirt and freshen up without stickiness or residue. The compact packs are ideal for backpacking.
Scents: Citrus or fragrance-free
Sizes: 12 pack, 30 pack
7. Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Bar Soap
Dr. Bronner’s also offers their popular castile formula in solid form. Made with organic oils, the vegan bars lather up nicely. The bar may be messier to use than liquid when camping, but still gets the job done. It’s available in a range of refreshing scents like peppermint and lavender.
Scents: Peppermint, lavender, citrus, eucalyptus and more
Sizes: Bar
How to Use Biodegradable Soap in a Leave No Trace-Friendly Way
While biodegradable soaps are gentler on the environment than typical soaps, following Leave No Trace principles is still important when using any kind of soap in nature:
- Avoid disposing used wash water in lakes, rivers or streams – Even biodegradable soap residue can negatively impact water sources.
- Use a camp shower or solar shower away from water sources – Set up your shower site at least 200 feet from any lakes, rivers or streams.
- Wash dishes, body, clothing, etc. at least 200 feet from water sources – This helps prevent contamination from soap residue.
- Use small amounts of soap and lather up away from water – Only use as much soap as you need to get clean, lathering up on land first before rinsing.
- Dispose of used soapy water in a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources – This allows the soil to naturally filter and biodegrade the soap.
- Pack out any used wipes or soiled paper towels – Don’t leave biodegradable wipes or anything else behind that can take much longer to break down naturally.
By keeping these Leave No Trace principles in mind, you can feel good using biodegradable soaps to keep clean while camping and backpacking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is biodegradable soap safe for use on babies and children?
Many biodegradable soaps contain gentle, plant-based ingredients that make them safe and non-toxic even for babies and children. Always check the label and look for formulas marketed as baby-safe or gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Can I use biodegradable soap in lakes or streams?
No, you should avoid using any kind of soap directly in lakes, rivers, streams or other natural water sources. Even biodegradable soap can have an impact on water quality, aquatic life and the ecosystem. Always wash at least 200 feet away.
Do biodegradable soaps really break down in the environment?
Quality biodegradable soaps are formulated to fully break down into harmless components over time, without leaving chemical residues behind. However, “biodegradable” is not a regulated term, so purchase from brands you trust for soaps that decompose as advertised.
How long does it take for biodegradable soap to break down?
It depends on the specific product, but quality biodegradable soaps designed for camping should break down naturally within one year in the environment.
Are Dr. Bronner’s products safe for the environment?
Yes, Dr. Bronner’s soaps are among the most environmentally friendly options. Their soaps are USDA certified biodegradable and over 90% of ingredients are certified fair trade and organic. The company actively supports environmental causes.
Do biodegradable soaps work as well as regular soaps?
Today’s top biodegradable camping soaps are highly effective at cutting through dirt and oils. Brands like Dr. Bronner’s perform as well as or better than conventional soaps. However, they accomplish this using gentler, plant-based ingredients.
Can I use biodegradable soap in bear country?
Yes, provided you choose an unscented formula. The mild smell of unscented soaps dissipates quickly and is less likely to attract bears or other wildlife to your campsite than fragrant soaps.
Summary
- Biodegradable soaps allow you to get clean when camping or backpacking without harming the environment. They break down naturally over time.
- Look for liquid soap or wipes that are versatile, concentrated, unscented and non-toxic. Bar soap and soap sheets work for some applications.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles when using biodegradable soap to protect water quality and wildlife.
- Top recommended brands are Dr. Bronner’s, Sea to Summit, Campsuds and Eco-Me. Always choose established companies.
- Now that you know what to look for, you can clean up responsibly on your next adventure with the best biodegradable camping soap!
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