The Best Eco Hand Soap for Sustainability

Introduction

When we talk about “eco hand soap” it’s hard to define exactly by what metric we’re using to decide if one kind of hand soap is more “eco” than another. So let’s get a bit more specific and dissect the “eco” terminology in 3 ways.

We Use 3 Criteria To Evaluate Soap

To bring clarity, we propose three key criteria that a genuinely eco-friendly soap should fulfill.

1. Carbon intensity – energy use and carbon intensity due to production
2. Ingredient quality – natural vs artificial or suspect ingredients
3. Packaging – sustainability of packaging.

By focusing on these factors, consumers can make informed decisions, ensuring their choices contribute positively to our planet’s health. Using these criteria, the following are our top 7 eco-friendly hand soaps.

1. Etee

Etee eco hand soaps are some of the best performing eco hand soaps on the market. They are made with natural ingredients that are gentle and effective on the skin. Etee eco hand soaps also contain no synthetic fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. This makes them a great choice for those who have sensitive skin or allergies.

Etee eco hand soaps are also vegan and cruelty-free. In addition to being gentle and effective, Etee eco hand soaps are also very affordable. They are a great value for the money and will last a long time. Etee eco hand soaps are an excellent choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly, affordable, and effective hand soap.

2. Jungle Culture

Jungle culture is an excellent eco hand soap because it contains natural ingredients that won’t damage the environment. The main ingredient in Jungle Culture is vegetable glycerin, a natural by-product of the soap-making process.

Jungle Culture contains essential oils and other natural ingredients that benefit the skin. Jungle Culture is also free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. As a result, Jungle Culture is an excellent choice for those looking for eco-friendly hand soap. Jungle culture is also very affordable and can be found at most major retailers.

3. Bestowed Essentials

Bestowed Essentials is one of the best eco hand soaps on the market for several reasons. First, it is made with all-natural, vegan ingredients that are cruelty-free and gentle on the skin. Second, Bestowed Essentials hand soap is packaged in a recycled and recyclable pump dispenser, making it an eco-friendly choice. Third, the soap cleans hands without stripping away natural oils or leaving a heavy residue. Finally, Bestowed Essentials hand soap is affordable, making it a great value. Bestowed Essentials is an excellent choice for those looking for a bar of eco-friendly and effective hand soap.

4. EcoRoots

When it comes to eco hand soaps, EcoRoots is one of the best. That’s because our soap doesn’t include synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals commonly found in other hand soaps on the market. EcoRoots is biodegradable and safe for septic systems.

The EcoRoots team is passionate about environmental sustainability and donates a portion of its profits to environmental organizations. Their hand soaps are also vegan and not tested on animals. EcoRoots offers a variety of different scents made with essential oils, so there’s sure to be one that you’ll love. And because they believe everyone deserves access to clean products, they offer a subscription service that delivers their hand soaps to your door at a discounted price.

5. Eco Evolution – Cassia Organics

Cistus is one of the most environmentally beneficial soaps on the market. It contains only natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin. The soap is made with Cassia bark extract, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This makes it ideal for people who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Cassia Organics also contains aloe vera and vitamin E, both known for their healing properties. The soap is free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, making it safe for people with sensitive skin. Cassia Organics is also cruelty-free and vegan, meaning that it has not been tested on animals and contains no animal-derived ingredients.

6. Tangie

Tangie Eco Hand Soap is one of the best eco hand soaps because it is made with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and effective at cleansing. The Tangie team sources their ingredients from sustainable, ethical farmers and suppliers, and they use recycled materials in their packaging. Tangie soap is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Tangie soap is gentle on the skin. Its natural ingredients are designed to cleanse without stripping away natural oils, leaving hands feeling soft and hydrated. Tangie soap is also free of artificial fragrances, colors, or preservatives, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

7. Dr. Bronner’s

Dr. Bronner’s is a classic choice for eco-friendly hand soaps. Their castile soaps are biodegradable and vegetable-based, made with organic and certified fair-trade ingredients. Dr. Bronner’s uses a simple, ecological formula that is gentle yet effective, and their soaps are versatile enough to be used for a multitude of other cleaning needs.

They offer a range of scents, including lavender, peppermint, and tea tree, all of which are derived from natural essential oils. Dr. Bronner’s is also a socially responsible company that champions fair wages, fair trade, and environmental sustainability.

Eco Meaning Low Carbon Intensity, High Sustainability Is Hard To Measure For Soaps

Now that we’ve presented the soaps, let’s go back and consider the 3 criteria we used. The first one, energy sustainability and carbon intensity, which is ShrinkThatFootprint’s main concern, is actually quite hard to pin down whether one hand soap is more “eco” than another.

Inside soap are small quantities of many ingredients, with the main ones being the “fat” derived either from palm sources or from animal sources, as making up the bulk of the soap (both liquid and solid).

Yes, if derived from large animals like cows or non-sustainably farmed palm trees, they could certainly fall on the wrong side of the carbon equation.

On the other hand, the amounts used are so small that they are dwarfed by the major factors in our life: heating and cooling a home, land and air vehicle travel, and food consumption.

The amount of soap we use per day is small enough that we have to get pretty good at detailed carbon accounting to be able to tell whether one brand is more energy and carbon efficient than another.

Eco Meaning Natural As Opposed To Artificial Ingredients Is More Measureable

In the second sense of the word, “eco” meaning low in artificial ingredients and high in “natural ingredients”, certainly there’s room to accommodate views of people who have preferences for the types of products used to clean their bodies.

We view this second sense as more meaningful to consider and think about, report on and influence whether one would use a product or not.

Chiefly, its much easier then to say whether something is eco or not based on the reported ingredients. For example, hand soaps in this eco sense would appeal to consumers who want products that are free of synthetic fragrances (that improve the smell of the hand soaps) and synthetic dyes (that improve on the look of the hand soaps).

You can use eco hand soap just like you would use any other kind of hand soap. Simply pump some into your hands, add water, and lather up! Rinse well and enjoy the clean, fresh feeling.

And who knows? Subtle sensitivities of the skin that are hard to pick up, very specific to individuals, may in fact be due to ingredients found in some soaps. There’s no harm in increasing consumer choice in hand soaps for which such ingredients have been deliberately left out.

Eco Meaning Sustainable Packaging

There are a few key indicators to look out for.

Look for any packaging that states it’s made from recycled materials, is recyclable, or compostable. Words like “biodegradable” or “plant-based” are also good signs.

Some companies use symbols or certifications, such as the chasing arrows “recycle” symbol or the Green Dot (two intertwined arrows), to indicate sustainable packaging.

Keep in mind that less is often more when it comes to sustainability: minimal packaging, or packaging that can be reused (like glass jars or metal tins), often has a lower environmental impact than more elaborate packaging.

In the case of soap, many sustainable companies are now opting for packaging-free soap bars or refillable options to minimize waste.

How To Find The Best Eco Hand Soaps

So with that thinking, “eco” meaning more natural, less artificial, lets consider a few factors that will help you pick even if you don’t select from our list.

Think about what type of soap you want. There are liquid, bar, and powder soaps, each with benefits. For example, liquid soaps are often more gentle on the skin, while bar soaps can last longer.

Once you have decided on the type of soap you want, look at the ingredients list. Avoid soaps that contain synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals. Instead, opt for soaps made with natural ingredients like essential oils and naturally derived scents. Finally, consider the packaging.

Those of you who are regular readers of our site know that packaging derived from virgin forests are a no-no. So look for eco-friendly packaging options like recycled paper or recyclable glass bottles.

By finding the best eco hand soap for your needs, you can help reduce your environmental impact and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are 6 good eco hand soap products available on the market today:

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, there are several different eco hand soaps on the market, each with its unique set of benefits. When choosing an eco hand soap, it is important to consider your needs and preferences.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly, gentle option on the skin, then any of the soaps listed above would be a great choice.

If you have sensitive skin, you may choose a soap-free of artificial fragrances, colors, or preservatives. And if you are looking for an eco-friendly and affordable soap, then EcoRoots or Tangie would be a good option. No matter your needs, there is sure to be an eco hand soap perfect for you.