10 Best Biodegradable Shampoos That Are Camping-Friendly – 2024
Do your bit for the environment with eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and organic shampoos.
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If you often dabble with outdoor activities like hiking and camping, you must respect mother Earth and leave the space as you found it. When you pack your bag of essentials to maintain your hygiene for the trip, make sure everything in it is biodegradable, including your shampoo! Biodegradable surfactants are the need of the hour, and hair care brands are not far behind in making biodegradable products like shampoos, conditioners, and body washes that will cleanse your hair without generating any harmful waste for the environment. They are not only perfect for your nature trips, but they are also a boon for your skin and hair and are completely pet-friendly. By embracing these products, you are making a significant impact on preserving nature. Even though these products are made to dissolve entirely in soil, you should use them at least 200 ft away from a water source. So, ready to make the difference in choice? Go through the list of 10 biodegradable shampoos that will keep your silky hair smooth through all your adventures.
In This Article
Top 10 Biodegradable Shampoos That Are Good For The Environment Too!
1. Best pH-Balanced: Ethique St Clements Shampoo
Add a zing of freshness to your hair wash sessions with this citrusy shampoo bar. Ideal for oily hair, St Clements Shampoo will intensely clean all the dirt and greasiness with the infused orange and lime oils. Free from surfactants that strip the natural oils from the hair, this shampoo will balance the oil production and moisture levels instead. And it is naturally conditioning too! 100% soap-free and microplastic-free, it also contains Theobroma cacao butter, castor oil, and vegetable glycerin to please all the proud vegans out there. This video featuring a tester’s experience of using the shampoo will offer a more detailed explanation of the product’s benefits.
Pros
- pH balanced
- Cruelty-free
- Non-drying
- Eco-conscious
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Equal to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo
Cons
- May not last long
- Slightly expensive
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 13,823 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. Best Fragrance-Free: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap – Baby Unscented
The versatility of this organic biodegradable shampoo will amaze you! Safe for sensitive skin and gentle enough for babies, you can use this liquid soap for hair, body, laundry, pets, dishwashing, and other cleaning needs! Sounds unbelievable? The formula contains a double dose of nourishing ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, hemp oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and other fair trade and organic ingredients. Safe for you, your family, pets, and the Earth, this all-purpose cleaning soap is 3 times more concentrated than other soaps and free from harsh foaming agents too. You may check this video detailing a reviewer’s experience of using the shampoo for a better understanding of this product.
Pros
- 18-in-1 uses
- Vegan
- GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Recyclable bottle
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- May not produce rich suds
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 10,179 reviews claiming its efficacy.
3. Best Organic: Acure Coconut & Argan Shampoo Bar
One soap for all your head-to-toe cleansing needs! Swap those chemical-based shampoos with this gentle and toxin-free bar on your camping trip. Free of harmful chemicals, it does not contain parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, formaldehyde, and petrolatum. This organic shampoo works effortlessly in cold, hot, and salt water. Instead, it has organic and ultra-moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil, argan kernel oil, cupuacu seed butter, sunflower seed oil, goji fruit extract, and acai fruit extract. Safe for your hair, skin, and your pets, this biodegradable shampoo bar will clean with comfort and care.
Pros
- Vegan
- Palm oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable to use as hand soap
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily hair or acne-prone skin
Quick TipEthique St Clements Shampoo Best pH-Balanced | Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap – Baby Unscented Best Fragrance-Free | Acure Coconut & Argan Shampoo Bar Best Organic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All, Oily | - | All |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 3 x 1.5 inches | 3.15 x 3.15 x 7.09 inches | 1.25 x 1.7 x 4.75 inches |
| Weight | 3.88 Ounces | 0.03 Ounces | 2.61 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 13,823 | 10,179 | 685 |
| Price | $14.76 | $5.89 | $8.49 |
4. Best Hypoallergenic: Mustela Gentle Shampoo
Does your hair tangle up instantly after a shower? Try this shampoo as it will leave your hair feather-soft and detangled effortlessly. Although designed for newborns and their mummies, this biodegradable ultra-gentle shampoo is suitable for all dealing with weak, fine, and breakage-prone hair. This regular shampoo contains nourishing ingredients like chamomile flower extract and avocado fruit extract to cleanse the dirt without stripping natural oils and leaves a refreshing scent with every use. Also, no more painful detangling with this one, as 98% agree it prevents knots after a hair wash. Besides this, the dermatologist-tested shampoo rinses off easily and is free from phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and parabens.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Tear-free formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- 93% safe and natural ingredients
- Suitable for daily use
Cons
- Contains sulfates
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 2,075 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
5. Best For Curly Hair: J.R. Liggett’s Old-Fashioned Shampoo Bars – Pack of 3
How about going traditional to restore your mane’s suppleness and shine? The century-old recipes in these eco-friendly shampoo bars contain naturally derived cleansers and ultra-nourishing ingredients for a dry and itchy scalp. If you are dealing with dryness, the jojoba and peppermint soap along with olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil will dissolve the hardened build-ups, clean and nourish the follicles and penetrate deep into the hair shaft to combat dryness. The tea tree and hemp oil shampoo bar also contain castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil to soothe itchiness, combat dandruff, and stimulate hair growth. And if you are dealing with frizzy hair, the coconut and argan oil shampoo bar will tame the frizz and flyaways and leave your hair supple, manageable, and shiny with every wash. This hair cleansing product also boasts countless positive customer reviews that will further assure you of its high quality and visible results.
Pros
- SLS-free
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Detergent-free
- Will not strip natural oils
- Suitable for colored, permed, and curly hair
Cons
- Slightly expensive
6. Best For Color-Treated Hair: Love Beauty And Planet 2-In-1 Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo And Conditioner Bar
Good for your hair and safe for the planet, this biodegradable shampoo and conditioner bar is power-packed with sustainably and ethically manufactured ingredients! Are you missing your flip-worthy, gorgeous, and bouncy hair? This 2-In-1 shampoo bar will lightly moisturize, restore the suppleness and add a lush volume to your mane that you can’t help but flaunt! Also, it is free from harsh chemicals such as silicones, parabens, dyes, and phthalates and promises to add a Hawaiian touch with the infused coconut oil. Besides this, it contains the floral notes of Moroccan-sourced mimosa flower, sweet honey, and fruity raspberry for a blissful hair washing experience. Not to mention, it is also vegan and not tested on animals, thus a good option for ethically conscious individuals.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Detangles hair
- 100% recyclable cartons
- Suitable for fine, flat, and color-treated hair
Cons
- May not be moisturizing for dry or very dry hair
7. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair: Ingreendients Daily Shampoo
The Ingreendients Daily Shampoo is a must-have in your everyday hair care regime. It is made of all-natural ingredients that gently cleanse the dirt and debris accumulated on the scalp. The active ingredients include apple cider vinegar, which restores damaged hair, balances the pH level of the scalp, and eliminates itch. The tea tree oil, rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, eliminates dandruff, bumps, and improves the overall health of the scalp and hair. The green extraction process helps responsibly source ingredients from natural resources. The chemical-free shampoo is gentle, which makes it ideal for sensitive scalp and chemically-treated hair. But if you still wish to check some unbiased reviews before making your buying decision, then explore the product further on Amazon.
Pros
- Gentle formulation
- 100% natural ingredients
- pH balanced
- Lathers well
- Color-safe
- Enhances shine
- Restores damaged hair
- 100% recycled packaging
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- NOn-GMO
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
8. Best For Sensitive Skin: Reef Repair Reef Safe Shampoo Bar – Coconut
Ticking all the boxes of keeping the environment and ocean safe, this coconut-scented vegan shampoo bar deserves the spotlight. Besides being 100% natural, just a few drops of Reef Safe Shampoo Bar produce rich suds, is non-oily, and is suitable to use daily for hair and scalp cleansing. And unlike other vegan shampoo bars, this one will not disintegrate while using and is free from toxic ingredients such as silicones, sulfates, detergent, palm oil, parabens, formaldehyde, and dioxin. Biodegradable and child-safe, the shampoo bar is pH balanced, suitable for sensitive skin, and will prevent dryness and itchiness. It is also suitable for all types of hair. Want more? This bar shampoo is moisturizing and anti-bacterial too. So what’s keeping you from testing it out? go ahead and add it to your shopping cart now!
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Ocean-friendly
- Lightly-scented
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- May not lather instantly
9. Best Eco-Friendly: Joshua Tree Tea Tree + Mint Body Wash
For a minty-fresh and squeaky-clean feeling post-shower, this all-purpose cleansing shampoo would be a great choice. Safe and gentle, you can use it for bathing, hair wash, pets, laundry, and utensils, making it an ideal choice for campers and travelers. Infused with biodegradable and safe ingredients, this sustainable shampoo contains tea tree oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, peppermint oil, and vitamin E for an ultra-nourishing and conditioning experience. It’s time to add this one to your travel list today!
Pros
- Ultra-refreshing
- Lathers up easily
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Plant-based ingredients
Cons
- Slightly drying
"I carry this soap whenever I'm on my outdoor adventures. It is kind to the environment along with my skin and hair. It has a natural lavendar scent and produces good lather that cleans well."
10. Best Reef-Safe: Direct 2 Boater Biodegradable Body Gel & Shampoo
Here’s another fantastic choice for travelers, campers, and those who enjoy fishing, sailing, and boating. Since chemical shampoos are not gentle on the environment and aquatic life, this gel body and hair wash would be a safe substitute with its 100% biodegradable formula. You can use it in hard, salted, chlorinated, fresh, and brackish water, and it will lather up just fine to give a squeaky-clean wash. Safe for the wilderness, tough on dirt and grease but gentle on your hair, skin, and environment. The eco-friendly hair product has numerous reviewers vouching for its effective results as well, so give this multi-purpose shampoo for camping a try if you haven’t already!
Pros
- Reef-safe
- Fragrance-free
- Synthetic dye-free
Cons
- Not preservative-free
Enjoy your camping trips without harming the environment! Here’s our list of the 10 best biodegradable soaps and shampoos that are tough on dirt but gentle on nature due to their sustainable sourcing. If you are still wondering how to choose the best one from the list, we have some tips for you in our buying guide below.
How Do I Choose the Best Biodegradable Shampoo?
Here are some features that you must look out for in the product to make sure it is the best buy:
- Skin-friendly formula:
Since you are using it for bathing and hair wash, check if the ingredients are suitable for your skin and hair type. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, products with coconut oil may not be ideal because it is comedogenic. Besides this, biodegradable products with essential oils may be moisturizing for dry hair but may turn oily hair greasy sooner.
- How environmentally-friendly is it?
Not all biodegradable products may be good for the environment, and some may even use tags such as ocean-friendly and eco-friendly as a marketing gimmick. So, cross-check the ingredients and make sure it is free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, silicones, formaldehyde, phthalates, and more for the best experience.
- Cleansing benefits:
While looking for the best biodegradable shampoo, do not compromise on the cleansing benefits. Maintaining hygiene is as essential as protecting the environment. Choose a shampoo that ensures a squeaky-clean and refreshing experience after bathing and hair wash.
- Multi-tasking:
With an all-purpose shampoo in your bag, you don’t have to pack too many toiletries for the trip. And surprisingly, there are multi-purpose shampoos on the market (and our list) that you can use for bathing, hair wash, washing pets, laundry, utensils, clothes, and more.
- Water requirement:
Even if you are camping near a lake or water source, pick a shampoo that will not require too much water. Ideally, shampoos that produce suds instantly will need less water than those that don’t lather up effortlessly. So, choose accordingly!
Infographic: Infographic: Biodegradable Shampoo: How To Buy, How To Use, And Trivia
If you are planning to switch to a more eco-friendly hair care regimen, biodegradable shampoos are your best bet. They are suitable for different types of hair, can treat various scalp concerns, and have versatile uses. Check out the infographic below to learn more about biodegradable shampoos, how to find and use them, and what they are good for. Keep scrolling! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
A biodegradable shampoo will be your and the environment’s best friend when you engage in outdoor activities like camping and hiking. Nowadays, many hair care brands have come up with shampoos and conditioners that are free of harmful ingredients and do not generate non-biodegradable waste. Unlike traditional shampoos, they are perfect for nature trips due to their travel-friendly packaging and nature-loving formulation. For example, the Ethique St Clements Shampoo deeply cleanses and regulates the oil production in an oily scalp, the Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap – Baby Unscented gently cleanses sensitive skin, and the Acure Coconut & Argan Shampoo Bar hydrates and strengthens dry and weak hair. The biodegradable shampoos mentioned in this post are tough on dirt but gentle on mother Earth. Also, this type of shampoo is suitable for most hair types. You should ensure that it has a skin-friendly formula, offers cleansing benefits, and does not require much water. It is a one-stop solution to stay squeaky-clean and fresh in the outdoors. So, read the reviews to buy your favorite shampoo from our list and switch to a sustainable hair care routine.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author of this post, Kirtana Divakar, is a professional product writer and editor specializing in skin and hair care segments. She believes that there’s a suitable product for almost every problem, and so she dedicates her time researching hundreds of options that can improve people’s lives. Here, she highlights the best biodegradable shampoos that aren’t just good for your hair but also for the planet. These options have also been endorsed by consumers on various e-commerce websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegan shampoo biodegradable?
Yes, vegan shampoos are usually biodegradable. They are made with skin-friendly and environment-friendly ingredients.
How long does biodegradable shampoo take to work?
It takes hair around 3 to 6 weeks to get accustomed to a new hair care routine. You can expect to see visible changes from using a biodegradable shampoo.
Can I use biodegradable shampoo on black hair?
Bio-degradable shampoos can be used for all hair colors. Eco-friendly shampoos are usually made with no synthetic fragrances, or color-stripping chemicals.
Can you use biodegradable shampoo in a lake?
Even if the shampoo is bio-degradable and water-friendly, it is not safe to put shampoo directly into the water. It can affect the lake’s chemistry and have a negative impact on the living organisms in the water.
Are organic shampoos biodegradable?
Yes, organic shampoos are biodegradable. The eco-friendly shampoo comes from natural ingredients or renewable resources and uses environmentally friendly packaging.
