Scented bottles of soapy goodness that leave you feeling fresh and refreshed – what’s not to love about body wash? But unfortunately, those same products we use to scrub-a-dub in the shower are doing a dirty on the planet.
A staggering 1.4 BILLION bottles of body wash are used every year, and when we know that less than 10% of this plastic gets recycled.. well, it’s a sobering thought.
Luckily, some forward-thinking companies have come up with a more eco-friendly solution. The following brands know our love of bottled body wash and have put their resources into creating zero waste (or close to) refillable body wash that is better for our bodies too!
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Why opt for a zero waste and refillable body wash?
It’s not just the plastic waste that’s the problem – although it sure is a big part of the problem.
But it’s also the resources used to create that plastic in the first place, the sometimes hazardous ingredients found in traditional body wash, and even the incredibly harmful microbeads (microplastics) that can still be found in some body washes (despite being banned in the US).
Refillable body washes are not only packaged in more environmentally friendly options, such as glass, recycled plastic or aluminum, but the companies producing them are also usually concerned with the quality of what goes into the bottle too. Think organic ingredients, no nasties, ethical sourcing, and vegan-friendly.
They’re then packaged in biodegradable or zero waste packaging to further reduce their environmental impact. This helps to alleviate harm to the planet and wildlife, while taking the best care of your skin at the same time.
By choosing refillable body wash brands and reusable bottles we can begin to eliminate the environmental threat of plastic waste little by little.
Related Reading: Going Green with a Zero Waste Bathroom
Best Refillable Body Wash Brands
Whether you seek a quick lathering soap, fragrant shower gel or gentle, aromatic body wash, our list below highlights some of the best zero waste body wash refills on the market today, so that you can help to reduce your plastic waste and look and feel great while doing it!
N.B I’ve included a few international options as we have readers around the world. As always, I encourage you to shop for your sustainable products locally!
Alpine Provisions Body Wash
This Natural Castile Body Wash is one of the most responsible (and luxurious) products available today. It’s organic, cruelty-free, vegan, and comes in eco-friendly body wash packaging.
Made from a combination of organic coconut oil, olive oils and essential oil aromatherapy blends, the body wash offers gentle cleansing for your hair and body.
It doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals or alcohol, it simply creates a lush, hydrating and rich lather, perfect for use in the bath or at shower time.
The aluminum bottles can be refilled, and customers can purchase a reusable dispenser pump for added convenience. In addition, a percentage of the company’s sales goes to the Colorado Outward Bound School Scholarship Fund.
Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash
Be instantly transported to the Giant Redwood forests of Northern California with Bathing Culture’s Mind and Body Wash.
The natural organic wash in a refillable glass bottle contains organic aloe, fruit and sunflower seed oils and shea butter.
The products are certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free, and the product packaging is biodegradable and carbon neutral.
The 8oz bottles last for up to 80 showers, and after that, the fun rainbow-designed bottles can be refilled in over 70 retail stores dotted throughout the United States.
Plaine Products Body Wash
Plaine Products’ Refillable Body Wash is infused with the healing properties of aloe vera leaf juice, saponified coconut and safflower seed oils, organic Camellia, and sunflower, curating a gentle cleanser that helps to restore the skin’s natural hydration.
The product is vegan, non-GMO, organic, suitable for people with allergies, baby safe and biodegradable too!
The sleek body washes are also packaged in zero waste refillable bottles which can be sent back to be reused – then you can reorder without the reusable BPA-free plastic pump the next time.
Plaine Products are Leaping Bunny certified, they donate to 1% for the Planet, they’re carbon neutral, and the organization is a certified B corporation.
Upcircle Beauty Natural Hand & Body Wash (UK)
Creating luxurious bubbles and leaving skin thoroughly moisturized and scented, this natural hand and body wash by Upcircle is made with a winning combination of by-products of the juicing industry.
Suitable for dry skin, the hand and body wash comes in a muted green refillable bottle looks great on any bathroom shelf. The wash is blended with anti-inflammatory residual water of kiwi fruit with a hint of lemongrass and mandarin oils for good measure.
It’s vegan, cruelty-free and 100% natural, plus, it’s possible to obtain a completely plastic-free re-order when you save the cap!
Zero Co Body Wash Combo (Australia)
Zero Co body wash lathers up a treat, leaving skin feeling fresh, clean and utterly fabulous. It’s made from plant-based ingredients with elegant scents such as Saffron and Tallowwood or Mandarin, Finger Lime and Chamomile available to purchase.
Ingredients include gentle coconut for cleansing, aloe vera leaf for hydration and chamomile and finger lime for regeneration and energizing the skin.
All products are phthalate free and contain zero palm oils. They are delivered in refillable pouches made from recycled plastic, along with forever bottles created from beach, landfill, and ocean waste.
To use, simply empty the pouch contents into a forever bottle and when you’re ready to refill, return the empty pouch to Zero Co for free. The company then cleans and refills the product and reuses it for other customers ensuring zero waste throughout the process.
Dr. Bronners All-in-One Liquid Soap Body Wash
Founded in 1948 by Emanuel Bronner, a third-generation soap maker, Dr. Bronner’s is now the top-selling liquid soap in America. It is suitable to use on the body, face, hair, dishes, laundry, pets, and more when diluted!
The concentrated, 18-in-1 soap is vegan, cruelty-free, ecological, and certified with fair trade ingredients, plus, it’s 100% biodegradable too.
There are several natural scents to choose from, and the refillable bottles are available in a variety of sizes. They don’t contain any synthetic preservatives or thickeners, only plant-based ingredients and the products are delivered packaged in post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, thus eliminating waste and creating a positive impact on the environment.
Dr Bronner’s also works with farmers, helping them to utilize regenerative organic practices, which in turn, helps to combat climate change.
Alaffia Body Wash Collections
Alaffia was created in 2003 by Olowo-n’djo Tchala from Togo in West Africa and Prairie Rose Hyde originally from Washington, USA. Since then, the ambitious couple has gone on to create natural, cruelty-free, deliciously fragranced body washes inspired by their time together in Africa.
A percentage of proceeds also goes to help to empower African communities, encouraging education, environmental sustainability and FGM eradication.
Making Alaffia Body Wash Collections is a labor of love – local techniques using plantain leaf ashes and tree barks are utilized to make the soaps, curating unique products that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Alaffia products cater to both adults and kids, and body washes contain beautiful ingredients like coconut lime, passion fruit, wild lavender, vanilla mint, and eucalyptus tea tree. All body washes are handcrafted with fair trade ingredients from West African cooperatives to nourish and protect the skin. They’re packaged in a recycled plastic refillable bottle and the company partners with TerraCycle.
Uni – The Body Wash Kit
Looking for 24-hour hydration for your skin? The Body Kit by Uni may cater to your needs. The no waste body wash kits contain two reusable dispensers and two 375ml refills (which give 200 pumps per person) of Body Serum and Skin Shield Body Wash.
Using Australian lime caviar to tone and radiate skin, Australian Kakadu Plum to improve elasticity and Radish Root to protect against damage from free radicals, the kits are worthy of the investment.
They contain no parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrances and are easy to use at home or while travelling. The company offer a refillable subscription service for delivery every 45 days or longer and all products contain zero reef-harming ingredients.
In fact, Uni also contributes 1% of sale funds to coral restoration and they work with third parties to lower their carbon outputs.
Conscious Skincare – Natural Body Wash (UK)
This ground-breaking range was conceived in 2010, when the owner had dry skin which couldn’t be alleviated by other products on the market. She discovered through research that many family members and friends were having allergic reactions to mainstream skincare products too, hence, decided to create the Conscious Skincare range.
The natural body washes are unisex, made from organic castile soap which doesn’t contain any chemicals or detergents and they are suitable for all skin types.
Choose from uplifting scents such as Grapefruit, Lemon and Cedarwood to tone and promote healthy-looking skin.
The 235ml glass bottles come with an optional pump and they also sell a 500ml refillable bottle made with 100% recycled plastic. The Conscious Skincare organization are approved by PETA, Vegetarian Society and Leaping Bunny.
Public Goods Body Wash Refill
Manufactured in North America, Public Goods’ Body Wash Refills are gentle and safe for most skin types. The washes are light and gentle to use, blended with essential oils designed to refresh, cleanse and nourish the skin, without leaving it dry.
The scent is distinctly Mediterranean with hints of fresh grapefruit, rosewood, geranium, vetiver, mandarin, and herbs to ensure the body feels suitably soothed, refreshed and renewed after showering or bathing.
The brand is cruelty, paraben and gluten-free, uses only natural fragrances, and is vegan-friendly. The body wash comes in simple, understated, and refillable packaging.
Puracy Natural Body Wash
Puracy was created by two best friends from Austin, Texas, with a goal to make plant-based personal care products that they could use safely around their young children.
Today, their natural body washes in Citrus and Sea Salt, Bergamot and Sandalwood or Coconut and Vanilla, are popular purchases for anyone seeking a low waste body wash. They are gentle, hydrating, and purifying even for the most sensitive skin types.
All products are suitable for babies and adults, they are hypoallergenic, vegan and gluten-free. They don’t have any sulfates and contain over 45 shower or bathing sessions per bottle. Plus, you can buy 48 fl.oz refill packs to last you longer.
All Matters Body Wash Starter Kit (EU)
This PH-balanced, unscented powder formula transforms seamlessly into a foaming body wash perfect to use as part of a daily shower routine.
The starter wash kit includes one reusable aluminum bottle and three body wash powder refills. Ingredients include Aloe Vera Leaf Juice Powder, Betaine for moisturizing, Citric Acid and more when diluted.
The wash is Allergy Certified, therefore, suitable for all skin types, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and helps to wash away bacteria.
To use the unique powder-to-foam body wash, fill the bottle with warm water, add one powder refill, mix and shake, then leave for a few minutes for it to transform into a gentle foaming wash ready for use with your favorite loofah!
Faith in Nature Body Wash (UK)
An invigorating body wash by Faith in Nature, the beautifully fragranced blends leave skin feeling rejuvenated and energized. It’s paraben and SLS free, and made with 100% natural fragrance and essential oils.
The bulk body wash refill bottles are ideal to use in the bath or shower, and when empty they can be refilled at one of the Faith in Nature refill stations, dotted around the UK.
In addition to Grapefruit and Orange fragrance, the 5-liter body wash is also available in Lavender and Geranium, plus, the products are Vegan Society-approved and cruelty-free so you can purchase with a clear conscience.
The Good Fill Unscented Body Wash
Time spent living in Costa Rica inspired hairdresser Megan Gill to look differently at the products she was using, and how they were packaged. She was inspired to create a zero waste, natural range of skin care products as a sustainable alternative.
The Good Fill Body Wash is manufactured with organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Saponified Oils of Safflower and Coconut and even Organic Green Tea.
The blend exfoliates the skin, without drying it out and it comes in a reusable glass bottle or a refill BPA-free pouch made with 93% less plastic than a single-use bottle.
Customers can pour the body wash into their own container for home or travel use and return the refill for free to be cleaned and reused.
The Good Fill are one of the finest eco-friendly body wash refill brands (with one of the most inspiring brand stories) on the market today. They also sell zero waste shampoo, conditioner, facial wash and all-purpose cleaning spray.
A Few Other Zero Waste Body Wash Options
In addition to our list of the best refillable body wash brands available on the marketplace, we’ve also included some options for zero-waste, non-refillable products too – in case they better suit your needs and budget.
Everist Waterless Body Wash Concentrate
Infused with the heady scent of southern Italy, Everist’s Waterless Body Wash Concentrate is a perfect travel companion.
The 100% plant-based concentrate is activated by water, and the ingredients allow the skin to be cleansed gently without stripping it of essential nutrients.
Key ingredients include Aloe Vera, Orange Peel Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Clary Sage, and Peppermint Oil to leave your skin smelling amazing.
The body wash is free from any parabens, sulfates, dyes and synthetic fragrances, plus it’s vegan and cruelty-free for your peace of mind. Each 100ml aluminum tube facilitates 30 washes, allowing you to ditch plastic travel packaging for good.
The Right to Shower – Dignity Body Wash
Made from naturally derived cleansers, The Right to Shower products are 100% vegan and not tested on animals.
Their Dignity Body Wash is a scrumptious treat for the skin – a unique combination of charcoal and cotton blossom, blended with clay, white birch and sea salt to envelop your senses in an invigorating fragrance to uplift mind, body and spirit.
Dignity Body Wash helps to rebalance, restore and detoxify the skin, plus, it just takes around just three pumps from the dispenser to lather your body from head to toe. The bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic too, helping to eliminate waste from the environment.
Soap Distillery Limoncello Hand & Body Wash
Possibly one of the most appealing scents in a body wash, the Soap Distillery Limoncello Hand & Body Wash, conjures up images of sunny days on the Italian Riviera.
The invigorating body wash with lemon and grapefruit oil is handmade, sustainable and made without any phthalates, silicones, dyes or colorants.
The body wash is vegan, and easy to use – and with a pump top, it’s ideal for the shower or in the kitchen as a hand soap.
The company is black owned, women owned, they give back to local charities, and they manufacture in the US. Bottles are recyclable glass, and packaged plastic-free.
Sop Body Wash (UK)
Developed by Fiona Burrage, a professional photographer, the Sop brand was inspired by her family’s connection to the UK landscape in which they live. Sop stands for ‘scents of place’ and all fragrances are curated with sandy beaches, winding rivers and countryside spaces in mind.
There are no GM ingredients, SLS, silicones, parabens or artificial colors in Sop Dene Body Wash, simply lather and immerse yourself in the energizing scent of Bergamot and Black Pepper!
The body wash is suitable for adults and children to use daily and it comes in 50ml or 250ml sizes. It’s certified by the Cruelty-Free International Leaping Bunny program and Vegan Society. And the brand invests in wildlife projects in the local area.
Baeo Bare Baby Suds
Baeo Bare Baby Suds is specifically for our younger family members – a combination of gentle shampoo and body wash that is kind to baby’s (and adults) skin.
The wash contains aloe vera, chamomile and calendula flower extract all packaged neatly in a cute, recyclable and reusable aluminum bottle.
The skin remains soft, healthy, and it isn’t stripped of moisture after use, plus, the company donate a percentage of sales to Baby2Baby to help children living in poverty.
The product is organic, phthalate, sulfate and paraben-free and it’s Leaping Bunny and USDA Certified.
Ethique Bodywash Bars
Ethique no waste body wash bars are great to travel with or use at home. They are available to order in a variety of fragrances ranging from Matcha, Lime & Lemongrass to Lavender & Mint, Unscented and Sweet Orange & Vanilla.
The latter is made specifically for sensitive skin types, combining aromatic coconut butter, clay, sweet orange oil and creamy vanilla together to create an intoxicating scent of summer.
All products are palm-oil free, and made from natural ingredients. The cruelty-free, zero waste body soap bars are devoid of phthalates, parabens, plastics, dyes and synthetic fragrances too, so that you can bathe or shower with complete peace of mind.
If you’ve been searching high and low for the best plastic free body wash, hopefully, this list provides inspiration for your next purchase.
Switching to an organic, ethical waste free body wash is not only better for your skin and body, but also for marine life, wildlife and our planet.