In a world where sustainability is key, biodegradable products are taking centre stage. These items, once discarded, break down naturally, reducing harm to the planet. One such product making waves is biodegradable hand wash soap. It offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional soaps, loaded with synthetic chemicals. Biodegradable hand wash soaps use natural ingredients to clean and nourish our skin.
Green People offers a small range of hand washes (in easy-to-recycle sugar cane packaging) including an anti-bacterial version with manuka oil, an unscented version and an instant-foaming citrus hand wash for children with larch tree extract and tea tree oil (also good to wipe-clean sticky faces, toys and highchairs.
Choose unscented for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Keep soaps away from young children and pets (due to citrus oils etc).
Environmental Benefits of Biodegradable Hand Wash Soaps
Switching to biodegradable soaps can significantly cut down your environmental impact. Here’s how.
Reduction in Pollution
Imagine a world where water isn’t tainted with harsh chemicals from our cleaning products. Biodegradable soaps make this vision possible. They break down naturally, unlike their chemical-laden counterparts. This means they don’t linger in water supplies and harm aquatic life. By choosing biodegradable, you’re choosing cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Producing and transporting traditional hand wash soaps can burn a lot of fossil fuels. Biodegradable products, however, often require less energy. Their natural ingredients typically travel shorter distances, slashing their carbon footprint. By opting for biodegradable, you’re not just cleansing your skin—you’re also cleansing your conscience.
Less Harmful Ingredients
What’s in your soap? Conventional soaps can be packed with synthetic ingredients and harsh chemicals. Biodegradable hand wash soaps take a different path. They rely on natural components like essential oils and plant extracts. This means less harm not only to the environment but also to your skin.
Health Benefits of Using Biodegradable Hand Wash Soaps
These soaps don’t just benefit the planet—they’re also great for your health.
Gentler on Skin
Biodegradable soaps usually skip the harsh chemicals and heavy fragrances. This makes them ideal for maintaining smooth, healthy skin. Say goodbye to dryness and irritation, and hello to a soft, refreshed feel.
Allergy and Sensitivity Friendly
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you know how picky it can be. Many biodegradable soaps go easy on your skin due to their natural formulas. They minimise the risk of allergies and sensitivities, keeping your hands soft and irritation-free.
Economic Advantages of Switching to Biodegradable Options
The shift to biodegradable isn’t just about being eco-friendly—it’s smart for your wallet, too.
Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
Think of biodegradable soaps as an investment. Many come in concentrated formulas, meaning you’ll use less product each time. Over time, this can save you money compared to frequently restocking conventional options.
Supporting Local Economies
When you purchase biodegradable products, you’re often supporting local businesses. These companies are focused on sustainability and innovation, fuelling economic growth in your community. By choosing local, you’re investing in a brighter, greener future.
How to Choose the Right Biodegradable Hand Wash Soap
Choosing the right soap can be tricky. Here are a few tips to guide you.
Reading Labels and Certification
Always check the label. Look for certifications like ‘biodegradable’, ‘eco-friendly’, and ‘natural ingredients’. These terms indicate the product meets certain environmental standards. Stay informed and make educated choices.
Brand Recommendations
Green People Berry Smoothie Hand Wash is sold in easy-to-recycle packaging. This features raspberry, vanilla and slightly foaming yucca, for a nice gentle hand wash for all the family. Free from alcohol, this hand wash is ideal for dry skin. Any ingredients like benzyl alcohol are natural components of essential oils (not from synthetic fragrance).
Beauty Kitchen offers biodegradable hand washes (scented with real essential oils) in aluminium bottles (with a one-time purchase ‘pump for life’). Made with coconut and sunflower oil, choose from Botanic (eucalyptus, may change & rosemary) or Citrus (grapefruit, orange, lemon).
Natrl (Buckinghamshire) offers organic hand wash (around £10, with organic sunflower/coconut oils, scented with bergamot & sweet orange essential oils).
Biodegradable Hand Soaps for Commercial Use
Bio-D is a popular brand of cleaning/laundry products, which offers unscented hand wash alongside scented versions (a few use parfum but rosemary thyme, lime aloe vera and geranium grapefruit are all scented with essential oils). You can also buy 5L refills and giant 20L bottles (with drum taps, ideal for industry). All hand washes are tested to food-grade standard and neutralise 99.9% of bacteria including E.coli, Salmonella and MRSA.
Delphis Eco is a brand mostly for commercial use. Sold in bottles made from recycled milk jugs, the range includes a liquid hand wash for sensitive skin and an anti-bacterial hand wash (both in 5L refills). Alongside a non-flammable hand sanitiser in a handy pump dispenser, which cleans and kills germs and viruses, to prevent infection without need for drying. It also features a twin chain biocide to protect against bacteria, mould, yeast, algae and viruses.
Trevarno Skincare’s Chef Hand Wash (Cornwall) is expensive (around £20) but is formulated to remove food odours, so you don’t go home smelling of garlic! Features essential oils of sage & rosemary, with a pump for easy application.
Where to Recycle Empty Hand Wash Bottles
Terracycle offers a free recycling program (sponsored by industry). Just order a box and place it somewhere within your community (a local shop, school, council office etc). Then everyone can drop off items of beauty packaging they can’t recycle locally. When full, just use the pre-paid label to ship it off, and the items are recycled into other goods like recycled plastic park benches etc.
As well as liquid hand soap bottles, you can also send off hand cream tubes and caps, shower & shampoo bottles (with refill pouches) and skincare pots and lids. Try to remove excess products, but you don’t have to clean the bottles before recycling. The program does not accept perfume bottles, aerosol bottles or nail polish bottles (just wrap and bin these).
Conclusion
Switching to biodegradable hand wash soaps is more than a trend; it’s a step toward a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner planet. They reduce pollution, have a lower carbon footprint, and are gentler on your skin. Plus, they support local economies and can even save you money in the long run. So, the next time you’re shopping, reach for a biodegradable option. Your hands and the earth will thank you.