6 Plastic-Free Shampoo Bars For An Easy, Eco-Conscious Wash
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We all need a good wash now and then—but it doesn’t always have to be from shampoo in a bottle. More and more, brands are releasing plastic-free alternatives that are as eco-friendly as they are effective at giving us shiny and smooth hair.
We’ve found these shampoo bars that tackle problems from waxy residue to dry scalp, and best of all, they’re all perfect at home or for travel. They’ll make your beauty routine easier (and more sustainable) than ever!
For more nontoxic hair products, check out our guide to natural hair care here.
1. Package Free Shop
Natural & Organic | Natural ingredients
Ethics | Ethically made, vegan, cruelty-free, compostable
Best For | Specific hair care needs (detoxing, hydrating, etc.)
Price | $19 for 2.2 oz.
Package Free Shop works with brands like Unwrapped Life who prioritize low-waste practices. These round shampoo bars make it easy to make the switch, because they offer five options based on your needs. Itchy scalp? Color-treated? Thinning hair? You can find the natural alternatives you need here, as well as coordinated condition bars. (Set up a recurring subscription to receive 10 percent off every time!)
2. byHumankind
Natural & Organic | Natural & organic ingredients
Ethics | Ethically-made, gluten-free, vegan, sulfate-free
Best For | Subscription shampoo
Price | $15 for 4 oz.
Want a shampoo bar to share? byHumankind crafts gender-neutral shampoo bars in scents like peppermint and lemongrass. Made ethically using organic and all-natural oils, each bar is cured for five weeks for the most effective wash. Your roots will thank you, once you’ve made the switch to this sulfate- and plastic-free alternative. Plus, they also offer subscriptions so you’ll never run out!
3. Sunniemade
Natural & Organic | Natural ingredients
Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, SLS- & paraben-free, recyclable & compostable packaging
Best For | Hydration for all hair types (including dyed)
Price | $13 for 2.1 oz.
For a long lasting cleansing bar that refreshes and hydrates no matter your hair type, look no further than Sunniemade’s shampoo bar collection that’s made from nourishing superfoods like mango butter, rosehip oil, and chia seed oil. These salon-quality bars are free from SLS/SLES, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and are made without animal products — plus, each bar replaces three 8 oz. bottles of shampoo. Use Sunniemade’s Routine Builder quiz to find the perfect bar for you, and check out the brand’s bundles that make it easy to get started with a more sustainable self-care routine.
Use code GOODTRADE15 for 15% off your order
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4. Meow Meow Tweet
Natural & Organic | Natural & certified organic ingredients
Ethics | Fair trade, palm oil-free, compostable & recyclable packaging, Leaping Bunny certified
Best For | Hair and body
Price | $12 for 4.5 oz
Hello, multipurpose shampoo bars! Meow Meow Tweet’s Rosemary Avocado bar isn’t just for washing hair, you can also lather it up on your body, too. This fair trade and Leaping Bunny certified bar comes in an eco-friendly box, easier to repurpose or recycle than regular plastic. Plus, we’re pretty sure you won’t want to leave the shower anyway, with its herbal scent and aromatic rosemary and floral goodness.
5. Bask & Bloom
Natural & Organic | Natural ingredients
Ethics | Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, paraben- & sulfate-free
Best For | Natural curly hair
Price | $14 for 4 oz
Bask & Bloom’s Shampoo Bar has been named a best-of winner by Cosmpolitan and Byrdie, and for good reason. Perfect for natural curly hair and locs (as well as for your face!), this spa-like bar mixes together mineral-rich clay, powder, honey, and nourishing oils for a deep clean. Each formula is cured for four to six weeks for maximum effectiveness! Bask & Bloom offers recurring subscriptions for 10 percent off.
6. Chagrin Valley
Natural & Organic | 100% certified organic and natural ingredients
Ethics | Cruelty-free, vegan, GMO- & sulfate-free, made in USA
Best For | Stimulating hair growth
Price | $9.50 for 5.6 oz; smaller samples available
Chagrin Valley is taking notes from women in India who’ve long used coconut oil for their hair. This organic bar provides moisture, deep conditioning, and plenty of nourishment for dry, suffering scalps. Best of all, it’s a natural way to detangle hair, too. (Can you imagine its milky coconut and almond scent!?) Longer, healthier hair—here we come.
