When you’re miles from the nearest sink, maintaining hygiene becomes a crucial part of any outdoor adventure. Using the right soap isn’t just about feeling clean; it’s about respecting the delicate ecosystems we explore. Biodegradable soaps are essential for any responsible camper or backpacker, designed to break down safely without harming plants or polluting water sources.
The world of eco-friendly soaps has expanded, offering everything from concentrated liquids to innovative solid sheets. Choosing the best one depends on your trip length, pack weight, and intended use, whether for your body, dishes, or laundry. This roundup highlights the top performers for 2025, helping you stay clean and leave no trace behind.
Our Top Picks for Biodegradable Camping Soap
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Almond, Travel Size)
- Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash (3 Ounce)
- Coleman Camp Soap Sheets, 50 count
- Sierra Dawn Campsuds with Citronella
- Wilderness Wipes
- Sea To Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Hand Wash
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Peppermint)
- Campsuds Biodegradable Concentrated Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Almond, Travel Size)
Dr. Bronner’s is a legendary name in the world of all-natural soaps, and this travel-size version is perfect for backpackers. This concentrated, 18-in-1 formula is incredibly versatile, capable of cleaning your face, body, hair, laundry, and even your cooking gear. Its multi-purpose nature means you can carry a single, small bottle to handle all your cleaning needs, significantly saving on pack space and weight.
The soap is made with over 70% certified organic and fair trade ingredients, including organic olive and coconut oils. It contains no synthetic preservatives, detergents, or foaming agents, making it a gentle choice for your skin and the environment. The almond scent is mild and pleasant, offering a touch of comfort in the backcountry.
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash
For those who need a powerful cleaner that can tackle stubborn grime from cookware and gear without environmental guilt, the Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash is a top contender. Its super thick, concentrated formula means a little goes a very long way, ensuring the small 3-ounce bottle lasts for multiple trips. It is fully biodegradable and safe for personal use, pots, pans, and clothes.
The bottle itself is designed for the rigors of the trail. It features a small nozzle for precise dispensing and a secure lid that prevents leaks inside your backpack. This reliability and concentrated cleaning power make it a trusted choice for extended expeditions where performance is critical.
Coleman Camp Soap Sheets
If you are looking for the ultimate in lightweight and spill-proof hygiene, Coleman Camp Soap Sheets are a brilliant solution. These dry sheets lather up with a little water, providing a effective cleaning experience without any liquid to leak in your pack. The compact, durable case is easy to toss in a pocket or first-aid kit.
Each package contains 50 individual sheets, offering plenty of uses for a solo trip or a small group. They work with both hot and cold water and are biodegradable, making them a convenient and low-impact option for quick hand washing or cleaning up at the campsite.
Sierra Dawn Campsuds with Citronella
This all-purpose cleaner does double duty by helping to keep bugs at bay. Sierra Dawn Campsuds combines the effective cleaning power of the original Campsuds formula with citronella, lavender, and peppermint oils. These natural essential oils are known to deter insects, giving you some added protection while you bathe or wash up outdoors.
It is a concentrated, biodegradable soap that is safe for the environment when used correctly. The pleasant, herbal scent is a welcome alternative to the strong smell of chemical insect repellents, making your cleaning routine a more pleasant experience.
Wilderness Wipes
For situations where water is scarce or you need a quick refresh on the trail, Wilderness Wipes offer a practical solution. These are not a liquid soap but a pre-moistened wipe that is extra thick and infused with skin-friendly ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. They are ideal for a quick clean-up without the need for rinsing.
Their 100% viscose fiber construction makes them durable and effective for wiping away dirt and sweat. While they should be packed out like any other waste, they provide a high level of convenience for maintaining personal hygiene during long days of hiking or in base camp.
Sea To Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Hand Wash
Another fantastic dry-format option, the Sea to Summit Pocket Hand Wash, comes in a small, credit-card-sized container that holds 50 biodegradable soap leaves. This product is perfect for keeping in your daypack, purse, or pocket to ensure you can always wash your hands, even when away from a water source.
The leaves are phosphate and paraben-free and have a light, fresh green tea fragrance. Simply wet your hands, take one leaf, and rub it between your palms to create a rich lather. It’s an ultra-portable and mess-free way to maintain hand hygiene on the go.
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Peppermint)
For group trips or long-term camping, the larger 32-ounce size of Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap is an excellent value. The famous peppermint scent is invigorating and provides a cooling sensation that many find refreshing after a long, hot day on the trail. Like the travel size, it is a highly concentrated, multi-use formula.
Made with organic and fair trade ingredients, this soap is a responsible choice for the environmentally conscious adventurer. You can use it for virtually every cleaning task around camp, making it a versatile staple for your car camping kit or for splitting among a backpacking group.
Campsuds Biodegradable Concentrated Soap
A classic in the world of outdoor cleaning, Campsuds has been a trusted name for decades. This concentrated formula is designed specifically for outdoor use and is effective for washing your body, hair, clothes, and dishes. Its biodegradable composition ensures it breaks down safely in the soil.
The 4-ounce bottle is a great mid-size option that balances capacity with portability. It’s a straightforward, reliable, and highly effective soap that has proven itself on countless adventures, from weekend car camps to lengthy backcountry treks.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Biodegradable Soap for Your Next Trip
When I’m packing for a camping or backpacking trip, my biodegradable soap is as essential as my sleeping bag. But not all soaps are created equal, and picking the wrong one can be a hassle or, worse, harmful to the environment. Over the years, I’ve learned what separates a decent camp soap from a great one. Here’s what I look for when I’m choosing the best option for my adventures.
First and foremost, let’s talk about what “biodegradable” actually means in this context. For a soap to be considered safe for outdoor use, it needs to break down quickly and completely into non-toxic elements. Look for soaps that are plant-based and free from phosphates, sulfates (SLS/SLES), and other harsh chemicals. Even with these soaps, you need to use them responsibly. That means carrying water at least 200 feet away from any water source—like a lake, stream, or spring—to wash. I always dig a small cat hole for disposing of my soapy water to help it filter through the soil properly.
The form of the soap is a huge practical consideration. I tend to prefer liquid soaps stored in a reusable, leak-proof silicone bottle. They’re easy to measure out, and I can use them for everything from washing my hands to cleaning my cookware. However, solid soap bars are a fantastic zero-waste option. They are TSA-friendly for fly-in trips, won’t spill in your pack, and often last longer. Some even come with their own reusable container. For backpacking where every ounce counts, a concentrated liquid or a solid bar is usually the winner.
Finally, think about versatility. I don’t want to carry a separate soap for my body, my hair, and my dishes. A true multi-use soap saves space and weight. Many of the top biodegradable soaps are formulated to work as a body wash, shampoo, and even a laundry detergent or dish soap. I also pay attention to the scent. While a fresh, natural scent is nice, I opt for unscented or lightly scented options to avoid attracting curious wildlife to my camp.
By focusing on true biodegradability, a practical form factor, and multi-use versatility, you can find a soap that keeps you clean and protects the beautiful places you’re visiting. It’s a small piece of gear that makes a big difference in your backcountry comfort and your environmental impact. Finding the right one among the 8 top biodegradable soaps for camping and backpacking in 2025 is easier when you know what to look for.
FAQ
Is biodegradable soap safe to use directly in a lake or river?
Absolutely not. This is the most important rule of using soap in the backcountry. Even the most eco-friendly, rapidly biodegradable soap needs soil to properly break down. Using soap directly in any water source, no matter how “green” it is, introduces contaminants and can harm aquatic life. Always carry your water and your dirty dishes at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) away from the shore before you start washing.
What’s the difference between a biodegradable soap and a regular store-bought soap?
Most conventional soaps contain phosphates, surfactants, and synthetic perfumes that are designed for treatment in municipal water systems. In the wild, these ingredients don’t break down easily and can pollute water sources and damage plant life. A true biodegradable soap for camping is made with simple, plant-based ingredients that microbes in the soil can process quickly and safely, leaving no harmful residue behind.
Is a solid bar or a liquid soap better for backpacking?
This one comes down to personal preference and trip type. For most of my backpacking trips, I lean towards a solid bar. It’s lightweight, can’t spill, and is easy to pack out when it gets small. It’s also great for air travel. Liquid soaps are convenient for measuring out small amounts and can feel easier to use for washing hair or dishes. If you go with a liquid, make sure it’s highly concentrated and you store it in a truly reliable, leak-proof bottle.
Can I use biodegradable soap to brush my teeth?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. While it won’t harm you, the taste is generally unpleasant and not something I want to start my day with. It’s much better to use a toothpaste that is specifically formulated to be biodegradable or, even simpler, to just use a wet toothbrush without any paste. If you do use a small amount of soap, be extra diligent about spitting the residue out well away from water sources.
How do I properly dispose of soapy water when camping?
Proper disposal is key. After you’ve finished washing (well away from water), you have a couple of good options. The most Leave No Trace-friendly method is to dig a small “cat hole” 6-8 inches deep, pour the water in, and cover it back up. This allows the soil to filter the soap. In areas where the soil is very thin or rocky, some land managers recommend scattering the water broadly over a wide area. Always check the specific regulations for the area you’re visiting, as rules can vary.
Finding a soap that fits your needs is a key part of planning, and reviewing the options from a list of the 8 top biodegradable soaps for camping and backpacking in 2025 can give you a great head start.