Tips For A Low Waste, Plastic-Free Bathroom
Looking to go low waste in the bathroom? Skip the single-use plastic and swap in products with eco-friendly packaging and refillable options. With just a few easy sustainable changes, you can cut back on bathroom waste and help reduce the plastic that ends up in our landfills and waterways.
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From disposable razors to body wash bottles to plastic toothbrushes, the bathroom is one of the quickest places for single-use plastic to pile up. The good news? You don’t have to give up your routine to make it more sustainable – there are low-waste swaps that work just as well (and often look better on your counter, too).
Plastic doesn’t simply disappear. It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces and can linger in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to long-term pollution and microplastics in our waterways.
And it’s not just an environmental issue – microplastics are now a growing health concern, since they’ve been found in drinking water and even in the human body. Researchers are still learning what long-term exposure means, but early studies raise questions about inflammation, hormone disruption, and other impacts.
Even when we recycle, the system isn’t built to handle it all – only about 9% of plastic is successfully recycled worldwide.
With more refillable and plastic-free options available than ever, transitioning to a lower-waste bathroom can be surprisingly simple. A few mindful swaps can add up to a big difference over time.
Below are the essentials to help you build a more eco-friendly bathroom, cut down on plastic waste, and create a cleaner personal care routine.
How many plastic toothbrushes, floss containers, and toothpaste tubes have you tossed over the years? Probably more than you’d think. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 1 billion toothbrushes end up in landfills every year – and plastic can stick around for centuries.
The good news is that eco-friendly oral care has come a long way. I’ve been swapping in lower-waste options (and yes, I get a little nerdy about dental care – my dad was a dentist). Small changes like a bamboo toothbrush, refillable floss, or mouthwash tablets can seriously cut down on bathroom plastic.
NoBS Toothpaste
A simple toothpaste option for anyone trying to cut down on plastic in their daily routine.
Plastic-free perk: Designed as a low-waste alternative to conventional toothpaste packaging.
Huppy Toothpaste Tablets
Toothpaste tablets are an easy swap that make travel (and everyday life) way less messy.
Plastic-free perk: Waterless, low-waste, and packaged to reduce single-use plastic.
Just Ingredients Tooth Powder
A minimalist alternative for those who prefer a tooth powder instead of traditional paste.
Plastic-free perk: A low-waste option that skips the typical plastic tube.
Canary Toothpaste Tablets
Another solid toothpaste tablet option for a cleaner, plastic-free routine.
Plastic-free perk: Tablet format keeps it refill-friendly and reduces packaging waste.
Etee Silk Floss
A favorite for anyone looking to avoid plastic floss and PFAS.
Plastic-free perk: Compostable silk floss in a refillable glass container – plus a great option if you’re trying to avoid microplastics in your routine.
Huppy Corn Starch Dental Floss
A more sustainable floss option that helps you ditch conventional plastic floss.
Plastic-free perk: Made with corn starch instead of plastic – a smart swap for reducing waste.
David’s Tongue Scraper
Tongue scraping is an underrated step for fresh breath and a cleaner-feeling mouth.
Plastic-free perk: A durable, long-lasting alternative to plastic tongue scrapers.
Huppy Mouthwash Tablets
No heavy bottles, no wasted water – just bite, sip, swish.
Plastic-free perk: Tablets help replace traditional mouthwash bottles (and take up way less space).
Gaia Guy Bamboo + Boar Bristle Toothbrush
A beautiful option if you want a more natural toothbrush upgrade.
Plastic-free perk: Bamboo handle reduces plastic waste, and boar bristles offer a more natural alternative to standard bristles.
Olas Mouthwash
A fresh-mouth staple that fits into a low-waste routine.
Plastic-free perk: A more eco-conscious swap compared to conventional mouthwash packaging.
Personal care is one of the biggest sources of bathroom plastic – from shaving to everyday grooming. The good news is that low-waste swaps are easier (and better-looking) than ever.
Attitude Oceanly Skincare
Solid skincare made for anyone trying to cut down on bathroom plastic without sacrificing results.
Plastic-free perk: Waterless, solid formats that help replace traditional plastic bottles and pumps.
Primally Pure Skincare
A more natural skincare option with a loyal following for simple, effective routines.
Plastic-free perk: Great for minimizing packaging-heavy products in your everyday lineup.
Earth Harbor Skincare
Plant-powered skincare that feels like a treat while still being mindful about ingredients and waste.
Plastic-free perk: A more eco-conscious alternative to typical skincare packaging.
Attitude Plastic-Free Deodorant
A solid deodorant swap that fits easily into a low-waste routine.
Plastic-free perk: Plastic-free packaging that helps reduce one of the most common bathroom throwaways.
Sandalwood Comb
A small upgrade that makes a big difference over time.
Plastic-free perk: Durable, long-lasting, and replaces plastic combs that crack and get tossed.
Badger Shave Bar
A shaving staple that skips the aerosol can and plastic bottle.
Plastic-free perk: Solid bar format helps reduce packaging waste and keeps your routine refill-friendly.
Leaf Razor
A sleek reusable razor that seriously upgrades your shave routine.
Plastic-free perk: Replaces disposable plastic razors – only the blades need replacing.
Typology Cleansing Bar
A gentle cleansing bar that simplifies skincare and cuts the clutter.
Plastic-free perk: Solid cleanser format helps eliminate plastic bottles and excess packaging.
Attitude Bar Soap
An easy everyday swap that works for hands and body.
Plastic-free perk: Bar soap is one of the simplest ways to reduce plastic packaging fast.
Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Bar Soap
A classic for sensitive skin and fragrance-free routines.
Plastic-free perk: No plastic bottle needed, and the unscented option is great for low-tox households.
Kate McLeod Naked Body Stone Moisturizer
A dreamy solid moisturizer that feels luxe and minimal all at once.
Plastic-free perk: Concentrated, waterless hydration without a plastic lotion bottle.
Poppy & Pout Lip Balm
A cute, clean lip balm that’s easy to keep everywhere.
Plastic-free perk: Paper tube packaging replaces traditional plastic chapsticks.
Bamboo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
An easy swap if you want to cut down on disposable cotton rounds.
Plastic-free perk: Washable and reusable, which means less waste and fewer one-time purchases.
The Unscented Company Lotion
A simple lotion option for sensitive skin and fragrance-free routines.
Plastic-free perk: A more low-waste alternative to conventional lotion packaging (great for streamlined bathrooms).
Shampoo bottles, body wash, loofahs – shower plastic adds up fast. These plastic-free swaps make it easy to ditch single-use packaging without sacrificing your routine.
Attitude Bar Soap
A simple everyday shower staple that gets the job done without extra packaging.
Plastic-free perk: Bar soap is an easy swap for reducing plastic bottles fast.
Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Bar Soap
A classic, fragrance-free option that works well for sensitive skin households.
Plastic-free perk: No plastic bottle required, and the bar format keeps things low-waste.
Everist Body Wash Concentrate
A creamy concentrate that feels luxe and lasts longer than you’d think.
Plastic-free perk: Waterless concentrate means less packaging, less shipping waste, and fewer bulky plastic bottles.
Plaine Products Body Wash
Refillable body wash for anyone who wants liquid soap without the single-use plastic.
Plastic-free perk: Comes in refillable aluminum bottles designed to be reused again and again.
Plastic-Free Loofah
A shower scrubber upgrade that feels spa-like and compost-friendly.
Plastic-free perk: A natural alternative to plastic bath poufs that shed microplastics over time.
Good Juju Shave Bar
A solid shave option that glides on smoothly without aerosol cans or plastic bottles.
Plastic-free perk: Bar format eliminates the need for traditional shaving cream packaging.
Natural Loofah Sponge
A classic exfoliating sponge made from plants, not plastic.
Plastic-free perk: Compostable at end of life and a great swap for synthetic sponges.
Primally Pure Bath Soak
A relaxing add-on for baths or foot soaks that feels like self-care without the waste.
Plastic-free perk: Glass jar is a low-waste alternative to packaging-heavy bath products.
Odacité Bar Shampoo
A solid shampoo option that keeps your shower routine streamlined and minimal.
Plastic-free perk: No plastic bottle, and a little goes a long way.
Plaine Products Shampoo + Conditioner
Refillable hair care that lets you stick with liquids without the waste.
Plastic-free perk: Refillable aluminum bottles help replace single-use plastic shampoo packaging.
Everist Shampoo + Conditioner Concentrate
A modern haircare swap for anyone who wants fewer bottles in the shower.
Plastic-free perk: Waterless concentrates reduce packaging, shipping weight, and overall waste.
Good Juju Shampoo + Conditioner Bars
A solid haircare duo that makes plastic-free showering feel super doable.
Plastic-free perk: Bar format replaces plastic bottles completely and is great for travel.
Tubes of mascara, lip gloss, and bulky compacts – makeup packaging adds up fast. Thankfully, more beauty brands are moving toward refillable, reusable, and lower-waste options that don’t sacrifice performance. I’ve tried products from many of the brands below and I’m genuinely impressed with the quality – plus several offer cleaner formulas made without ingredients like parabens and common endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Salt New York Makeup
Minimal, buildable makeup that makes it easy to streamline your routine.
Plastic-free perk: Designed around refillable pans so you can reuse your compact instead of rebuying full packaging.
Salt New York Quad
A customizable quad that’s perfect for everyday makeup (and travel).
Plastic-free perk: Refillable format helps cut down on single-use packaging.
Salt New York Lip + Cheek Refills
Cream color that works double-duty and keeps your makeup bag simple.
Plastic-free perk: Refill pans reduce packaging waste and make reordering easier.
Salt New York Compact
A sleek reusable compact made to last.
Plastic-free perk: Built for refills, so you’re not throwing out packaging every time you hit pan.
Attitude Oceanly Sustainable Makeup
Solid-format makeup that’s beginner-friendly and easy to toss in a bag.
Plastic-free perk: Waterless, low-waste formats that help replace traditional plastic makeup tubes and containers.
MOB Beauty
Modern makeup with a strong refill-first approach.
Plastic-free perk: Many products are made to be refilled rather than replaced, cutting down on unnecessary packaging.
Ere Perez Beauty
Botanical-forward beauty that feels fresh, wearable, and elevated.
Plastic-free perk: A more eco-conscious alternative to conventional makeup packaging (great for a low-waste routine).
Axiology Lip-to-Lip Balmies
A cult favorite for effortless color you can swipe on anywhere.
Plastic-free perk: Minimal packaging and multi-use formulas help reduce makeup waste overall.
Axiology Multi-Sticks
One product, multiple uses – cheeks, lips, and even eyes.
Plastic-free perk: Multi-use sticks mean fewer products, less packaging, and a simpler routine.
Elate Cosmetics
A refillable makeup brand that makes low-waste swaps feel easy and polished.
Plastic-free perk: Refillable components help you keep what you already have and just replace the product.
RMS Beauty
A clean beauty staple for glowy, natural-looking makeup.
Plastic-free perk: Many products come in glass packaging, which can be a lower-waste alternative to plastic.
Bathroom cleaner bottles are another easy place for plastic to pile up. Instead of buying new sprays every time, look for concentrates, refill systems, or tablet-based cleaners that let you reuse the same bottle again and again. Keeping a simple cleaning caddy with a few essentials also helps cut down on duplicates, clutter, and unnecessary waste.
Branch Basics Concentrate Glass Cleaning Kit
A streamlined cleaning system that replaces multiple single-use cleaners with one versatile concentrate.
Plastic-free perk: Refillable approach helps cut down on plastic spray bottles and packaging over time.
Hemp Wood Toilet Brush
A more elevated bathroom essential that skips the all-plastic brush situation.
Plastic-free perk: Replaces plastic toilet brushes with a more durable, lower-waste alternative.
Plastic-Free Biodegradable Sponges
An easy swap that makes daily cleaning less wasteful.
Plastic-free perk: Biodegradable materials help replace synthetic sponges that can shed microplastics and end up in the trash quickly.
Silicone Bathroom Squeegee
Perfect for keeping shower glass clean and reducing buildup (with less scrubbing later).
Plastic-free perk: Long-lasting and reusable, so you’re not constantly replacing cheaper plastic tools.
Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets
A waterless cleaner that keeps things simple and effective.
Plastic-free perk: Tablet refills reduce plastic packaging and eliminate the need for bulky single-use bottles.
Meliora All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
A solid choice for everyday messes with a more low-waste mindset.
Plastic-free perk: Refillable format helps you reuse the same bottle instead of tossing it.
Force of Nature Non-Toxic Disinfectant
An EPA-registered disinfectant made from simple ingredients you can use throughout the home.
Plastic-free perk: Reuse the same device and bottles, reducing repeat plastic purchases compared to conventional disinfectant sprays.
Many conventional period pads contain plastic, which adds up quickly over a lifetime. Some research has also found chemicals like phthalates in menstrual products, raising questions about unnecessary exposures in items we use so regularly.
If you’re looking for a lower-tox, lower-waste swap, choose plastic-free options when possible and stick with period care made from simpler materials, like organic cotton pads and tampons. Reusables like menstrual cups and period underwear can also be great options for cutting down on waste long-term.
Glad Rags Reusable Menstrual Pads
A comfortable reusable option for anyone wanting to cut down on disposables.
Plastic-free perk: Washable and rewearable, which means dramatically less waste over time.
Natracare Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads
A more natural alternative to conventional pads.
Plastic-free perk: Made with organic cotton and designed to reduce plastic-based materials commonly found in mainstream pads.
Natracare Organic Cotton Tampons
A simple swap for a cleaner period routine.
Plastic-free perk: Organic cotton tampons without the typical plastic-heavy materials and additives found in many conventional options.
Lena Sensitive Menstrual Cup
A reusable cup option designed with comfort in mind.
Plastic-free perk: One cup can replace hundreds of disposable products, helping reduce both waste and packaging.
Saalt Menstrual Disc
A reusable disc alternative that’s great for an active lifestyle and longer wear.
Plastic-free perk: Replaces single-use period products and cuts down on monthly trash.
Bambody Period Underwear
Absorbent underwear that makes period care feel simpler and more low-waste.
Plastic-free perk: Reusable and washable, replacing pads and liners and reducing disposable waste.
Innersy Period Underwear
Another easy reusable option for backup or full coverage days.
Plastic-free perk: Wash-and-wear design helps reduce single-use products while keeping you comfortable.
More Natural Living Inspiration
References
- https://greenerstate.com/the-stem/10-reasons-why-you-should-rethink-plastic-and-5-ways-to-reduce-plastic-waste/
- https://greenerstate.com/the-stem/10-reasons-why-you-should-rethink-plastic-and-5-ways-to-reduce-plastic-waste/
- https://greenerstate.com/the-stem/10-reasons-why-you-should-rethink-plastic-and-5-ways-to-reduce-plastic-waste/
- https://www.foreo.com/mysa/how-toothbrushes-affect-environment-infographic/
- https://www.natracare.com/blog/how-much-plastic-in-sanitary-pads/
- Chan Jin Park, A. et al. Sanitary pads and diapers contain higher phthalate contents than those in common commercial plastic products. Reprod Toxicol. 2019 Mar; 84: 114–121.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6504186/