Sustainability

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Body Wash Refill: 12 Less-Waste Reusable Shower Gels

Using a body wash refill is a great way to cut down on wastage. I have compiled a list of some of the best I found on the market.

My personal favorite is the Public Goods liquid body soap. I love the essential oils in the product. I also love the delicate fragrances and the lack of harsh chemicals.

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Top 5 Body Wash Refill

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What types of refills are available?

Similar to zero waste hand soap washes, body wash refill’s come in a variety of forms.

Some people prefer the tablet form, this is simply a dissolvable tablet that is dissolved in water. Other body wash refills come in a concentrated form, this is just diluted in water for an environment friendly body wash.  

Some of the products on the list come in a pouch, these can be decanted into your dispensing bottle. Finally, a truly sustainable way to purchase your liquid refills is to buy in bulk, there are options for this on the list too!

Our List Of Reusable Shower Gels

1. Plaine Products Body Wash

A great vegan option with aloe vera.

  • Biodegradable
  • Available unscented
  • Great for a bubble bath
  • Available as a subscription
  • Sulfate and palm oil-free

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This body wash refill from Plaine Products is a great choice for a sustainable personal hygiene routine. It is produced from entirely natural and organic ingredients that are all vegan-friendly and non-GMO.

With your first order, you purchase a dispensing and pump dispenser, when you need a refill simply switch the pump to the refill bottle and return your bottle with the return label so it can be reused. 

This body wash refill is available as unscented or in Rosemary/Mint/Vanilla and Citrus/Lavender Scents.

Reviews

Reviewers are raving about this product, the only complaint was it didn’t come in bigger sizes! High amongst the praise was the rich lather and scent of the product which many reviewers loved.

2. Public Goods eco friendly body soap

A gentle on-the-skin body wash refill.

  • Vegan friendly
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Naturally derived scents
  • Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free

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This body wash from Public Goods comes in a refill pouch. It is manufactured using only natural ingredients, including a blend of essential oils that are formulated to nourish, refresh, and cleanse your skin, all without drying it out. Oils that are used include orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, petitgrain, celery seed, and rosewood.

The scent is also naturally derived and is made from a blend of grapefruit, herbs, and mandarin. This American manufactured product is also cruelty-free and suitable for vegans.

Reviews

Once again the reviews are positive about this product. Some reviewers remarked on how much they loved the scent, another said she was delighted about how mild it was and the fact it didn’t dry her skin out. One negative was the fact that the pouches are plastic.

3. Attitude eco refill energizing shower gel

A great bulk buy body wash refill option.

  • Hypoallergenic
  • It Cuts plastic use by 81%
  • Eco-friendly packaging
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Simply pour into the receptacle of your choice

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If you are looking to buy in bulk, then this liquid body soap from Attitude could be the product for you. This product is delivered in a dispensing box that is similar to wine boxes, simply pull the spigot out from within the box and fill up your dispenser for a sustainable body wash. You can even purchase a dispensing bottle along with your purchase.

This is a dermatologically tested product that is great for those with sensitive skin thanks to its hypoallergenic properties. Included in the ingredients are Attitude’s trademarked super-leaves, extract of orange leaf, and moringa seed.

The product has a delicate scent of orange and cardamom which is made from natural ingredients.

Attitude are also committed to planting a tree for each purpose, so you know this is a true environment friendly product.

4. Puracy Natural Body Wash Liquid Refill

Excellent product for even the most sensitive of skin.

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Certified cruelty-free
  • Biodegradable
  • Contains coconut cleansers
  • Clinical grade moisturizers

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This zero waste body soap from Puracy is a fantastic option for those with sensitive skin. It is formulated from 99.3% natural products and includes clinical-grade moisturizers to help keep your skin in perfect condition.

This product comes in a refill pouch and a separate dispensing bottle can also be ordered on your first purchase. You can also subscribe to receive your refills automatically, this will save 15% on each purchase.

It comes in three delicate fragrances Citrus & Sea Salt, Coconut & Vanilla, and Bergamot & Sandalwood.

Reviews

There are loads of fantastic reviews for this product. One reviewer loved how gentle on their skin it was and another commented on how moisturizing it was. There were some negative reviews with one reviewer reckoning it caused an allergic reaction.

5. Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash

A certified organic eco friendly body soap.

  • Biodegradable
  • Concentrated Formula
  • Available in bulk
  • Formulated with natural oils
  • Bottles made from recycled plastic

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Bathing culture body wash refill is a great all-round soap product that is perfect for both bath and shower. It is formulated using only products that have certified as organic.

The natural ingredients in the product include organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and other essential oils. This range of natural ingredients makes this a very skin-friendly choice.

The product comes in a concentrated form that just needs mixing with water. The scent is called Cathedral Grove Scent and is said to be reminiscent of redwood forests.

Reviews

I genuinely could not find a review with a negative word about this product. All the reviewers loved it with many saying it was great on their skin. One reviewer was particularly impressed by the “woody” scent of the product.

6. L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil

A great product for those that love shower oil.

  • Moisturizing formula
  • Made with natural almond oil
  • Produces a delicate foam
  • Rich in omega 6 and 9
  • Ideal for sensitive skin

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L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil is a fantastic choice for those that love the delicate foaming action of a shower oil. The almond oil comes in a refill pouch that can be used to refill a dispensing bottle and cuts down packaging by 78%.

The almond shower oil will work into a gentle lather upon contact with wet skin, the oil is formulated with sweet almond oil and grape seed oil, both of which contain omega 6 and 9 to nourish and soothe the skin.

It is recommended for use with normal to dry skin.

Reviews

The reviews are excellent for this product. One reviewer called it “decadent”, and another said it also makes an excellent shaving oil. Amongst a few negative comments was one reviewer who found that the product didn’t foam.

7. Soap Sense Foaming Refill Tablets

Made in the USA refill tablets.

  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Scented with 100% essential oils
  • Cruelty-free
  • Natural ingredients
  • Citrus Aroma

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If you are looking for a USA-manufactured environmentally-friendly product, then these refill tablets from Soap Sense fit the bill. The tablets are infused with orange and lemon essential oils for a natural citrus zing of a scent.

For lathering the tablets contain a coconut extract in the form of coco sulfate which is derived from natural coconut oil. The tablets contain no harsh chemicals, colorings, or preservatives and are not tested on animals.

The refill packs come in recyclable packaging and one pack is enough to make 6 8oz bottles.

Reviews

The reviews are mostly positive for this body wash refill. One reviewer loved the scent and the amount of foam that comes from the liquid. Another reviewer loved the silkiness of the product, although they said they weren’t completely dissolvable.

8. Earth Suds Body Wash

A great travel product, with single-use dissolvable tablets.

  • Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
  • Natural ingredients
  • Available scent-free
  • Single-use tablets
  • Available on subscription

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If you are looking for a great travel option, then these single-use tablets from Earth Suds could be just what you are looking for. To use this product wet one tablet whilst in the shower and begin to crush it, it breaks up and lathers into a rich foamy body wash. This makes it a highly portable option.

The ingredients are 100% natural and include essential oils like cedarwood and peppermint. Other active ingredients include green tea and jojoba oil. It is available either as an unscented body wash, or lightly scented with cedarwood and mint.

This is a new product on the market and is a unique take on body wash refill methods. If you are looking for a product that can be easily taken with you, even through airport security, then this fits the bill. It can also be paired with some of the travel-friendly, zero-waste mouthwash options that are available for even easier traveling.

9. Less Waste Co. Cedar and Sage Shower Gel

A deep cleansing and antibacterial body wash refill.

  • Supplied in a returnable glass jar
  • Available in 500ml or 1-liter options
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Great as a shampoo
  • Contains vitamin B5

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With this Shower gel, Less Waste has created a body wash refill scheme that charges a returnable deposit on their glass jars. It has a rich and earthy scent that is a blend of sage and cedar.

It uses 100% natural ingredients that include burdock root, nettle leaves, lavender, rosemary, and hemp seed oil. The ingredients are blended to produce a gel that is soothing to the skin and has natural antibacterial properties.

The premise of the scheme is simple, the gel comes supplied in a glass jar for which you pay a deposit. For each subsequent order, you tell them how many jars you are returning and they get picked up when your new order is delivered.

10. Seed Phytonutrients Body Cleanser

A lightweight foaming formula is at the core of this body wash refill.

  • Gluten-free and vegan
  • Natural scent
  • Packaged using compostable paper
  • Sulfate-free
  • Contains coconut oils

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Seed Phytonutrients Body Cleanser is a great choice for those with sensitive or dry skin. When in use the foam is lightweight and formulated to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

It has a refreshing scent of cedar leaf and beach sage which are based on natural ingredients. Amongst the active ingredients in this body wash refill are coconut, sunflower seed oil, guar beans, and vegetable glycerin.

The product is cruelty-free and suitable for use by vegans. It also ships in a compostable paper bottle for a truly eco-friendly experience.

Reviews

The reviews are positive for this product. One reviewer loved how light it was and another said the herbal scent made it perfect for the whole family. There weren’t many negatives but one reviewer didn’t like the scent or the feel of the soap.

11. Refillery Market Lavender Peppermint Castile Soap

A body wash refill that is so much more.

  • A multi-purpose product
  • Concentrate
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Biodegradable
  • Hand-made

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Refillery Market’s castile soap is more than just a body wash refill. This is a product that can turn its hand to just about any household cleaning chore. Castile soap is an olive-oil based cleaner that has been used for decades. This cleaner can be used for dishes, worktops, bathrooms, and of course as a body wash and shampoo.

It is supplied in a concentrated form in a returnable glass jar for which a deposit is paid. The concentrate can be diluted and used in any reusable spray bottle for household cleaning, and also in any receptacle you prefer for body wash purposes.

The ingredients are all natural and GMO-free, they include olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, vegetable glycerin, and is scented with a blend of lavender and peppermint essential oils.

If you are looking for one household cleaning product that can be used for a multitude of purposes then this product is the stand-out in this list.

12. The Unscented Company Body Wash Refill

An unscented refill that is made in Canada.

  • Available in bulk
  • Each purchase saves 8 plastic bottles
  • Unscented
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gentle on skin

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This Body Soap from the Unscented Company is a great option for large families. The soap contains no harsh chemicals and is gentle on the skin making it suitable for everyone from the youngest toddler to granny.

This unscented soap is made using 93% plant and mineral-based ingredients and is formulated to leave your skin feeling soft, moisturized, and smooth. It is also certified Leaping Bunny, meaning it has never been tested on animals.

The process couldn’t be simpler with this product. It comes in a 1-gallon bottle that can be used to fill whatever bottles you use in the bath and shower.

If you are looking for a simple, yet effective, cleaner that is manufactured in North America, then this could be the one for you.

Which Product Should I Choose?

I have selected a diverse list of products to ensure that there is a body wash refill to suit just about everyone. For those that prefer to receive a simple refill in a pouch format, then the offerings from Public Goods, and Puracy are fantastic options.

Body Wash Refill

If you prefer a shower oil, then the eco-friendly oil from L’Occitane is an amazing natural product. Along the same lines, the body wash refill from Seed Phytonutrients is a lightly foaming body wash that really zings.

If you are looking for a body wash refill that comes in a concentrated form, then the organic option from Bathing Culture is a great choice.

Sustainable shower soap

If you would prefer a bulk buy option then there are some great choices. The wine box approach from Attitude really simplifies the refill process. A great unscented option in the bulk-buying category is the Canadian-made body soap from the Unscented Company.

Of course, if you are looking to bulk-buy a product that is more than just a body soap, then the castile soap from the Refillery Market is the stand-out option.

Sustainable shower soap

If you prefer the tablet option, then the list has this covered too! For those that prefer tablets then the eco-friendly tablets from Soap Sense are amazing.  A great travel option with tablets is the single-use tablets from Earth Suds.

Finally, if you prefer products that use returnable containers, then the Plaine Products and Less Waste Co. options certainly fit the bill.

How can body wash refills reduce plastic?

Body Wash Refill

Single-use plastic bottles are an environmental nightmare. These bottles will still be around in decades, if not centuries. By using refills you can greatly reduce the number of plastic bottles that make their way into landfills each year.

What other products are available as a refill?

Reusable Shower Gels

Refillable products are a niche that is rapidly gaining momentum. These days just about any household cleaner or personal hygiene product is available as a refill. Kitchen and bathroom cleaners, hand wash, mouthwash, liquid detergents, and much more, are all available in refillable forms.

Liquid refill v soap bar – Which is more sustainable?

Much of this question boils down to the ingredients used in the product. For instance, a soap bar that is loaded with harsh chemicals will be less sustainable than a liquid refill that uses natural products, and vice-versa.

Sustainable shower soap

When comparing two similar formulated products, then the soap bar will just nudge it. Generally, soap bars require less packaging, are easier to transport, and don’t require any type of container for storage.

My personal favorite

Body Wash Refill

This is a fantastic range of products and choosing a favorite has been hard and when it boils down to it, a very personal choice. Personally, I love the Public Goods, Body Wash Refill. The scent is gorgeous and the high concentrations of essential oils leave my skin feeling amazing.

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