Sustainable Travel Toiletries: Eco-Friendly Essentials
Estimated reading time: 26 minutes
Do you travel often? It might be time to consider the sustainability of your travel toiletries. As a digital nomad, who travels from place to place, I have some experience and recommendations for some sustainable and eco-friendly travel toiletries I’d like to share with you. I hope you find the following helpful!
Key takeaways
- The personal care and cosmetics industry creates 120 billion packaging units per year.
- Many beauty products still contain ingredients referred to as the “dirty dozen,” some of which are carcinogens and hormone disruptors.
- Choosing products made from natural, organic, and biodegradable ingredients can help you travel more sustainably.
- Products that come in refillable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging are more eco-friendly. Bonus if the product is package-free!
- Making these choices is better for the planet and your own health!
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Jump Ahead
Why Choose Green Travel Toiletries?
Sustainable Travel Toiletry Bags
Eco-friendly Containers and Bottles
Green Hair Products for Travel
Sustainable Skincare for Travel
Eco-conscious Oral Care for Travelers
Tools and Accessories for Sustainable Travel
Planet-Friendly Period Products
Cosmetics and Fragrance
Others Sustainable Toiletries
Savings on Sustainable Travel Toiletries
Why Choose Sustainable Travel Toiletries?
There are many reasons to be more eco-friendly and conscious when choosing our beauty and personal care products; our vacation toiletries shouldn’t be an exception.
From the many chemicals often found in cosmetics products to the microplastics and oodles of plastic packaging, many beauty products are bad for our bodies and the environment. The personal care and cosmetics industry creates 120 billion packaging units per year, most of which are made from plastic and ends up in our landfills and waterways. Many products still contain ingredients referred to as the “dirty dozen,” some of which are carcinogens and hormone disruptors. You can read more about these ingredients and how to be more sustainable in your beauty routine here.
Products contained in eco-friendly packaging and made from natural, organic ingredients sourced sustainably and manufactured ethically are key. Take it further and consider only ethical and sustainable toiletry brands that do not contain animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals. Some certifications to look for would be USDA Organic, COSMOS Ecocert, and Leaping Bunny.
Low-impact Toiletries for Travel – Tips and Recommendations
Sustainable Travel Toiletry Bags
Unless you are an extreme minimalist like my partner, you will likely need an eco-friendly toiletry bag to keep all your products in one place. I have stayed in many accommodations with zero shelving or counter space for storage, so I prefer a bag I can hang on the washroom door. For shorter trips, you may not need something as large or complex. The key to sustainability here is eco-friendly materials and socially responsible production.
GOT BAG Shower Bag Made of Ocean Plastic from Zero Waste Store
Made from 2.2 lbs of ocean plastic recovered as by-catch by fishermen in Indonesia, this eco-friendly toiletry bag is washable and waterproof. Shipped in Poly Mailers that are made with 100% recycled content. Circular and GOTS certified. Available to U.S. customers only.
Accessory and Tech Pouch Black Hemp from 8000 Kicks
Designed for gadgets and cords, the five internal pockets and central zipper accommodate small travel-sized toiletries perfectly. Made from 100% durable hemp, this waterproof and dustproof pouch will also stand on its own – perfect for the bathroom countertop! For the minimalist toiletries traveler – it fits in the palm of your hand.
Use code 8000KICKSANDSS for 10% off!
Rosa Pouch by Nisolo
Looking for something a little more chic and stylish? This pouch from B Corp and Climate Neutral certified Nisolo is water-resistant and made from sustainable leather certified by the Leather Working Group. Each of Nisolo’s products comes with a sustainability facts label and score for ultimate transparency.
Makeup and Toiletry Bags by Terra Thread
Choose from three styles and sizes made with 14-oz Fairtrade organic cotton in Fair Trade-certified factories. Your purchase also supports Feeding America’s campaign to end hunger by helping donate meals to kids and families in need.
Eco-friendly Bottles and Travel containers for Toiletries
Typically the bottles of lotions, shampoos, and other skin and hair products we use at home are too large to travel. Fear not; many sustainable travel bottles and containers are out there to fit your needs! From eco-friendly shampoo bottles to tins to bags, you’ll be able to pack your pills, lotions, and tools in an eco-friendly way (and without plastic!)
Tin Travel Kit* Without Plastic from Life Without Plastic
This kit (*now referred to as Tin Spice Kit) comes with 8 pieces of varying sizes, all meeting the 100ml flight capacity – perfect for every type of product you may need to bring traveling!
GoToob 3-Pack from Humangear
These silicone tubes are perfect for lotions, shampoos, SPFs, or other liquid-like products needed for travel. The LoopLock will ensure they don’t spill in your bag, either!
Suds and Co. Travel Tin
This tin is designed to fit SUDS & Co. Zero Waste Shampoo & Conditioner Bars, but there’s no reason you couldn’t use it for other travel essentials like pills, toothpaste tablets, or lotion!
Silicone Bags from Stasher
These bags made from premium food-grade silicone are lead, latex, BPA, BPS, or other phthalates free. Use them to pack accessories, soap bars, or snacks! They can also be recycled when needed through Terracycle with a free shipping label (U.S.)
Best Eco-Friendly Hair Products
From shampoo and conditioner to styling products and tools, there are plenty of sustainable travel toiletries for your hair necessities! Beauty bars and solid toiletries are super travel-friendly and usually come in minimal or zero packaging, unlike plastic bottles and pumps that rarely get recycled properly. You can also look for biodegradable shampoo bottles and ones made from PCR plastic.
Organic Shampoo Bar from Butter Me Up Organics
This cruelty-free, 100% organic ingredients shampoo bar is perfect for travel! This environmentally friendly shampoo bar provides a wonderful lather and can be used as a shampoo, soap, face wash, or shaving soap, while the organic cocoa butter nourishes and moisturizes.
Use code SSANDBMUO for 10% off!
Butter Me Up Organics also has an eco-friendly Natural Organic Dry Shampoo for those days between washings!
Conditioner Bar by The Beach People
This bar is sustainable, vegan, and plastic-free, with no artificial fragrances, parabens, silicones, petrochemicals, palm Oil derivatives, sulfates, or artificial dyes or colors. Featuring a cacao cutter, hemp oil, and rose geranium essential oil to nourish your locks properly.
Use code SUCCESSFULLYSUSTAINABLE for 10% off!
Beach Waves Ocean Hair Texturizer from Earth Harbor Naturals
Get those beachy waves with this mango sea-salt spray – no ocean frolicking necessary. Earth Harbor makes earth-friendly bath and body products that are synthetics-free, vegan, non-GMO, Fair Trade, and made in the U.S. Their products scream sustainability!
Another great option for travel and eco-friendly hair care is the women-owned Canadian brand Good Juju.
Sustainable Tools and Accessories for your hair
Ditch the plastic tools! There are many other sustainable materials from which personal care tools can be made, such as FSC wood, silicone, and metals like stainless steel. Check out these plastic-free travel toiletries.
Mini Bamboo Hairbrush from Zero Waste Store
This compostable, sustainably harvested bamboo hairbrush is the perfect size for travel!
The Zero Waste Scrunchie by The Good Tee
These Fair Trade scrunchies are gentle on your hair and made from up-cycled materials. They have many patterns and colors to choose from to suit your style!
Use code TGTANDSS for 10% off!
Find more plastic-free hair accessories and scrunchies at Kooshoo.
Not feeling the scrunchie trend? Try these Plastic-Free Hair Ties from Butter Me Up Organics.
Plastic free Hair Ties – Butter Me Up Organics
About this item:
- 100% cotton and natural rubber
- Plastic-free hair ties that are biodegradable
- Mindfully packaged and shipped without plastic
- Use code SSANDBMUO for 10% off!
Want to learn how to travel more sustainably in general? Read our article “A Dozen Sustainable Practices for a Sustainable City Trip.”
Eco-Friendly Skincare
When caring for your skin healthily, you want natural, organic ingredients. If you have extra sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free products. For an Earth-minded skincare routine, look for eco-friendly packaging that can be reused or recycled properly, like glass bottles and jars. Many brands also now offer a bottle return program or work with specialized recyclers like TerraCycle.
Hot Tip: Any of these clean beauty travel essentials would make an excellent eco-friendly gift for the traveling tree hugger in your life!
Sustainable Moisturizer
Mermaid Milk Nutrient Glow Moisturizer from Earth Harbor Naturals
This purely plant-derived moisturizer is lightweight, vegan, 86% organic, and made in small batches in the U.S. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, it will perfectly moisturize and nurture your skin.
Kahuna Body Lotion from Cocoon Apothecary
Infused with fresh lemongrass, flowery ylang-ylang, and sweet coconut, this scent will already make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise! This Canadian brand makes its vegan toiletry products in small batches in Ontario, and they have a bottle-back program for circularity.
Use code SUCCESSFULLYSUSTAINABLE for 10% off!
Planet Positive Soaps, Cleansers & Cloths
Say goodbye to single-use cotton pods and wipes. Invest in reusable, long-lasting, and high-quality travel-sized sustainable toiletries made from eco-friendly materials for your cleansing needs!
Face Wash Facial Cleansing Bar from Butter Me Up Organics
This bar is great for all skin types and balances the oil on your skin. Organic, cruelty-free, and suitable for acne-prone skin or those with sensitivity to harsh cleansers. And, beauty bars have one of the most responsible packaging of all toiletries!
Use code SSANDBMUO for 10% off!
Agave Leaf Holistic Cleansing Cloth from Earth Harbor Naturals
Wash off those long days spent exploring new landscapes and cities sustainably! A gentle exfoliator, this cloth is made from 100% pure agave leaf fiber and is completely biodegradable at the end of its life. Harvested, handspun, and handwoven by a women’s fair trade co-op in Mexico.
Reusable Facial Rounds/Cotton Pads from Zero Waste Store
These reusable pads made from 100% organic cotton come in a 20-pack in earth tones, white, or greys. Super versatile, you can use them to remove makeup, nail polish, apply toner, or exfoliate!
People & Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Natural Insect Repellent
Did you know that your sunscreen may be harming your health and the environment? If you want to be eco-friendly and avoid chemicals, pack a reef-safe SPF in your toiletry bag!
Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen by Earth Harbor Naturals
This SPF 30 sunscreen is reef-safe, non-nano, and 100% mineral-based. Earth Harbor Naturals is woman-owned, with all vegan products made in the U.S.A.
Reflector SPF 30 Facial Sun Protection from Cocoon Apothecary
This unscented, eco-friendly, and effective sunscreen packs hero ingredients like shea butter, rice bran oil, and sea buckthorn. Cocoon Apothecary is a Canadian brand that is COSMOS and Beauty Without Bunnies certified.
Use code SUCCESSFULLYSUSTAINABLE for 10% off!
Lemongrass Insect Repellent by Public Goods
All natural and safe for the whole family! No toxic chemicals or petroleum based ingredients and made in the U.S, it will come in a 100% recycled, post-consumer plastic bottle.
In case any of those suckers get by, you could also check out Butter Me Up Organics Bug Bite Anti-Itch Cream!
Bug Bite Anti-Itch Cream
About this item:
- Completely cruelty-free
- No sulfates, phthalates or parabens
- No synthetic dyes or fragrances
- Completely all-natural and safe
- Zero waste company
Oral Health
Plastic toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and dental floss are not earth-friendly! When it comes time to replace these items in your kit, why not make a more sustainable choice? Check out these minimalist toiletries for eco-travel!
Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes and pastes
Adult Bamboo Toothbrush 4 Pack from Butter Me Up Organics
With a splinter and water-resistant bamboo handle, these will arrive without plastic packaging. Butter Me Up Organics is cruelty-free, and all their items are made in small batches in studio in Livermore, California.
Use code SSANDBMUO for 10% off!
Toothpaste Tablets by Huppy
These vegan toothpaste pellets are available in four flavors – Peppermint, Charcoal Mint, Watermelon, and Strawberry. They contain nano-hydroxyapatite, a non-toxic fluoride alternative, and the aluminum case is perfect for travel!
Sustainable Floss & Mouth Wash
Natural Biodegradable Silk Dental Floss with Refillable Stainless Steel Metal and Glass Container
This floss from Butter Me Up Organics contains 100% biodegradable dental floss made from natural silk and natural candelilla wax. The silk is sustainably harvested and is 100% biodegradable, unlike traditional nylon dental floss.
Use code SSANDBMUO for 10% off!
Mouthwash Tablets by Huppy
Ditch the liquids and plastic bottles for these tablets made from cooling essential oils, soothing aloe vera, and plant-powered spirulina. This travel mouthwash container is a tin that makes it great for travel, and you won’t have to worry about bad breath when you meet new friends abroad!
Tools and Accessories for Sustainable Travel
In the long run, we are spending more money and harming the environment by purchasing items like disposable razors and plastic ear swabs. Invest in long-lasting, reusable eco-friendly bathroom essentials to care for your wallet and the planet!
Safety Razor from Cocoon Apothecary
Forget disposable plastic razors and invest in this well-balanced safety razor from Cocoon Apothecary! The handle unscrews for blade changes, and the shave plate can flip over for safe travel.
Use code SUCCESSFULLYSUSTAINABLE for 10% off!
Naked Reusable Swabs from Tree Hugger Cloth Pads
Replace over 2000 throw-away plastic swabs with these ones made from medical grade silicone with 100% bamboo handles. Simply wash them off and leave them to dry after use!
Microfibre Towel from Coalatree
I always bring a travel towel with me camping and abroad – you never know when you might want to take a dip! Coalatree makes eco-minded outdoor gear, like this super absorbent, quick-drying, and antimicrobial towel.
Use code ECOGEAR15 for 15% off!
Good Sleep Eye Mask from The Good Tee
Choose this 100% certified organic upcycled cotton mask for those overnight flights, bright streetlight-lit rooms, or when you want to sleep past sunrise! The inner filling is stuffed with the perfect amount of pillow softness to give you a good night’s sleep.
Use code TGTANDSS for 10% off!
Hemp Mask from 8000 Kicks
Since the pandemic, I always carry a mask when traveling. Not only useful for protecting yourself and others in crowded spaces or when you have a cold, but it can also help reduce allergies and the negative effects of smog-filled cities on your lungs. This one is water repellent, breathable, anti-bacterial, and fungal and made from 100% hemp fabric.
Use code 8000KICKSANDSS for 10% off!
Planet-Friendly Period Products
If you haven’t switched from disposable pads and tampons to reusable pads, period panties, or a menstrual cup, now is the time! Being an extremely active individual, I was reluctant to trust a cup not to leak while running or riding a bike. Since making the change, I haven’t had one single issue. Do yourself and the planet a favor and switch to these zero-waste sustainable travel toiletry options yourself!
Tree Hugger Cloth Pads and Period Underwear
Still using disposable pads as a backup on heavy flow days? Quit feeding plastic to the landfill and try these reusable pads. They are made in Canada, come in many fun patterns, and you can choose your fabric type!
Menstrual Cup from Saalt
Although a menstrual cup will take some getting used to and practice for use, I will never return to tampons again! This one from B Corp-certified Saalt is made from medical-grade silicone and odor free!
Cosmetics and Fragrance
I personally don’t use or pack many items in this category, but even if you’re a makeup maven, there are sustainable options! Once again, natural and organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging are key.
Environmentally-Friendly Makeup
Vegan Lip Balm, Blush, & Mascara by River Organics
Changing climates and sun exposure leaves my lips dry, so lip balm is a must for me when traveling. This certified organic, vegan, unscented lip balm comes in an eco-friendly paper tube that is compostable.
Use code ROANDSS for 15% off!
While you’re at it, check out their blush and highlighter sticks and vegan zero-waste mascara that are packaged sustainably and perfectly for travel!
Fat and the Moon All Natural Lip and Cheek Stain
Made with natural ingredients, this blackberry red tint will give your cheeks or lips a natural glow. The metal tin can be reused or recycled at the end of life!
Ogee Luxury Organics Makeup
NSF Organic and Leaping Bunny certified, Ogee is “Beyond Clean Beauty.” Their luxury travel-size toiletries are blended, filled, and packaged in the U.S. using 100% recycled paperboard.
Use code OGEEGLOW10 for 10% off!
Earth-Friendly Fragrance
Persephone 100% Botanical Eau de Perfume by Cocoon Apothecary
This fragrance smells like April rain with a burst of florals and honeyed violet. It contains organic cane sugar alcohol and natural fragrances. The sample size is ideal for travel (this size ships to Canada only.)
Use code SUCCESSFULLYSUSTAINABLE for 10% off!
Solid Perfume Balms by River Organics
Available in Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Rose scents, these balms are a blend of organic plant butters and oils. Each balm is hand poured into an eco-friendly, compostable paper jar that is travel-worthy!
Use code ROANDSS for 15% off!
Other sustainable travel toiletries
Aside from all the categories already mentioned, I typically pack a few more items in my toiletry bag for travel. You may not use them daily, but you’ll be glad you brought them along when you are in need! Don’t forget to pack first aid supplies like basic bandages and an antibacterial salve or spray. If necessary for your location, don’t forget to pack some natural insect repellent too!
All-Natural Bite and Burn Spray – Fat and the Moon
About this item:
- Completely cruelty-free burn spray
- Natural healer for any minor scrapes, cuts, or burns
- Completely all-natural and safe
- Shipped carbon neutral
- Bottle can be recycled, and the pump can be kept to use with a new refill bottle
Travel Size Laundry Sheets – Kind Laundry
About this item:
- Perfect, lightweight, mess-free solution for laundry on the go
- Made with zero-waste packaging and safer ingredients
- Goodbye to single-use plastic jugs and packaging
- Use code JULIENAVITKA for 10% off!
I own this set from Plaine Products, and I couldn’t be happier with it! I have sensitive, acne-prone, combination skin, and this works really well for me.
Travel Set – Plaine Products
About this item:
- Reusable travel sizes
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-GMO, Biodegradable, Sulfate-Free
- Palm Oil Free, Color Safe, Silicone Free
- Comes with body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion
- Get 20% off with code PLAINEANDSS
I’m far from a germaphobe but I never travel without hand sanitizer nearby! Plaine Product’s refillable travel sized bottle doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrance, and the 2.5oz travel size can be refilled with the 16oz bottle 6 1/2 times.
Handmade Organic Deodorant Polite Pitts – Butter me up
About this item:
- An all-natural and effective deodorant
- Comes in a 4 oz. a clear glass jar that can be reused or recycled
- Made with non- toxic premium ingredients.
- Completely cruelty-free
- Zero waste company
- Use code SSANDBMUO for 10% off!
Most deodorants contain harmful chemicals, including carcinogens. Before purchasing this one (which works great!), I went deodorant-free. This sustainable deodorant for travel from Butter Me Up Organics contains certified organic and natural ingredients, and the glass jar can be reused or recycled!
Brondell Travel Bidet
Help save some of the 15 million trees pulped annually for toilet paper needs in the U.S. with this handy gadget! Its collapsible design makes it compact, and the stow-away storage bag keeps it clean and discreet. The 100% silicone body is BPA-free, with a screw-top lid for easy filling. Comes with a one-year warranty and a choice of twilight blue, blush, or black.
Savings on Sustainable Travel Toiletries
Leading a sustainable lifestyle shouldn’t break the bank! Aside from the discount codes provided with some of the product recommendations in this article, here are some resources to help you find travel toiletries to help you shop sustainably on a budget!
- River Organics Imperfects – if you don’t mind the shape of your products being slightly imperfect! Use code ROANDSS for 15% off.
- Zero Waste Store Ugly Shampoo Bars – what’s appearance got to do with how well it works?
- Ecolunchbox lunch sets on sale – get deals on containers you can use for packing toiletries!
- Pela Last Chance Sale – find it on the website menu for a deal on phone cases and sunnies for travel!
- Earth Harbor Naturals – Save on Sets
- Tree Hugger Cloth Pads – Bundle Deals and Value Sets
- Stasher Sales – discounted items!
- Kind Laundry – Save on Bundles and use code JULIENAVITKA for 10% off!
Sustainable Travel Toiletries – Final thoughts
It is indeed easy, cheap, and convenient to grab your travel-sized items in tiny plastic bottles at the local pharmacy or dollar store. However, those tiny little bottles tend to end up in our landfills, not to mention how the chemical ingredients may affect your health and our waterways.
Next time you need beauty and personal care products think of natural, organic ingredients in recyclable, reusable, or refillable packaging! You can also watch for sustainable and eco-friendly third-party certifications that show a brand has invested in people and the planet. Zero waste travel is possible!
Happy Eco-Friendly Travels!
All products recommended to you on Successfully Sustainable are independently researched in depth. To avoid waste and lead a minimal lifestyle, we test products only when required. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about this here.
