Plastic-free bathroom swaps that actually work

The short version

Swap things as they run out. There’s no need to throw away what you already have.
Toothpaste, soap, deodorant and lip balm are the easiest places to start, and the swaps work just as well.
Read the label as well as the packaging. Plastic-free packaging doesn’t help much if what’s inside is full of microplastics.

Most bathrooms are full of plastic bottles, tubes and pumps that are hard to recycle. The good news is that some of the best alternatives are also some of our best sellers, because people try them and keep coming back. These are the swaps we’d start with, with honest notes on each.

1. Toothpaste tube to a glass jar

Toothpaste tubes are made from layers of plastic and aluminium that most UK household recycling collections still don’t accept. Truthpaste comes in a glass jar with a metal lid, and there’s a children’s version too.

Honest note: it doesn’t foam, and you’ll need a small spoon or spatula. Our guide to using toothpaste from a jar covers it, including a straight answer on fluoride.

2. Shower gel to a bar of soap

One bar of soap can replace several bottles of shower gel. Our Patchouli and Sandalwood Soap is a traditional soap made from coconut, rapeseed and shea butter.

Honest note: keep it on a soap dish that drains, so it doesn’t go soft. If you prefer a liquid wash, our Sweet Dreams body wash comes in recycled glass and aluminium.

3. Aerosol deodorant to a push-up stick

Our Natural Deodorant Stick comes in a plastic-free push-up tube and is aluminium-free.

Honest note: it’s a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, so the first couple of weeks can feel different. Here’s what to expect when you switch.

4. Plastic lip balm to a tin

Sacred Lips is made with avocado oil, beeswax and coconut oil, in a reusable, recyclable aluminium tin.

Honest note: it contains beeswax, so it isn’t vegan.

5. Body lotion pump to glass

Pump dispensers usually contain metal springs and mixed plastics, which makes them hard to recycle. Our Vanilla Chai Body Cream comes in recycled glass, with cocoa butter, argan and grapeseed oil.

6. Plastic tampon applicators to cardboard

&SISTERS by Mooncup tampons have a twist-and-push cardboard applicator and a 100% organic cotton core. Their ultrathin liners have a cornstarch-based backing sheet.

Honest note: cardboard applicators still go in the bin, never down the toilet. Read more in organic cotton vs bamboo period pads.

7. Perfume bottle to a roll-on

A 10ml roll-on perfume made with essential oils is plastic-free, vegan and handmade in the UK. It’s small enough for any bag.

8. Suncream in a card pack

Most suncream comes in plastic bottles. Our Vegan Mineral Suncream SPF 30 comes in plastic-free recycled board packaging, and uses non-nano zinc oxide.

Honest note: mineral suncream needs rubbing in well to avoid a white cast. Our guide to mineral vs chemical suncream has tips, including how much to use.

9. Laundry without microplastics and dyes

This swap is about what’s in the bottle. Wilton London’s non-bio laundry liquid is made without microplastics, dyes, optical brighteners or phosphates. Our guide to bio vs non-bio explains the difference.

Don’t swap everything at once

The greenest product is usually the one you already own. Finish what you have, then replace it with something better when it runs out. It’s kinder on your budget too, and you’ll find out which swaps you actually like.