10 Zero Waste Bathroom Swaps

The easiest zero waste bathroom swaps are products you already replace often: soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, and shaving supplies. Use what you have first, then choose the next replacement that fits your routine and local disposal options.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, The Zero Waste List may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

10 practical zero waste bathroom swaps

For product-specific comparisons, start with our current guides to plastic-free dental floss, sustainable shaving products, and Who Gives A Crap toilet paper.

1. Soap → Zero waste soap

Bar soap is one of the simplest ways to avoid a new body-wash bottle. If you prefer liquid soap, refillable Plaine Products Bath and Body Soap is another option. Local bar soap and the refillable products in the shop give you different price, scent, and packaging choices.

2. Toilet paper and facial tissues → Recycled toilet paper and facial tissues

Recycled and bamboo toilet paper both avoid virgin wood pulp, but their sourcing, texture, and price can differ. Compare the materials and packaging in our Who Gives A Crap sustainability review, see how it stacks up in our Who Gives A Crap vs Save Trees comparison, or use the affiliate link to shop Who Gives A Crap. If the limited wrapper drop is the draw, our Parks Edition update covers the current box and subscription details. If you prefer a widely available recycled-paper brand, read our Seventh Generation review. If bamboo fits your priorities, compare bamboo toilet paper options before choosing a box.

3. Toilet paper → Bidet

A bidet attachment can reduce how much toilet paper a household buys. It still uses water, and the result depends on the fixture and routine, so treat it as a paper-reduction option rather than a no-waste guarantee.

4. Synthetic towels → Bamboo or hemp towels

Microfiber towels commonly contain nylon or polyester. If a towel is due for replacement, compare the full fiber label, durability, washing instructions, and disposal options. “Bamboo,” “hemp,” and “organic cotton” labels do not by themselves establish a lower total impact; blends and manufacturing methods vary.

5. Regular faucets → Water efficient faucets

Before replacing a working fixture, check for leaks and compare the fixture’s rated flow. Water-efficient showerheads and faucets can reduce water use, but the result depends on the old fixture, the new flow rate, and household use. Fixing a leak may be the lowest-cost first step.

6. Oral care → Toothpaste tablets and refillable floss

Toothpaste tablets replace the conventional squeeze tube with a smaller-format product, but formulas differ, so check whether a tablet contains fluoride if that matters to your dental routine. Unpaste toothpaste tablets are one option. For floss, our plastic-free dental floss guide compares Treebird silk floss, EcoRoots bamboo floss, and refillable choices.

7. Liquid shampoo and conditioner in single-use bottles → Shampoo and conditioner bars

Shampoo and conditioner bars remove the rigid bottle used by many liquid formulas, but packaging and ingredients vary by product. Choose a bar based on hair type, ingredient preferences, and storage needs, and keep it dry between uses.

Refillable shampoo and conditioner are another option for people who prefer liquids. Plaine Products uses reusable aluminum bottles that customers return for cleaning and refilling; our Plaine Products review explains the process and trade-offs.

8. Disposable Razor and shaving cream → Reusable razor and organic shaving soap

Disposable razors combine materials that many curbside programs do not accept. A reusable safety razor with replaceable blades reduces the disposable parts. Compare options in our sustainable shaving products guide, and use the EcoRoots Organic Shaving Soap page for the current affiliate buying route. You can also shop the stainless steel safety razor or package-free shaving soap directly.

9. Makeup → Zero waste makeup

Even if the makeup is totally organic and biodegradable, many cosmetics come in plastic packaging, parts of which cannot go in curbside recycling. See here for a comprehensive list of zero waste makeup; many products are conveniently available on Etsy.

10. Skin care → Zero waste skincare

While they may not all be zero waste, every drug store tends to have organic and cruelty-free skincare options available. At the very least, be sure to avoid cleansers and scrubs that include exfoliating microbeads: microbeads are microplastics that are too small to be filtered out of the water and they end up as ocean pollution.

Conclusion

Don’t throw away a usable item just to make a swap. Use, donate, or repurpose what you have first, then compare replacements when you next need toothpaste, floss, a hand towel, or soap.

Start with the product that is already empty or worn out. Replacing only what you need avoids discarding usable items and makes it easier to compare price, packaging, and fit one swap at a time.

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