Plastic free living - it's a movement that is finally starting to make waves across the world, and one that a lot of people are curious about.  And today I'm back to bring you some fab ideas to get you started on switching over your routine with plastic free alternatives!

My last edit proved really popular, and I was so so happy that so many of you found the guide helpful.  That's always what I strive for with my reviews and roundups - I want to make your lives easier and inspire change.  So after several requests for more plastic free ideas, I'm back with a Volume 2 to my bathroom essentials collection!

Whether you are just easing in to a more sustainable lifestyle or are a long term eco warrior, this little roundup should provide lots of ideas for how you can switch out products in your cabinet for natural and zero waste versions.  And I've done the trial and error so you don't have to worry about picking out a dud.  No chance of buying one of the not so stellar products out there that might frustrate you - just pure effective green goodness here!

I will say I have not even scraped the surface in this edit, so this won't be the last one you see from me!


P.s. if you are looking for a full breakdown of every category in the bathroom, head over to Volume 1 to start!  This guide is an extension of that initial guide, and provides more ideas for those looking to build a repertoire of plastic free treatments!




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* This post contains affiliate links and some products have been gifted

No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.

Plastic Free Dental Hygiene

Woobamboo Adult Medium Toothbrush
I'll be honest, most of the "eco friendly" toothbrushes have there flaws and strengths.  Every single one still contains plastic as I explained in my last bathroom essentials edit, but they are still more sustainable than the traditional plastic ones.  And while they could all still improve in terms of becoming truly zero waste, I've found almost all of them effective and worthwhile.

A recent brand I have tested out is Woobamboo, an oral care business that produces biodegradable goodies for people and pets alike.  As I've been doing my best to follow the six month guidelines for replacing my toothbrush, I have slowly been working my way through different options, and this is the latest changeover - and so far so good!

I'm currently using the Adult Medium Toothbrush which uses panda friendly organic moso bamboo (which is able to be composted!) for the handle and Dupont Tynex bristles (a BPA free nylon).  I was really frustrated to find the product came inside of plastic packaging, so that was a no no from me straight off the bat, though I was at least happy to find that Woobamboo does address this on their website:

They also say that as of summer 2020 the PET plastic will be fully replaced in stores with cardboard boxes - yay!

As for the nylon bristles, while they are NOT biodegradable (despite what the info box on the description states), they are durable and relatively soft.  I've found that this makes for a comfortable experience and leaves my teeth feeling clean, and it doesn't irritate my gums which is a big plus.  Overall, a good alternative to fully plastic toothbrushes, and one of the more affordable options out there!


Ben & Anna's Mouthwash - Sensitive
I mentioned this alternative in my last review, but I finally got my hands on one and have been working my way through the giant bottle ever since it arrived.  As you know, Ben & Anna's plastic free toothpaste is my top choice when it comes to zero waste alternatives, but how does the mouthwash compare??

Pretty well actually!  The liquid is lightweight and feels as you would expect, and it works to protect your mouth and keep everything healthy with the help of disinfecting sage, soothing aloe, vitamin rich sea buckthorn, and freshening peppermint.  This is a great addition to any dental care routine, and I'm so happy I finally got my hands on it!

The initial taste is cooling and minty, and I find it swishes around your mouth just as a traditional formula would - it gets into all the little nooks and crannies, and you can feel it working its magic as you move it around.  The peppermint is so refreshing and gives me that minty breath I want, plus I find the formula is incredibly gentle and it doesn't bother my gums or teeth nor does it leave that achy feeling that highstreet brands produce.

I will say there is a strange aftertaste to this, and while I don't find this pleasant (it's quite bitter!) it is not as prominent as the flavour from other plastic free mouth washes I have tried.  It disappears after a few minutes, and you are left with subtle peppermint, but it is worth mentioning as I know many people are sensitive to taste!

This is definitely my top choice for a zero waste mouthwash right now, and it is the closest thing to a mainstream formula I have found - liquid, in a big (glass) bottle, and freshens breath while also fighting bacteria and deep cleaning those hard to reach places.


Georganics Floss
I've been using Georganics floss for a few years now, and I have to say it is probably my favourite product from their range.  The canister is travel friendly, it is easy to use, and I find it is the perfect size for getting in between my teeth (which is a feat in itself as some of my teeth have very little space to wiggle into!).

There are three types of floss to choose from, all of which are coated in candelilla wax and organic essential oil.  Two of these are made with natural silk and are able to be composted (one is Orange flavoured and one is Spearmint), and one which is vegan friendly but contains 20% polyester yarn making it unsuitable for composting.  Which one you choose is totally up to your lifestyle choices, but either one you opt for you are reducing plastic waste by a significant amount - especially when you consider that these are all refillable!

I personally use the vegan Activated Charcoal floss, as I find silk a difficult material to navigate in terms of ethical sourcing and I am just more comfortable selecting the option that contains no animal bi-products.  I find this is gentle on my gums while still remaining really effective, and the string is really strong which makes for a great experience.  It is simple to dispense, coming away from the metal lid without any fuss, and since it is so sturdy I find I only need to use a tiny amount for my whole mouth, meaning this 30 metre roll lasts ages!


Organically Epic Charcoal Infused Peppermint Vegan Dental Floss
Another way to reduce your plastic footprint in the bathroom when it comes to flossing is with Organically Epic - their Charcoal Infused option is vegan friendly, refillable, and pretty accessible in terms of shop presence from what I have noticed.  I have found the brand available in my local green grocer as well as natural shops in the city centre, plus they are stocked by lots of online retailers including Love Lula.

The floss itself is a mix of charcoal fibers and polyester, and it comes inside a glass canister with a metal lid that has an edge to cut the string.  While I do not find this quite as sturdy as the Georganics floss (it does have a tendency to rip on occasion before I have finished using it), I love how minty it is in comparison.  I find this really helps to freshen my breath, and I love how cooling it is!

I also really appreciate how upfront Organically Epic is about packaging and how to dispose of it when it is empty.  They have very clear instructions and are open about what can and cannot be composted:

The floss will need to go in your general recycling. It is not biodegradable but it is a much better alternative to conventional floss. The glass tube and aluminum can be recycled but, feel free to purchase our floss refills and reuse the glass and aluminium packaging The cardboard kraft packaging can be recycled or put in your compost for breakdown.

If you're looking for a way to limit plastics in the bathroom, this is definitely a brand to look into!


Organically Epic Tongue Cleaners (Stainless Steel)
Another product from the range is the Tongue Cleaners, and to be totally honest I had absolutely no idea this kind of tool existed until I was sent some to test as a judge in 2020's Beauty Shortlist Awards.  What is this mysterious device, and why would I need such a thing in my routine???

Well, turns out cleaning your tongue regularly is pretty important and can help improve your day to day in several ways!  By removing debris on your tongue you are "fighting bad breath and halitosis as well as enhancing your taste buds" -- who knew?!

The tongue cleaner from Organically Epic is made from recyclable stainless steel and is designed to be safe and simple to use on a daily basis.  The edges are blunted so you do not risk damaging your mouth, but as you lightly scrape along the surface of your tongue you are getting rid of unwanted buildup that can contribute to poor dental hygiene.  So if you're super conscious about oral care, this is definitely a plastic free essential for you!

Plastic Free Bath and Shower

Fair Squared Vanilla Shower Gel
I was so thrilled to find a zero waste shower gel, as this has proven to be one of the trickier plastic free essentials to track down.  When I saw that Fair Squared had a giant bottle in their range, I was beyond happy - it was in a scent that I enjoy, came in a generous size, was affordable, and was available on Love Lula meaning it was super accessible!  What more could I ask for?

Well, it turns out I could ask for a cap that actually came off the jar...

Yep - I have been struggling with this shower gel for weeks now trying to open it!  Nothing worked.  I've tried twisting with all my strength, patting the bottom, warming up the top with hot water, using a silicone mat to get traction...  It just remained closed.

I'm positive this is just bad luck and that this is not a normal experience, but still.  It was very frustrating.  I actually thought I was just going to have to ask someone to describe this to me so I could live vicariously through them and know what I was missing.  But then something miraculous happened - MY BOTTLE OPENED!

And I can now say that this is a product for those looking for a creamy shower treatment rather than a typical gel - the Fair Squared formula is fairly thick and on the richer side, and it definitely has a moisturizing punch to it.  My skin felt soothed and nourished after using this, and I was happy to find it did not strip my skin but actually worked to protect and heal while it washed away the day.  While I find the scent much too sweet for me (not distinctly vanilla in my opinion), it was certainly a nice surprise overall.


Flawless Luxury Body Wash
Another plastic free body wash!!  Yes, I really hit the jackpot recently by finding not one, but TWO shower gels that are housed in more sustainable packaging.  The Flawless Luxury Body Wash comes in three scents: Oriental Bliss, Sparkling Citrus, and Sweet Dreams.  I picked up a mini bottle of Oriental Bliss to test out before committing to a larger size, and I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised by how lovely this actually turned out to be.  And not just because this immediately opened for me with no fighting.

The gel is exactly what you would expect from a body wash - a little viscous but easy to get out of the bottle and apply, lightweight, and lathers up really well when activated with water making for a thorough cleanse or even a good little bubble bath.  This does contain a small amount of colouring which gives this the delicate light pink shade, however I find the gel is non-irritating and doesn't bother my skin at all.  And the scent is pretty fab - different from what I normally go for, with a heady floral aroma that reminds me of cherry blossoms in full bloom.  I don't get a strong frangipani or jasmine smell, but rather a fusion that is bright and cheery.  Definitely one to check out!




Bathing Beauty Bath Salts
These were actually a discovery I made during 2019's Beauty Shortlist Awards, and I'm surprised it has taken me this long to shout Bathing Beauty out for their plastic free range!  Their bath salts in particular have won me over, as they come in giant glass jars that last for ages.  There are two canister scents (Sunshine and Morpheus) and one packet version (Jones the Bones), and all have a base of epsom which makes for a soothing treatment every time.

I've used Morpheus which is a calming blend of lavender and patchouli that is seriously perfect for easing your mind and body at the end of a long day.  I find this ideal for evenings, as it helps quiet my thoughts and gets me prepared for slipping off to dreamland.  The salts are ultra fine, meaning they dissolve quickly and easily under running water, and the aroma disperses evenly in the steam so your bathroom is filled with the peaceful fragrance and you can breathe it in as the warmth of your bath envelops you.

The only downside is there are no refills available from the brand (at least not yet), so once this empties you either need to buy a whole new jar or choose the Jones the Bones packet to then pour into your glass pot.  But other than that, these bath salts are a fab alternative to check out!


Moksa Bath Salts
Moksa: a Sanskrit word meaning liberation, bliss and inner peace.

That is exactly what this natural beauty brand delivers, and all within plastic free packaging!

I picked up a pot of these beautiful salts some time ago, and have been meaning to restock ever since my jar ran out because they are so fragrant and affordable.  The plastic free aspect is just the cherry on top when it comes to this product because everything about these is exactly what I want in an artisan bath treatment - visually pleasing, effective, generously sized, and filled with natural goodness.

There are two blends available from Moksa: the Sel de Guerande & Lavender version which is a tranquil and tension reducing mix of lavender oil and lavender flowers, and the Damask Rose & Vetivert Himalayan version that contains rose absolute, vetivert and geranium essential oils, and dried rose petals which makes for a romantic yet grounding soak.

Both have a base of both epsom and French sea salts, and that makes this an even more desirable plastic free pick for me - many inexpensive treatments skimp on the quality or opt for a simpler approach and do not bother to include a mix of different varieties.  Moksa has really thought about what will make for a balanced bath and will help ease aches, pains, and stresses, and their fab creations highlight the values that run through the heart of this eco friendly handcrafted range.


Kiss the Moon Bath Salts
Oh how I love Kiss the Moon, and their bath salts are no exception.  I have been using these for several years now, and I keep returning to them as they are just such a nice treat.

These actually come in two different forms: a plastic free jar or a plastic pouch.  Both are the same exact product, just in different packaging so you can choose whether you want to get the bag to refill your jar or opt to get an entirely new glass pot.  Either way, you are in for a fab bath.

Kiss the Moon actually offers several blends, all of which share a base of epsom and dead sea salts as well as moisturizing coconut oil.  Depending on your needs, you can go for a romantic and rejuvenating combination of rose and frankincense with LOVE, a blissful blend of lavender, bergamot, cedarwood, and chamomile in DREAM, or a restorative and mindful mix of orange and geranium within GLOW.

The salts in each of these treatments is ultra-fine and easily dissolved as well as dispersed, and all work to ease tension in both your body and mind.  They are so fragrant (all natural of course!) and fill the room slowly with their rich aromas, and it is just such a wonderful way to relax.  Seriously, just lie back and feel the long day slip away!  I find that LOVE and DREAM are particularly well suited for just before bed, while GLOW is a strong choice for late afternoon/early evening, however I think that whenever you sprinkle these into your tub you will be totally soothed and ready to take on what life has to bring.

Heads up - it does seem like these are pretty much all sold out at the moment, so if you're looking to pick up these beauties you will need to be patient!

Plastic Free Hair Care

I've mentioned I struggle with shampoo and conditioner bars, but lately I've struck upon a few winners that deserve a mention.  If you want even more details about any of these let me know and I will dedicate a whole post to plastic free haircare!

Biovene Pink Heaven Shampoo in a Bar
Finding a shampoo bar that is free from coconut oil felt impossible, so when I was sent this little pink bar to test for 2020's BSL Awards I was floored - a discovery made completely by chance!

Biovène is a brand that specializes in providing "affordable prestigious beauty products accessible to everyone," and they have a wide selection of haircare treatments including plastic free shampoo and conditioner.  They actually have a pretty impressive range of targeted formulas, from hydrating and moisturizing bars to ones dedicated to damage control.  That's what I like to see in a lineup!

The Pink Heaven shampoo is part of the nourishing collection, and is designed to restore, smooth, and soften every strand while also providing a thorough cleanse.  This is unfortunately not vegan, as it contains beeswax, but the ingredients on the whole are pretty natural.  The bar itself matches the cardboard packaging, a bubblegum pink which is a cute touch, and the square compact shape is really easy to hold and manage.  I find it a great size and it really is a perfect fit for my hand.

I appreciate that it doesn't have a strong scent, as so many shampoo bars go a little overboard I find when it comes to fragrance - this is pretty neutral, making it a lovely pick for those more sensitive to smells.  Plus, the Biovene Pink Heaven shampoo lathers up really really well, making lots of suds as you activate it with water and massage it into your hands (or directly into hair!).  All the bubbles make this super easy to apply all over hair as you can tell which areas have been missed.

The bar gives a thorough cleanse, cleaning hair and scalp well and ridding of most buildup, and despite how much it bubbles up I found this gentle, not drying out my locks as I feared it might or causing any frizz.  Instead, it looked refreshed, felt super lightweight, and was relatively smooth from top to bottom.  Overall a great plastic free alternative that doesn't weight down your hair or leave it feeling brittle!


Kind 2 Reinvented
Last time I rounded up all my plastic free bathroom essentials that I was loving I mentioned my journey to find a conditioner bar that actually worked.  Well, I have found one!  And not only that, it is a proper shampoo and conditioner duo so you have a full haircare routine all without any plastic packaging!!

Kind 2, founded in 2018 by Sue, is a haircare company out to make a difference.  The idea was to reinvent shampoo and conditioner for the 21st century.  With a focus on ethics and sustainability, the range uses no animal products and ensures that everything from the packaging to the ingredients is thoughtfully chosen.

The range has two options for the shampoo bars, including The Hydrating One (which is the bar I have used - targets normal, dry, and chemically treated hair and works to enhance shine) and The Sensitive One (a fragrance free option for those with sensitive skin and/or allergies).  Both share a base of coconut oil, cocoa butter, chia seed oil, and macademia oil, and are of course all natural as well as vegan friendly.  And while I normally struggle to get on with anything containing coconut oil, this bar really surprised me - I've had no issues at all with breaking out, so I'm impressed!

The Hydrating One bar is a lovely dusty pink, and is pretty unusual in shape - a flattened circle rather than a square which makes it easy to hold.  While it doesn't lather tons, it does get a light foam going so you can more easily feel where you have applied which makes it easier to wash everything, especially for long hair.  I do not find this shampoo at all drying, and I actually found my hair feeling more nourished than it would if I used a "normal" liquid shampoo.  And I feel like my hair is thoroughly cleansed after each use - no residue, no heavy feeling, no oiliness - just clean hair that looks and feels refreshed.  I also find this holds up well over time - it doesn't go mushy in the shower if you forget to take it out to dry, and it has kept its shape.

The conditioner bar is just as great, proving to be a moisturizing treatment that should be suitable for most hair types.   While I find the shape of this less ideal than the shampoo bar (it is rounded and a little bit more unwieldy for my small hands), it does the job once you get the hang of it.  I'll admit it took some adjusting to, as you need to stroke it through your hair since this is not a lathering or creamy formula.  It needs a bit of working through to thoroughly apply, however I did find this helped replenish my hair over time, especially when combined with the moisturizing shampoo.  And the fact that it never weighed down my locks or left my strands looking or feeling oily is a massive win.  This is by far the best conditioner bar I have come across so far, and I am pleased with the results I've had.


Bloomtown Balancing Shampoo Bar
Another shampoo bar free from coconut oil - YAY!

Bloomtown never fails to win me over with their affordable and effective creations, so of course when I saw they had formulated a shampoo bar I had to check it out.  The plastic free treatment comes inside of a simple cardboard box making for minimal waste, and the bar itself is really generously sized.  The square shape fits in my hand well and gives decent control so I don't have to worry about dropping it or having any awkward application faff.  And oh the smell - it is one of the few shampoo bars to get the balance just right, with a fragrant but not overpowering aroma that is subtle and uplifting.  The blend of peppermint, lemongrass, ginger, and rosemary is surprising but works so well, and I find it really lifts my spirit.

Formulated with a lower pH than most other bars on the market, Bloomtown has really thought about what the hair needs.  And as a big bonus, this product can actually double as a hand soap, cleansing treatment, or body wash.  That's exactly the kind of multi-tasking needed to minimize packaging waste, and not just for plastics!

The shampoo lathers really well, building up a foam almost immediately when you begin to massage into your wet hands, and you can even get a fair bit of bubbles going so it feels pretty much just like a 'traditional' liquid option.  It definitely gives a deep cleanse, and I feel like it totally resets my hair which is great since I only tend to wash 1-2 times a week.  While it is not super nourishing, it doesn't make my hair feel dry or brittle, and it gives such a glossy look to my locks that I can't help but love it, and I think many of you will enjoy it just as much!





I'll wrap things up for now, but this definitely is not the end of my plastic free edits.  I mean, I didn't even have time to cover hand soaps in this roundup!  I have so many other products that deserve their time in the spotlight, so I will definitely work on another guide showcasing the top picks for plastic free products soon.  From powders and gels, cleansers and hair masks, I've been testing a whole lot of zero waste goodies so I can share some of the best with all you lovelies -- so let me know what you want to see next!

And of course I would love to hear all about your bathroom essentials - what plastic free products do you think I should check out?  Any that have totally revamped your routine??  Let me know! xx