Examples of Zero-Waste Personal Care Products: 3 Standout Examples (Plus More Ideas)

When people ask for examples of zero-waste personal care products: 3 examples that make the biggest difference, I always start in the bathroom. It’s usually a cluttered mix of plastic bottles, disposable razors, and half-used products. The good news: a few smart swaps can cut a surprising amount of waste without making your life harder.

Let’s walk through three of the best examples in detail, then build out from there with more ideas you can pick and choose from.

Example 1: Refillable safety razor instead of disposables

If you want a single example of zero-waste personal care products that saves both money and trash, the safety razor is it.

Most disposable razors and plastic cartridge systems are made from mixed materials that are very hard to recycle. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, billions of razors and blades are thrown away every year in the United States alone (you can explore more on waste statistics at the EPA’s site: https://www.epa.gov). Most of those end up in landfills.

A safety razor works differently:

• The handle is made from metal and designed to last for years.
• Only the thin metal blade gets replaced.
• The blades are typically recyclable as scrap metal if you collect them safely in a tin or blade bank.

In practice, that means you buy one razor handle once, then buy tiny paper-wrapped blade packs instead of bulky plastic cartridges. Over a year or two, that’s a huge reduction in plastic packaging.

How to use and care for it
There’s a small learning curve, but it’s not dramatic:

• Use a light touch; the weight of the razor does the work.
• Shave at a slightly different angle than you would with plastic razors.
• Rinse and dry the razor after use to prevent rust.

If you’ve got sensitive skin, you can look for blades labeled as mild or gentle. For health and skin questions (like shaving with eczema or acne), it’s always smart to check reliable medical sources such as the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org) or WebMD (https://www.webmd.com) for shaving tips and irritation prevention.

Why this is one of the best examples
A safety razor is one of the clearest examples of zero-waste personal care products: 3 examples because it hits all the marks:

• Long-lasting, repairable handle
• Minimal packaging
• Recyclable blades
• Lower long-term cost compared with cartridges

It’s a simple, low-drama swap that quietly shrinks your bathroom trash for years.

Example 2: Shampoo and conditioner bars instead of bottles

If you want examples of zero-waste swaps you’ll notice every single day, look at your shower. Those big plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles add up fast.

Solid shampoo and conditioner bars are one of the best examples of zero-waste personal care products becoming mainstream. They look like soap bars, but they’re formulated for hair.

Why they’re lower-waste

• No plastic bottle, just a small cardboard box or paper wrap
• Highly concentrated: one bar can replace two or three bottles
• Lighter and smaller to ship, which can lower transportation impacts

In 2024 and 2025, more brands have been reformulating bars to work for different hair types: curly, color-treated, oily, or dry. That used to be a big complaint—“bars don’t work for my hair”—but formulas have improved a lot.

How to use them without the frustration

• Wet your hair thoroughly.
• Rub the bar between your hands or directly on your scalp until you get a good lather.
• Rinse well; with conditioner bars, glide the bar along the lengths of your hair, then rinse.
• Store bars on a well-draining soap dish so they can dry between uses.

If you’re worried about scalp health or dandruff, again, it’s smart to cross-check ingredients or concerns with reputable sites like the National Institutes of Health (https://www.nih.gov) or Mayo Clinic.

Why this is a standout example

As examples of zero-waste personal care products: 3 examples go, shampoo and conditioner bars are powerful because:

• They dramatically reduce plastic in one of the highest-waste categories.
• They’re now widely available in drugstores, online, and in bulk/refill shops.
• Travel becomes easier: no liquid limits, no leaks.

If you’ve tried a bar once years ago and hated it, it may be worth trying again. The 2024–2025 crop of bars is far better than the early versions.

Example 3: Plastic-free toothpaste and mouth care

Toothpaste is one of those “invisible” waste streams. You use it twice a day, every day, and the empty tubes just keep heading to the trash.

That’s why toothpaste tablets and plastic-free toothpaste jars are now frequently mentioned as a leading example of zero-waste personal care products in modern zero-waste routines.

Common low-waste toothpaste options

• Toothpaste tablets in a refillable tin or glass jar
• Tooth powder in a glass jar with a metal lid
• Toothpaste in aluminum tubes (which are more widely recyclable than multi-layer plastic)

You pop a tablet in your mouth, chew it into a paste, then brush as usual. Or you dip a damp toothbrush into tooth powder. It feels odd for a week and then becomes completely normal.

Because dental health is non-negotiable, this is one area where you really want credible information. The American Dental Association and medical sites like Mayo Clinic or WebMD provide guidance on fluoride, enamel safety, and cavity prevention. For example, Mayo Clinic has general oral health guidance at https://www.mayoclinic.org.

Before switching permanently, it’s smart to:

• Confirm the product contains the level of fluoride your dentist recommends (if you use fluoride).
• Ask your dentist about any product you’re unsure of.

Why toothpaste is one of the best examples

Among the best examples of zero-waste personal care products, toothpaste tablets stand out because they:

• Cut out plastic tubes almost entirely
• Make portion control easy—no more giant blobs of paste
• Travel well and don’t count as liquids

When people ask for examples of zero-waste personal care products: 3 examples that feel genuinely modern, toothpaste tablets almost always make the list.

More examples of zero-waste personal care products to try next

Once you’ve tried those three core swaps, it’s natural to ask, “Okay, what’s next?” Here are more real examples of low-waste products that build on the same idea: reusable where possible, refillable where not.

Plastic-free deodorant

Deodorant is a classic problem product: plastic tube, plastic cap, plastic twist-up base. Newer brands now offer:

• Deodorant in cardboard push-up tubes
• Refillable metal or hard cases with insert refills
• Cream deodorant in glass jars

These are strong examples of zero-waste personal care products because the packaging is either compostable (cardboard), reusable (refillable cases), or recyclable (glass and metal). If you have sensitive skin or concerns about ingredients like baking soda, check ingredient lists carefully and use trusted sources like the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov) or NIH for general information on skin irritation and allergens.

Reusable cotton rounds and cloths

If you use disposable cotton rounds for makeup removal or toner, switching to washable versions is one of the easiest examples of a zero-waste swap.

Reusable rounds are typically made from cotton, bamboo, or a blend, and can be tossed in the wash with towels. Pair them with:

• Micellar water in a glass bottle
• Oil cleansers in refillable or glass packaging

Over time, you avoid sending hundreds of single-use pads and plastic sleeves to the landfill.

Menstrual cups, discs, and reusable pads

For people who menstruate, this is one of the most impactful examples of zero-waste personal care products—both for waste reduction and long-term cost.

Options include:

• Silicone menstrual cups that last for years
• Reusable menstrual discs
• Cloth pads and period underwear

These products dramatically cut back on the number of disposable pads and tampons you buy, use, and throw away. For safety and hygiene, look up guidance from reputable health organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (https://www.fda.gov) and Mayo Clinic, and always follow cleaning and replacement recommendations.

Refillable body wash and soap

Bar soap is the classic low-waste option: minimal packaging, long-lasting, widely available. If you prefer liquid body wash, many refill shops now offer bulk body wash you can pump into a reusable bottle.

This is a quieter example of zero-waste personal care products—you may not notice the change day to day, but your recycling bin definitely will.

Low-waste skincare and makeup

Skincare and makeup are newer to the zero-waste scene, but 2024–2025 have seen more brands offering:

• Glass bottles with metal lids for serums and oils
• Metal or bamboo compacts with refillable pans
• Lipsticks in refillable cartridges

These aren’t always perfect, but they’re real examples of the direction the industry is moving: less plastic, more refills, more recyclability.

How to choose the best examples of zero-waste personal care products for you

Looking at a long list of examples of zero-waste personal care products: 3 examples and beyond can feel overwhelming. The trick is to start where you’ll see and feel the benefit.

A simple way to prioritize:

• Pick the products you run out of most often. Those create the most waste.
• Start with one category at a time: shaving, hair, teeth, or deodorant.
• Try a single swap, use it up, then decide if it stays or goes.

You don’t have to replace everything at once. In fact, the most sustainable option is usually to finish what you already have, then upgrade when it’s time to restock.

When you evaluate new products, ask:

• Is the packaging reusable, refillable, or easily recyclable?
• Is the product concentrated, so I’m not paying for a lot of water in plastic?
• Can I find basic safety or health information from trusted sources (.gov, .edu, or established medical sites)?

If a product checks those boxes and fits your budget, it’s probably a strong candidate to join your personal list of the best examples of zero-waste personal care products.

FAQ: Real-world questions about zero-waste personal care

What are some simple examples of zero-waste personal care products for beginners?

Some of the easiest starting points include bar soap, shampoo bars, reusable cotton rounds, and a safety razor. These are straightforward examples of zero-waste personal care products that don’t require big lifestyle changes—just a slightly different version of what you already use.

Are zero-waste personal care products more expensive?

Upfront, some products (like a metal safety razor or menstrual cup) cost more. Over time, though, they often save money because you buy refills or replacements less often. That’s one reason these items are frequently mentioned as the best examples of zero-waste personal care products that pay off long-term.

Can you give an example of a zero-waste swap that doesn’t work for everyone?

Sure. Some people love toothpaste tablets, while others don’t like the texture or flavor. The same goes for natural deodorants. That’s why it’s helpful to treat each product as an experiment: try one example of a zero-waste option, and if it doesn’t work, adjust without guilt.

Are these products actually better for my health?

“Zero-waste” mostly refers to packaging and waste, not health claims. Some people also prefer simpler ingredient lists, but that’s a separate question. For health topics—like skin irritation, allergies, or dental care—it’s wise to consult medical professionals and check sites like Mayo Clinic, WebMD, the CDC, or NIH for evidence-based guidance.

Do I have to be perfectly zero-waste for this to matter?

Not at all. Swapping just a few items—like your razor, shampoo, and toothpaste—already puts you among people actively reducing their waste. Those three core swaps are powerful examples of zero-waste personal care products: 3 examples that can noticeably shrink your bathroom trash without demanding a totally new lifestyle.

If you remember only one thing, make it this: you don’t need a perfect routine; you just need to replace one product at a time with a slightly better version. Over a year or two, those small choices add up to a bathroom that looks—and feels—a lot lighter.