What image springs to mind when you think of a reusable loofah? Bright pink and purple poofs, maybe? You probably don’t think of a plant, but that’s actually what it is.
The original sustainable loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) is a member of the gourd family that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Its fibrous inner structure has been used for centuries as a body scrubber and more.
So when we talk about eco-friendly loofahs, we’re actually talking about the real deal—not those cheap plastic imitators.
Why scrub using synthetic materials when there are non plastic alternatives that are just as effective and affordable (and won’t result in microplastic pollution)?
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Our Shower Fresh Favorite Plastic Loofah Alternatives
The environmentally friendly loofahs from ZWS Essentials are tough enough to be used on grime while being gentle enough for the face. We found that they had all the exfoliating power we needed without leaving our skin red raw.
EcoRoots‘ natural loofah doesn’t just prevent further ocean microplastic pollution but helps clean up that which already exists.
Index: Eco-Friendly Body Scrubbers & Loofahs
- EcoRoots Jump to brand
- ZWS Essentials Jump to brand
- Brush With Bamboo Jump to brand
- etee Jump to brand
- Zefiro Jump to brand
EcoRoots
EcoRoots’ Loofah Alternative
Price Range: $4
EcoRoots’ natural loofahs are exactly that—a sustainable and effective cleaning product that is package-free, cruelty-free, zero waste, made from plant fibers, and 100% compostable and biodegradable.
It can be used as a heavy-duty dish sponge for about four to six weeks or longer in the bathroom for either dead skin exfoliation or removal of ingrown hairs.
Once you’re done with it, just put it in your backyard compost or bury it, and it will decompose within 30 days.
About EcoRoots
Not only does EcoRoots have one of the best loofah alternatives, but the shop itself is also one of our favorite ethical alternatives to Amazon.
The Colorado-based brand combines affordability with sustainability to provide some of the eco-friendly versions (AKA made of natural materials) of most of our everyday essentials for the home and entire body.
They ship plastic-free and only use recyclable or compostable materials.
Not only do they create products that protect our planet, but they also donate a portion of every sale to Ocean Conservancy through their membership with 1% for the Planet.
ZWS Essentials
ZWS Essentials’ Loofahs
Price Range: $1–$22
ZWS Essentials offers non-plastic loofah sponges made from sustainably harvested biodegradable loofahs.
Soft enough to not scratch the non-stick coatings on your eco-friendly cookware, but tough enough to clean tubs and grout, it’s suitable for all your cleaning needs.
If you specifically want to know what to use in the shower instead of a loofah, check out their exfoliating Loofah Facial Disc.
Both body and kitchen loofahs are available in singles or packs and are fully home compostable in 30 days along with the paper label that serves as its only packaging.
About ZWS Essentials
ZWS Essentials is the in-house line of products by ZeroWasteStore, obviously one of our favorite zero waste online stores.
Between this line and the products available from other sustainable brands, their selection is huge, from cleaning and personal care products to zero waste baby and pet care.
Everything is plastic-free, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, mostly vegan, and shipped carbon-neutral.
ZWS is also a member of 1% for the Planet.
If you find yourself visiting zero waste stores in LA, check them out in person.
My Personal Review of ZeroWasteStore.com’s Loofah Facial Disc:
“I love ZWS’ cotton rounds, but sometimes, I need a little bit more exfoliating power, so I also tried out their Loofah Facial Disc. Smaller and more flexible than their standard loofah, it’s ideal if you want to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and promote blood circulation. And while it is coarse, it’s not overly abrasive in such a way that leaves my skin feeling raw and uncomfortable.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Brush With Bamboo
Brush with Bamboo’s Loofahs
Price Range: $20
Brush with Bamboo is one of our favorite bamboo toothbrush makers, but they’re out to clean more than just your chompers.
Their Heirloom Mayan Loofah Scrubbers are made of natural loofahs sourced from a single Mayan family farm in Guatemala that uses traditional, original farming methods.
These chemical and plastic-free loofah sponges are sturdy enough to last months and are compostable at end-of-life.
It comes shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging.
About Brush with Bamboo
Brush with Bamboo presented the world with the first zero-waste toothbrush.
They’ve expanded their range since that original product, but still have all the relevant credentials to back up their zero waste claims.
Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and USDA certified bio-based, and the company is Green America certified.
etee
etee’s Loofah
Price Range: $4–$20
etee has an alternative to plastic loofahs and sponges for both the kitchen and the bathroom.
It comes from a family-owned Guatemalan farm and will last around three to four weeks until it can also be composted/buried.
For something a little more handy to use around the house, the Loofie Scrubbers combine the gentle abrasive power of the loofah plant with a spongy cellulose dishcloth. The 100% natural cellulose comes from wood and cotton.
Expect this to last three to five weeks before it can join your garden compost to decompose within 30 days.
Down to the cotton thread, this is one of the best non-plastic loofahs for stains on dirty dishes.
About etee
etee takes all of our much-needed essentials and makes them plastic-free.
From floss to refillable cleaning products, they’ve gotten rid of our least favorite P-word to help anyone in their zero-waste journey.
They started out solving one plastic problem (saran wrap) by selling beeswax wraps, but have expanded their selection to include essentials for the kitchen, body care, and oral care.
Their plastic-free promise extends to their shipping because everything—cellulose tape included—is plastic-free.
etee is also powered by renewable energy and transparent with its ingredients (which are always non-toxic and cruelty-free).
Zefiro
Zefiro’s Loofah Alternative
Price Range: $3.50–$7.50
Zefiro’s flat loofah scrubber is an ideal partner for your eco-friendly cleaning products, whether you’re looking to polish up your bathtub or scrub the dishes.
The convenient hang cord makes proper storage easy, so you can prevent bacteria buildup.
Or pair their more puffed option with your favorite body wash and have a sustainably soothing shower.
Both options are 100% natural loofahs that are compostable (down to the cotton thread). They’re responsibly made in China.
About Zefiro
Brushes and scrubbers are Zefiro’s specialty, whether we’re talking about a brush for your pots and pans or an FSC-certified eco-friendly hair brushes.
As a member of 1% for the Planet, Zefiro is committed to donating 1% of total annual sales to support environmental causes around the world.
They use plastic-free, recycled, and recyclable packaging.
Love this article! I didn’t know there were so many zero waste businesses out there, and I love the structure of this article! Excited to try these products!