Healthy skin and a healthy planet are not mutually exclusive. With plastic-free lotion, you can replenish your largest organ while leaving plastic out of the planet’s pores.
There are plenty of reasons to avoid plastic packaged skincare products. Like the fact by 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Or that up to 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic waste every year.
If those aren’t good reasons to opt for more eco-friendly lotion brands, especially given we use endless amounts of it, I don’t know what is. To find the best zero waste lotion brands, we looked for those who are exceptionally thoughtful about the impact of their packaging, ingredients, ingredient sourcing, and sustainable business practices.
Additionally, you may notice “rated brands” are starting to pop up on many of our lists and guides. Our Brand Rating System evaluates brands based on 22 comprehensive sustainability related criteria. This includes criteria like packaging, waste management, and circularity. Brands must opt-in to be rated, so look out for those rated lotion brands on the list below and explore other rated brands in our sustainable brand directory.
Related Guides: Zero Waste Shampoo & Conditioner; Zero Waste Deodorant; DIY Body Lotion, Zero Waste Online Stores, Solid Lotion Bars
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
The Best Plastic-Free Body Lotions
Best Refillable Lotion (Glass): A Drop in the Ocean | SJ Rated brand | Closed-loop glass refill system, mango butter + 6 plant oils, handmade in Washington, woman-owned | ~$22 for 8 oz
Best Refillable Lotion (Aluminum): Plaine Products | SJ Rated brand | Aluminum bottle refills, hypoallergenic and baby-safe, B Corp, 1% for the Planet | ~$33 for 16 oz
Best Organic & Luxury: Oway | SJ Rated brand | 90-95% biodynamic and organic ingredients, carbon neutral, grown on their own Italian farm | ~$45 for 1.5 oz
Best Solid Bar: EcoRoots | Glass jar, all-natural balm for face and body, vegan, lasts ages | ~$35 for 2 oz
Best Organic Cream: Butter Me Up Organics | Magnesium-infused, mostly organic, small-batch handmade in California | ~$30 for 8 oz
Best Compostable Packaging: Meow Meow Tweet | B Corp, Leaping Bunny certified, glass and aluminum packaging, vegan | ~$28 for 4 oz
Best Organic Body Butter: Tap Tap Organics | Wild-harvested Costa Rican ingredients, reusable glass jars, Latina and woman-founded | ~$49 for 8.5 oz
Here are our top picks for plastic-free and zero waste body lotions, based on both testing and research:
Table of Contents: Best Zero Waste & Plastic-Free Body Lotions
- A Drop In The Ocean Jump to brand
- Plaine Products Jump to brand
- Oway Jump to brand
- EcoRoots Jump to brand
- Butter Me Up Organics Jump to brand
- Meow Meow Tweet Jump to brand
- Tap Tap Organics Jump to brand
- Natural Wisdom Spa Jump to brand
A Drop In The Ocean
Circular
All or some products are circular in nature - such that no part of the product needs to end up in landfill at the end of its life
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at home
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Plastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-free
Refillable
Product packaging can be refilled with more product, either at a physical store or via a return program.
Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 people
Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.
Take Back Program
Brand offers a take back program for their products and responsibly manages returned items.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.
EnviroStars
EnviroStars
The EnviroStars program is a free green business recognition initiative serving Washington State businesses. Members complete a sector-specific checklist of 20 no-to-low-cost environmental actions covering energy conservation, pollution prevention, solid waste management, wastewater, and water conservation.Price Range: From $7 (travel size) to $22 (8oz)
If you want a truly zero waste body lotion with a closed-loop refill system that works well, A Drop in the Ocean should be at the top of your list. Their lightweight, non-greasy body lotion is made with mango butter and six ultra-moisturizing oils including sweet almond, avocado, jojoba, raspberry seed, sesame, and rose hip. It absorbs quickly and deeply, improving skin elasticity while keeping things feeling silky rather than slick.
Available in Lavender Rosemary (calming and herbaceous) and Lemon Drop (bright and fresh), both scented exclusively with pure essential oils. Choose from a 2oz glass jar for travel, or 8oz and 16oz glass bottles for home use. When you run low, order a refill and send back your empty bottle using the included prepaid return label. A Drop in the Ocean washes, sanitizes, and reuses the glass, keeping it out of the recycling stream entirely.
Founded by Krystina in Tacoma, Washington, this lotion is handmade locally by a woman-owned small business. Everything ships plastic-free and carbon neutral in reused boxes (they proudly call them “ugly boxes”). They don’t use any parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or other harmful ingredients. Mostly vegan and cruelty-free across the board.
A Drop in the Ocean has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
Plaine Products
Circular
All or some products are circular in nature - such that no part of the product needs to end up in landfill at the end of its life
Cruelty-free
Products are not test on animals at any stage in their production.Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Palm Oil Free
Products contain no palm oil or palm oil derivatives.Plastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-freeRefillable
Product packaging can be refilled with more product, either at a physical store or via a return program.Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 peopleTake Back Program
Brand offers a take back program for their products and responsibly manages returned items.Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their productsWoman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.
1% for the planet
B Corp
Leaping Bunny
PETA
1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.B Corp
The B Corp Certification, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certified B Corps balance profit with purpose, committing to responsible practices that benefit workers, communities, customers, and the planet while embedding sustainability into their business model.Leaping Bunny
The Leaping Bunny certification, managed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), is the globally recognized gold standard for cruelty-free products. It ensures that neither a company’s finished products nor their ingredients are tested on animals at any stage of development. Brands must also agree to independent audits and supplier monitoring, guaranteeing genuine cruelty-free commitment across their entire supply chain.PETA
The PETA-Approved Vegan certification verifies that a brand’s certified products are completely free from animal-derived materials and that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of production. Managed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the label helps consumers easily identify fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products that align with a fully vegan and cruelty-free standard.Price Range: $30 (16 oz) – $200 (1 gal)
If you like the idea of zero waste lotion refills, then this is plain(e)ly your best bet. With their non-toxic formulas housed in refillable bottles, Plaine Products has you covered from head to toe. Their Body Lotion is hypoallergenic and baby-safe, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
It’s currently available in Citrus Lavender & Rosemary (our personal favorite for a little morning moisturizing wake-me-up for all the senses), Mint, & Vanilla, or unscented. It comes in 16oz aluminum bottles (or a travel-size option) and when the time comes for a refill, just send back the container in the box it came in. There’s also a whopping 1 gallon bulk option available in a glass jar for when you’re tired of buying lotion all the time and want to take your plastic free living to the next level.
Founded by sisters Lindsey and Alison Delaplaine, Plaine Products specializes in vegan, cruelty-free, chemical-free, palm oil-free, and plastic-free beauty products. In addition to zero waste lotions, their collection includes hair care, body wash, and more.
Every ingredient is checked for toxicity by running it through the Environmental Working Group database—meaning no parabens, sulfates, dyes, or synthetic fragrances. All products are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, and everything (including the aluminum bottles) is made in the USA. They’re a Certified B Corp, and members of the Plastic Pollution Coalition and 1% for the Planet.
Plaine Products has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
My Personal Review of Plaine Products’ Body Lotion:
“Packed with organic aloe, safflower oil, and rosehip oil, Plaine Product’s Body Lotion is super moisturizing. It’s lightweight, so you don’t need a ton of product to cover a big area. What I really love, though, is how quickly it soaks in. I’m all for soft skin, but I can’t stand that gross, oily feeling some lotions leave behind.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Oway
Carbon Neutral
Brand has been certified as Carbon Neutral.Cruelty-free
Products are not test on animals at any stage in their production.
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Green Energy
Brand exclusively uses green energy to power their headquarters.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materialsSustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Upcycled
Products have been upcycled from an unusable or undesirable form into new products.Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
ECOCERT Cosmos
PETA
ECOCERT Cosmos
The ECOCERT COSMOS certification is an internationally recognized standard for natural and organic cosmetics. Overseen by ECOCERT, it ensures that products are made with sustainably sourced, biodegradable ingredients, use environmentally friendly manufacturing and packaging, and avoid GMOs, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and synthetic fragrances or dyes. The COSMOS label (either Organic or Natural) guarantees transparency and integrity throughout the entire production process.PETA
The PETA-Approved Vegan certification verifies that a brand’s certified products are completely free from animal-derived materials and that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of production. Managed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the label helps consumers easily identify fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products that align with a fully vegan and cruelty-free standard.Price Range: $40-$155
Oway’s Velvet Body Fluid and hand creams offer a luxurious, low-waste alternative to conventional body lotions. While much of Oway’s range are completely plastic-free, these creams are packaged in fully recyclable aluminum tubes (which can generally be recycled curbside), with plastic lids. Oway outline exactly what materials are used in their packaging so you can check recylability with your local municipality.
The Velvet Body Fluid is a lightweight yet hydrating body lotion made with biodynamic hazelnut oil, organic chia seed extract, and olive oil—designed to soothe and soften without any synthetic fragrance, silicones, or petroleum-based ingredients. Similarly, Oway’s hand creams blend antioxidant-rich botanicals and oils for intensive hydration. Oway also offers a couple of other luxury body creams which come in glass jars – though they do come with a plastic pump.
All Oway products are vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted with 90-95% botanical ingredients, majority of which are grown on their own biodynamic farm in Italy. True to their low waste ethos, Oway ships products using recycled, tree-free packaging made from agricultural waste and prints labels on FSC-certified paper using non-toxic inks. Oway is carbon-neutral certified and uses 100% renewable energy for production.
Oway has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
EcoRoots
EcoRoots has not been rated.
Price Range: $31-$38
EcoRoots’ Everything Balm is a plastic-free vegan lotion for, well, everything. It’s not just one of the best plastic-free hand lotions, but can be used on the face, body, and feet thanks to a gentle formula of all-natural ingredients, including grapeseed oil, candelilla wax, calendula flowers, and olive oil.
We love how gentle it is and how we can use it on any area—even as a zero waste face lotion, which is historically pretty finicky for irritation. You’ll just need to apply a bit of pressure, rubbing, and heat (from your hand) as it is a fairly solid balm, which also means it lasts an age. For a lotion that’s a little more portable, their shea butter and cocoa butter-based Zero Waste Bar is high in vitamins A and E to aid in regenerating skin cells and supports skin elasticity.
The former comes packaged in a reusable glass jar with a metal lid, while the latter comes in a reusable metal tin that pops right in your pocket – or you could purchase the bar sans the tin. These body lotions are free of petroleum, parabens, silicones, phthalates, and synthetic colors.
Colorado-based EcoRoots is an online store carrying a range of ethical and sustainable bath and beauty products. All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free, handmade in small batches in the USA, and shipped using biodegradable and recyclable packaging.
My Personal Review of EcoRoot’s Lotion Bar:
“This is one of my favorite creams. Between Joy and I using it twice daily, it lasted an entire winter for face, elbows, knees, and hands. I did find that it was a bit on the greasy side, so maybe if you have very oily skin it might not be your first choice. Having said that, I have slightly oily skin and so long as I gave it a decent rub to even out the oils and help with absorption, I thought it was fine. The packaging is travel safe, and TSA proof too.”
Review by Lyall Mabin, SJ’s Co-founder
Butter Me Up Organics
Butter Me Up Organics has not been rated.
Price Range: $19–$27
If the name doesn’t clue you into the fact that Butter Me Up Organics makes some of the best products to butter up your skin, we will.
Their Magnesium Lotion is one of our all-time favorite body products (and we’ve tried a lot of them). Why magnesium? Because it’s needed for 300 biochemical reactions in the body, yet the American diet is woefully deficient in it. And according to the brand, “it is more readily absorbed by the skin than internal supplements”.
The glass jar is completely reusable, but if you want even more sustainable lotion packaging (but no magnesium unfortunately), check out their Organic Lotion Bar, which comes in a compostable paperboard tube. That’s just the start of their zero waste lotions. You’ll also find eco-friendly body lotion, cream, butter, and oil, along with mini zero waste bars.
With a complete line-up of everyday skin and personal hygiene essentials— Butter Me Up Organics’ founder Jillian is out to clean up just about every aspect of your bathroom cabinets using all-natural and mostly organic ingredients. Plus, they’re free of plastic, palm oil, and animal byproducts (except beeswax, which they source from local, ethical channels).
My Personal Review of Butter Me Up Organics’ Magnesium Lotion:
“As a holistic health nut, I think this brand’s magnesium lotion is, hands down, one of the best zero waste hand lotions available. It’s a unique combination of pure magnesium oil, beeswax, shea butter, lavender essential oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil that smells and feels divine. I love that it boosts my magnesium levels while keeping my skin happy. Internal and external nourishment aside, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave my hands feeling oily (a sensation I just can’t stand!).”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet has not been rated.
Price Range: $10–$28
Meow Meow Tweet’s plastic-free All Over Lotion is a purrfect choice for vegans (or those who just don’t see the need for animal byproducts in skincare) with itchy, dry skin. This aloe lotion is full of nourishing oils, including jojoba and safflower seed oil.
Not only is their lotion zero waste, but its list of organic ingredients is also absent parabens, phthalates, palm oil, and gluten. Suitable for both face and body, it comes in an aluminum bottle with a plastic pump top that can be returned to MMT for recycling.
For more intensive moisturizing power, you can choose skin creams, body oil, and repair balms, from their wider range too.
Certified B Corp Meow Meow Tweet handmakes their products in small batches from certified organic, non-GMO, and responsibly sourced ingredients. All Meow Meow Tweet’s products are consciously packaged, vegan, and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
Orders are shipped carbon neutral in compostable or recyclable packaging. Meow Meow Tweet offsets its plastic use via a partnership with rePurpose Global and one percent or more of monthly sales are donated to causes that share their values.
Tap Tap Organics
Tap Tap Organics has not been rated.
Price Range: $11–$49
Tap Tap Organics offers a zero waste shea butter lotion. The Head To Toe Coconut and Cocoa Beauty Butter is the perfect multitasking moisturizer. It contains wild-harvested Costa Rican coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil—all organic and safe for pregnant bellies and children. Their eco-friendly lotion packaging consists of reusable glass jars with metal lids.
Latina and woman-founded Tap Tap Organics is based in San Francisco (no surprise considering the many zero waste stores San Francisco has to offer) but inspired by Costa Rica, where founder Patricia grew up. To create a taste of tropical paradise, Tap Tap Organics uses organic and wild-harvested ingredients responsibly sourced from Costa Rica and Latin America.
They’re on a mission to make clean, conscious skincare, and that includes packaging. It’s reusable, and they operate a take-back scheme for empties. TTO supports various causes, including beach cleanups and Black Lives Matter.
My Personal Review Tap Tap Organics’ Head To Toe Beauty Butter:
“I tried the Head To Toe Coconut and Cocoa Beauty Butter, and I’m in love! If you’re looking for an all-over body moisturizer that smells amazing, this one’s a winner. It’s made with pure oils and butter—no fillers—so a tiny bit goes a long way, and the light tropical scent is heavenly.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Natural Wisdom Spa
Natural Wisdom Spa has not been rated.
Price Range: $10-$35
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly lotion in the UK, the Solace Raw & Organic Cream by Natural Wisdom Spa is suitable for all skin types. It contains raw, organic shea butter along with botanical extracts, vitamin C, and colloidal oatmeal.
Ingredients are either organic or Ecocert COSMOS Approved. Choose between unscented or Wisdom, an essential oil blend of cedarwood, sweet orange, patchouli & ylang ylang.
If plastic-free moisturizer balms are on your menu, the Fruit & Flower Balm is a soft, solid Shea butter infused with fruit and flower CO2 extracts, which yield superior quality oils rich in antioxidants and fatty acids to nourish the skin. It’s packed in a gorgeous wooden pod made of cedar root wood.
Natural Wisdom Spa uses raw, cold-blended oils for their range of natural “superfood skincare”. The founder is a herbalist, homeopath, and nutritionist who has spent many years researching the best way to nourish our skin. As well as skincare, they offer haircare products and a range of sustainable perfume and cologne.
Everything is freshly made in small batches and packaged in reusable and recyclable packaging.
Why Choose Zero Waste & Plastic-Free Lotion?
Conventional body lotions come wrapped in plastic that outlives the product by centuries. Most plastic lotion bottles aren’t recycled (the OECD estimates only 9% of plastic is actually recycled globally), meaning they end up in landfills or oceans where they break down into microplastics.
Beyond packaging, many mainstream lotions contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and petroleum-derived ingredients that aren’t great for your skin or the environment. Sustainable body lotion brands tend to prioritize natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients alongside thoughtful packaging, whether that’s refillable glass bottles, recyclable aluminum, compostable containers, or solid lotion bars that skip the packaging question altogether.
Switching to a plastic-free body lotion is one of those satisfying swaps where you’re also getting a better product. The brands on this list use higher quality, plant-based ingredients that tend to be more effective and gentler on skin, while also being better for the planet.
How We Found the Best Sustainable Lotions (and What to Look For)
How did we find the best eco-friendly lotion brands for your skin (and the planet)?
We used our sustainable beauty and skincare standards, tested products ourselves where possible, and researched every brand’s ingredients and practices thoroughly. Whether you’re looking for a zero waste moisturizer, a plastic-free body lotion, or a sustainable body lotion that ticks every box, here’s what we prioritized and what we’d recommend you look for too:
Non-Toxic & Clean Ingredients:
Natural skin care ingredients are a safe and low-impact way to show our skin some love. We look for plant-based oils and butters (shea, coconut, jojoba, mango), natural emollients, and essential oils for fragrance. We avoid parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, petroleum-derived ingredients (like mineral oil), and silicones. Many of the eco-friendly lotion brands on this list use organic ingredients, which means the plant-based components haven’t been grown with synthetic pesticides. For more on what to steer clear of, see our guides to ingredients to avoid in skincare and non-toxic living.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free:
Being a truly eco-friendly body lotion means being friendly to more than just our skin and the planet. We don’t want anything that’s been tested on animals. Some of these sustainable lotion brands use beeswax (which should be ethically sourced) but many offer to substitute this for vegan alternatives on request. See our Guide to Cruelty Free vs Vegan.
Palm Oil-Free:
More and more brands are ditching palm oil for good. If still used, it should be sustainably sourced palm oil.
Ethical & Transparent Supply Chains:
To avoid greenwashing, we ideally want to see third-party certifications (B Corp, Leaping Bunny, PETA, ECOCERT COSMOS) and brands that disclose where their ingredients come from and how products are made. Our Brand Rating System evaluates brands across 22 sustainability criteria for this reason.
Thoughtful Packaging:
Ideally, this means a zero waste or plastic-free lotion, but we made exceptions for plastic refillable lotion bottles (since refilling is far better than single-use). Otherwise, we looked for refillable glass bottles, recyclable aluminum, compostable containers, or solid lotion bars in reusable tins. Refill programs (like those offered by Plaine Products and A Drop in the Ocean) go a step further by keeping containers in circulation rather than sending them to recycling facilities.
Effectiveness:
A sustainable body lotion still needs to actually moisturize well. We prioritize brands we’ve personally tested, and we look for formulas that absorb well, provide lasting hydration, and work for a range of skin types.
Frequently Asked Questions on Zero Waste & Plastic-Free Body Lotions
Do zero waste lotions actually work as well as conventional ones? Yes. In our testing, the zero waste and plastic-free lotions on this list performed as well as (and in some cases better than) conventional drugstore options. Because these brands use concentrated, high-quality plant oils and butters rather than water-heavy formulas padded with fillers, a small amount tends to go a long way. Plaine Products, EcoRoots, and Butter Me Up Organics all delivered lasting hydration in our hands-on testing.
What is the best plastic-free body lotion? It depends on your preferences. For a liquid lotion with a refill system, A Drop in the Ocean and Plaine Products are both excellent, rated options with closed-loop packaging programs. For a solid lotion bar that skips liquid packaging entirely, EcoRoots is a great choice. If you want organic ingredients in a traditional cream format, Butter Me Up Organics and Tap Tap Organics are standouts.
Are lotion bars as effective as liquid lotions? Lotion bars can be very effective, though they work differently. Because they contain concentrated butters and oils without water, they’re often more moisturizing per application. They do require a bit more effort to apply (body heat melts the bar as you rub it on) and can feel slightly greasier initially. Our tester Lyall found EcoRoots’ lotion bar lasted an entire winter of daily use for both face and body. If you prefer a lighter, quicker-absorbing formula, a liquid lotion in a refillable bottle may be a better fit.
What is the best zero waste lotion for sensitive skin? Plaine Products’ body lotion is hypoallergenic and baby-safe, making it a solid choice for sensitive or reactive skin. A Drop in the Ocean also uses a gentle, natural formula without synthetic fragrances. Plaine Products offer an unscented option for those who react to essential oils.
How do zero waste lotion refill programs work? Most refill programs work similarly: you purchase a bottle with your first order, then order refills when you run low. The refill comes in a new container (without a pump), and you send back your empty using a prepaid return label. The brand washes, sanitizes, and reuses the bottle. Both Plaine Products and A Drop in the Ocean operate this way. Some brands, like Oway, use endlessly recyclable aluminum instead of a take-back system.
Is organic lotion better for your skin? Organic ingredients mean the plant-based components (like coconut oil, shea butter, and botanical extracts) were grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. While this doesn’t automatically make a lotion more effective, it does reduce your exposure to chemical residues. Given that body lotion is applied to large areas of skin daily, organic sourcing is a worthwhile consideration. Brands like Oway (90-95% biodynamic and organic ingredients), Tap Tap Organics, and Butter Me Up Organics prioritize organic lotion formulations.
Final Thoughts On The Best Plastic-Free Body Lotion
Making the switch to a sustainable body lotion is one of those changes that’s easy and feels good on every level. Your skin gets better ingredients, your bathroom gets less plastic clutter, and fewer bottles end up in landfills and oceans.
For a plastic-free lotion with an impressive refill program, A Drop in the Ocean and Plaine Products are hard to beat. If organic ingredients are your priority, Oway, Tap Tap Organics, and Butter Me Up Organics all deliver. For something portable and package-minimal, EcoRoots’ solid lotion bar is a reliable workhorse. And if you’re in the UK, Natural Wisdom Spa has you covered.
Keeping your skin moisturized may seem like a drop in the puddle, but all the little things add up on your low waste living journey. Progress over perfection, right?
And you know what would really butter us up? Spreading the word about the best zero waste lotion to friends and family just as you would your lotion.
Editor’s Note: Joy McConnochie has been testing and researching sustainable personal care products for 8+ years as part of Sustainable Jungle’s mission to help people make more informed, environmentally responsible choices. All products are independently tested, researched, and in some cases rated using our comprehensive sustainability rating methodology. This article was first published in August 2022 and has been updated several times since. This March 2026 update adds A Drop in the Ocean (a rated brand), new contextual sections, and FAQs.
Joy has been a passionate advocate for the environment since she was a small child. She grew up in South Africa and has been lucky enough to be exposed to the wonders of nature not just in Africa but all over the world. She founded Sustainable Jungle (together with her husband Lyall) back in 2017 after becoming enraged by the devastating impact of palm oil. She then founded the Sustainable Jungle Podcast and together with Lyall interviewed remarkable people from all over the world who were finding ways to create positive impact. Outside of Sustainable Jungle, Joy has always worked in the corporate world, starting out as an auditor and later moving into management consulting. More recently she specialized in Climate Investing for the Asia Pacific region. Given her experience, her current passion is Brand Ratings. She is very much enjoying going deeper on what it really means to drive sustainability performance and true impact through business operations.
