Multi-use, concentrated and TSA-friendly are the best travel soap.
Although it isn’t something we often mention when traveling, everyone uses travel soap. We rarely leave the house without our travel soap, whether we are packing for an African safari, train travel in Europe or a trip to the rainforest in Peru, or a beach vacation. Soap choices are limited due to the limit on liquids we can carry. We value packing light so we are always trying to find ways that the items we pack can double as useful. Soap is not an exception.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer liquid, bar, multi-use or eco-friendly soaps. You just need one that can travel well. If you are like me, you think about where and how things are made as well as the impact on the environment and the treatment of animals in testing. There are also those with allergies or sensitivities who do their best to maintain our skin’s health at home and on-the-go. Although there are many options for travel soaps, some are better than others.
Here are our top picks for travel soap, from liquid to bar, to detergent-like, and the containers they can be packed in.
How to choose the best soaps for travel
Although I knew that there was a difference between scented and unscented soaps I didn’t know there were so many travel soaps. There are soaps that clean and act as laundry detergent, shampoo, dish soap, multitaskers, and soaps that can do all three!
Today’s world requires us to read labels on food and products. We are aware of the larger picture, we know the origins of everything, and we are conscious of our carbon footprint. Our concern for the environment and humanity is a part of our buying power. Look out for these things when choosing travel soap:
- Multi-use products
- Natural, organic products
- Products that are free from fragrances, dyes or preservatives
- Instead of synthetic fragrances, use essential oils
- Fair trade products
- Biodegradable
- Optional eco-friendly products
- Anti-bacterial elements
- Baby-mild/hypoallergenic
- Concentrated soaps
The main travel perksfor bar travelers soap
Airport’s 3-1-1 rule permits liquids up to 3.4 ounces per item. All items must be contained in one-quart clear bags. Only one bag per person. This valuable space can be freed up by packing bar soap. Consider these facts if you are still skeptical: Bar soap uses 30% less water than liquid soap. Because of the chemical ingredients used and the use of plastic packaging, liquid soap has a 10x higher carbon footprint than bar soap. Bar soap lasts much longer than liquid soap. We have some favorite bar soap recipes and tips to help you travel with it.
