Summer is a great time to explore and try new things. Why keep using the same old plastic bath sponge or shower pouf that provide the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and cause breakouts on your skin? In this article, we discuss five plant-based alternatives to check out.
Plant-based bath and shower body scrubbers are more eco-friendly than their plastic-based counterparts. Synthetic sponges and scrubbers are made from non-renewable resource like crude oil and take a very long time to break down. Moreover, microplastic containing toxic chemicals from these products go down the drain and pollute water sources and the environment.
Plant-based bath and shower body scrubbers are also more eco-friendly than those made of silicone. First, the process of making silicone involves non-renewable resources such as natural gas and oil. Second, silicone requires special recycling facility in order to get recycled correctly. By contrast, many bath and shower scrubbers made of plants can be composted. Finally, silicone products vary greatly in terms of their quality. Those that are cheaply made usually contain chemical fillers that are considered toxic and can leak out through use.
#1. Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts
The number one best-selling body scrubber on Amazon is plant-based. This Korean exfoliating mitt is made of 100% viscose fiber. Viscose is made from wood pulp that comes from a variety of trees like beech, pine, eucalyptus, soy, or bamboo; however, this material is not necessarily environmentally friendly because its production process uses high concentration of chemicals. Viscose fabric is also susceptible to mildew.
This product has received 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon with more than 19,000 reviews. It has also received 4+ star ratings for durability and value for money. Each package contains one black mitt. It is surprisingly lightweight and breathable.
#2. Natural Loofahs from Almooni, Yiqingjie, and Pisdoplop
The omni-present natural loofah (not to be confused with its plastic counterpart, which is also called loofah or luffah) is probably the most widely used plant-based body scrubbers. They come in a variety of styles and features. They also vary greatly in terms of quality and price. Many are manufactured overseas. Natural loofahs come from a type of gourd called the Egyptian cucumber. Before drying out, this vegetable could actually be cooked and eaten.
Almooni’s loofah pad has received 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon with more than 6,000 reviews. It also received 4+ star ratings for ease of use, easy to hold, softness, durability and value for money. Loofahs from the other two brands have comparable ratings. None of the loofahs seem to be machine washable and it is unclear whether they are compostable.
#3. Natural Sisal Body Scrubbers from Bass and Natural Sisal Dry Skin Brush from Touch Me
Sisal natural fiber came from the Agave Sisalana plant, which is native to southern Mexico. Today it is sustainably farmed all over the world including Brazil and Tanzania. Sisal is environmentally friendly, a flame retardant, and strong. On the other hand, it is quite susceptible to moisture damage and can mildew fairly easily.
Bass offers a variety of body scrubbers made of natural sisal with attractive designs. They include body brush, body sponge, body mitt, body wash cloth, hand pad, and soap pouch. Their products have received mixed reviews. Durability and pricing seem to be issues. Natural Grocers Vitamin Cottage has the best price on these items. In comparison, the natural sisal dry skin brush from Touch Me looks identical to the Bass body brush. It has nearly 2000 reviews on Amazon, receiving a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The tendency of sisal to retain moisture makes it vulnerable to microbial growth and should be used with caution.
#4. rE: Hemp Scrubber for Dishes and Bath
This dual-purpose scrubber is made of 100% natural and unbleached hemp fiber. It has some odor initially, as several reviewers noted; however, the smell goes away after several washings. It has a mesh design and dries quickly. The scrubber feels fairly soft against the skin. According to one reviewer, the texture was somewhere between a cotton wash cloth and a loofah. Even though the scrubber is machine washable, the seller advised washing it by hand to make it last longer.
Made in South Korea, this product has received 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It has also received a 4-star rating for durability. As a relative newcomer, it has a little more than 100 reviews.
#5. Darzee Scrubs Exfoliating Body Scrubber
This innovative, patent-pending, and eco-friendly exfoliating body scrubber is made of natural aspen wood fiber encased in 100% cotton fabric. It is hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria growth and odor. It is free from chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and animal products. The compostable scrubber is also washing machine safe and therefore easy to keep clean.
This newly launched product has received enthusiastic reviews. According to reviewers, the body scrubber gently and effectively exfoliates. Moreover, it stays odor free and has good durability. Made in the U.S.A., this item comes in three designs: Indigo Blue, Pink Wild Hibiscus, and Orange Passion Hibiscus. The exfoliating body scrubber is currently only available through certain retailers at limited locations. Please check back for updates.
Table of Comparison
| Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts | Natural Loofahs from Almooni, Yiqingjie, and Pisdoplop | Natural Sisal Body Scrubbers from Bass and Natural Sisal Dry Skin Brush from Touch Me | rE: Hemp Scrubber for Dishes and Bath | Darzee Scrubs Exfoliating Body Scrubber |
Primary material | Viscose | Loofah plant | Sisal fiber | Hemp fiber | Aspen fiber |
No added plastic or chemicals | Chemicals are used to make viscose from wood pulp | Some products have elastic band attached | Some of the Bass products have elastic band attached | Yes | Yes |
Machine washable | Yes but washing by hand is recommended | Unknown | Not recommended | Yes but washing by hand is recommended | Yes |
Durability | Good | Good | Mixed reviews | Good | Good |
Where made | Unknown | Unknown | China | South Korea | U.S.A. |
The Bottom Line
When it comes to which plant-based body scrubber is the best, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your skin is as unique as your personality and can be affected by many factors including your lifestyle choices, as well as your environment. Enjoy nourishing your skin and protecting the environment by choosing high quality plant-based body scrubbers for bathing and showering.
Do you agree with our recommendations? Do you have recommendations to share with others? Please leave a comment below.
The links to the products discussed in this article are provided for your convenience. We do NOT receive a commission for recommending these products.
Links for products
Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts
Natural Loofahs from Almooni, Yiqingjie, and Pisdoplop
Natural Sisal Body Scrubbers from Bass; Natural Sisal Dry Skin Brush from Touch Me
rE: Hemp Scrubber for Dishes and Bath
Darzee Scrubs Exfoliating Body Scrubber
References
ABC Oriental Rug and Carpet Cleaning Company. (n.d.). Sisal Natural Fiber. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.abc-oriental-rug.com/sisal-natural-fiber.html
Are Silicone Products Sustainable And Eco-Friendly. (n.d.). MindsetEco. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://mindseteco.co/is-silicone-environmentally-friendly/
Chand, N., & Fahim, M. (2020). Sisal-reinforced polymer composites (2nd ed.). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2018-0-04814-8
Cleveland Clinic. (2020, May 13). Do You Know What’s Growing on Your Loofah? Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/loofahs-can-double-as-bacterial-breeding-grounds/
Hubbard, A. (2021, May 10). What Are the Benefits of Body Scrubs? Healthline. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/benefits-of-body-scrubs
Sen, S. (2022, July 3). What is Viscose? Understanding this Popular Rayon Type. Amerisleep. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://amerisleep.com/blog/what-is-viscose/