After spending so much time in the Pacific North West, I learned many tips and tricks about backpacking and camping, and to to be much more aware of the need to care for these special places. I used to often wander off-trail, or go swimming lathered in whatever sunscreen was on sale, but now know how important it is to be responsible for keeping these pristine places just that. We need to prioritize environmentally friendly toiletries to take camping not just for nature, but for our own well being as well.
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My main challenge when camping was that my skin would get so dry, especially if there were a campfire, windy mountain tops, or I had been hiking in the sun all day. I don’t like to bring much with me hiking and backpacking, so minimalism was the key. Another critical factor I wanted to consider was the lake, hot spring, and river swims – I’ve become much more conscious about the chemicals in many products. I don’t want them to end up in these stunning North American waters when I go for a dip or wash my face at the end of the day. Natural, eco-friendly products are a priority.
A Brand I Trust
I’ve been searching for reliable natural skin care products for a while without much success. They seem to be wrapped in plastic, only have some natural ingredients, or are not ethically made. While searching for reef-safe sunscreen in the United States, I found All Natural Collection online, and their incredible range of products. After browsing through page after page of drool-worthy products on the website, I read about how the business came to be.
Patricia created All Natural Collection not to change anything about her customers, but to help them feel better about themselves in a natural way. She also shares my minimalist mindset and wants to keep things simple. Patricia believes in using fewer, safer products with stronger combinations of ingredients – this means you use less, which is better for the earth. Patricia handpicks brands that are cruelty-free, fair trade, sustainable, and focused on reducing waste.
I tried out a few samples of the products and loved them so much I reached out to Patricia herself to ask if she would so kindly set up a 10% off promo code just for you! Scroll to the bottom of this page to get the discount code.
For all my outdoor enthusiast friends, whether you’re going camping, hitting the backcountry, backpacking, or taking a dip in the lake, these are my recommended environmentally friendly toiletries to take camping that will help protect, cleanse, soothe, and nourish your skin.
Balm of Ages - All Purpose Salve
WHAT IS IT:
The Balm of Ages - All Purpose Salve is a multi-purpose balm with an endless range of applications. It can be used on your face or body on chapped lips, sunburn, rashes, minor scrapes and bruises, cracked heels, eczema, and on your cuticles. If you use it on your face, keep it away from your eyes.
WHAT'S IT MADE FROM?
The main ingredients are organic moisturizing shea butter, anti-bacterial coconut oil, and nutrient-rich camellia tea oil. It also contains vitamin-dense sea buckthorn, non-comedogenic hemp seed oil along with healing arnica, and anti-inflammatory beeswax.
HOW TO USE IT
The balm melts in your fingers for easy application on to your skin. I use this mostly on my lips when they get dry from the elements. Instead of just briefly applying it, I find it works best when I take a moment to rub the balm in properly. It's lightweight and hydrating, and a little goes a long way.
This all-purpose salve does have quite a strong scent from all the beneficial essential oils, so if you're sensitive to smells, you may be better off skipping this one. Check out the FAQ on the All Natural Collection website to see it's many other uses!
Axilla Natural Deoderant Paste
*For thru-hikers in bear country, it may be best to skip the deodorant all together as you’ll smell delicious to them.
WHAT IS IT:
The Axilla Deoderant Paste is an award-winning, all-natural deodorant. Black Chicken Remedies created this long-lasting, non-staining, and aluminum-free formula to suit both men and women.
WHAT'S IT MADE FROM?
The key ingredients are anti-bacterial baking soda along with camellia Tea oil and coconut oil mixed with sweat absorbing kaolin clay that neutralizes odor without clogging your pores. The natural deodorant also contains a range of essential oils containing antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties to help keep you fresh all day.
If you're new to natural deodorant, make sure to read this article about what's wrong with antiperspirant and how to switch to natural deodorant.
It has a subtle but pleasant smell. For those with sensitive skin, the baking soda free Axilla Deodorant Barrier Booster may be more appropriate - this is the one I prefer!
HOW TO USE IT
I thought it would be peculiar to apply deodorant with my fingers, but it was surprisingly easy, and there isn't any residue on my hands after applying. Take a pea-sized amount of the paste and put it under your arms. I found it best to put my arms down for a few seconds to melt it before gently rubbing it evenly on my underarms.
These deodorants do not contain alcohol, nasty parabens, sulfates, preservatives, artificial fragrances, or other potentially harmful chemicals.
Extra tip: Apparently, if you apply a tiny amount between your toes, it helps with smelly feet! I have not tested this theory out, but let me know if it works!
Love Your Face Serum
WHAT IS IT:
The Love Your Face Serum is a nutrient-rich face oil to keep your skin keep hydrated and protected. It's ideal for all skin types - I have combination skin, and my skin can't get enough! This is my favorite of my environmentally friendly toiletries to take camping!
The serum is actually what I've used the most - I always look forward to using it at the end of a day of hiking.
WHAT'S IT MADE FROM?
It's made up of 11 hardworking oils with various properties to keep your face hydrated and nourished, such as anti-inflammatory Apricot Kernel oil, Vitamin E rich Jojoba oil, and soothing Evening Primrose oil.
HOW TO USE:
When camping I like clean my face with a biodegradable face cleansing wipe, splash my face with water from a river or lake, then use a couple of drops of the serum to add moisture and help recover from a day or dirt, sun, and wind. You can also use it in the morning with an SPF on afterward.
Salt & Stone Face Stick Sunscreen - SPF 50
WHAT IS IT:
Salt & Stone's SPF 50 Face Stick is a non-toxic sunscreen ideal for everyday protection or a day of adventure. The tinted formula avoids the white zinc look while protecting from UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is biodegradable, reef-safe, water and sweat-resistant, and won't cause breakouts. I also really like that it comes in a stick, so there is no risk of a sunscreen explosion (this has happened to me before!)
WHAT'S IT MADE FROM?
The active ingredient is non–nano zinc oxide - meaning the zinc particles won't enter your bloodstream, unlike chemicals such as oxybenzone.
The sunscreen also contains skin-softening organic shea butter, coconut oil, and anti-inflammatory sunflower oil to be gentle on your skin.
HOW TO USE:
Keep in mind a small amount goes a very long way, so dab a little on your face after your moisturizer then use your fingers to rub it in. Reapply after swimming, or sweating, and every 2 hours or as needed.
What are your favorite environmentally friendly toiletries to take camping?
If you liked this post you may also be interested in reading Skin Care Tips for the Traveling Girl!