Biodegradable Soaps

The University of Toronto’s St. George campus uses Ecologo certified biodegradable hand soaps in all washrooms.

The contents of this page have been prepared by the Student Leadership Subcommittee to promote this sustainable practice, inform university community members about the benefits of biodegradable soaps, and encourage you to use similar products at home.

Why We Made This Transition 

At the University of Toronto, we’re committed to safeguarding both human health and our environment.  Recognizing the harmful impacts of traditional cleaning products on human health and marine life, we have been using biodegradable alternatives. This proactive change underscores our responsibility towards promoting well-being within our community and protecting our planet. 

Impact of Traditional Soap 

Traditional cleaning products often contain chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and triclosan. Studies have shown that these substances can disrupt human hormonal balance and are linked to a range of health issues including reproductive disorders and metabolic changes (Zamora et al., 2021). Moreover, when washed away, these chemicals persist in the environment, posing long-term risks to aquatic life and ecosystems (Wang and Liang, 2021). For instance, triclosan, a common antimicrobial agent, has been found to linger in rivers and lakes, where it accumulates in organisms and disrupts aquatic ecosystems (Wang and Liang, 2021). 

Our Commitment to Biodegradable Alternatives 

In light of these concerns, the University of Toronto has embraced the use of biodegradable cleaning products. These alternatives are made from natural ingredients that decompose more readily in the environment, significantly reducing pollution and diminishing the risk of associated health issues. By adopting biodegradable products that are free from phthalates and parabens, we ensure that harmful chemicals are kept out of our bodies and our water systems, thus supporting human health and biodiversity (Zamora et al., 2021). 

Make the Transition at Home 

We are inspired by the positive impact of this initiative and encourage everyone, both within and beyond our university community, to adopt biodegradable cleaning products in their homes. Embracing biodegradable soaps at home is a straightforward step you can take to protect both your health and the environment. By making this switch, you contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Biodegradable soaps contain natural ingredients that decompose naturally, turning into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, which do not pollute the environment. These products are typically made from natural substances that break down quickly in the environment, such as plant-based surfactants and essential oils, instead of persistent chemicals found in traditional cleaners.

Yes, biodegradable soaps are effective cleaners. They are formulated to provide excellent cleaning without harmful chemicals, handling everything from daily cleaning to heavy-duty tasks.

Biodegradable soaps are available in most health food stores, online, and increasingly in local supermarkets. Look for certifications like EcoLogo or Green Seal on the packaging. These labels indicate that the product adheres to strict environmental standards for biodegradability. Additional recognized certifications include Blue Angel, Cradle to Cradle Certified, EU Ecolabel, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certified, Nordic Swan, U.S. EPA Safer Choice, and certifications from Global Ecolabelling Network or ISEAL Alliance member organizations. These certifications ensure that the products meet rigorous environmental and health standards. 

Like any soap, biodegradable ones can trigger allergies depending on individual sensitivities, especially to natural ingredients like essential oils. Always check the ingredient list if you have known allergies.

Initially, biodegradable soaps might seem more expensive but considering their public health and environmental benefits, they are a valuable investment for sustainable living.

To identify if a product is truly biodegradable, you can look for specific third-party certifications that ensure the product meets rigorous environmental and health standards. Here are the key certifications to look for when assessing if a cleaning product is biodegradable: 

  1. ISO Type 1 Ecolabels: These certifications confirm that products have been rigorously tested and meet comprehensive sustainability criteria throughout their entire lifecycle. Examples include: 
  1. Green Seal (U.S.) 
  1. UL ECOLOGO (Canada) 
  1. ISEAL Alliance Members: Products certified by ISEAL Alliance members adhere to high environmental standards, though not all ISEAL member labels may be applicable in your region. 
  1. Global Ecolabeling Network (GEN): GEN members provide certifications that are scientifically rigorous, independently verified, and cover a wide range of environmental integrity checks. 
  1. Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC): While SPLC itself is not a certifying body, it endorses products that align with sustainable purchasing practices. 
  1. Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI): Ensures products meet the ASTM International composability standards, confirming that the products are compostable.  

Products bearing any of these certifications have been verified to adhere to stringent environmental standards and are reliable choices for sustainable purchasing. For information on additional certifications, see the Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System’s (STARS) Qualifying Certifications and Standards for Purchased Goods.  

  1. Government of Canada. (n.d.). Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients. Health Canada. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/labelling/safety-ingredients.html  
  1. Government of Canada. (n.d.). Parabens. Health Canada. Retrieved 13th January 2025, from https://canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemicals-product-safety/parabens.html 
  1. Government of Canada. (n.d.). Triclosan. Health Canada. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemicals-product-safety/triclosan.html  
  1. Health, Food Chain Safety, and Environment. (2016, January 12). Effect of detergents on the environment. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://health.belgium.be/en/effect-detergents-environment 
  1. Papavasilopoulos, R. K., & Kang, S. (2022). Bibliometric Analysis: The Effects of Triclosan on Human Health. Toxics, 10(9), 523. 
  1. Wang, Y., & Liang, W. (2021). Occurrence, toxicity, and removal methods of triclosan: a timely review. Current Pollution Reports, 7, 31-39. 
  1. Yesumanipreethi, S., Nirmal Magadalenal, N., & Moses Inbaraj, R. (2021, December). Impact of phthalates and parabens on the neurobehavioral and reproductive function: a review. In Proceedings of the Zoological Society (Vol. 74, No. 4, pp. 572-590). New Delhi: Springer India. 
  2. Zamora, A. N., Jansen, E. C., Tamayo-Ortiz, M., Goodrich, J. M., Sánchez, B. N., Watkins, D. J., & Peterson, K. E. (2021). Exposure to phenols, phthalates, and parabens and development of metabolic syndrome among Mexican women in midlife. Frontiers in public health, 9, 620769.