Travel-sized shampoos already have a significant environmental impact because of the sheer volume purchased each year, but at least one bottle typically lasts for a few washes. 

One Reddit user posted about a company selling single-use shampoos and conditioners packaged in plastic, which sparked a discussion about waste and consumerism. 

What happened?

In the r/Anticonsumption subreddit, the user titled the post, "Nobody needs single use shampoos in tiny plastic packages." 

They uploaded an advertisement from the company, which explained that the products were "single dose."

"If one is traveling or needs a portable option, there are plenty of refillable bottles or shampoo bars," the original poster added. "They're also about $1.60 per use, which makes them more expensive than most higher-end salon brands."

"But that's the reason why they are making it," one user said. "Because 'demand'. Of course, they've probably engineered that too."

Another said that since "hotel shampoos are absolutely awful," in their experience, they would consider using the disposable ones advertised. 

The OP replied, "Just put your normal shampoo in a small bottle. These are little plastic trays with a peel off lid so it's a bunch of plastic waste."

"Bar shampoo, just let it dry before packing," a third suggested. 

Why is plastic waste concerning?

Both large and small shampoo bottles are bad for the environment, but the latter are much worse since they have a higher plastic-to-product ratio, meaning more material is used per ounce of shampoo. 

Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a refillable product? Saving money 💰 Reducing plastic waste 🗑️ Using less shelf space at home 💁‍♀️ Getting easy refill deliveries 😎 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

They're also harder to recycle, since facilities often can't process sample-sized toiletries, according to Popsugar, so most of them end up in landfills and release harmful chemicals into the environment. 

According to Market Reports World, nearly two billion shampoo and conditioner units were sold worldwide in 2024, and the market is expected to continue growing for the foreseeable future. 

Miniature shampoos and conditioners make up just a fraction of the total plastic waste, but they have an outsized impact on tourist destinations and hotels in general. 

Are companies doing anything about this?

More companies are starting to sell shampoo and conditioner bars since they're cheaper and better for the environment, and beauty stores like The Body Shop have installed refill stations for soaps and shampoos in hundreds of stores globally to cut down on waste. 

In addition, one hotel in Copenhagen — touted as "one of the most eco-friendly hotels in the world" — offers guests refillable shampoo bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, and razors. 

According to Shay Labs, it's a growing trend for major hotel chains like Marriott to switch to bulk shampoo and conditioner dispensers to save money and plastic waste. 

What else is being done to reduce plastic waste?

Vietnam passed legislation that will ban hotels, markets, convenience stores, and government agencies from offering single-use items such as shampoos and conditioners starting in 2026. 

In the United States, California, Illinois, New York, and Washington state have enacted similar measures. 

When traveling, consider bringing bar shampoo and conditioner or using refillable travel bottles to help your wallet and the planet at the same time. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by switching to shampoo bars, so it's worth trying out even if you're not a frequent traveler.

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