When you’re headed into the wild, skincare probably isn’t the first thing you pack—but it shouldn’t be the last. Whether you’re backpacking deep into the backcountry or setting up camp for a weekend escape, your skin still needs care to keep it clean, protected, and break-out free. Here’s what to bring camping or backpacking this summer as skincare for the trail.
Keep It Clean (and Simple)
Dirt, sweat, SPF, and bug spray all build up on your skin while you’re out exploring. But that doesn’t mean you need to pack a bulky bag of products.
Enter: our Clean & Simple Soap and Charcoal Soap—two multi-purpose bars that gently cleanse skin without stripping it dry. They’re biodegradable, travel-friendly, and safe for sensitive skin. The charcoal bar offers an extra detox boost (great for oily skin or after a hot, sweaty hike).
Pro tip: Cut your bar in half + use an aluminum soap tin or mesh bag to keep it dry and reduce weight in your pack! (linked are some amazon examples, but be sure to check your local shops too)
Moisture Matters (Even in the Wild)
Often long hikes don’t just mean sweaty and dirty skin… they also mean sun-exposed skin and is in need of repair. Ditch the lime green aloe from your drug store and include a better option for your skin AND your environment.
Did you know we now offer a 1oz glass mini version of our “Beet the Heat” moisturizer? Made with soothing aloe vera, this hydrating daily moisturizer is a trail-ready hero—lightweight, cooling, and nourishing after a day in the sun, wind, or bug bites + it won’t weigh you down (your skin or your pack!)
🦟 Nature-Approved Bug Defense
You don’t have to choose between itchy welts and chemical clouds that leave you smelling of chemical bug repellents. Choose sprays, serums, or creams that contain neem or lavender oils to keep the bugs at bay and your skin feeling soft and supple rather than sticky and gross!
*I also really love this brand for products that calm itch and bug bites with natural ingredients.
🌍 Remember To Always Wash With Care & Leave No Trace!
Here’s the big one: even eco-friendly products need to be used responsibly outdoors.
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Never wash directly in lakes, rivers, or streams. Even biodegradable products take time to break down, and aquatic ecosystems are sensitive.
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Use a container to carry water 200 feet away from natural sources before washing yourself or your gear.
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Opt for a quick rinse and soap only where needed—a “pits and bits” approach goes a long way on the trail.
Minimalist Packing, Maximum Impact On the Trails
Skincare for the trail doesn’t need to be hard! (Glampers, no…you don’t need to pack your whole vanity!) Focus on smart, multifunctional staples that are kind to your skin and the planet. When we treat wild spaces with the respect they deserve, we get to keep enjoying them for generations to come. 🙂