The Difference Between Natural Soap and Biodegradable Soap

TL;DR Quick Answers

Biodegradable Soap

Biodegradable soap breaks down into natural elements (water, CO2, biomass) within 28 days through microbial action, verified by third-party testing like OECD 301 or ASTM standards.

Key differences from regular soap:

• Regular soap persists in waterways for months

• Biodegradable soap degrades 60%+ in 28 days

• Requires third-party lab certification to verify claims

What we learned creating NOWATA™:

• "Natural" ≠ "biodegradable" (plant ingredients can still fail testing)

• Look for EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, or BPI certifications

• Vague "eco-friendly" claims without testing standards = greenwashing

Critical insight from our research: Even biodegradable soap creates environmental impact when it requires 1.5-2 gallons of water to rinse. With 30 million Americans facing water scarcity, the most sustainable soap eliminates water waste entirely.

Bottom line: Check for specific certifications (OECD 301, ASTM), not marketing buzzwords. Better yet, choose rinse-free formulas that save water and biodegrade safely.

Top takeaways: What you need to know

1. "Natural" and "biodegradable" aren't the same thing

• Natural = where ingredients come from (plants, minerals, animals)

• Biodegradable = how quickly it breaks down after use

• A soap can be 100% natural and still persist in waterways for months

• Or contain synthetic ingredients that biodegrade in days

• The best choice: Both naturally-sourced AND rapidly biodegradable

2. Only third-party testing proves the claims

• Any company can print "eco-friendly" on a label

• Marketing claims mean nothing without independent verification

• Look for: OECD 301, ASTM protocols, EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal

• Our experience: Swiss lab testing separated real performance from marketing hype

3. Water consumption matters as much as ingredients

• Even biodegradable soap needs 1.5-2 gallons of water to rinse

• 30 million Americans already face water scarcity

• The delivery system matters as much as the formula

• Ask: "How much water does this product need to work?"

4. Your daily choices add up fast

• Average American uses 82 gallons of water per day at home

• Family of four washing hands 8-10 times daily = 15+ gallons down the drain

• Just for hand hygiene alone

• Small changes multiply across 365 days into measurable impact

5. You don't have to compromise

• Families shouldn't choose between effective or responsible

• Products exist that deliver both performance and sustainability

• Use the resources we provided to verify claims and understand certifications

• Hold companies accountable—including us

What "natural soap" actually means (and what it doesn't)

When we started researching ingredients for NOWATA™, we assumed "natural" had a legal definition. It doesn't. In the soap industry, "natural" is an unregulated marketing term that can mean almost anything—from 100% plant-derived ingredients to products that contain a single botanical extract alongside synthetic compounds.

True natural soaps are made from ingredients sourced directly from plants, minerals, or animals without synthetic chemical modification. Think olive oil, coconut oil, essential oils, and plant-based glycerin. These ingredients interact with your skin differently than synthetic detergents—they're generally gentler and less likely to strip away protective oils.

But here's what surprised us during formulation: natural doesn't automatically mean safe, gentle, or environmentally friendly. Poison ivy is natural. So is arsenic. The source of an ingredient tells you nothing about its environmental persistence, skin compatibility, or ecological impact once it washes down the drain.

What makes a soap biodegradable

Biodegradability measures what happens after the soap leaves your hands. Specifically, it describes how completely and how quickly microorganisms in soil or water can break down the soap's molecular structure into natural elements like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.

We tested NOWATA™ through rigorous biodegradation protocols, and the process opened our eyes. A truly biodegradable soap must break down into harmless components within a specific timeframe—typically measured in weeks, not months or years. The standard we follow requires at least 60% biodegradation within 28 days under aerobic conditions.

What matters here isn't where the ingredient came from, but its molecular structure. We've seen synthetic surfactants biodegrade faster than certain plant-based oils because their chemical bonds break apart more readily. Conversely, some natural waxes and oils can persist in waterways long after use because their complex molecular chains resist microbial breakdown.

Why the distinction matters for your family and the planet

During our development process, we encountered soaps marketed as "all-natural" that contained plant oils known to bioaccumulate in aquatic ecosystems. We also found biodegradable synthetic soaps that irritated our children's sensitive skin. This taught us that responsible soap formulation requires both considerations—not just one.

For your family, natural ingredients often mean fewer skin irritants, allergens, and hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates or parabens. For the environment, biodegradability determines whether your daily hand washing contributes to waterway pollution or breaks down harmlessly.

The ideal? A soap that's both naturally derived and rapidly biodegradable—what we ultimately achieved with NOWATA™ after extensive testing. Our plant-based formula proved gentle enough for our toddlers' snack hands while breaking down completely in natural environments.

The third factor nobody talks about: water impact

Here's what changed our entire approach to soap development: even the most biodegradable soap still requires gallons of water to rinse away. The average hand wash uses 1.5 gallons of water, and that water carries soap residue—natural or otherwise—into treatment systems or directly into ecosystems.

This realization led us to develop rinse-free technology. By creating a soap that physically clumps and removes dirt, oil, and 99.9% of germs without any water, we eliminated the rinsing equation entirely. No water wasted, no soap residue entering waterways, and complete biodegradation of the small amount that brushes off your hands.

How to identify truly responsible soap products

After two years in the lab, here's what we look for—and what we built into NOWATA™:

Ingredient transparency matters more than marketing claims. Look for complete ingredient lists, not vague terms like "natural fragrance" or "plant-based cleansers." We list every component in our formula because you deserve to know exactly what touches your skin.

Third-party testing provides the only reliable proof. Our Swiss laboratory verification using ASTM E1174 protocols wasn't just for germ removal—we also confirmed biodegradability through independent testing. Marketing claims without lab certification are just that: claims.

Consider the full lifecycle, not just the formula. A biodegradable soap that ships in non-recyclable plastic or requires excessive water for rinsing undermines its environmental benefits. We designed NOWATA™ to save up to two gallons of water per use specifically because we measured the total impact, not just the ingredient list.

The truth we discovered through firsthand experience: the best soap for families and the planet isn't simply natural or biodegradable—it's both, formulated with scientific rigor and tested to prove it works without compromise.

Essential resources on biodegradable soap

When we developed NOWATA™ in our lab, these were the resources that helped us cut through marketing hype and understand what biodegradability actually means. We're sharing them with you because making informed choices shouldn't require a PhD—just access to the right information.

1. EPA Safer Choice program: The database we check when verifying claims

URL: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice

This is where we go when we need to verify what "safer" actually means. The EPA's searchable database shows which products meet rigorous scientific standards for both human health and environmental safety—no guesswork, just facts. If you see the Safer Choice label, you know a product passed independent testing, not just creative marketing.

2. FTC Green Guides: Understand what companies can (and can't) legally claim

URL: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/environmental-claims-summary-green-guides

Here's the truth: the FTC regulates environmental marketing claims because companies were making things up. These guides explain what "biodegradable" legally means and what proof companies must provide. We relied on these guidelines when crafting our own claims—because your trust matters more than flashy language.

3. Green Seal GS-44 standard: See what legitimate certification actually requires

URL: https://greenseal.org/standards/gs-44-soaps-cleansers-hand-sanitizers-and-shower-products/

When we were developing NOWATA™, we studied standards like GS-44 to understand what third-party certification demands—biodegradability testing, prohibited ingredients, performance benchmarks. It's detailed and technical, but that's exactly why it matters. Real standards aren't simple, and products that meet them earn the trust.

4. OECD Test Guidelines 301: The science behind the 28-day biodegradability test

URL: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/1992/07/test-no-301-ready-biodegradability_g1gh2913.html

This is the international testing protocol that determines whether something actually biodegrades or just breaks into smaller pieces. It's the science we reference when we talk about biodegradation—not marketing jargon, but repeatable lab methods recognized globally. A bit technical, but worth understanding if you want to know what's really happening at the molecular level.

5. ASTM biodegradability standards: The testing protocols behind certifications worldwide

URL: https://www.astm.org/news/standards-biodegradable-plastics-ma19

ASTM develops the testing standards (like D6400 and D5338) that certifications reference—think of them as the rulebook everyone uses. When we tested NOWATA™, these were the benchmarks we measured against. This resource explains why these standards matter globally and how they verify whether products actually break down in soil, water, or composting environments.

6. Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI): Verify which products are actually certified

URL: https://bpiworld.org/

BPI certifies compostable products in North America, and their database lets you verify claims instantly. We appreciate their work because they bridge lab testing with real-world composting facility data. One important note from our research: "biodegradable" and "compostable" aren't the same thing—BPI explains the difference clearly.

7. University of Toronto biodegradable soap guide: Consumer-friendly breakdown of certifications

URL: https://sustainability.utoronto.ca/student-leadership/biodegradable-soap-awareness/

This guide translates technical standards into practical advice—exactly what we wished we'd found when we started our research. It lists key certifications (EcoLogo, EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal) and explains what they mean for your family and the environment, without the academic complexity or guilt-tripping.

Supporting statistics: What the data revealed during our research

When we started developing NOWATA™, we thought we understood water waste. Then we looked at the actual numbers—and realized the problem was far bigger than sticky toddler hands.

82 gallons per person, every single day

The EPA WaterSense program data stopped us cold: the average American uses 82 gallons of water daily just at home.

We did the math on our own family:

• 2 adults + 2 kids washing hands 5-8 times daily

• Hundreds of gallons down the drain monthly—just for hand hygiene

• Over 30,000 gallons per person annually for all household water use

That calculation changed everything. Rinse-free technology wasn't a convenience feature—it was addressing a massive, invisible problem in every household.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, WaterSense Statistics and Facts
URL: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts

30 million Americans already face water scarcity

The U.S. Geological Survey's 2025 assessment delivered the statistic that kept us up at night:

• 27-30 million people live where water supplies can't meet demand

• That's 8% of the U.S. population—right now, not decades from now

• Families in these regions make daily choices between conservation and hygiene

What we heard during testing:
Parents in drought-affected areas told us they limited their kids' handwashing to save water. No parent should face that choice. Our formula wasn't just environmentally responsible—it was genuinely necessary.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey, National Water Availability Assessment
URL: https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/usgs-releases-a-comprehensive-look-water-resources-united-states

61% of consumers want biodegradable products—without compromise

National Environmental Education Foundation data confirmed what we suspected during market research:

• American families use 300+ gallons of water daily at home

• 61% of consumers actively seek biodegradable products

• Most are frustrated navigating products that either don't work well or aren't truly sustainable

The gap we identified:
Families wanted effective AND responsible products, but they'd been forced to choose. That insight drove our entire development process—create something that doesn't ask families to sacrifice performance for principles.

Source: National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Water Use and Conservation Data
URL: https://www.neefusa.org/story/water/increasing-demand-and-decreasing-supply-water

Final thought: The question we should have been asking all along

After two years in the lab testing formulations, reading certifications, and measuring biodegradation rates, here's what we learned: the "natural versus biodegradable" debate misses the bigger picture entirely.

We were asking the wrong question

The soap industry conditioned us to obsess over:

• Whether plant-based beats synthetic

• Which certification standard is most rigorous

• If our formula would pass Swiss lab testing

All important—but none addressed the fundamental problem.

The real issue isn't what's in the soap. It's what happens after you use it.

The uncomfortable truth we discovered:

Even the most perfectly biodegradable, 100% natural soap still requires 1.5 gallons of water to rinse away.

Here's the math that changed everything:

• Our family washed hands 8-10 times daily

• That's 15 gallons of water down the drain every day

• Just for hand hygiene alone

• With 30 million Americans already facing water scarcity

Suddenly the ingredient list felt less important than the delivery system.

Why ingredients still matter (but aren't everything)

We're not dismissing ingredient transparency—that's why we made NOWATA™ 100% plant-based and biodegradable.

But after testing dozens of "eco-friendly" soaps that still wasted gallons of water per use, we realized the industry was optimizing the wrong variable.

It's like debating recycled paper versus bamboo for newspapers when everyone's reading digitally anyway.

The false choice families face

The current market presents only two options:

Option 1: Harsh chemicals that rinse quickly
Option 2: Gentle natural formulas that require even more water to remove

Both ignore the fact that water itself has become the scarce resource.

The most sustainable soap eliminates the rinsing equation entirely

When we developed clumping technology that physically removes 99.9% of germs without any water, other parents didn't say "cool innovation."

They said: "Why didn't this exist already?"

That reaction confirmed what the data showed: families don't want to choose between effective and responsible. They shouldn't have to.

The better question to ask

Yes, check those ingredient lists. Verify biodegradability certifications. Hold companies accountable with third-party testing.

But also ask the question that changed our entire approach:

How much water does this product require to work?

Because the most biodegradable formula in the world still creates environmental impact if it needs two gallons of increasingly scarce water to function.

FAQ on "Biodegradable Soap"

Q: What's the difference between biodegradable soap and regular soap?

A: We ran side-by-side soil tests during our second year of formulation. Here's what happened:

Biodegradable soap:

• Broke down into water, CO2, and biomass within 28 days

• Achieved 60% degradation under OECD testing protocols

• Molecular structure designed for microbial consumption

• Visibly disappeared in our soil samples

Regular soap:

• Still unchanged at 90 days

• Synthetic surfactants resist breakdown

• Microbes can't process complex chemical chains

• Persists in waterways for months

Critical insight: "Natural" ≠ "biodegradable." Plant-based ingredients can still fail biodegradability testing if chemically modified. We learned this the hard way.

Q: Is biodegradable soap safe for septic systems?

A: Yes—we tested this extensively because our home runs on septic.

Why biodegradable soap works with septic:

• Breaks down through aerobic microbial action

• Same process your septic tank uses

• OECD 301 standards test aqueous degradation

• NOWATA™ designed specifically for septic compatibility

The real problem we discovered:

• Even biodegradable soap creates issues when rinsing

• 1.5 gallons of water per handwashing

• Family of four = massive water volume daily

• Drain fields can't handle the water load

The solution: Rinse-free technology eliminates water volume problems entirely.

Q: Does biodegradable soap work as well as regular soap for cleaning?

A: Absolutely. This question is based on a false premise.

What our Swiss lab testing proved:

• 99.9% germ removal (ASTM E1174 protocol)

• Complete biodegradability achieved simultaneously

• The two qualities are completely unrelated

Understanding the difference:

• Biodegradability = what happens after use

• Cleaning power = what happens during use

• Different mechanisms entirely

Why the confusion exists:

• Decades of marketing positioned "eco-friendly" as "weak"

• We initially fell for it ourselves

• Industry convinced everyone harsh chemicals = effective

• Our testing proved that was never true

Bottom line: Molecular bonds that allow microbial breakdown don't prevent cleaning action.

Q: How can I tell if a soap is truly biodegradable or just greenwashing?

A: After reviewing hundreds of products during competitive research, we developed a simple test.

Real biodegradability looks like this:

✓ Specific testing standard named (OECD 301, ASTM D5338)
✓ Third-party certification shown (EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal GS-44, BPI)
✓ Test results referenced on packaging/website
✓ Certification logos displayed

Greenwashing looks like this:

✗ Vague language: "earth-friendly," "eco-conscious," "gentle on environment"
✗ No testing standard mentioned
✗ No third-party certification
✗ Claims without proof

Our rule: If you can't find the certification or testing standard, assume it hasn't been tested.

Why: Real certifications are expensive and hard to earn. No company keeps them secret.

Reference: FTC Green Guides exist specifically to combat this greenwashing.

Q: Can biodegradable soap still harm the environment?

A: Yes. This realization completely changed our development direction.

What we discovered 9 months into formulation:

Our perfectly biodegradable, 100% plant-based prototype still required:

• 1.5 gallons of water per handwashing

• 60 gallons daily for our family of four

• Just for hand hygiene alone

The environmental math:

• 30 million Americans face water scarcity (USGS data)

• Biodegradable formula + 2 gallons of scarce water = not actually sustainable

• Just "less harmful" than non-biodegradable options

Complete environmental impact includes:

1. Ingredient sourcing and production

2. Biodegradability after use

3. Water resources required to use the product

Why we pivoted entirely:

The most environmentally responsible soap:

• Isn't just one that breaks down safely

• Eliminates the need for gallons of water entirely

• Considers complete resource footprint

Result: We developed rinse-free technology because true sustainability measures the full lifecycle, not just disposal.

Ready to skip the debate entirely?

Now that you understand the difference between natural and biodegradable soap—and why both matter less than the water required to use them—experience the solution we created for our own family. NOWATA™ is 100% plant-based, fully biodegradable, and eliminates up to 2 gallons of water waste per use because it never needs rinsing at all.