I’ve been in an ongoing discussion in the Women Who Sail Facebook group about something many cruisers run into: the toxic overload of conventional products we use on our boats. Think dish soap, shampoo, sunscreen, lotions, even hand soap. The problem? They’re not just harmful to us—they’re disastrous for the ocean and reefs. And when you’re out cruising with limited access to clean products, it’s easy to feel like you don’t have a choice.

But here’s the good news: you do. It just takes a bit of planning, a shift in perspective, and some natural alternatives that actually work.

The Not-So-Clean Truth About “Cleaners”

Let’s start with Dawn dish soap. It’s often used in wildlife rescues, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s non-toxic. It’s filled with sulfates and synthetic fragrance, which can irritate skin, harm beneficial microbes (on your skin and in the ocean), and contribute to water pollution.

Flashback 2010: I remember when I first started making the scouts take “JOY” baths onboard. Long before toxins in our products was even a topic of conversation. Seabase provided us with JOY dish soap, the scouts would get wet, lather up with the dish soap, jump back in the water to rinse the soap off, then rinse with fresh water up on deck. In 2023, I had them do the same thing, with ‘happy’ soap, still called it a JOY bath, because it created so much JOY and everyone, including the ocean, was happy!

Conventional sunscreen is even worse. Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are proven coral killers, and many are also endocrine disruptors. This means they can throw off your hormones while you’re trying to enjoy paradise.

And those lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and hand soaps? Most are packed with preservatives, parabens, and petroleum-based ingredients that don’t belong anywhere near your body or the reef.

The Real-Life Challenge of Cruising

When you’re out there on the water, you can’t just pop into Whole Foods. Many island shops carry only the basics—and the basics are usually loaded with toxins. That’s why it’s so important to stock up before you leave, or learn how to make your own safe, low-tox alternatives with items you already have on board.

Natural Alternatives That Work

• Castile Soap: A boat bag essential. Dr. Bronner’s is a good option—safe for skin, dishes, hair, and even laundry. Just a few drops go a long way.
• doTERRA OnGuard Cleaner Concentrate: Non-toxic, ultra-concentrated (so it lasts forever), and it smells incredible. One small bottle replaces multiple toxic cleaners.
• Baking Soda + Vinegar + Essential Oils: This trio can clean almost anything—sinks, counters, cutting boards, even smelly heads.
• DIY Lotion Bar: Melt equal parts coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Add a few drops of essential oil (lavender and/or frankincense are amazing). Pour into a silicone mold or a glass jar, and let harden.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse: Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water. Conditions and rebalances the scalp. Optional: add rosemary or lavender essential oil.
• Sun Protection Alternatives: Wear UPF clothing, wide-brim hats, and after sun exposure, soothe skin with aloe vera gel and pure essential oils like helichrysum or lavender to begin the healing process, and peppermint for cooling the skin. dōTERRA’s Sun Care line is reef safe (trust me, I’ve researched it!), and not only protects the skin, but nourishes it as well! 

Smart Tips for Cruisers

• Stock up before your trip with compact, multi-use items.
• Order natural products ahead and ship to major marinas or friendly ports.
• Connect with other cruisers to bulk order and share shipping costs.
• Get creative with DIYs that require minimal ingredients and no refrigeration.

Healthy You = Healthy Ocean

Going low-tox on your boat isn’t just about the ocean (though that’s reason enough). It’s about protecting you. Your hormones, your energy, your immune system. When we take care of our bodies and our environments, both thrive.

Want more ideas for cleaning up your routine and your cruising lifestyle?

✨ Download my FREE Living Low Tox at Sea eBook and get simple, proven swaps that are boat-friendly and reef-safe. While your downloading, grab my Simple Swaps for a Healthy Home ebook for more in depth information and more swaps!

If you’re passionate about protecting the reefs we all love to explore, I highly encourage you to check out ReefRelief.org. They offer fantastic educational resources, local programs, and ways to get involved in marine conservation. Even a small donation goes a long way toward preserving these fragile ecosystems for future generations of sailors, snorkelers, and sea-loving souls. 🌊💙