Running a successful vacation rental involves countless details, and few are more repetitive or wasteful than the cycle of buying, stocking, and disposing of tiny toiletry bottles. Those miniature plastic containers can send the wrong message to your guests, suggesting a motel-like experience instead of the premium stay you've worked hard to create, along with the expense and environmental impact.
The solution is switching to bulk toiletries for your Airbnb or Short-Term Rental (STR). This upgrade represents a triple win: reducing costs, improving the guest experience, and minimizing your environmental footprint. It's a simple change that delivers outsized returns for hosts who care about their bottom line and reputation.
In this guide, we explore the benefits of switching, help you choose dispensing systems, share our list of the best bulk toiletries for Airbnb properties at different price points, and provide tips for presenting these amenities in a luxurious way.
7 Best Bulk Toiletry Brands for Any STR
The "best" choice for your property depends on your brand, target guest demographic, and budget. Our selection covers excellent options from budget-friendly to luxury bulk toiletries, ensuring something suitable for every vacation rental.
For Budget-Savvy Hosts: Public Goods
Public Goods delivers minimalist, high-quality essentials through a membership model that provides exceptional value. Their clean, gender-neutral formulations come in simple packaging that complements any décor.
Best For:
Modern, minimalist, or budget-to-mid-range properties seeking a cohesive look.
Pros:
- Outstanding price point ($16 for 12oz bottles, with bulk refills available)
- Clean and sophisticated aesthetic with simple black and white labeling
- Universally appealing scent profile (mandarin and basil)
- High-quality, clean ingredients without sulfates or parabens
Cons:
- Annual membership required ($79, recouped through savings)
- Fewer scent options than other brands
- Distinctive branding does not fit every aesthetic.
For the Eco-Conscious Brand: Plaine Products
Plaine Products pioneered a zero-waste model, where products arrive in aluminum bottles, and empty containers can be returned for cleaning and refilling using a provided shipping label.
Best For:
Eco-lodges, sustainably-marketed properties, or hosts with environmentally-conscious target guests.
Pros:
- A truly zero-waste system with closed-loop packaging
- Premium vegan ingredients that are gentle and effective
- Multiple scent options (rosemary, mint, vanilla, citrus, lavender)
- Demonstrates to guests genuine environmental commitment
Cons:
- Higher price point ($30 per 16oz bottle)
- Requires managing the return shipping process
- If dropped, aluminum bottles can dent.
For Hotel Luxury: Beekman 1802
Beekman 1802 has a devoted following for their gentle yet luxurious goat milk-based formulations. The brand is widely used in boutique hotels for its premium quality and universal appeal.
Best For:
Mid-range to high-end properties aiming for a boutique hotel atmosphere.
Pros:
- Recognizable luxury brand signaling quality to discerning guests
- Goat milk's natural benefits are exceptional for sensitive skin.
- A fresh, clean scent profile appealing across demographics.
- Attractive heritage farm aesthetic
Cons:
- Traditional scent profiles may not suit ultra-modern properties.
- Higher price point ($20-25 per 12.5oz bottle)
- Compared to competitors, there are limited bulk refill options.
For the Modern & Stylish Property: Grown Alchemist
Grown Alchemist, an Australian brand with a devoted following, offers products in apothecary-style packaging with botanical, sophisticated scents.
Best For:
High-end, design-focused, or luxury urban rentals targeting affluent guests.
Pros:
- Signals luxury and sophisticated taste
- Complex, appealing scents (chamomile, bergamot, rosewood)
- Premium organic botanical ingredients
- Packaging that enhances bathroom aesthetics
Cons:
- Premium price point ($35-45 per 16.9oz bottle)
- You must order directly or through specialty retailers due to limited availability.
- Too niche for properties targeting broad demographics
Reliable Crowd-Pleaser: Ginger Lily Farms (by TNG)
Ginger Lily Farms offers salon-quality formulations at reasonable prices, with a vast variety of scents and formulations available in true gallon sizes.
Best For:
Hosts managing multiple properties or wanting reliable, cost-effective Airbnb supplies.
Pros:
- Exceptional value ($30-35 per gallon)
- Wide range of hypoallergenic options
- Consistently good quality that rivals more expensive brands
- Available in bulk from hospitality suppliers and Amazon
Cons:
- Lacks the brand recognition of more consumer-facing companies.
- Packaging is functional rather than design-forward.
- Some scents can be stronger than luxury brands.
The All-Natural Choice: Avalon Organics
Avalon Organics combines accessibility with certified organic ingredients and formulations free of harsh chemicals, making it perfect for health-conscious guests.
Best For: Properties appealing to families or wellness-oriented travelers.
Pros:
- Widely recognized natural brand with strong consumer trust
- NSF-certified organic ingredients
- Distinctive, pleasant natural scents (lavender, lemon, peppermint)
- Readily available through major retailers and online
Cons:
- More expensive than comparable value brands
- Limited bulk size options (typically 32oz maximum)
- Packaging that is less sophisticated than premium brands
The One-Stop Shop: Costco's Kirkland Signature
Kirkland Signature Professional Salon Formula products offer remarkable quality at unbeatable prices, with color-safe, sulfate-free formulations that perform like premium brands.
Best For: Costco members seeking maximum value without sacrificing quality.
Pros:
- Unmatched price-to-quality ratio ($10 for 33.8oz)
- Salon-grade performance that satisfies picky guests
- Convenient to purchase with other rental supplies.
- Gentle formulation for all hair types
Cons:
- Requires Costco membership for best pricing.
- Limited to one signature scent per product
- Large bottles can be cumbersome when refilling dispensers.
Why Your Vacation Rental Needs Bulk Toiletries
Transitioning from individual mini bottles to a bulk toiletry system offers three major advantages that impact business success and guest satisfaction.
Significant Cost Savings
Buying toiletries in bulk drastically reduces your per-ounce cost compared to individual travel-sized bottles. A typical 1-ounce hotel shampoo costs $0.50-$1.00, while the same premium formula in a gallon container costs $0.05-$0.10 per ounce, a savings of up to 90%.
Eliminate the waste of "half-used bottles" where partially consumed products must be discarded after each stay.
- Reduce turnover costs and restocking time between guests.
- Order less frequently in larger quantities to lower shipping costs.
- Benefit from bulk pricing and wholesale options unavailable for travel-sized products.
An Elevated Guest Experience
Quality bulk toiletries enhance guest perception of your property, contrary to some hosts’ fears. When properly presented, they create a more residential, boutique hotel feel that guests appreciate.
- Guests no longer need to ration tiny amounts of shampoo, especially those with long hair.
- High-quality formulations in elegant dispensers feel more premium than generic mini bottles.
- Consistent product availability contributes to a five-star guest experience.
- Many vacation rental toiletries in bulk offer superior ingredients and scents compared to travel-sized options.
A Greener, Sustainable Business
Single-use plastics significantly impact the environment, and eco-conscious travelers notice and appreciate sustainable practices.
- Drastically reduce plastic waste by replacing hundreds of mini bottles annually.
- Create a marketable selling point with eco-friendly Airbnb toiletries that environmentally-conscious guests seek.
- Reduce your property's carbon footprint through fewer deliveries and less packaging.
- Align your business with growing consumer preference for sustainable hospitality options.
Wall-Mounted Dispensers vs. Refillable Bottles
Choosing the right delivery system for your bulk toiletries is as important as choosing the products. There are two primary options for implementing refillable shampoo dispensers for Airbnb, each with distinct advantages and considerations.
Wall-Mounted Dispensers
Systems from Simplehuman and Public Goods attach directly to your shower wall and dispense products with a button or pump.
Pros:
- The tamper-resistant design prevents product contamination.
- Theft-proof (when properly installed)
- Present a clean, organized appearance in the shower
- Transparent chambers allow cleaning staff to monitor product levels.
- Create a premium spa-like atmosphere
Cons:
- Higher initial investment ($30-$100 per unit)
- Requires installation with drills or strong adhesives
- May need periodic deep cleaning to prevent clogging.
- Some models are difficult to refill without spills.
Standalone Refillable Bottles
This approach involves buying attractive pump bottles and refilling them from larger storage containers.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost ($5-$20 per bottle set)
- No installation needed. It can be placed on existing shower shelves or caddies.
- Easily removed for thorough cleaning
- Highly customizable to match your property's aesthetic
- Can be relocated as needed
Cons:
- Occasionally, guests take them as "souvenirs."
- More vulnerable to tampering (this is rare)
- If not arranged, it may create a cluttered appearance.
- Need more frequent refilling than wall-mounted options.
How to Make Bulk Amenities Feel Premium
The final and most crucial element in implementing bulk toiletries is presentation. A gallon jug of shampoo belongs in your supply closet, not your guest bathroom. Here's how to ensure your bulk products create a premium impression:
- Tip 1: Use High-Quality Dispensers. Invest in substantial dispensers, whether you choose wall-mounted or standalone options. For standalone bottles, a matching set of amber glass or high-grade plastic bottles with metal pumps elevates the perception of what's inside. Avoid flimsy plastic that can crack or discolor over time.
- Tip 2: Label Clearly and Beautifully. Professional, waterproof labels serve practical and aesthetic purposes. They prevent guests from mixing up products while adding intentional design. Use simple, elegant text like SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, and BODY WASH in a clean, modern font that matches your property's branding.
- Tip 3: The Power of a Tray. Placing standalone bottles on a dedicated waterproof bamboo, stone, or ceramic tray transforms them into a curated collection. This contains drips, prevents surface damage, and makes the arrangement appear thoughtfully designed, reinforcing the impression of a well-stocked kitchen and bathroom that guests appreciate.
Streamlining Supplies with a Property Manager
While the strategies above deliver clear benefits, they introduce new responsibilities to your host checklist. These responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels, ordering refills, cleaning dispensers regularly, and ensuring everything is pristine for each guest arrival.
Partnering with a full-service property management company is invaluable. A high-quality manager handles all short-term rental guest amenities and supplies as part of their service. They leverage economies of scale to source premium products at competitive prices and ensure your property is consistently stocked by their local teams.
At Checkmate Rentals, we operate on a co-hosting model that manages everything, from marketing to cleaning and stocking your bathrooms with premium toiletries. Before taking on a property, we establish local teams to ensure your rental receives hands-on attention. If you want a 5-star guest experience without managing logistics, our transparent, contract-free service is the perfect next move. We handle the details so you can focus on the returns.
Conclusion
Switching to the best bulk toiletries for your Airbnb is a strategic decision with immediate and long-term benefits. You will reduce costs, delight guests with higher-quality products, and minimize your environmental impact, all while creating a more distinctive, memorable experience.
Whether you choose budget-friendly options like Public Goods or Kirkland Signature, or luxury brands like Grown Alchemist or Beekman 1802, thoughtful selection and presentation transform this practical necessity into a defining feature of your guest experience.
Remember that these small details can make the difference between average and exceptional reviews. By elevating everyday essentials, you signal to guests that every aspect of their stay has been carefully considered, the hallmark of great hospitality.
