Bar Soap

Include bar soap in your everyday bathroom rituals. People have been using it for thousands of years. Although it briefly took a back seat with the rise of liquid soaps, it’s now enjoying renewed popularity. Today’s best bar soaps are full of natural ingredients, gentle on the skin and beautifully scented. They come in a wide range of stylish designs, and luxurious bar soaps also make a wonderful gift.

Is liquid or bar soap better?

The main advantages bar soap has over liquid soap include:

·       Longer lifespan: If you let a bar dry on a soap dish after use, it will last much longer than liquid soap.

·       Simpler formulations: Good-quality bar soap is usually made with fewer chemical additives than liquid soap, which more often contains preservatives and other added ingredients.

·       More eco-friendly packaging: Bar soaps are often sold in recycled packaging, paper or even completely packaging-free. Liquid soaps are almost always packaged in plastic bottles.

·       Easy travel: A bar is easy to carry, won’t leak and isn’t counted as a liquid when flying.

How to choose the best bar soap?

When choosing, you can focus on various criteria:

… according to which part of the body you want to use the soap on:

·       Bar hand soap: Choose soaps that cleanse thoroughly without drying out the skin. For frequent handwashing, gentle soaps with glycerine and plant oils work particularly well.

·       Bar body soap: Look for hydrating soaps with shea butter or olive oil, herbal options with lavender or calendula, exfoliating soaps with coffee or oats, or cleansing soaps with activated charcoal.

·       Bar facial soap: Opt for gentle soaps with goat’s milk for hydration, charcoal or clay soaps for oily skin, or fragrance-free hypoallergenic options for sensitive skin. There are also bar soaps specifically designed for acne-prone skin.

·       Bar hair soap: Choose soaps with gentle ingredients such as olive or coconut oil to hydrate and nourish both hair and scalp. Ideally, go for a dedicated shampoo bar, which has a pH better suited to the scalp.

… according to purpose:

·       Exfoliating bar soap removes dead skin cells and smooths the skin.

·       Antibacterial bar soap can be useful as a disinfecting soap, especially in the workplace or kitchen where extra protection is needed.

·       Bar shaving soap creates a smooth lather and helps soothe the skin.

… according to ingredients:

·       Bar soap with turmeric – cleansing and brightening.

·       Bar soap with tea tree oil – deeply cleanses and may help with blemishes.

·       Bar soap with coconut oil – nourishes and soothes dry skin.

·       Bar soap with lemon – cleanses, tightens pores and brightens.

·       Bar soap with orange – refreshes, supports collagen production and gently exfoliates.

·       Castile bar soap – a traditional natural bar soap with olive oil, gentle and hydrating, suitable for sensitive skin.

Bar soaps for the whole family

Men’s bar soap is particularly popular. The best bar soap for men is formulated to suit men’s skin and often features fresh, spicy or woody fragrances. Bar soap for women charms with floral or fruity aromas and is well suited to the needs of women’s skin. For children, ideally choose an organic bar soap designed specifically for kids, which respects their delicate, sensitive skin.

Tip: If you’re looking for gentle care, a high-quality natural bar soap is the right choice. The cheapest soaps often contain lower-quality ingredients that can dry out the skin.

Q&A – your frequently asked questions

What can you use bar soap for?

It’s a true all-rounder. Depending on the soap you choose, you can use it for daily handwashing, body care, facial cleansing and even hair. Some bar soaps can also be used for laundry and stain removal.

How long does bar soap last?

For example, a bar shower soap will last around 1–2 months with daily use. Unopened soap can last for several years.

How should you store bar soap?

Keep soap that’s in use on a soap dish with drainage so it can dry properly after use and doesn’t dissolve. Store unused soap in a dry place – for example, in a wardrobe, where it will beautifully scent your clothes.