Soap gets a bad rap.
Often devalued as stripping or drying, we’ve eschewed the humble, time-old bar that dates all the way back to 2200 BC in ancient Babylon in favour of liquid formulas. The latter cleansers have, for a while now, been deemed the only formulas worth a place on our shower shelf. Well, no longer. It’s time to put bars of soap back on the agenda.
At a time, the bars on offer did in fact have some of these parching qualities. But now, there’s a whole range of options which do exactly the opposite. Whether they’re infused with nourishing almond oil, strengthening vitamin E, exfoliating oatmeal or hydrating glycerin, they now boast actives which deliver skin-loving goodness.
Beyond simply skin nourishment and their primary cleansing task, they’re also better for the environment and your bank balance. Not only do they limit single-use plastic, often encased in paper or cardboard, but bars of soap tend to be cheaper and last much longer than their foaming counterparts too. Our top tip? To make sure each bar lasts as long as possible, invest in suitable storage to keep it protected between washes.
When you’re dipping your toe back into the world of soap bars, opt for a brand that’s known for its skincare offerings like Malin + Goetz, Horace or Aesop because these will be packed with kind-to-skin ingredients. You also cannot go wrong with the failsafe, hugely affordable options from the likes of Dove and L’Occitaine. But if you’re more interested in sumptuous scents, it’s Le Labo and Jo Malone which should be on your wishlist.
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Malin + Goetz Rum Bar Soap
Any fan of New York-based Malin + Goetz will be familiar with its signature dark rum scent that has come to define the brand. Warm, sweet and spicy, it’s a unique blend that keeps you coming back for more. The good news? You can now enjoy it as a bar of soap. It’s good for all skin types, including sensitive, and is enriched with glycerin for extra hydration.
Buy now £14.00, Space NK
Horace Virginia Cedar & Sage Leaf Superfatted Soap Bar
Horace is the Parisian grooming expert known for its affordable yet effective formulas, from serums to moisturisers to body cleansers. This time, it’s the soap that’s on our wishlist. It’s made using coconut and olive oil to create a superfatted bar that’s gently cleansing and nourishing. The best part? The addictive woody aroma.
Buy now £6.50, Horace
Aesop Refresh Bar Soap
A brand that looks as good as it smells, Aesop’s luxurious products are carefully curated to tackle a whole host of skin concerns – whether it’s the brightening Parsley Seed Cleanser or the Nourishing Damascan Rose Facial Oil.
This soap, for example, is a creamy balance of glycerin and essential oils which will protect your skin’s moisture barrier while infusing it with the fresh citrusy scent of bergamot and lime.
Buy now £17.00, Cult Beauty
Hermès H24 Face And Body Solid Cleanser
If you want a cleanser that works for your face, body and hair, Hermès has you covered. And, anyone who’s tried the H24 Eau De Toilette will know the green blend of clary sage and narcissus is the perfect summer aroma.
Buy now £28.99, lookfantastic
Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap
For an exfoliating option, go for Kiehl’s oatmeal and bran-enriched scrub soap. From the rough texture to the refreshing scent, this is a great sensorial alarm clock for those who struggle to wake up. If you ever experience dryness on your elbows or feet, this could be the solution.
Buy now £21.50, Kiehl’s
Dove Men Plus Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Bath Bar
When you think of a classic bar of soap, the brand that instantly springs to mind is Dove and the brand has a men’s specific range. The Plus Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Bath Barboasts gently cleansing and moisturising credentials and, like all Dove products, comes dermatologist recommended. Even better, this multipack has the addition of a pouch which you can use for added exfoliation.
Buy now £5.39, Amazon
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Soap
The purveyor of luxurious fragrances, every soap in Jo Malone’s collection is addictive, deep and intriguing. Our favourite is Pomegranate Noir which is a tantalisingly rich blend of spicy pink pepper, smoky guaiacwood and patchouli. The soap is made using moringa oil for a creamy lather which conditions the skin as it cleanses. Smells good, feels good? Consider every box ticked.
Buy now £20.00, Jo Malone
L’Occitane Shea Verbena Extra-Gentle Soap
Luxury French label L’Occitane’s fuss-free soap is made with a vegetable base that’s enriched with shea butter and verbena. Not only is it good for all skin types, but it also preserves the skin’s moisture barrier while cleansing the impurities.
Buy now £10.50, L’Occitane
Neal’s Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Soap
Organic-certified and vegan-friendly, Neal’s Yard Remedies’ soap will elevate your ablutions, while also being kind to the planet - it is responsibly produced. The formula is made up of coconut oil, shea butter and geranium and orange essential oils, which together leave the skin feeling soft and healthy.
Buy now £7.00, Neal’s Yard Remedies
Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Soap
A scent that’s inspired by Diptyque’s first ever boutique – which was opened back in 1961 – the blend of rose, blackcurrant buds and spices in 34 Boulevard Saint Germain is full of nostalgia. The soap, which is formulated with sweet almond oil and glycerin, foams into a rich lather to rival that of a classic body wash.
Buy now £33.00, Diptyque
