Soap Bars

The trend for soap bars (or bar soap, as it has been rebranded) is on the rise as our relationship with liquid soap becomes tarnished by eco concerns. Despite a pandemic-induced obsession with liquid soaps and sanitisers, hand washing using bar soap and hot water is as effective (and may have a slight edge due to friction) in dissolving the Covid-19 virus lipid membrane.⁠⁠

Now that toxic avengers are getting tough on plastic packaging, synthetic foaming agents, and water-based liquids that are heavy to transport (thereby adding to carbon footprints), the new-fashioned bar soaps offer a cleaner way to get clean. “There are lots of reasons why, in my view, bar soap is better than liquid,” says Dr Marie Drago of microbiome self care brand Gallinée. “It’s plastic-free, economical and lasts for ages. Because it’s water-free, it allows us to formulate without preservatives. This more minimal formula is better for the skin’s protective microbiome.”⁠⁠

This is not just a name refresh – bar soaps are no longer limited to hand and body washing; modern bars range from specialist facial bars to shampoos, conditioners, massage balms and even a gynae-tested option for ultra-sensitive areas.⁠⁠