How To Use Soap Bars & Benefits

Looking to swap out your plastic bottles? Opt for soap bars instead. This post explains how to use them correctly.

Soap bars are a great addition to your wash and care routine because they are often eco-friendly and ethically made. The ones in the supermarket tend to be made in large batches and may come packaged in plastic, but there are plenty of sustainable options from smaller companies, zero waste shops and hobby soap makers. If you’ve ever wondered if soap bars can live up to traditional bottles of soap, then read on. I’ll explain how to use soap bars and the many benefits of using them.

Benefits Of Soap Bars

No Plastic Packaging

Most bars of soap are plastic free! Some of them come packaged in a thin strip of cardboard, but that can be recycled. It’s nice to not have plastic bottles cluttering up your bathroom, and it’s even better knowing that you’re reducing your waste.

Zero Waste

Bottled soap is convenient for some people, but do you know what’s not so convenient? Trying to get those last few drops out of the plastic bottle. The good thing about switching to a bar is that you can use it up until there is almost nothing left. If you have a small bit of soap left at the end of it, you can simply add it on to the top of a fresh bar of soap. Nothing gets wasted!

Nourishing To The Skin

Most soap bars contain natural, non-toxic ingredients that are great for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, you will probably find that your skin improves when switching to a natural soap bar. Fewer harsh chemicals are better for your health and better for the planet, too.

Travel Friendly

When travelling, you have the option of travel size products, small plastic bottles or a soap bar. What’s the most cost-effective and simplest option? The latter, of course. Bars of soap are lightweight, and they can easily fit in a travel size tin.

Long-lasting

As long as you store your bar correctly, it should last longer than a standard bottle of shampoo. It’s easy to use more shampoo than what you really need when it’s in liquid form. Besides, it’s mostly made up of water. Most people will tell you that soap bars last forever! You could be using it for 3 months or more before it needs replacing, which saves you money in the long run. And when you take into account all of the other benefits, you are getting a pretty good deal.

Read: 7 Eco Bath Products To Help Reduce Plastic

How To Use Soap Bars

Soap bars are really easy to use; there are two methods:

1. Soak your skin in the bath or shower
2. Rub the bar on your skin to create a lather
3. Use your hand or a loofah to gently rub the soap into your skin
4. Rinse it off

Alternatively:

1. Rub the soap bar in between your damp hands to create a lather
2. Then rub your soapy hands over your body
3. Rinse off

There are a couple things that you should be aware of. Bars of soap can create a waxy residue if it’s used in hard water areas. Some people get better results when installing a shower filter, so that’s something to consider beforehand. However, some soap bars work well, even in hard water. It can take some trial and error to find one that works for you. Don’t let that put you off though – they are really great!

Where To Buy Soap Bars

You can find soap bars in many online and physical stores, but I always recommend searching out the brand beforehand to make sure they are made sustainably and ethically. Look for plastic-free packaging, ensure workers are paid a living wage and that non-toxic ingredients are used. Also look for cruelty free!

If you’re not sure where to look, I recommend Labre’s Hope. They’re a non-profit organisation that give homeless people employment making handmade soaps and ensure everyone is paid a living wage. They have a focus on sustainability, so all soaps are plastic free, contain no palm oil, and they are made with natural ingredients. There are a few scents to choose from, with every bar being naturally scented with essential oil blends. There’s even a scent free option for highly sensitive skin.

With soap bars becoming more popular and more options becoming available, there’s never been a better time to make the switch!