Soap Bars are Making a Comeback
A large proportion of the UK population grew up with only one option for bathing - the humble bar of soap.
The Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, GenX and early Millenials had never seen liquid soap in a bottle, other than for washing dishes and the GenZ's mostly knew nothing else.
However, traditional soap bars are making a come back, with a recent resurgence in popularity amongst all age groups for a variety of reasons.
- Familiarity, Tradition & Nostalgia
Some people simply prefer the feel and experience of using a bar of soap, especially those traditionalists who have used it for most of their lives. Soap in it's classic form has been around for 3 millenia, and there's a lot of history attached to it. For some, using a of bar soap can evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, connecting them to past experiences or childhood reminiscence.
- Luxury & Indulgence
Trying to get a whiff of scent from a plastic bottle doesn't feel that indulgent. By contrast, soap bars are more unique, with different textures and aromas - some have nuggets of salts, herbs, florals, nuts or charcoal embedded in them for a bit of a surprise with added benefits. Others come in beautiful or novelty shapes and sizes which make them more attractive to different personalities. Attractive bars of soap can be wrapped and tied with ribbon to present as a gift - try this with a liquid dispenser and the effect isn't quite the same.
- Kinder to Skin
Many liquid soaps contain a long list of ingredients needed to preserve their potency over time; not the case with bar soap which works wonders on sensitive skin, as well as dry skin, because it is natural and healing. While harsh detergents and sulfates can leave your skin dry, rough, and crying out for care, traditionally made soaps can get you clean without compromising comfort. Bar soaps also contain natural glycerin, which is a byproduct of soapmaking (saponification) that is essential for a high-quality bar of soap. Glycerin is gentlr and will keep skin feeling soft; using natural soaps with botanical ingredients is one of the best ways to be kinder to your skin.
- Environmental Concerns
Even though most liquid soap comes in a recyclable plastic bottle, it still has to come from somewhere and go somewhere, that's if people even bother to recycle; plus approximately 60% of the cost of the product goes on the packaging and the pump, so you're paying over the odds. Bar soap mostly comes with minimal packaging, such as a paper or cardboard wrapper, which is biodegradable making it more appealing to those looking for eco-friendly options.
- Effectiveness
Some find bar soap to be more effective at removing dirt and grime, leaving them feeling cleaner. There's something deeply satisfying about literally 'scrubbing the dirt off' yourself, which is psychological not just physical. Whether it's a morning shower preparing for a new day, or an evening bathe to remove the stresses of the day before bed, you can step out feeling cleansed, refreshed and ready.
- Convenience & Versatility
Whilst liquid soap is perceived as more convenient for some, especially in shared or public spaces, at home, bottles can be quite fiddly to manage; trying to unlock the pump is no mean feat, having to use both hands, then the excess dripping from the dispenser, causing mess and wastage and the most frustrating part is attempting to get the remaining liquid from the bottom of the bottle when it runs low. You can hold a bar of soap in one hand and it works, and when it wears down, you can still use it until it is no more - no mess, no waste, plus it's compact and doesn't take up much space. Bar soap can be used for various purposes, including handwashing, showering or bathing, and even shaving, and is the ideal size and weight for air friendly travel.
- Cost & Value
Bar soap can be more cost-effective as it tends to last longer than liquid soap and typically lasts for about 3-6 weeks of daily use in the shower. Proper storage is crucial though; a soap dish that allows the soap to dry completely between uses will significantly extend its life. Although a bottle of body wash may seem to contain more product, like for like, a 140g bar of soap vs a 150ml bottle of liquid soap should last longer, and there's often a temptation with body wash to use more than is absolutely required.
All in all, soap bars are versatile and offer many benefits, including effective cleansing with superior moisturising and hydration properties, reduction of environmental impact, minimal use of chemicals and preservatives, more portable and affordable.
