We’ve all heard that there are harmful chemicals in many of our skin and beauty products, including soaps--parabens, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), synthetic fragrances, and the list goes on. A quick google search will list them for you.
To help you choose better options, we’ve short-listed six bar soaps that do not contain these harmful chemicals and clean with natural ingredients that won’t harm your skin or health in the process. We’ve done the homework for you with this list, but if you’d like to find more, do your own research first for a list of harmful chemicals found in skincare products, and avoid them whenever possible. Keep in mind, some companies are now using natural ingredients to create their fragrances, which is a breath of fresh air.
Always check the ingredient list of all products you plan to purchase.
1. THE SOAP WORKS—Tea Tree Oil
This is an all-vegetable soap and is made from Australian Tea Tree Oil. It is excellent for the face and body, as a shampoo as well as for shaving. It’s mildly astringent and will not irritate your skin. This vegan soap is ideal for acne-prone skin, was not tested on animals, and is biodegradable. That means no waste! puresoapworks.com (currently only available in Canada)
2. GENTLY SOAP—Treasures of the Sun
Ideal for problem and eczema-prone skin, this 4 oz soap treasure trove is infused with anti-inflammatory calendula, chamomile, and turmeric. All Gently Soap products are fragrance-, essential oil-, cruelty-, and palm oil-free, are vegan and contain no synthetic dyes. gentlysoap.com
3. MOUNTAIN SKY SOAP—Kali Spice
Melt away your tension and stress with this aromatic spice and essential oil soap. A clever combination of Indian spices of cinnamon, turmeric and neem oil will leave you feeling relaxed and your skin supple. This karma-cleansing bar soap is hand crafted and 100 percent natural. mountainskysoap.com
4. PACHA SOAP CO—Sea Salt Kelp
Exfoliate naturally with sea salt, and organic kelp powder in this wonderfully renewing soap suds experience. All palm oils in the Pacha Sea Salt Kelp bar are organic and sustainably sourced. And it’s vegan as well as gluten-free. pachasoap.com
5. CRATE61—Avocado Grapefruit
This bar soap is certified vegan and cruelty-free, is ideal for dry skin, has a sweet, invigorating citrus aroma, and will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized. It is worth noting that all palm oils used in this product are certified sustainable. crate61.com
6. SOAP SO CO.—Rose Quartz
Cleansing with this bar introduces notes of eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary to your shower or bath experience. Close your eyes and allow this delicate mixture to invigorate and refresh you after a busy day. Rose Quartz is vegan, cruelty-, and paraben-free, non-toxic, and uses sustainable, ethically-sourced palm oil. soapsoco.com
