In this age of shower oils and decadently creamy body washes, bar soap is often left out of the conversation. Many consider it to be passé; boring — something you'd only use if you'd run out of options.
But is it it currently in the midst of a comeback? The recent proliferation of stellar bar soaps on the market would definitely imply so. Nowadays, there are gentler formulas that moisturize and maintain skin's pH, unlike the oft-harsh bar soaps of old.
Another bonus? These soap bars 2.0 tick a lot of the trendy credentials: Many are artisanal, made with clean ingredients, free of nasties, are highly Instagrammable — and they smell as good as any body wash or bubble bath. Check out some of our favorites: These 11 nourishing bars of soap will definitely do a body good.
Image via @freshbeauty
It's difficult to choose what bar soap to use from Etta + Billie with its next-level inventive scents (Sicilian orange coffee, citrus poppy seed), but this horchata soap is a must. The natural, palm oil-free soap is inspired by the Central American drink and features traditional rice milk and warming cinnamon, alongside skin-softening coconut oil and cocoa butter.
Bar soap doesn't technically need to come in bar form: This adorable milk bottle-shaped soap lets users know they're in for a creamy surprise when they suds up. The vegan(!) soap is made with soy milk plus a dash of patchouli and orange oil to calm sensitive skin. Glycerin and coconut oil ensure limbs stay super smooth.
Pink clay is having a moment, but there are benefits from all colors of clay. Mineral-rich Cambrian blue clay is the star ingredient in this cruelty-free, vegan soap. The natural product is suitable for all skin types and it is even gentle enough that it can be applied to the face. We can't say that about old school soap bars.
It would be hard to fit any more moisturizers into this creamy triple-milled soap. The 97 percent natural formula contains vitamin-rich shea butter and certified sustainable palm oil, plus, non-sulfate surfactants so it cleanses without leaving skin uncomfortably tight. The combination of white tea, ginger and peach will transport you straight to a garden party in the south.
