Twenty years ago, UK-based cosmetic brand Lush made beauty enthusiasts do a double take when it launched shampoo bars. Fast forward to 2020, a study has shown that the global plastic waste crisis is making people (millennials especially) switch to eco-friendly beauty options–starting with solid-based skin and haircare products. For some people, drawing a bath can be a very cathartic experience but for soap enthusiasts, the lathering of a bar just hits different.
Here’s an edit of homegrown as well as internationally acclaimed beauty bars, ranging from hair to lotion bars. Making a clean switch has never been easier…
Shampoo bars
Juicy Chemistry Hibiscus, Onion & Bhringaraj Shampoo Bar, INR 600
Handmade in Southern India, this hair cleansing block is enriched with hibiscus flowers (stimulate hair regrowth), onion juice (nourish follicles) and bringraj and aamla that’ll reduce hairfall.
Soap Square Argan Oil & Lemongrass Shampoo Bar, INR 450
This bar may seem small but it’s equal to a litre of liquid shampoo. The lemongrass soothes scalp inflammation and argan oil keeps hair moisturised.
Facial cleansing soap bars
Clint Skin Anti-Acne Face Squares, INR 325
Putting his years of beauty expertise to use, make-up artist Clint Fernandes has launched his au naturel skincare line. This one is our top pick because not only does it have neem, tulsi and tea tree oil which zap acne but it is the only homegrown 2-in-1 make-up remover and face cleanser out there.
Soaps by Kadambari Gupte Natural Papaya, INR 150
Looking for a chemical-free, low lather formula? This small-batch brand delivers with its handmade, artificial fragrance-free soaps. Slough away dead skin cells with its naturally exfoliating soap, made up of papaya that can help zap blemishes.
Erno Laszlo Deep Cleansing Bar, INR 3,255
Favoured by the likes of actors Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, this deep cleansing bar is a great pick if you have congested skin, blackheads and whiteheads. It has charcoal that unclogs pores and magnesium-rich dead sea mud which strengthens skin’s barrier.
Kama Ayurveda Navaa Retexturising Soap, INR 250
This cleansing bar gets the job done. It’ll leave your face clean but not squeaky, and the ayurvedic herbs do a solid job of hydrating and nourishing skin.
Neemli Naturals Charcoal and Kokum Butter Bathing Bar, INR 450
Think of the charcoal in this bar like a vacuum cleaner that’ll suck the grime and excess oil out of your skin. The kokum butter acts like an emollient that does double duty–it hydrates and soothes acne-prone skin.
Body soap bars
Dior Miss Dior Soap, INR 1,850
We love the fragrance with the same name, so anything with the signature scent does become an instant favourite. This one lathers up like a dream and smells like one, especially if you like citrus-y scents.
Kuva Botanicals Vilamel, INR 225
What makes this soap super unique are its ingredients: French pink clay that exfoliates skin, calamine powder that exfoliates it and natural indigo powder that soothes it (no, it doesn’t stain skin). It also has a plethora of moisturising agents like coconut, sweet almond and olive oil as well as cocoa butter. I sense a winner, do you?
Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Bath Soap, INR 2,600
Love floral, fruity scents? This soap is for you. It lathers up nicely and has notes of juicy pears, fresh freesia and musky patchouli that do a good job of cheering you up.
Forest Essentials Illuminating Silk Soap Soundarya, INR 750
Made using pure ghee, this formula is also chock-full of the brand’s iconic Soundarya serum and silk infusion that leaves your skin softer than ever. Sounds fancy, no?
Lotion bars
Earth Rhythm Coco Affair Lotion Bar, INR 589
Moisturising your body is non-negotiable and you’ll run short of excuses once you use this one. Super easy to use, non-sticky and moisturising (thanks to cocoa butter and olive oil), this stick is a no-brainer winner thanks to its sheer effectiveness.
Shae Cinnamon Lotion Bar, INR 1,560
Scented with cinnamon essential oil, this lotion bar melts easily when it comes in contact with skin and deeply moisturises it.
Photograph: Pexels