When Dove Is Not Enough

Like all important things, you don’t realize its necessity until it’s gone – think oxygen, money. Also, soap. I know we’ve all used shampoo when we’ve neglected to restock our Costco-pack of bar soap (I suggest conditioner if you too have dry, scaly skin). It’s one of those things that’s so mundane, so basic, it can be the biggest luxury. With hustle culture being too big of thing, and the concept of self-care being forced into every crevice a solution might fit, having “special” soap may seem like you have your shit together.

As the hygiene routine has gone through a renaissance, don’t expect to see the fluorescent green of Irish Spring on the soap holder. With a laser-focus on ingredients and conscious packaging pretty enough to make it on your top shelf, picking your next body wash takes more than sniffing all the different scents. There really are so many options…

For The Utilitarian: Dr. Bronner’s All-in-One Castille Bar Soap

With multiple scents to choose from (almond 4ever), you can use this soap for anything that needs washing. Dishes? Clothes? You? Check, check, and check. Also, extra points for their iconic packaging.

In Your Boyfriend’s Shower: Charcoal Body Bar Massaging Soap

If I had to choose one soap for the rest of my life, it’s this guy #hubbymaterial. It has charcoal and jojoba beads that’s perfect for your post-gym shower and smells like a sexy man. Speaking of gym, the nubs are made to massage and relieve muscles so you’re clean and limber.

The Candy Store, But Better: Literally any Lush soap

All the fun without the calories, Lush is the closest thing to Willy Wonka’s Factory. Sparkly, sudsy, and smelly (in all the right ways), choose a classic bar soap, iconic shower gel (honey I washed the kids!!!), or their shower jellies (soap that is also jello).

For The Label-Reader: The Necessaire Body Wash

Clean and cool, this is the most fashionable option. Choose from scent-free, eucalyptus, and sandalwood (always sandalwood), each bottle contains a chockfull of Vitamin A, Vitamin B³, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-6, and Omega-9. Also, packaging is made with 100% recyclable and 85% post-consumer waste materials and recycled ink. Cool!

For The Happy Glamper: Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash

Organic and biodegradable, this soap smells like California’s Redwoods, and has the cleanest ingredients – next to the actual saponins from yucca – their bottles are also recyclable and refillable.