Why Bar Soap is Making a Comeback in Sustainable Skincare
Let’s be honest—our bathrooms are full of plastic. From shampoo bottles to body wash, it’s easy to lose track of just how much packaging we go through. But lately, there’s been a quiet and totally refreshing shift: people are reaching for bar soap again.
Why the comeback? It's not just because bar soap is nostalgic. Bar soaps are making a big splash with those who want less waste, fewer questionable ingredients, and more natural goodness in their skincare routines. For starters, bar soaps skip the plastic altogether. Most come wrapped in minimal packaging, making them an easy swap for anyone looking to cut down on single-use packaging. And it’s not just about the outside. Today’s bars are full of skin-loving ingredients that clean, moisturize, and treat your skin right.
Why Packaging is A Problem
Let’s talk packaging. The beauty industry puts out more than 120 billion units of packaging every year. That’s a lot of bottles, caps, and tubes, many of which end up hanging around in landfills or drifting off into our oceans.
Many beauty containers are made from tricky materials, like mixed plastics or dark colors, that most recycling centers can’t process properly. Tiny travel-size bottles often fall through the cracks in sorting machines. All in all, only about 9% of beauty packaging actually gets recycled. Yikes. At Rinse, although we use some plastic, many of our packaging is made from recycled materials list in an attempt to reduce this environmental impact.
The Hidden Cost of Plastic
But the impact isn’t just about where it ends up—it’s also about what it takes to make it. Creating plastic packaging for liquid soap creates around 15 grams of greenhouse emissions, from the raw materials to the factory floor to the trucks that ship it out. Every single plastic bottle has a footprint, and it adds up fast.
And let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes costs. Producing plastic eats up natural resources, uses millions of barrels of oil each year, and adds to local waste management problems. It’s a lot of pressure on our planet—and our communities.
That’s why switching to bar soap is such a refreshing change. Most bars come wrapped in minimal packaging, and because they’re concentrated, they’re lighter to ship and take up less space. Less plastic, less waste, less energy. It’s a small swap that makes a big difference—without sacrificing your skincare routine.
Clean Ingredients, Clean Conscience
We’re getting pickier about what we put on our skin—and with good reason. Many liquid soaps and shampoos are full of harsh surfactants (like sulfates), artificial fragrances, and preservatives that don’t always play nicely with sensitive skin.
Bar soaps, on the other hand, are having a major glow-up.
At Rinse Bath & Body Co., we craft our soaps using natural, skin-loving ingredients:
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Shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil for rich moisture
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Phthalate, sulfate and formaldehyde-free fragrances
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Clays and botanicals for gentle cleansing and detoxifying
And we skip all the junk:
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No sulfates
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No parabens
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No phthalates
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No synthetic additives
Instead of stripping your skin, our bars nourish it—leaving it soft, clean, and happy. Many customers tell us their skin feels better and less irritated after switching, especially those with sensitive skin.
Packaging That Doesn’t Stick Around for Centuries
The move to bar soap isn't just about the skincare product itself—the packaging tells an equally powerful sustainability story. Our bar soaps, shampoos, and conditioners naturally work well with minimal packaging solutions that cut down on plastic waste compared to liquid soap containers.
Bar soaps naturally lend themselves to minimal, planet-friendly packaging.
Less Bulk and Less Waste
Storage is simpler for shops and homes alike. Bar soaps take up half the space of liquid products, so stores can stock more sustainable products in the same area. At home, your bar soap only needs a small dish, while plastic bottles hog your counter or shower space.
Want to make your bathroom more eco-friendly? Try switching to bar soap in earth-friendly packaging. Rinse Bath & Body Co. offers natural products wrapped beautifully, giving you both sustainable skincare and great results for your skin.
Bonus: Storage and Travel
Bar soap offers sustainable skincare solutions for modern living, especially when it comes to reducing plastic waste and maximizing space.
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TSA approved
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No spills or leaks
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Takes up less space
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Longer Lasting
Rinse’s Bar Lineup: Body, Hair & Beyond
At Rinse Bath & Body Co., we don’t just stop at body soap—we make bars for your whole routine.
Body Bars
Our original love. These bars are handcrafted in small batches with moisturizing oils and botanical goodness. From Lavender to Almond & Honey to Peppermint Eucalyptus, there’s something for every skin type and scent preference. Bonus: they lather like a dream.
Shampoo Bars
Yes, you can wash your hair with a bar—and it works. Our shampoo bars cleanse without stripping, and they’re perfect for those looking to ditch sulfates and go plastic-free. They’re great for normal, oily, or dry hair and last up to 75 washes.
Conditioner Bars
Our solid conditioners glide on easily and leave your hair soft, hydrated, and manageable. They’re packed with nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter and pro-vitamin B5, and they don’t weigh hair down.
Whether you’re at home, at the gym, or on a road trip, our bars go wherever you go—no liquids, no waste, no problem.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Bar soap isn’t just making a comeback—it’s leading the way toward simpler, more sustainable skincare. Swapping out just a couple of plastic bottles for a single bar may not feel like much, but it adds up fast. Less waste, less clutter, and a whole lot of good-for-your-skin ingredients in one small package.
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Start with Just One Swap
Try replacing your current body wash with one of our body bars. Pick a scent you love and keep it in your shower for everyday use.
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Use the Right Storage
Keep your bar soap dry between uses to make it last. Use a draining soap dish, magnetic soap holder, or travel tin with ventilation.
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Explore Hair Bars
Not ready to switch your whole shower routine at once? That’s okay! Try using a shampoo bar or conditioner bar when you travel or go to the gym. You’ll quickly notice how much easier it is to carry and how long it lasts.
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Be Patient with the Transition
If you’re switching from conventional liquid shampoo, your hair may go through an adjustment phase. Give it 1–2 weeks to rebalance and watch the magic happen.
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Don’t Forget to Moisturize
Even though our bars are moisturizing, switching from surfactant-heavy liquids may leave your skin adjusting. Pair your new soap with a simple lotion or body oil if needed.
Why Choose Rinse?
Whether you’re new to sustainable beauty or just looking for easy ways to reduce plastic in your routine, bar soap is a great place to start. At Rinse Bath & Body Co., our handmade soaps are full of natural goodness and wrapped in packaging that’s easy on the earth. No sulfates. No phthalates. Just a feel-good clean that’s kind to your skin and the planet.
So go ahead—pick your favorite scent and give bar soap a spot back on your sink. Your skin and the planet will thank you.
Have questions or want help picking the perfect bar? Contact our team—we love helping folks find their favorites. Or skip straight to the good stuff and shop our bar soaps today.
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