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Soap bars -going back in time

(171 Posts)
suzied Fri 22-Jun-18 06:38:16

In an effort to reduce plastic I’ve started using old fashioned soap bars again rather than shower gels and liquid hand washes, and what a revelation. I’m using an olive oil soap in the shower I bought back from Greece and it definitely leaves my skin softer. ( plus it lasts for ages). I love smelling all those artisan soaps you see in farmers markets and I like the idea of fewer harsh chemicals on the skin. Does anyone have a favourite soap? Whats the best soap dish to stop it all going manky by the sink?

gillybob Fri 22-Jun-18 09:24:25

I’ve used Pears since the 80’s Greyduster and I don’t think it has changed in the slightest. If it is smaller it must be only fractionally as it still fills my soap dish .

My DGC associate the distinctive smell with grandmas house !

Maggiemaybe Fri 22-Jun-18 09:24:34

I’ve always used bar soap. I like a strong scent and spend an embarrassing amount of time (according to the family) sniffing the beautiful soaps at farmers’ markets and TK Max before stocking up there. TKM’s are all reduced after Christmas. I’ve had to cut some of their massive Italian bricks in half though, after a couple of near misses for my toes when I’ve dropped them. smile Jo Malone’s are lovely and last ages, but are very expensive. Pears is still nice. DH likes the Dead Sea soaps - they’re really creamy on your skin, but don’t smell of much. He bought the black version once, but has promised not to do it again!

Devorgilla Fri 22-Jun-18 09:27:31

I went back to soap after being told by a plumber what a mess they make of the pipework and clog it up.
I found a rubber soap dish with a lip, I think in Lakeland although it could have been TKMax. I see Lakeland also do a small plastic one with a drainage shelf in the bottom.

Pittcity Fri 22-Jun-18 09:29:07

I use posh handmade soap bars in downstairs loo as we have nowhere to keep a pump soap and cheap unscented Aldi bar in the shower....I prefer the cheap one for keeping skin moisturised.
Been trying to remember the one we had in the 70s...blue,marbled and advertised it's deodorising properties. .....?

pen50 Fri 22-Jun-18 09:31:44

I use traditional Aleppo soap which I buy off Amazon. Bit pricey (£8-9) but a bar lasts ages - the one I bought mid-March is still going strong and will continue for another month I think. Aleppo soap is made from a mixture of olive and laurel oil (apparently the more laurel, the better; I use 50%) and is cured in a low humidity, warm, environment for several months (a Middle Eastern desert is ideal!) I find it quite mild enough to use on my face and it takes off my makeup reasonably efficiently.

Madsad Fri 22-Jun-18 09:32:22

Shield rings a bell!

Coconut Fri 22-Jun-18 09:33:44

Son No: 2 bought me a beautiful White Company gift set Verbena, Orange and Lemon .... it smells just divine and I just cannot stop smelling the bar of soap .... I must get out more !! But it has started me using soap bars again and yes, it so helps with the reduction of plastics.

harrysgran Fri 22-Jun-18 09:38:15

I do associate different soaps with family coal tar reminds me of my father when he came in from work getting washed at kitchen sink pears takes me back to my children when they were babies and imperial leather my ex husband my personal favourite was always Bronley lemon in the shape of a lemon my sister still buys me this it reminds me of when I was a teenager

Rosina Fri 22-Jun-18 09:43:06

We have vegetable soap made in Yorkshire - there are two varieties and it is wonderful for the skin. I've used it now for about three years (not the same bar of course although it lasts weeks and weeks unlike the gloop in plastic bottles) I have said on here previously, so sorry to repeat myself but evidently tea bags have an element of plastic so we are now having leaf tea, and it's so much nicer. I think of my three dear grandchildren and hope that my small efforts will make a better world for them; every little helps!

farview Fri 22-Jun-18 09:45:35

...always use soap..TK Maxx sell huge, beautiful soaps,about. £3 but last for weeks&weeks!!....

Madsad Fri 22-Jun-18 09:45:35

Shield rings a bell!

rizlett Fri 22-Jun-18 09:47:53

www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.Xmagnetic+soap+holder.TRS0&_nkw=magnetic+soap+holder&_sacat=0

gillyknits Fri 22-Jun-18 09:48:47

I never stopped using soap bars but have found them increasingly difficult to find. I found Nivea green tea and cucumber, which I loved. Then they stopped making it. Tried the Dove (green tea and cucumber) but it goes all soft in our water.
Finally found a soap from Inis. It’s an Irish company and their ‘Energy of the sea’ bar smells gorgeous and lasts really well. That’s a good thing as it isn’t cheap.
Let’s hope that there will more bar soaps again when the manufacturers see that there is more demand.

Ronnie Fri 22-Jun-18 09:50:18

I use a variety, olive oil soap from Greece for my face, as well as soaps bought & given from travels aboard. To help with the plastic issue I have gone back to a doorstep delivery of milk, my milk is delivered three times a week. It’s worked out very well & it’s lovely to see glass bottles in my fridge rather than plastic bottles.

Doreen5 Fri 22-Jun-18 09:50:42

I use Pears because it doesn't leave scum marks like other hard soaps - which is the only advantage of using liquid soap.

TerriBull Fri 22-Jun-18 09:55:00

We had horrible soap when I was growing up I think it was Lifeboy carbolic, I wanted Camay but I wasn't indulged, anyway presumably it did the job.

I love soap, I like to buy a bar or two in NT type of places, I mentioned that to friends when we were out with them at such a place to which one of them responded "sounds like a good clean habit" grin. I do agree fairview TKMaxx have some lovely ones, not too expensive either.

GabriellaG Fri 22-Jun-18 09:56:03

I use either Palmolive original or Imperial Leather original and they go in a see through plastic perforated soap dish which attaches with suckers to the tiles behind the sink, £1 from The Original Factory Shop. I've never had a problem with slimy soap.
Those two particular soaps are, according to a 2017 scientific study, the most effective way of cleaning your hands of bacteria. Far more than anti bac gels and handwashes or any other soap on the market.

youngagain Fri 22-Jun-18 09:56:54

My mother always used Camay and had beautiful Skin. She also used 'Oil of Ulay' (at least I think it was called this) lotion on her skin and wouldn't use anything else. I think this became Olay, but not sure.

GabriellaG Fri 22-Jun-18 10:02:51

I use a lemon in the hot rinsing water after washing dishes too.

Aepgirl Fri 22-Jun-18 10:03:10

Yes, it's Dove for me. Simple soap is anything but 'simple' and brings on all sorts of skin problems for me. My soap dish joins me in the bath every couple of days, so I get the residue of soap giving more lather!

Juggernaut Fri 22-Jun-18 10:05:39

Pittcity, It's Shield soap you're thinking of, and it's still available, Sainsbury's stock it I think.
Michel Design Works make beautiful soap, the 'Lemon and Basil' is gorgeous! I buy mine from Roxton's, on line, but I'm sure their products are available elsewhere too.
Or 'Extract of Limes' from Trumpers (nothing to do with the idiot Trump) is wonderful.
As a special treat, I also use Floris 'Edwardian Bouquet' soap, which is dried after each use, and stored in my undies drawer, the family know not to use it, it's mine, all mine!!!

chelseababy Fri 22-Jun-18 10:08:50

Don't forget you can get shampoo in a bar like soap too. And conditioner I think. I'm still using the stock of liquid soap and shower gel I found at mums after she died last August!

sweetcakes Fri 22-Jun-18 10:19:14

My daughter is going to Greece soon I will ask her to look out for some, olive oil sounds great, one question does it have a good lather?

knickas63 Fri 22-Jun-18 10:31:32

Lush do a brilliant range - including soap bars for hair which last forever. Worth a look.

Elrel Fri 22-Jun-18 10:32:40

We used have the magnet gadget at DM’s long ago!
I’m using a little ridged wooden block which came in a set of toiletries, it keeps the soap dry and cuts down the mess. I get brown trails from a gritty feeling but effective little tortoise shaped soap. It’s great for hand washing and was a present, probably from Mauritius or some other warm island!