Bar Soaps for Men Who Don’t Want to Smell Like Machismo
By Kelly Harris
Outdated stereotypes of masculinity have long plagued the men’s bar soap market. The truth is, many guys don’t particularly want to smell of turpentine or craft beer. Thankfully, more grooming companies are starting to adopt a simple yet sophisticated approach to this sink-side staple, offering versions without any gendered notions in the ingredient list. As an added bonus, bar soaps are often the greener option (so long, plastic bottles).
Some scents feel right for these summer days, as is certainly the case with Rudy’s Moisturizing Body Bar ($8), which has hints of citrus and evergreen. The design-centric New York skin care mainstay Malin & Goetz makes a Rum Bar Soap ($16) that is subtly sweet. A light scent of honey and vanilla bean infuses the Moisture Rich Soap ($12) by the all-natural brand Buckler’s, while invigorating notes of peppermint infiltrate the Morning Mojo Bar ($14) from Ursa Major, providing a natural boost. Also noteworthy is the Belgian Egg White and Chamomile Flower bar ($5) available through Kalastyle, a New England company that started in a chicken coop and has been importing fine soaps like this one for over 20 years. For something more luxurious, Tom Ford offers a spiced floral Jasmin Rouge Bath Soap ($38) with a satisfyingly rich lather — and not a hint of toxic masculinity.