Wake up; shower; eat; sleep; repeat. It’s a little thing, soap. But it’s a big part of our lives. So how can we be more impactful with this choice we make on the daily? Well, you know we are here to share. Read on to learn more than you ever thought you needed to know on all things scentsy and sudsy. We are laying down the deets on the vegan bar soap brands we love.
What is the difference between bar soap and liquid soap?
Water. And plastic. Really, that’s it. The main difference between bar soap and liquid soap is that liquid soap contains lots of water. And it’s packaged in plastic. Both clean well. Both come in yummy scents or as a fragrance-free option. And both are great at fighting germs. But liquid soap contains added water. Which you are paying for. And, even if liquid soap comes in a glass or stainless steel container, it often still has a plastic pump. This leads to the question we asked above: How can we be more impactful with the choices we make on the daily?
How can bar soap fight climate destruction?
Bar soap may seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on fighting climate change. So, save the planet … with soap! Plastic pollution is a detriment to the earth, the oceans, our wildlife, and our health. Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, often breaking down into smaller pieces called microplastics. These little plastic beads often end up in our oceans, threatening aquatic creatures. In addition, new studies are finding that microplastics may contribute to certain chronic diseases in humans, such as heart disease and stroke. Climate anxiety is real. Destruction of the planet and our health by major corporations and the widespread overconsumption of goods often feel out of our control. We can’t end climate change on our own. But we can consciously choose to reduce our plastic consumption, one bar of soap at a time.
How to switch from liquid soap to bar soap
We get it, liquid soap is just how it’s done. But it doesn’t have to be. There are many great options for bar soaps on the market today. And think about it. Bar soaps are cheaper, they last longer, they’re TSA-friendly, and they reduce environmental waste. So find yourself a cute zero-waste soap holder (or just sit your soap on the sink!). Then check out these vegan bar soap brands we love. And, FYI, these pair nicely with super cozy, eco-friendly bath towels.
OffCourt
OffCourt offers a gentle exfoliating vegan bar soap. Choose from Coconut Water + Sandalwood, Fresh Citron + Driftwood, and more. These bars lather nicely and leave your body feeling fresh and smooth. The non-drying formula comes packed with shea butter, olive oil, and sunflower seed extract. Plastic-packaged liquid soap, who?
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Green-Beauty Co.
Head to Green-Beauty Co. for their Ayurvedic, sustainable bar soap. These minimalist bars contain less than 10 ingredients. Select from among Neem, Turmeric, and Charcoal. The waterless formula is non-toxic and sustainably made. We’re thinking a hot tub filled with bath salts, one of Green-Beauty’s soap bars, and candles to set the mood. Spa night!
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EcoRoots
EcoRoots soap bars come in fun colors and scents! From Lemongrass and Patchouli to Tangerine Lavender and Spearmint Sage, you are sure to find a fragrance to fit your needs. The zero-waste bars are made in small batches and shipped plastic-free. Can’t decide which soap is for you? No need to choose! We say the more vegan soap bars, the merrier!
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LUSH
How do we love LUSH? Let us count the ways. Brighter Day, Alban Elfed, and Watermelon Slice. You will enjoy the fun fragrances, natural ingredients, and multi-purpose selection from this classic cosmetics brand. Whether you are looking for a citrusy wake-up or a skin-soothing calm, you can find it in-store or at their online shop.
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Sans Savon
Soap-free “soap?” Say what? You heard us! Sans Savon offers a skin-calming, non-drying alternative to soap. Their Body Bar packs a sustainably sourced, essential oil-rich punch. We’re talking oils and notes of balsam fir, spruce, geranium, and cedar. Fight germs while being kind to your skin.
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Smoosh
All the super cool vegan soap bars step up! With Smoosh, you can choose from Amber Santal, Seasalt Orchid, Citrus Ocean, Cedarwood Bergamot, and more. But the fun part is that these handmade, all-natural, cold-press soaps fit easily into the brand’s Body Smoosh scrubber. For bonus points, also pair their Unscented Shave Soap with your favorite eco-friendly razor.
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Meow Meow Tweet
Vegan bar soap from Meow Meow Tweet comes in lots of great scents. Try Coconut Cacao, Rosemary Avocado, Lavender Lemon, and beyond. Depending on the bar you choose, these soaps cleanse, detoxify, calm, moisturize, and more. They come packaged in a recyclable box and are gentle enough to be used on the face.
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Nopalera
Try Nopalera’s formula combining Native Mexican Prickly Pear Cactus and luxurious plant butters. These vegan bar soaps offer gentle exfoliation and soothing benefits. Try them in Flor de Mayo, Planta Futura, and Noche Clara. Purchase individually or in multi-bar packs. Follow these up with the brand’s botanical lotion bars.
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Parrotfish
Sustainability never felt so good! Parrotfish soap bars are available in Lavender Teak, Coffee Clementine, Lemon Lychee, and more. They come packed with natural ingredients such as olive oil, spinach extract, rose clay, grapefruit essential oil, and beyond. Also, check out the brand’s range of accessories to support your soap. We’re talking sustainable soap dishes, saver pouches, and cotton shower poufs.
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Sunniemade
This plastic-free personal care brand offers a range of soap bar options. Check out their Purple Rain, Clove & Conifer, Rise & Grind, and others. Whether you are looking to moisturize or exfoliate, pick up your purchase in individual bars or multi-bar packs. These soaps are loaded with natural ingredients such as essential oils, natural clays, plant oils, and natural exfoliants.
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Pillowpia
Cold process bar soap from Pillowpia is just what your bathroom needs. With names like Sanctuary, Ritual, and Ancient Rose, these soaps are all about pampering your skin. The handmade soaps are free of phthalates and parabens. Indulge in rich oils like coconut, sunflower, and olive oil. Also enjoy skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, sea salt, and beyond.
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At VegOut, we curate the best of the best vegan products, so you don’t have to. Our picks are all selected by our amazing team of writers and editorial staff. We may earn commission if you purchase one of these great products by clicking the links above.
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Tammie Ortlieb
she/her
Tammie has been with VegOut since its inception. Managing Editor and Maggie’s mom, she’s a former psychology professor who packed up her life and moved across the country from Michigan to California to follow a dream. Indie author, Mother Teresa-wannabe, and vegan for 18 years, she’s a big dreamer with a master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and an educational focus on well-being and thriving. When she’s not working through hyphens and commas, you’ll find her strategizing how to right the inequities of the world.