Soap bars are having something of a resurgence and one brand in particular has been praised by shoppers for lasting ‘way longer than a shower gel’ while being ‘cruelty-free and sustainable’
No one enjoys the sight of countless plastic bottles and containers cluttering up the side of the bath, ruining the calming aesthetic of the bathroom. To combat this visual mess, shoppers are swapping shower gels for a plastic-free alternative that leaves their bathroom ‘smelling like an expensive spa’.
It may seem a bit ‘back to basics’, but soap bars are experiencing a bit of a comeback. One brand in particular has been applauded by shoppers for lasting ‘way longer than a shower gel’ while being ‘cruelty-free and sustainable’.
Independent Scottish brand Òir – pronounced oar, meaning ‘golden’ in Gaelic – is creating handmade soaps that are becoming popular among those wanting to reduce plastic without sacrificing quality or luxury. They’re currently offering customers a discount, perfect for trying the brand for the first time, or saving on festive spending.
To persuade more people to make the switch, Òir is currently offering 15% off any purchase with a special discount code. Plus, free delivery is available on all orders over £30. Running until 30 September, anyone who uses the code OIR15 will see their price reduced at the checkout.
Each bar of Òir’s soap, priced at £12.50, is completely plastic-free, vegan, and devoid of palm oil, with the scent derived solely from essential oils. The soaps are beautifully designed, coloured with clay and activated charcoal.
Save 15% on luxury soap
Looking for a luxurious, plastic free replacement for shower gel? Shoppers can get 15% off Òir with the code OIR15 for a limted time.
Òir offers a variety of scents, including a fragrance-free option for sensitive skin. Their soaps are designed to last longer than your average bottle of shower gel. The formula, which includes cocoa butter and shea butter, is ‘super moisturising’, ensuring it never dries out the skin.
Elsewhere, AKT is selling a body wash concentrate for £26. It features skin-balancing prebiotics, moisture-locking olive squalane, and nourishing vitamin E. Formulated without added water, it delivers a three-times concentrated formula that activates in the shower.
Wild is offering their natural refillable shower gels with a case and refill starting from £15.40. The cases, priced at £12, can be refilled with your choice of scented shower gel for years to come.
As for Òir, their soaps have been receiving rave reviews from customers who can’t get enough of the scents. One shopper, speaking about the lemongrass, clary sage, rosemary hand and body soap, said: “Bathroom smells like an expensive spa. Stopped using shower gels years ago and tried various soaps and this is by far my favourite so far. Smells great, lathers well, not drying on skin and lasts.”
“I use Oir soap every day,” said a fan of the cedarwood, clary sage, rose geranium, vetiver hand and body soap. “It smells amazing and to know that it’s free of nasties, cruelty-free and sustainable makes it the perfect soap. It lasts way longer than a shower gel and smells sooo much better.”
One shopper expressed their disappointment, stating they wouldn’t purchase the soap again due to its size. They wrote: “The scent is really good but I’m finding the size a bit big for my little hands. So much so I won’t be buying any more.” However, the brand suggests slicing the bars in half before use to make them easier to handle.
Another customer, a fan of the peppermint, lavender, patchouli, tea tree hand and body soap chimed in: “This is the second Oir hand and body soap I’ve had. Got one for Xmas and just had to have another. Smells stunning and lasts. Moisturising too. My shower room smells of it too. Will definitely be sticking with Oir.”
Whether you’re new to bar soaps or a long-time advocate, looking to reduce plastic waste in your home, conscious of what you’re applying on your skin, or simply hunting for Christmas stocking fillers that are thoughtful and sustainable, Òir could be a fantastic choice.