Shoppers cut down on plastic waste with 'amazing' soap that 'lasts way longer than shower gel'

North Wales Live

5 days ago

It may seem a bit 'old school', but like vinyl records and ballet flats, soap bars are experiencing a bit of a revival. One brand, in particular, has been lauded by shoppers as a plastic-free alternative to shower gel that lasts longer, and leaves their bathroom 'smelling like an expensive spa'.
Shower gels generally come in bulky plastic bottles, which usually clutter up the bath edge, disrupting the tranquil ambience of the bathroom. To combat this visual chaos, consumers are swapping shower gels for bar soap - a more sustainable option that not only smells good, but looks good, too.
The independent brand Òir - pronounced oar, translating to 'golden' in Gaelic - is crafting handmade soaps that are becoming popular among those aiming to reduce plastic use without sacrificing quality or luxury. They're currently offering a discount, perfect for first-time customers or those looking to save on festive expenses, reports the Daily Record.
To incentivise more people to make the switch, Òir is presently offering 15% off any purchase with a unique discount code. Additionally, free delivery is available on all orders over £30. Valid until 30 September, anyone who uses the code OIR15 will see their total cost reduced at checkout.
Each bar of Scottish-made soap is priced at £12.50 and boasts an entirely plastic-free, vegan, and palm-oil-free composition, with the fragrance derived solely from essential oils. The cruelty-free soaps are visually appealing too, featuring exquisite designs coloured with natural clay and activated charcoal.
They come in various aromas, including a scent-free option for those with sensitive skin, and Òir's soaps are crafted to be durable, outlasting your typical bottle of shower gel. Their formula, enriched with cocoa butter and shea butter, is described as 'super moisturising' and ensures the skin remains hydrated.
In other news, AKT has introduced a body wash concentrate retailing at £26, which includes skin-balancing prebiotics, moisture-retaining olive squalane, and enriching vitamin E. This waterless concoction offers a triple-concentrated blend that comes to life once you hit the shower.
Meanwhile, Wild is marketing their eco-friendly refillable shower gels, starting at £15.40 for a case and refill. The cases are priced at £12 and are designed to be replenished with your preferred scented shower gel for many years.
Òir's soaps have been receiving rave reviews from customers who adore the fragrances. A customer commented on the lemongrass, clary sage, rosemary hand and body soap: "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," shared 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 customer expressed their reluctance to repurchase the soap due to its large size, stating: "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 for easier handling.
Another shopper, who enjoys the peppermint, lavender, patchouli, tea tree hand and body soap, said: "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 a newcomer to bar soaps or a seasoned user, aiming to reduce plastic waste at home, mindful of what you're applying on your skin, or simply seeking thoughtful and sustainable Christmas stocking fillers, Òir could be an excellent choice.