Passing the bar: Putting organic soaps to the test

MANILA, Philippines - Summer this year has been quite the attention seeker. The sun is blazing, popsicles everywhere are melting, and sweating profusely has become more popular than Instagram photos of Cookie Butter. It’s no wonder many of us are living under our showers these days. To help make your cleansing experience a little more interesting, we thought it best to share some local bar soaps that offer your skin a slew of benefits with the help of their unusual ingredients.

1. Activated Charcoal and Elemi Oil

If you can get over the fact that this soap initially makes you look filthier than when you first stepped in the bathroom, charcoal is a great purifying agent that helps draw dirt from the skin. Mixed with Elemi Oil from our local pili nut this soap helps fight acne, odors, and all the other gross things you don’t want linked to your name.

Where to buy: You can order Hope Soaps Charcoal + Elemi bars through founder Mark Bantigue (markbantigue@gmail.com/0917-8801258)

2. Calendula

This dainty yellow flower is said to have great anti-inflammatory properties when made into oil and placed on the skin. This soap has a greasier consistency than the others we tried, but was surprisingly really soothing and gentle. A good choice if you plan to spend a lot of time frying in the sun this season.

Where to buy: You can check out ZeNutrients Calendula line at zenutrients.com.ph

3. Singkamas (turnip)

I’m sure you’re just as surprised as we are to find turnip in soap instead of a soup. But this white crunchy root vegetable claims to be loaded with all sorts of good-for-you minerals and vitamins that might be just beneficial when placed on your skin instead of your salad bowl.

Where to buy: You can purchase All Organics Singkamas (turnip) soap at all Sesou Nature Source outlets (facebook.com/sesounaturesource), like Glorietta.

4. Mangosteen

Search the Internet and you’ll be amazed to see the number of ailments the tart yet sweet mangosteen is said to cure. This fruit’s rich purple peel has become the latest rock star of herbal remedies. It’s no wonder it’s found its way into our soap trays. This bar smells almost berry-like and has a color that makes for a nice accent piece beside your bathroom tiles.

Where to buy: You can purchase ZeNutrients Mangosteen soap at zenutrients.com.ph or at Zen Nutrients, Virra Mall.

5. Coffee and Seaweed

Coarse and bumpy for extra exfoliation, coffee and seaweed have been noted to act as tightening agents. Many people swear these two ingredients help lessen the appearance of those pesky dimples on your thighs. Yes, we’re talking about that other “C” word. Give this soap a try if you plan to be playing and displaying your goods in a bikini all summer.

Where to buy: You can purchase Be Organic’s Coffee + Seaweed soap at all Sesou Nature Source Store outlets (facebook.com/sesounaturesource) and by e-mailing beorganicsoap@yahoo.com.

6. Rice

The prettiest soap of the bunch; this bar is made by putting together three varieties of organic rice. It claims to rejuvenate and nourish the skin while having lightening properties on any pesky pigments you might have acquired during your latest summer adventures.

Where to buy: You can purchase Be Organic’s Triple Rice soap at all Sesou Nature Source Store outlets (facebook.com/sesounaturesource) and by emailing beorganicsoap@yahoo.com.