My skincare routine has always been quite basic compared to some people’s 11-step routine. In terms of cleansing, I currently use a Garnier micellar water to get all of my makeup off, followed by a hot cloth cleanser – Liz Earle’s if it’s after Christmas or, if I’m buying, the cheaper No7 version will do.
Given that regular old soap is having something of a comeback, I was excited to try a plastic-free swap for my cleanser and do my bit for the environment. Last year, I tried shampoo and conditioner bars for a fortnight, which really opened my eyes to the alternatives to liquid toiletries.
My skin type is oily/combination. I’m not a massive grease ball, but I have really big pores across my T-zone and cheeks, which I’m pretty self-conscious about – and they’re apparently a result of having oily skin.
During the testing period, I quite miss the exfoliation that comes with using a muslin cloth and my skin starts to feel quite – so I alternate between using one and these cute exfoliating pads I got in a beauty advent calendar.
Clinique Facial Soap Extra Mild With Dish, 150G - £15
Growing up my mum would always have a few Clinique creams on her dressing table that were “special”, so I associate Clinique with being quite fancy. This one certainly seems the fanciest of the three soaps I try: it comes with its very own soap dish – useful because I don’t have a soap dish, but also plastic and unnecessary if you already do. A quick Google search and I don’t think you can buy the soap without it. Hmm.
When I try the soap I am disappointed. It cleans my face well enough, but afterwards my skin feels really tight. It says it won’t make your skin feel dry, but it does. At £15 it’s the most expensive one I try, although it is 50% bigger and you get the dish. But it is also my least favourite.
Gallinée Cleansing Bar, 100G - £10
Is it weird to have a favourite packaging? I mean, it’s only a cardboard box, but Gallinée’s is lovely: grey, navy, peach and yellow shapes. On the shelf, this would certainly catch my eye.
The bar isn’t actually soap, rather probiotics and lactic acid, with 75% natural ingredients. It does the job. It’s gentle and my skin feels incredibly clean afterwards, a tiny bit dry, but nothing some moisturiser doesn’t sort out immediately. After a few days my skin feels good and settled with this new bar.
The only issue is that it’s squared shaped and quite large (because it’s quite thin. This makes it quite hard to flip over in your hands and lather any soap.
This soap, with its “activated bamboo charcoal”, feels decidedly hipster. Is everything made from charcoal nowadays? If that’s not enough, it’s also 100% natural and vegan – other ingredients include coconut oil, almond oil and shea butter – as well as being free from parabens and SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), a foaming agent that’s safe to use but drying, particularly for those with skin conditions (as disciples of Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness will know).
Given that the soap is dark grey in colour, I’m disappointed to find the suds only have a hint of grey when they go on my face – I thought having a big grey soapy face might liven up the boredom of an evening skincare routine.
I’d say this is my favourite of the lot. My skin feels clean and clear after using, but there’s none of the tightness or dryness I found with the others. It’s also the cheapest and the one I continue using after I’ve tested all the soaps.
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