Our Shampoo Bars Just Got Even Better

Every once in a while, we take the time to go over our formulas and examine if there’s anything we want to improve in any of our products. At The Earthling Co., we are extremely particular with our ingredients and their sources. We care deeply not just about the quality of our products, but also the sustainability of their production. If a particular ingredient is going to compromise our standards, we simply won’t use it.

Recently, we set out to improve the quality of our shampoo bars. Since our shampoo bars are our most popular product, this was a very careful, deliberate process. But we knew there were a few tweaks we could make to make the bars even better. Bottom line: they’re the same shampoo bars you know and love, but they last even longer now. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new.

Better bar stability

In order to be sustainable, our shampoo bars have to not just use less water and plastic than standard shampoos, but they also have to last longer. To last a long time, the bars themselves have to be structurally strong. While our previous formula lasted at least two times longer than standard shampoo, we wanted to improve their stability even further. To prevent the shampoo bars from cracking and crumbling, we’ve added new emulsifiers, structural agents, and a powerful antioxidant (elderberry extract) so that your bars are better preserved and last even longer. This means they will break down less and you’ll get even more use out of them.

Easier lather

We love shampoo lather for a number of reasons: it’s cleansing and it just feels satisfying. While our shampoo bars have always had a lather, we wanted to find a way to make the lather easier to create. Our new formula contains a secondary surfactant to allow for an easier and faster lather. Surfactants reduce surface tension when combined with water, which helps create the suds. With an additional surfactant, the shampoo bars’ spreading and wetting properties are increased, and you get a stronger lather faster.

Improved performance

You want your shampoo not just to clean your hair, but also leave it feeling nourished. To boost this nourishment, we added marshmallow root powder which helps detangle hair by increasing slip. The more slip your hair has, the easier it is to work through knots and prep your hair for conditioning. Marshmallow root is also known for its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, which help promote shine and volume.

Why do we make shampoo bars?

Standard shampoo formulas are made up of 70-90% water. Our shampoo bars are a similar formula to what you might find in sulfate-free shampoo, but in a condensed form without the water. The bars are activated by the water you use in the shower instead of including additional water in the formula. This cuts down on water and also eliminates the need for plastic. By removing plastic from the equation, we don’t have to contribute to the current plastic waste crisis we’re facing and don’t have to use petroleum-based ingredients. Each bar is also roughly equivalent to 2-3 8-ounce shampoo or conditioner bottles, helping cut down on overall consumption and cost.

How to get the most out of your shampoo & conditioner bars

In order to get the most out of your shampoo bars and extend their lifespan as long as possible, we have a few recommendations.

• If you want to maximize lather, use a Sisal Soap Saver or other rough texture to work up suds. If you don’t want as much lather, you can either rub the bars in your hands or apply them directly to your hair and scalp when cleansing.
• Store your bars in such a way that enables them to dry. This means you shouldn’t leave them on your shower shelf – the side on the shelf won’t dry and your bar will break down faster. Instead, use a soap dish like our Wooden Soap Dish or hang it in a bag like our Sisal Soap Saver, both of which enable the bar to dry between uses.
• You can cut your bars into smaller pieces to use one at a time, which can extend the life of the bar. Bigger bars can take longer to dry out, so cutting them down helps dry them faster and last longer.
• When you’re nearing the end of your bar, you can place the small pieces into a soap saver bag to continue to get lather until they’re totally finished.

We care deeply about your use of and trust in our products, and we can’t wait for you to try the new formula. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.