Shampoo / body wash in bar form?

[dusty]

Morning all,

I am looking for advice and/or a recommendation.

Currently planning and packing to travel around the country living from a motorbike.  At the moment i'm trying to optimise toiletries.

I am looking for a product that I can use as shampoo, face wash and body wash that comes in bar form (trying to avoid messy lotions that will explode in my bag - story of my life)

I prefer natural oils / extracts and avoid chemicals generally. 

In the past I have shampooed with Bicarb and conditioned with apple cider vinegar - it works but once again inefficient and messy for camping.

I have done some googling and am simply confused by the combinations of natural oils, plant extracts and pantry items (honey, coconut etc) that people sell and relative effectiveness. I would be greatful if anyone has any suggestions.


Thanks in advance.

[GuitarStv]

Ivory soap works fine on body and hair.  While it's not home made natural stuff . . . it's a pretty simple, basic form of soap that should be easily available most places and travels well.

[WolfePackFIRE]

I highly recommend any products from LUSH. I used a shampoo bar while traveling in Africa for the same reasons you mentioned, and I was such a fan now it's the only thing I use.
They don't have a total all in one product, but they do have a combined shampoo/conditioner bar:
http://www.lushusa.com/hair/shampoo-bars/godiva/02392.html
One bar usually lasts me at least 2-3 months (of every other day use). If you lightly dry it off with your towel and put it in it's little tin after using it should work great for you.

For face/body I would go with a Dr. Bronner bar soap:
https://shop.drbronner.com/castile-bar-soap

Other things I used in Africa, trying to avoid all liquids: face wipes (favorite is Trader Joes tea tree oil wipes, excellent for getting off grime at the end of the day), toothpaste tabs (from Amazon--they actually produce amazing lather), DEET wipes (best thing I brought-one wipe covers the entire body, and you will not get bitten).

I don't know if you are a male or a female, but there is an excellent website (http://herpackinglist.com/) that is geared towards helping women pack smartly and efficiently for backpacking trips, has a ton of product reviews, etc. I scoured it for weeks and it was the backbone for all the decisions I made for Africa. They are also very cost-conscious in any recommendation. I think it would be helpful for anyone, not just women.

Sounds like a great trip, have fun!

[Papa bear]

I just use a bar of Dove, blue box unscented for all shower related cleansing.  Worked well for the last 30+ years.  Not expensive. 


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[rachellynn99]

Full Disclosure- I sell this product. However it's great and I love it and have used when camping/hiking. Natural ingredients. Long lasting.
https://www.perfectlyposh.com/1662/boom-bar-solid-shampoo

[dusty]

Thanks for the replies :)

I am a man and my skin seems to run dry these days - and I'm finding cheap off the shelf bars (what i've used all my life) are exacerbating the problem.


Guitar I googled Ivory straight up and it seems it is not good for dry skin - I then looked for alternatives and came across Dr Bonner's unscented mild castile baby soap which Wolfepack also recommended.

Thanks for all the info Wolfepack, seems you have encountered and solved my problem before. Those Deet wipes sound ideal! 

[Goldielocks]

This company is awesome, i did a consulting job for them about 5 years ago.  I did an inventory for them, and it is all natural, I can vouch for that.

 I received a few mini (1" x 2" x 2") samples and they are organic, and amazing for how long they are lasting, (kept dry between uses), last me 2+ year for face use, and how well my skin responds to them.   Since trying this, I then eliminated all sulfites from my products, and they are the only thing I use.   I have problem skin and had only been using super allergen free expensive soaps before, which were also drying.   

  I am on my second mini bar now, and have several more.   I should be good for 10 years... LOL.  The shampoo bar is new, but should be fabulous, and likely only different from the others due to scent.


Rocky Mountain Bar Shampoo

https://www.rockymountainsoap.com/products/shampoo-bar-with-rosemary

Obviously other natural soap products are available, coconut butter, oil or avocado oil products are terrific.

[MMMaybe]

I am pretty happy with Lush shampoo bars and they do last a couple of months. If you have dry skin, castile soap is the way forward because the natural oils are retained in the soap, unlike commercial soaps.

Dr Bronners is nice but really any castile soap will do. Kirkmans is cheaper. Right now, I am using an olive oil based soap, which seems to go on forever.

[dusty]

Thanks - yeah i'm going to experiment with Dr Bonner's - at $7.95a bar it better do the job. this a step in cost for me

[Mezzie]

I've used JR Liggetts bar shampoo with great success. If you keep it dry, it'll last 6 months easily (and I have long hair, so maybe even longer if you don't). That makes the $7 price not nearly so steep,

I did leave a bar in the shower once, and by the time I saw it again (high traffic shower, so it's constantly humid), it was just a little sliver. That's the only danger, really.

[GreenSheep]

I agree that LUSH is fantastic. I've used it during all sorts of travels. However, their stuff is expensive, so I've saved the JR Liggett's bars to my wish list on Amazon to remind me to try one next time I need to buy shampoo. Glad to see a good review here.

I also use Dr. Bronner's soap bars, and my (very dry) skin is still dry afterward, but I like the smell of the bars and the fact that they seem to last a long time. I just apply straight shea butter after a shower to deal with the dryness. I haven't found any other soap that is less drying than Dr. Bronner's, so I'm not blaming the soap! Shea butter or another butter might work well for a trip like yours because it's a solid at room temperature.

[aneel]

I use this because I've suffered from fungal triggered acne (my problem, not yours!) But it doesn't cause dryness, even during new england winter's. My hubs has used barsoap for shampoo his whole life, and never had an issue.

ETA the link:

http://www.vitaminlife.com/index/page/product/product_id/24475/product_name/Thylox+Medicated+Soap?gclid=CjwKEAjw_PfGBRDW_sutqMbQsmMSJAAMpUaplFFY2tTOU9xFahJeo7yq9LPmy3CXNbHatY0w3ga6KBoCVlXw_wcB

[Daisy]

Shampoo bars? How have I not heard of this before?

This sounds perfect for travelling. I had my shampoo and conditioner dumped before my eyes by TSA when I decided to travel all carry on and didn't realize my mini bottles are actually 8 oz and not 3 oz. I have sensitive skin so I can't use just any cheap shampoo or conditioner because most contain an ingredient t I am allergic to.

I saw the LUSH bar doesn't  contain this ingredient so I am going to order one and try it out!

I love this forum. Learned about making my own coconut oil based deoderant and now this!

[NewbieFrugalUK]

Another vote for Lush here, mainly because of the tin that fits the bar. Helps it last ages and avoids wet soap in a toiletries bag. I've used it on various month - long trips. :)

[GreenSheep]

Another vote for Lush here, mainly because of the tin that fits the bar. Helps it last ages and avoids wet soap in a toiletries bag. I've used it on various month - long trips. :)

That's so funny because I hate their tins! Love their bars, but hate the tins because they get dented in my luggage, and then they're really hard to open once they're misshapen. I also have one that rusted a bit. I like these GoTubbs better (if the bar is of a size that will fit in them -- or you can melt the bar and pour it in, saving whatever is left for another time). They're lightweight, haven't broken yet, and can be opened easily with one hand, even if that hand is wet.

https://www.amazon.com/GoTubb-Medium-Pack-of-3/dp/B004JHT1O6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1490617114&sr=8-4&keywords=gotubb

[katscratch]

JR Liggets is my favorite and they often go on sale half price in my local co-op. Mostly these days I just bathe/shower with water and use the shampoo bar when I want to smell girly :)

[GreenSheep]

Does anyone know of any great (cheaper) alternatives to Lush conditioner? I love their Jungle bar and use it when I travel (to the point where if I happen to go near it at home and get a whiff of it, it reminds me of vacation!), but it's rather pricey.

[BarkyardBQ]

This is what we use in our house. Wife still uses something else for Hair/Conditioner... for me... 1 and done.

https://www.amazon.com/Kirks-Original-Coco-Castile-Soap/dp/B000ABOM0S

[LifeHappens]

Since you are male, it might help to keep your hair close cropped. Less water, less need for toiletries.

[jamesbond007]

I just use a bar of Dove, blue box unscented for all shower related cleansing.  Worked well for the last 30+ years.  Not expensive. 


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Dove is not soap.

[Papa bear]

I just use a bar of Dove, blue box unscented for all shower related cleansing.  Worked well for the last 30+ years.  Not expensive. 


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Dove is not soap.

No?


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[dragoncar]

Similar topic - does anybody know of a product like Soylent, but in solid form?  TIA

[I'm a red panda]

Huge fan of Chagrin Valley products. And Praise Land Herbs.  Small operations with fabulous products .

Lush is fancy, fun, but way too pricey for me.

[I'm a red panda]

I just use a bar of Dove, blue box unscented for all shower related cleansing.  Worked well for the last 30+ years.  Not expensive. 


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Dove is not soap.

But the question was for a shampoo/ body wash recommendation, not specifically soap.

Dove cleans and moisturized really well.  I've never used it as a shampoo, but the Dove bars are my daily go to for body product, and husband won't use the fancy handmade soaps.

[luciep]

I have been using Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve for years as well. I have long hair and their shampoo bars are great.

[alewpanda]

I buy all natural shampoo bars off of etsy :)  tons to choose from, and I use them on my face and body too!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/83603333/6-shampoo-bars-4-45-oz-each-labeled-or?ref=hp_rv

[katscratch]

This is what we use in our house. Wife still uses something else for Hair/Conditioner... for me... 1 and done.

https://www.amazon.com/Kirks-Original-Coco-Castile-Soap/dp/B000ABOM0S

My sensitive bits don't like this soap! Which is a bummer, I love its texture and longevity. And price!

[MandyM]

I use a shampoo bar by Beauty and the Bees (www.beebeauty.com) and really like it.

[aceyou]

I just use a bar of Dove, blue box unscented for all shower related cleansing.  Worked well for the last 30+ years.  Not expensive. 


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I do the same.  Rarely use any soap on my hair though.  Just hot water and scrub it for a bit.  My hair is pretty short. 

[Playing with Fire UK]

... there is an excellent website (http://herpackinglist.com/) that is geared towards helping women pack smartly and efficiently for backpacking trips, has a ton of product reviews, etc. I scoured it for weeks and it was the backbone for all the decisions I made for Africa. They are also very cost-conscious in any recommendation. I think it would be helpful for anyone, not just women.

Thanks for this recommendation. It is great. Plenty of info that is non-gendered.