Seven Surprising Ways To Use Soap

Confession: I look forward to getting dirty just to get clean again since I started using high-quality, handcrafted bar soaps. They’ve totally transformed my bathing experience from something mundane to something sublime. There’s no better feeling than grabbing a big Osmia bar off its soap saver throne, rubbing it between your hands to get a yummy lather, and watching the dirt escape down the drain. Your skin is soft and renewed, and the fresh smell of lavender or mint or lemongrass lingers in the air of your bathroom and gently on your skin. 

But beyond doing away with the dirt, did you know soap has many other uses? Explore some of our favorite ways to use Osmia soap in new and interesting ways.

1) USE SOAP TO CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES

Dermatologists recommend washing your makeup brushes once a week to avoid build-up and breakouts. Don’t think they’re dirty? Check out Refinery29’s results after sending their brushes to a lab. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK; YOU CAN’T UNLEARN THIS DISGUSTING INFO. 

Wet your brush with lukewarm water, grab a bar of our Oh So Soap or Oh So Detox, and gently rub the brush over the bar until it’s nice and soapy. Then, wash the bristles against the palm of your hand, and rinse completely. Continue this process until the water runs completely clear. Shake the brush to remove excess water, and place on a clean washcloth to dry overnight. Repeat weekly.

2) USE SOAP TO KEEP YOUR DRAWERS SMELLING NICE

Keep your nooks and crannies smelling sweet with the help of our soap. Place a bar in your closet or your sock drawer and get a refreshing whiff every time you enter or open the drawer. We recommend our Citrus PearlLavender Pine, and Vetiver Grey for a scent worth storing.

3) USE SOAP AS A SHAMPOO BAR

Get your locks sudsy with a bar of soap. Use the bar directly on your wet hair to create a creamy lather, then rinse completely. We love Naked Soap for a shampoo bar, though any of our bars will work. Follow with your favorite conditioner! 

4) USE SOAP AS SHAVING CREAM

Who needs a shaving cream (and another plastic container) to get a close shave? We know old habits die hard, but this is a no-brainer. 

Lather your legs with Oh So Soap and shave away—the low lather and extra olive oil give it a lovely slip under your razor. For super silky legs, scrub with our Himalayan Body Buff first, rinse clean, shave with one of our soaps, and finish up with your favorite Osmia body mousse.

5) USE SOAP TO WASH YOUR UNDERWEAR

This is an especially handy trick when you’re on the road and realized you’ve packed fewer undies than you need! Keep your intimates in shape by hand washing them in the sink and allowing them to air dry. Our gentle Oh So Soap will do the job—no need for expensive lingerie washes. (Did we mention the plastic bottles those come in, too?)  Pretty simple, but it’s a hygiene hack you’ll use for years.

6) USE SOAP FOR RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME???

The jury (at least the scientific one) is still out on this one, but there’s anecdotal evidence to suggest that some people with Restless Leg Syndrome experience some relief from symptoms when they sleep with a bar of soap under the bottom sheet. Sound bananas? Check out these search results! It's not the New England Journal, but some people are true believers!

7) USE SOAP TO UNSTICK A ZIPPER

Jacket season is right around the corner, and there’s nothing more annoying than being stuck in your coat, thanks to a stubborn zipper. Grab a dry bar of any Osmia soap, rub it on the jammed zipper teeth, continue to work the zipper gently, and take a whiff of freedom when the zipper is back on track.

With love and smart soap tricks,

OUR WELLNESS + SKINCARE EXPERT

Sarah Villafranco, MD

Dr. Sarah Villafranco attended Georgetown University Medical School, and went on to complete her residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University. She moved to Colorado, where she practiced as a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Aspen Valley Hospital, Snowmass Clinic, and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO. After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, she took a local soap making class, and fell in love with the chemistry and artistry of making soap. Sarah went into research mode and was alarmed to learn how many potentially harmful ingredients were in most skincare products on the market. She knew she could make better, safer products that were as effective (if not more so) than conventional products. After a few years of research and development, Sarah stepped away from the emergency room to launch Osmia Skincare in April of 2012. She remains a licensed physician in Colorado, and now helps people find healthier, happier skin as CEO of the brand.