Oars + Alps Blue Charcoal Exfoliating Bar Soap
A certain family member can attest of my long affair with soaps. As a child, I collected small soaps that were in the shape of things—seashells, for example. As I grew up, I stopped that collecting but I’ve always enjoyed having a nice, quality, subtly fragrant, and colorful soap in the shower.
While some would balk at the money some spend on soap when you could just get a bar of Ivory at Walgreen, chemistry would suggest that not all soap is created equally and taking care of your skin is essential.
Oars + Alps is a favorite brand of mine. I have several of their products but, during the COVID-19 Lockdown, I was running low. I took this opportunity to try one that I’ve had my eye on.
This Blue Charcoal Exfoliating soap not only has a lovely color, rather than just plain white, it’s charcoal infusion for exfoliating and very pleasant scent completes the package.
The deep ocean blue is a very nice contrast to the many boring tones of most soap. Some might argue that does not change the function of the soap but I beg to differ. People like things that look nice. And it is nice to use nice things. There is a therapeutic nature, for me, to have something to look forward to however minor is may seem.
A fresh air and clean linen scent with a hint of pine presents a pleasant bouquet that I find refreshing without being overpowering. It endures for several hours but is not intrusive—I welcome the continued aroma. Along with the nice color, the scent adds to the therapy of using a finer soap and leaves one’s entire bathroom crisp and fragrant.
It’s touting feature, however, is the charcoal exfoliating feature. Helping to remove dead skin, sweat, and bacteria, one will feel the exfoliating nature of the soap but it is quiet subtle. It does not feel as a Brillo pad but more like dry linen. It is a welcome feeling of exfoliating rather than a scrubbing sensation that irritates the skin.
Some other ingredients include shea butter to hydrate skin, Witch Hazel which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral nature, and spirulina for anti-oxidants.
All together, while it is not low cost soap, the function, beauty, and scent of the soap will keep its place in my daily regimen. I’d recommend buying multiple bars—Oars + Alps Exfoliating Trio is three bars and a travel tin for $30.
While this soap is more expensive than your bargain-basement, bathroom isle soap you find at CVS, your skin and nose will thank you and you’ll enjoy a finer showering experience—relaxing, aromatic, and therapeutic.
$30
