Natural Soap for Men: How to Make Your Own & Choose the Best Bars | St Johns Fragrance Co LLC™ St Johns Bay Rum
Few things beat stepping into a hot shower, lathering a bar that smells of spice and sea breeze, then rinsing the day straight down the drain. That’s more than getting clean, it’s a full-body reset. At St Johns, we shaped that feeling into a soap.
Men are moving away from generic body washes and making the switch to natural soap, and we’re all for it. Whether you want to start making your own or you’re looking for the best bars out there, we’ve got your back with this simple guide.
Natural soaps keep things real. No harmful chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, no complicated and unnecessary ingredients. Natural soaps are a blend of oils or fats, lye (don’t worry, we’ll explain), and good stuff like essential oils or plant-based add-ins.
Here’s why men are loving the switch to natural soap:
Skin-first formula : Olive oil and glycerin feed your skin with moisture, so you step out of the shower smooth, not stripped or squeaky.
Earth-friendly by design : Every bar is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and wrapped in plastic-free packaging, giving you clean skin and a clean conscience.
Authentic island aroma : With notes of clove, eucalyptus, and bay oil, our natural soaps give you the coolness and aroma of the island breeze.
Nothing you can’t pronounce : Zero sulfates, parabens, or artificial dyes, just pure, plant-based ingredients that treat your skin right.
If you are looking to connect with what you are putting on your skin, there is no better way to do that than to make natural soap for yourself. It’s fun, meditative, and can be a great gift.
Here is a simple cold-process recipe to help kick-start you:
Ingredients:
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16 oz olive oil
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8 oz coconut oil
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4 oz shea butter
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6 oz lye (sodium hydroxide)
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16 oz distilled water
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2 Tbsp essential-oil blend (clove: eucalyptus: sweet orange, 2:1:1)
Optional add-ins: oatmeal, activated charcoal, dried bay leaves
Method:
First, put on gloves and goggles. Second, you need to be in a well-ventilated area. Add lye to water (not the other way around) slowly. Stir gently. Melt the oils together, then cool to about
100°F. Combine lye water with oils and blend until you achieve “trace”(similar to a pudding texture). Fold in your essential oils and any optional add-ins. Pour into molds and allow to sit for 24–48 hours. When you unmold, allow the bars to cure for 4–6 weeks, and store them in a cool, dry place.
We love DIY soap for the custom factor, and once you make a batch yourself, you will fully appreciate the work behind every bar we make.
Let’s discuss one of grooming’s most unappreciated throwbacks: soap on a rope. This piece of old-school grooming is making a glorious return, and believe us, nostalgia is only one part of it. It’s about the convenience, craftsmanship, and better grooming experience.
So why do we love it?
No more soggy soap : You’ve been there before. A bar of soap left to sit on the edge of the tub for one too many showers is now a gooey mess. But not with soap on a rope. Simply hang it when you’re done, and it will dry out between uses, making it last longer and feel fresh every time you step into the shower.
Better grip, better control : Say goodbye to running after a slippery bar of soap. The rope allows you to take control of your soap, even when your hands are wet. When you’re scrubbing and rinsing off after a workout or winding down for the day, you can feel in control of the soap when it’s on a rope.
Ready for travel and gym : Unlike a bottle of body wash that you may worry about leakage, you can toss soap on a rope into your gym bag or weekend bag without much thought. It’s compact, portable, and made for men on the go.
Luxurious, sturdy lather with an heirloom scent : Our Bay Rum Soap on a Rope is more than just utilitarian; it is also a sensory experience. The aroma of warm clove and cool bay leaf oil lingers, while a creamy lather delivers a refreshing rinse to your skin.
Soap on a Rope is your grandfather’s grooming staple re-engineered for today.
Not all “natural” soaps are the same. Just because a bar is labeled “natural” does not mean it is natural. So, how do you know if you are getting a bar that is actually good for your skin?
Keep it simple : The ingredient list should be short, simple, and easy to read. If the ingredient list reads more like your pantry than a chemistry lab, you are doing well.
Moisturizing oils at the beginning : The ingredient list should be topped with olive oil, coconut oil, or castor oil. These natural oils can lather creamy suds, which can clean while not stripping your skin.
No harsh extras : Avoid sulfates, parabens, or artificial dyes. These harmful ingredients will only dry out the skin or irritate it further. This is particularly important if your skin is sensitive or dry.
Scent that comes from nature : If it smells like a tropical escape but the label says “fragrance,” you might want to pass. Look for essential oils like clove, eucalyptus, or bay leaf oil that give your soap its bold aroma in a natural way.
At St Johns, we’re proud to craft bar soaps that check all the right boxes. Ours are hand-blended in small batches with quality ingredients, authentic scents, and a whole lot of heritage. Every bar is made with care, inspired by island mornings and timeless grooming traditions.
Going back to basics doesn’t mean boring; it means better. And natural soap is one of those small swaps that make a big difference.
At St Johns, we value quality, simplicity, and tradition. Our soap bars are designed for better skin, a cleaner planet, and a grooming ritual with soul. We craft products for men who appreciate quality, simplicity, and tradition.
Ready to reset your routine? Explore the full soap collection and bring a splash of island living to your shower.