Plastic is still largely used in skincare products. Even large and most recognised brands that have the resources to invest in sustainability, like Aesop or l’Oreal, still use plastic for their products and liquid soaps. How many times have you bought a body wash and shampoo and never for once thought that the plastic bottle these products come with was an issue? There are companies, like us at Monsop, that think plastic is something cheap to use and not any longer necessary to contain and package the product you want to produce. Of course for larger companies is often a compromise that they are willing to increase profit, as of course alternative to plastics are often more expensive to make and it is also more expensive and laborious to design and produce packaging other than plastic. However the rewards and the customer satisfaction that come when making something truly sustainable and eco-friendly are way more than falling into the trap of getting the product ready as fast and cheap as possible. We currently make solid soaps, not only because we can package them plastic-free but also because we are able to use natural ingredients, free from the harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances found in many liquid soaps. Also mass produced solid soaps have harsh chemicals, like Dove, Palmolive etc. and are produced in a way that requires a lot more energy than the natural cold method we adopt.
But even so, why should you care about using natural products in your daily routine? Why can you not use something that is cheap and easily accessible, rather than spending time doing research on natural products which have specific ingredients? The reason is simply that natural ingredients are way better than anything else that tries to imitate them. Take fragrances and essential oil scents. Fragrances are often used in many cosmetic products, even high-end ones, because they are cheap, sometimes costing ten times less than the corresponding natural essential oil. However, they completely lack all the benefits that natural ingredients possess, such as antioxidant and skin-repairing properties and this is one reason why it is important to check the label of the cosmetics you buy. If it says fragrance or perfume, you’d know it is artificial. On the other hand, natural products often take longer to produce, and this time investment comes at a cost that larger brands are often unwilling to absorb, as it would negatively impact their profitability. This is where smaller cosmetic companies can shine, as they have the agility to take risks and prioritize product quality over immediate profits. At Monsop, for example, we use a cold process method to create our soaps, which requires up to three months for the bars to mature before they are ready to sell. We believe that exceptional products require time and care, and this is our philosophy.
Beyond Cost Savings: Embracing Sustainable Practices
The truth is, sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging are often more expensive and labor-intensive to design and produce. This initial investment can deter larger corporations who are profit hungry and only now after lots of consumer pressure are starting to commit toward the use of more sustainable alternatives(1), but for new companies like Monsop, that believe in a better and more sustainable world commitment from its inception we have the privilege of using all the available alternatives which are eco-friendly and available now. The truth is that this way of doing things is not difficult, new or cutting edge, the technology to use this type of packaging has been there for a long time (2). It is just the mindset of doing things differently which makes the difference and the right messaging that is given to the consumers who ultimately would need to make the choice and commit to spend a bit more to have a product which is sustainable. For us the rewards of knowing we can do well for the world far outweigh the challenges. We are committed to creating truly eco-friendly products, and that begins with ditching plastic altogether and we believe that our customers prefer that too. However we do our best to also reduce any waste, for instance deciding to avoid printing paper invoices which normally are included in the packaging. Why including them in the packaging when can send a digital version, which in turn keeps cost down? This optimisation of sustainability has the consumer in mind and something are things
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just packaging; it's woven into the very essence of our product. We meticulously craft solid soap bars using nature's bounty - pure, unadulterated ingredients that stand in stark contrast to the chemical-laden concoctions found in many mass-produced liquid soaps. Think of those familiar brands lining the supermarket shelves, the likes of Dove and Palmolive - their formulas often rely on harsh chemicals, their manufacturing processes guzzle energy like a thirsty desert wanderer. We, at Monsop, believe in a different way, a way that's gentler on the earth and kinder to your skin.
We wholeheartedly champion natural ingredients, not because it's a trendy buzzword, but because it's the right thing to do. Nature's wisdom surpasses any synthetic substitute - it holds the key to unlocking unparalleled effectiveness and undeniable benefits. Our hands, seasoned with experience and dedication, knead these natural treasures into solid bars of goodness. We eschew the quick and artificial methods favoured by mass producers, choosing instead to embrace the slow, traditional cold process method. It may be a tad slower, but the resulting product speaks volumes: superior quality, unmatched by its mass-produced counterparts.
But our commitment to sustainability is not merely a mission statement, it's a philosophy that permeates everything we do, every aspect of our creations. It's the reason why our soap bars offer a more intimate and personalised cleansing experience. Think of them as little works of art, handcrafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. Each bar is a unique entity, tailored to cater to individual needs and desires. Unlike mass-produced liquid soaps, that are often one-size-fits-all solutions, our soap bars embrace diversity, welcoming you to choose a soap that perfectly aligns with your skin type and olfactory preferences. Are you drawn to a gentle, moisturising bar for your sensitive skin? Or do you crave a deep cleanse, a thorough exfoliation? Regardless of your skin's needs, there's a natural soap bar out there, waiting to be discovered, waiting to pamper you.
Beyond the sensory delights of a fragrant, personalised cleansing experience, our soap bars offer practical advantages that echo our commitment to sustainability. Take the reduction of plastic waste, for example. By choosing our solid soap bars over liquid soap in plastic bottles, you are actively reducing the environmental burden of single-use plastic. Every soap bar is a small step towards a greener planet. The commitment to minimal packaging extends beyond our commitment to the environment. Our packaging itself is eco-friendly, carefully designed to be recyclable and biodegradable, minimising its impact on the Earth.
The act of washing becomes an intentional act of self-care, a mindful moment where you engage with the richness and the purity of nature. Every lather feels like a connection to the earth's natural resources, an appreciation for the power of botanicals to cleanse and revitalise. Our soap bars become a ritual, a gentle pause in your day, where you indulge in the tactile pleasures of handcrafted soap, its natural scent weaving a comforting aura around you. It’s a subtle, yet impactful shift in perspective. By opting for a solid soap bar, you are not merely choosing a cleansing product, you are embracing a philosophy, a lifestyle that celebrates simplicity, sustainability, and individual well-being.
With every bar we create, we hope to contribute to a more sustainable world, one cleanse at a time. But the beauty of our soap bars lies not just in their ethical origins and commitment to nature, but also in the individual, personalised experience they provide. It's about choosing what's best for your skin and embracing the unique beauty of handcrafted goodness. It's a shift in how we view hygiene; a move away from mass-produced, chemically-laden products, towards a conscious, curated approach to skincare that is rooted in nature.
We believe that the best things in life are those that are simple, those that are made with care, those that are good for our planet. We strive to create these things, one soap bar at a time, offering an alternative way to experience soap, a way that's as good for your skin, as it is for the earth.
By embracing the simplicity and purity of soap bars, you're not only treating your skin to a natural and nourishing cleanse but also making a conscious choice to protect the planet. Explore the world of handcrafted soap bars and rediscover the timeless appeal of solid soap. You'll be surprised by the difference it can make in your daily routine and the positive impact it can have on your skin and the environment.