Aren't all shampoo bars the same?

If you've used a shampoo bar you most likely think they are all much the same, kind of like all the bottles of liquid shampoo on the supermarket shelves... but in actual fact there are 2 very different types of shampoo bars on the market & the distinction is important. 

Have you ever seen those cookie shaped pucks that have a slightly grainy or textured appearance? They are what most people are thinking of when they refer to shampoo bars. They are called Syndet bars. Syndet stands for synthetic detergent. These cleansing bars contain artificial surfactants... AKA detergents. Syndet bars are effectively concentrated liquid shampoo without the water & plastic packaging. They behave much the same as traditional shampoo & may contain harsh surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS), which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions & dermatitis. SLS & SCS can also be harmful to waterways & aquatic life. Many Syndet bars contain synthetic silicones to smooth hair follicles and prevent frizziness. Over time these silicones can build up on the hair, weighing it down and leaving it looking dull and lifeless. While Syndet bars often have a lower PH than shampoo soap, this necessitates the use of a conditioner.

Soap based shampoo bars are formulated the same as cold process soap, which contains natural surfactants to make them lather & cleanse. While soap based shampoo bars will naturally have a higher PH than Syndet bars, a simple apple cider vinegar rinse can help to naturally balance the PH. Soap based shampoo bars can be as varied as the number of people making them, so it's important to purchase from a reputable brand that knows their stuff. Our shampoo bars are carefully formulated to be gentle on the scalp, conditioning for the hair & all natural, to suit the most sensitive skin.

So if you want to make the switch from traditional bottled shampoo, ask yourself 'Why'? If you're looking purely for a plastic-free alternative, then a Syndet bar might be suitable. If you are looking to switch to a genuinely natural alternative, steer clear of 'soap free' Syndet shampoo bars & opt for a shampoo soap instead.

Fun fact: Notice how that bar of Dove on the supermarket shelves is not called soap? It is a Syndet bar! If the cleansing product you are using is labeled 'soap free' it is made using a synthetic detergent (ewww!).