I love trying out new skincare products, especially those that align with my values of natural ingredients and sustainability. Crate 61 Organics Bar Soap caught my attention during a trip to a local health food store. I was looking for a plastic-free alternative to my usual body wash, and the rustic packaging and promise of natural ingredients immediately stood out to me. It felt like the perfect match for my goal of reducing waste and supporting more sustainable brands. After using a few of their soap varieties, I decided it was time to share my honest thoughts on this product. I’ll cover everything from packaging to effectiveness, giving you a clear idea of what to expect if you’re considering trying this soap yourself.
Packaging
One of the first things that stood out to me about Crate 61 Organics Bar Soap is the packaging. The soap comes in a simple, rustic-looking cardboard box made from recycled and recyclable materials. I appreciate brands that take sustainability seriously, and this one does just that by avoiding plastic packaging altogether.
The minimalist design, featuring natural kraft paper labels, gives the product an artisanal feel. I also like that the box has a small window, allowing you to see the soap inside. The labels are informative, listing the ingredients, certifications, and company details clearly.
Another practical feature is that the box can be resealed after opening, which helps keep the soap protected if you’re not using it right away. Overall, the packaging feels thoughtful and well-designed for environmentally conscious consumers like me.
Ingredients
Crate 61 Organics prides itself on using all-natural ingredients in their bar soaps, which was a huge selling point for me. The soaps contain moisturizing agents like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil, which are known for their skin-nourishing properties.
One of the things I really appreciate is that they offer different varieties to cater to various skin types and concerns. For instance, some soaps include natural exfoliants like oatmeal or coffee grounds, while others are specifically formulated for sensitive skin or acne-prone skin.
There are no artificial fragrances, colors, or preservatives, which makes these soaps ideal for people with sensitive skin or those who prefer to avoid harsh chemicals. Additionally, the brand focuses on using sustainably sourced ingredients, which aligns with my personal values.
Although the brand doesn’t claim official organic certification, the fact that they use vegan and cruelty-free ingredients is reassuring. Many of their soaps are also hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for anyone with allergies or skin sensitivities.
Scent
If you’re someone who loves a good-smelling soap, you’re in for a treat. Crate 61 Organics offers a wide variety of scents, ranging from floral to citrusy to woodsy. My personal favorite is the Avocado Grapefruit scent—it’s refreshing and invigorating without being overpowering. I remember using it for the first time on a dreary morning, and the bright, citrusy aroma instantly lifted my mood, making me feel more awake and ready to tackle the day.
One of the best things about these soaps is that the scents come from natural essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances. This gives them a more subtle and authentic aroma compared to many commercial soaps.
The scent lasts throughout use, which is something I appreciate. It’s nice to step out of the shower and still catch a hint of the soap’s fragrance on my skin. Additionally, certain scents, like lavender and eucalyptus, have therapeutic properties that can help you feel relaxed or invigorated, depending on your mood.
Effectiveness
Of course, scent and packaging are important, but the most crucial factor is how well the soap actually works. I was impressed by Crate 61’s effectiveness. The soap produces a rich, creamy lather that feels luxurious and makes washing up a more enjoyable experience.
Despite creating a thick lather, the soap rinses off easily without leaving any residue behind. I found it to be gentle on my skin, which is important since some soaps can leave me feeling dry and itchy.
What’s more, many of the varieties have natural antibacterial properties due to the inclusion of essential oils like tea tree. This makes them a great option for anyone looking for a natural way to fight bacteria and neutralize body odor.
Some of the soaps also have exfoliating properties, which I find helpful for keeping my skin smooth and healthy. The level of exfoliation varies depending on the specific soap you choose, with some offering a gentle scrub and others being more intense.
Overall, I’d say the soap does a great job of cleansing and moisturizing without being too harsh on the skin. It’s also versatile, suitable for washing hands, body, and even face, making it a great all-purpose soap.
Size and Lifespan
The size and lifespan of Crate 61 Organics bar soap are also worth mentioning. Each bar weighs around 110g (4oz), which I found to be a good standard size for daily use. Although some people might prefer a larger bar, I think this size is just right for fitting comfortably in your hand.
One thing I appreciated is the hardness of the bar. Unlike some natural soaps that tend to crumble or melt quickly, these bars are quite durable. They hold their shape well and don’t disintegrate after just a few uses.
With proper storage—like using a dry soap dish—the bars last a long time. I noticed that even with daily use, the bar didn’t shrink too quickly. The soap is also biodegradable, which is another bonus for environmentally conscious consumers.
Brand Reputation
Crate 61 is a Canadian company that has built a reputation for its commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability. The fact that their products are handmade in small batches makes the brand feel more artisanal and less commercial, which I appreciate.
The company is also transparent about its ingredients and sourcing practices, which is important to me as a consumer. They have vegan and cruelty-free certifications, and they avoid animal testing, which is another reason I feel good about supporting this brand.
Crate 61 engages with its community through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where they share updates and interact with their customers. Overall, the brand’s reputation is solid, and they seem genuinely committed to ethical practices.
Price and Value
In terms of price, Crate 61 Organics Bar Soap is quite affordable compared to other natural soaps on the market. The bars typically cost between $4 to $6, depending on where you purchase them.
Considering the high-quality natural ingredients and the long lifespan of the bars, I think the price is justified. The brand occasionally offers sales and discounts, and you can also find variety packs that provide better value if you want to try different scents.
Another thing I like is that the bars have a long shelf life if stored properly. They don’t seem to lose their scent or effectiveness over time, which adds to their overall value.
While the brand doesn’t offer subscription services, they do have gift sets and bulk purchase options for those who want to stock up. Additionally, they offer free shipping on orders over $61, which is a nice perk.
Availability
Crate 61 Organics bar soap is fairly easy to find. It’s available on their official website, as well as on Amazon and in some local stores across Canada.
For those who prefer to shop in person, you might also find the soaps in health food stores and specialty shops. The brand occasionally releases limited edition scents, which can be fun to try if you’re a fan of seasonal products.
Shipping costs and times will vary depending on your location, but I found their shipping to be reasonable and relatively quick. They also have bulk purchasing options for those who want to stock up.
Pros & Cons
- Made with natural ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Comes in eco-friendly packaging
- Affordable price point
- Offers a wide variety of scents
- Long-lasting and durable bars
- Handmade in small batches
- Bars might be smaller than some people prefer
- No subscription options for regular deliveries
Overall Rating
Overall, I would rate Crate 61 Organics Bar Soap a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. The brand delivers on its promise of natural, eco-friendly, and effective skincare at an affordable price. While there are a few minor drawbacks, like the smaller bar size and limited availability in some regions, the pros far outweigh the cons.
If you’re looking for a high-quality natural soap that aligns with sustainable values, Crate 61 Organics is definitely worth trying. I’ve been impressed with their products, and I’m excited to see what new scents and varieties they come up with in the future.
