My Honest Review of Gold BJJ’s Submission Bar Soap (2025)

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As someone who trains Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu four to five times a week and has personally dealt with mat burn and the occasional athlete’s foot scare, I was naturally curious about Gold BJJ’s Submission Bar Soap. This bar soap is marketed as a premium, all‑natural cleanser made specifically for athletes like me who are constantly on the mats. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using it after my training sessions to see if it really lives up to its claims. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience with its packaging, ingredients, scent, lather, and effectiveness—highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

Packaging

The packaging of Gold BJJ’s Submission Soap immediately signals that this is a product designed for athletes rather than a generic supermarket soap. Each 4‑ounce bar comes individually boxed, which is practical for long‑term storage and helps maintain hygiene if you buy multiple bars at once. I liked having a small stack of boxed bars in my gear closet so I could rotate them in as needed without worrying about contamination. The box design is clean and modern, reflecting the brand’s performance‑oriented ethos rather than a luxurious or eco‑focused image. While there’s no mention of recycled or compostable materials, I appreciated that the packaging kept the bar secure and fresh until I needed it. It’s clear the focus is on function over sustainability, which makes sense for its target audience but may disappoint eco‑conscious buyers.

Ingredients

What drew me in most about this soap was its all‑natural formulation. Gold BJJ emphasizes that the ingredients are ones “you can actually pronounce,” and this is true across its three variants: Classic Tea Tree, Peppermint Tea Tree, and Activated Charcoal. The base is made from plant‑derived oils like olive, coconut, organic palm, and organic sunflower oil, with additions like shea butter and hemp oil to moisturize. The star active ingredients are tea tree, eucalyptus, cajeput, and peppermint essential oils—known for their antimicrobial and soothing properties. I liked that the soap is vegan, cruelty‑free, and GMO‑free, and it avoids common irritants such as parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. One thing I appreciated as a frequent user is that it feels gentle enough for daily showers yet still “serious” about cleanliness. However, it’s worth noting that despite some organic ingredients, the bar doesn’t carry a USDA Organic seal or hypoallergenic certification, and its naturally alkaline pH may not suit everyone with extremely sensitive skin.

Scent

The scent of Submission Soap is as functional as it is pleasant. I tried the Peppermint Tea Tree variant and was immediately greeted with a crisp, minty aroma layered over a herbaceous base of tea tree and cajeput. It smelled clean and therapeutic rather than perfumed, which reinforced the feeling that it was “working” on my skin after training. I especially enjoyed the cooling sensation left behind by the peppermint oil—a nice touch after a hot shower. Friends at my academy who tried the Classic Tea Tree bar said it was more medicinal‑smelling but still refreshing. Users who prefer subtle scents may appreciate that it’s not overpowering, though if you dislike medicinal aromas, the Classic Tea Tree might feel a bit too intense.

Lather and Application

When I first used this soap, I noticed the lather was different from mainstream soaps. It produces a creamy, low‑bubble lather rather than big, foamy suds—likely because it’s free of synthetic detergents like SLS. Initially, this felt unusual, but I soon realized it spread easily and rinsed clean without leaving residue. My skin felt genuinely clean yet not tight or dry, which is important when you’re showering multiple times a day. The small bits of peppermint leaves and parsley powder in some variants add a mild exfoliation that helps remove grime without scratching. I found it especially satisfying on days when I’d had a sweaty no‑gi session; it felt like it really lifted off the grit without irritating my skin.

Effectiveness

This is where Submission Soap earns its reputation. Its blend of natural oils and essential oils is marketed to help ward off common mat‑borne issues like staph, ringworm, and athlete’s foot. While I can’t claim scientific proof, I can say that during my trial period I stayed infection‑free and my skin felt healthier overall. I also found it soothing on minor scrapes and mat burn, likely thanks to the hemp and cajeput oils. A teammate who borrowed my bar once commented on the same cooling, “clean slate” feeling. That said, it’s important to remember that no bar soap is FDA‑approved to prevent or treat infections, and showering promptly after training is still the most crucial step. In my experience, this soap worked best as part of a consistent hygiene routine rather than a magic bullet.

Size and Lifespan

Each bar of Submission Soap weighs 4 ounces (113 g), which is fairly standard for premium handmade soaps. Based on my usage, one bar lasted several weeks with daily post‑training showers. Its hardness helps it hold together well without crumbling, and the individual boxing makes it easy to store backups. While there’s no travel‑sized version of the bar itself, Gold BJJ does offer a body wash and wipes under the same “Submission” name for athletes on the go—a smart move for those of us who need hygiene solutions outside the shower. I personally keep the wipes in my car for days when I can’t shower immediately.

Brand Reputation

Gold BJJ is more than just a soap company—it’s a brand founded by active Jiu‑Jitsu practitioners in San Diego. Their ethos of “For The Journey” resonates with me as someone who appreciates gear made by people who understand my sport. They’re transparent about their ingredients, make the soap in small batches in the USA, and ship directly from their own warehouse. They also support the community by sponsoring athletes, donating gear, and offering generous discounts to military, law enforcement, and first responders. Knowing they run their own fulfillment and ship 99% of orders within one business day gave me confidence my order wouldn’t disappear into a drop‑shipping black hole.

Price and Value

At $6.99 per bar on Gold BJJ’s website (with multi‑packs available on Amazon for about $5.60 each), Submission Soap sits comfortably between its main competitors. It’s slightly pricier than Arm Bar Soap Co. but more affordable than Defense Soap. For me, the price felt justified given its quality ingredients, ethical production, and the peace of mind it offered. Considering how costly and inconvenient a skin infection can be, paying a few extra dollars for this bar seemed like an easy decision. I even stocked up on a 5‑pack to save a bit and always have one ready.

Availability

The soap is widely available through Gold BJJ’s website and Amazon, as well as in some martial arts academy pro shops. It’s not sold in major retail chains, which helps maintain its niche identity. Shipping from their San Diego warehouse was quick and reliable in my experience; I received my order within three days. International shipping is offered too, though buyers should be aware that those orders are final with no returns or exchanges.

Overall Rating

If I had to rate Gold BJJ’s Submission Bar Soap, I’d give it a solid 8.8 out of 10. It’s a thoughtfully made product that aligns with my needs as a grappler, combining quality ingredients with a trustworthy brand ethos. The only reasons I’d withhold a perfect score are the lack of eco‑friendly packaging and the absence of formal clinical backing for its antimicrobial claims.

Tips & Recommendations

Using Gold BJJ’s Submission Bar Soap has been a positive addition to my post‑training routine. It’s not just another bar of soap—it feels like a piece of gear designed with my lifestyle in mind. For anyone serious about grappling who values natural ingredients and community‑driven brands, this bar is well worth trying.