When I first heard about the Megababe Space Bar Underarm Soap, I was intrigued. A soap specifically designed for underarms? That wasn’t something I had seen often, and with all the buzz around switching to natural deodorants, I figured it was worth a shot. The promise of detoxifying my underarms, removing deodorant build-up, and making my deodorant work better sounded like exactly what I needed. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I was curious to see how this would fit into my daily hygiene routine. Plus, the bold name “Space Bar” and its targeted purpose really stood out to me—this wasn’t just another generic body soap.
Packaging
The first thing I noticed was how eco-conscious the packaging was. It came wrapped in 100% recycled, FSC-certified paper, which I appreciated. The soap itself is a solid black bar, thanks to the activated charcoal, and has a standard rectangular shape that fits comfortably in hand. I also found the labeling very informative—it clearly listed key ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, and the intended purpose of the product. It was also nice to see the product marked as vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and safe for sensitive skin. The minimalist and modern branding feels very Megababe—clean, colorful, and body-positive. One minor downside? If you’re not careful, the charcoal can leave a bit of mess in your shower. Luckily, it wipes away easily.
Ingredients
One thing that sets the Space Bar apart is its blend of natural and safe synthetic ingredients. It combines activated charcoal, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Glycolic Acid, and Vitamin C to cleanse, exfoliate, and brighten the skin. Moisturizing ingredients like Glycerin, Avocado Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Olive Fruit Oil help balance things out. I like that it’s free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and even baking soda, which can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. The formula is triple-milled, giving it a firmer texture that doesn’t melt away quickly. That said, with strong exfoliants like Glycolic Acid, patch testing is wise—especially if you have delicate skin like mine. It’s also Leaping Bunny Certified, which gave me extra peace of mind.
Scent
The scent is very light and natural, mainly due to the Tea Tree Oil. There are no synthetic fragrances, which is a big plus for me. While it might not leave you smelling perfumed, it does leave you feeling fresh and clean. I also noticed that the scent doesn’t linger on the skin long after rinsing, which is ideal if you’re sensitive to lingering fragrances. It’s a unisex scent that works year-round, though I found it especially refreshing after sweaty workouts or on warmer days.
Lather and Application
The bar lathers up quickly and generously, producing a rich, thick foam that spreads easily. I used it by massaging the lather into my underarms in small circular motions, leaving it on for about a minute as instructed. That waiting period seems to be key in giving the ingredients time to work. It rinsed off cleanly, although I did have to make sure to rinse the shower area afterward to avoid charcoal residue. The soap left my underarms feeling incredibly clean—like a squeaky-clean sort of feeling. It wasn’t too drying for me, but I did follow up with moisturizer on days when my skin felt a bit tight. I even used it on other spots prone to odor, like my feet and chest, and found it just as effective.
Effectiveness
This is where the Space Bar really shines. After just a few uses, I noticed a difference in how fresh I felt throughout the day. I was in the middle of transitioning to a natural deodorant, and this soap helped remove any lingering odor and residue from my previous antiperspirants. I also found that my deodorant worked noticeably better after using the Space Bar consistently. My underarms felt smoother, and I experienced fewer ingrown hairs. I even tried using it on other areas like my feet and under-boob area, and it worked wonders for controlling odor there too. It’s not a deodorant replacement, but it definitely creates the clean slate your deodorant needs to perform well. It even seemed to slightly reduce my sweating during the day—a bonus I wasn’t expecting.
Size and Lifespan
The standard bar weighs 3.5 oz (99g), which felt like a decent size when I first opened it. There’s also a smaller 1.3 oz travel version, which is super handy if you want to take it on a trip or try it before committing to the full size. The soap is triple-milled, so it’s dense and should last a while, but I did find that it wore down a bit faster than I expected, especially when left wet. To extend its life, I started storing it away from the direct stream of water and allowed it to dry between uses. That made a noticeable difference. Just keep in mind the charcoal can stain surfaces if you let the wet bar sit in the same spot. While it doesn’t leave residue on my skin or clothes, I learned the hard way that a soap dish is essential.
Brand Reputation
Megababe, founded by Katie Sturino, is a brand I came to admire for its unique take on body care. Their whole philosophy is about tackling real, everyday problems like sweat, chafing, and odor without any shame. What I particularly respect is their transparency—they’re clear about what goes into their products and they hold strong ethical values, from being vegan and cruelty-free to using palm oil-free formulations and recycled packaging. They’ve built a reputation for innovation in the personal care space, and the Space Bar is a great example of that. With overwhelmingly positive reviews and a loyal fanbase, it’s clear this brand resonates with people who want effective, responsible products. Their social media presence also helps create a community around embracing real bodies and real solutions.
Price and Value
At around $8 USD for a 3.5 oz bar, the Space Bar is definitely a premium-priced soap, especially compared to traditional body bars. However, considering the specialized ingredients and targeted function, I felt it was worth the cost. Plus, it’s often bundled in sets or offered with a small discount if you subscribe through their website. If you’re serious about switching to natural deodorants or just want better underarm hygiene, it feels like a worthwhile investment. That said, if you use it daily and don’t store it properly, it might get used up quicker than you’d like. Still, the results made me keep repurchasing—I now get the three-pack so I never run out.
Availability
Megababe has done a great job making their products easy to find. I picked mine up at Target, but it’s also available at Ulta, Walmart, Amazon, and of course, directly through the Megababe website. It’s widely accessible in the US, though I’ve heard international buyers may face higher prices and longer shipping times. They also sell it in three-packs if you want to stock up. Availability hasn’t been an issue—it seems to be a staple item in their lineup. If you’re buying online, be sure to check that you’re ordering from an authorized retailer.
- Very effective at eliminating odor and prepping skin for deodorant.
- Thoughtfully formulated with clean, gentle ingredients.
- Subtle, natural tea tree scent with no synthetic fragrances.
- Safe for sensitive skin.
- Multi-purpose use (works on feet, under-bust, etc.).
- Certified vegan and cruelty-free.
- Can be messy, especially if the charcoal residue isn’t rinsed from the shower.
- May not be cost-effective for everyone, particularly with daily use.
- Wears down faster if not stored properly (requires a dry spot between uses).
- Not ideal as a full-body soap due to the targeted design and price point.
Overall Rating
Overall, I give the Megababe Space Bar a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It delivers on its promises, and I found it incredibly useful during my transition to natural deodorants. The ingredients feel purposeful, and the experience of using it is both satisfying and effective. I do wish it lasted a bit longer, but with mindful storage, it’s not a dealbreaker. If you’re looking for a simple way to level up your underarm care, this bar is absolutely worth trying. I never thought I’d have a favorite underarm soap—but here we are.
