Finding the perfect soap can be a bit of a journey, especially if you have sensitive skin or prefer natural products. I recently tried The Grandpa Soap Company’s Oatmeal Soap, a brand that has been around for over a century and is known for its commitment to traditional, natural ingredients. With a long-standing reputation, I was eager to see if this soap lived up to its claims of being gentle, effective, and moisturizing.
This review is based on my personal experience using the soap for a few weeks. I’ll share my honest thoughts on its packaging, ingredients, scent, effectiveness, and value, covering both the positives and the areas where it falls short.
Packaging
The soap comes in a simple yet sturdy cardboard box, which aligns with the brand’s eco-conscious philosophy. While not the most luxurious or eye-catching packaging, it serves its purpose well. The design has a vintage aesthetic, featuring the classic Grandpa Soap logo and clearly highlighting its natural ingredients like oatmeal.
I appreciate that the packaging is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The box isn’t airtight, so if you want to store an unused bar for a long time, you may need additional wrapping. The soap itself is a creamy, light tan color, with tiny bits of oatmeal embedded throughout, giving it a rustic and natural look.
Ingredients
One of the biggest selling points of this soap is its natural ingredients. The key ingredient, oatmeal, is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, making it a great choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. The soap also contains coconut oil, palm oil (often sustainably sourced), and glycerin, which contribute to its gentle cleansing and hydrating effects.
Although it is marketed as a mostly natural soap, it does contain some synthetic ingredients for cleansing and preservation. If you have allergies or specific sensitivities, I’d recommend checking the full ingredient list before use. The soap is also cruelty-free, carrying a Leaping Bunny certification, which is a plus for ethical consumers.
Scent
If you prefer lightly scented soaps, you’ll likely enjoy this one. The oatmeal soap has a mild, clean, and slightly sweet aroma—not overpowering but pleasant. The scent comes either from natural oatmeal or added fragrance, and while it smells nice while in use, it doesn’t linger on the skin for long.
Unlike some heavily perfumed soaps, this one has a subtle and natural appeal. It’s also unisex, making it a great option for both men and women. Some users have reported minor variations in scent over time, possibly due to changes in ingredient sourcing, but in my experience, the scent was consistent.
Effectiveness
Now, onto the most important part—does it work? I found that the soap lathers well, though not as much as some commercial, heavily synthetic soaps. The lather is more on the creamy side rather than super foamy, which I personally prefer.
As for cleansing, it does a great job of removing dirt and oil without stripping the skin. The oatmeal particles provide gentle exfoliation, making the skin feel smooth and refreshed without being too harsh. I have sensitive skin, and I found that this soap was non-irritating and mild, making it a good choice for daily use.
For those with eczema or dry skin, this soap could be beneficial because of its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. While it’s not an acne treatment, some users, including myself, noticed that it helped keep breakouts at bay due to its gentle and non-drying nature. However, if you’re looking for a deep exfoliating or antibacterial soap, this may not be your best option.
Size and Lifespan
The bar weighs around 4-5 ounces, making it a standard size for bar soaps. It’s moderately hard, which helps it last longer than some softer soaps. With regular use, a single bar can last a couple of weeks or more, depending on how often you use it and how well you store it.
Since bar soaps can get soggy if left in water, I recommend using a soap dish with drainage to extend its lifespan. While it doesn’t come in multiple sizes, some multipacks may be available if you want to stock up.
Brand Reputation
The Grandpa Soap Company has a strong reputation for producing natural, high-quality soaps with ethical sourcing and cruelty-free practices. They’ve been around for over 100 years, which speaks to their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Their partnership with One Tree Planted to help plant over 30,000 trees shows their dedication to sustainability. While their focus is on traditional formulas rather than innovation, their transparency and eco-friendly efforts make them a trusted brand among natural soap lovers.
Price and Value
The soap is affordably priced at around $4.99 per bar, making it mid-range compared to other natural soaps. Given its quality ingredients, long-lasting bar, and effectiveness, I think it offers good value for money.
You can often find discounts, bulk purchase options, or free shipping on orders over $50, which can make it more cost-effective. Overall, it’s a good investment if you’re looking for a natural, gentle, and reliable soap.
Availability
The Grandpa Soap Company’s products are widely available both in-store and online. You can find them at major drugstores, grocery stores, natural food stores, and online retailers like Amazon. The company’s website also offers direct purchasing, and there are options for bulk buying.
Since it’s readily available, you won’t have to hunt for it, which is a definite plus.
- Natural ingredients with soothing oatmeal
- Cruelty-free with Leaping Bunny certification
- Mild, clean scent
- Good for sensitive and dry skin
- Long-lasting and effective
- Reasonably priced and widely available
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Sustainable and ethical company values
- Not deeply exfoliating for those who prefer a scrubby texture
- Scent fades quickly after washing
- Can become slippery when wet
- No antibacterial properties
Overall Rating
After using The Grandpa Soap Company’s Oatmeal Soap, I can confidently say it’s a great choice for those seeking a gentle, natural soap. It cleanses well, soothes the skin, and has a subtle scent that makes it perfect for daily use. While it may not be ideal for those wanting a strong exfoliant or heavily scented soap, its moisturizing and skin-friendly formula makes it a winner in my book.
Final Rating: 4.5/5
Would I buy it again? Yes! If you’re looking for a mild, nourishing soap that’s cruelty-free and eco-friendly, this is definitely worth trying.
