My Honest Review of Tom’s of Maine Bar Soap (2025)

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I’ve always associated Tom’s of Maine with honesty and natural simplicity. When I decided to try their bar soap line, I expected something that reflected those same values: pure ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and gentle care for my skin. After using it for several weeks, I found that while the soap certainly lives up to many of its natural promises, it also comes with a few surprising inconsistencies that make the experience a bit more complicated than I expected. This review shares my genuine impressions—the good, the bad, and the in-between—of this popular natural soap brand.

Packaging

The soap comes in a simple paper wrapper or recyclable cardboard box, which immediately signals the brand’s eco-conscious intentions. The design is clean and minimal, often featuring earthy tones and subtle botanical illustrations that reflect the natural ingredients inside. It’s the kind of packaging that feels honest—not flashy, but thoughtfully put together.

Tom’s has upgraded its sustainability approach over the years: the packaging now uses 100% post-consumer recycled paper, printed with water-based inks, and includes How2Recycle® instructions to guide proper disposal. While the brand still partners with TerraCycle for hard-to-recycle personal care items, these updates make the recycling process much clearer and more accessible for everyday consumers.

The 5 oz bar itself is rectangular and quite thick, giving it a sturdy, classic feel. However, the shape can be a little slippery in the shower—especially once it gets wet. I found myself wishing it were slightly curved or oval for a more secure grip. Still, the bar looks substantial, feels long-lasting, and visually aligns well with the brand’s natural identity.

Ingredients

One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to Tom’s of Maine is its promise of naturally derived ingredients and responsible sourcing. The bar is made using traditional saponification, combining plant-based oils with an alkali to form a true soap. The main cleansing agents—Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate, and Sodium Palm Kernelate—come from palm and coconut oils. These give the bar its hardness and ability to lather well.

Every variant contains glycerin, which helps retain moisture, and some add extra botanicals like shea butter, argan oil, or aloe vera for added nourishment. For example, Lavender & Shea is enriched with shea butter, while Creamy Coconut includes organic coconut oil. These details show the brand’s intent to balance effective cleansing with gentle hydration.

However, the use of palm oil is something of a double-edged sword. Tom’s emphasizes that it sources Rainforest Alliance Certified™ palm oil, which is a step in the right direction. Still, palm oil remains a controversial ingredient for many eco-conscious consumers. While I appreciate the certification, I wish the company explored alternatives to reduce environmental impact.

The bar is also free from parabens, artificial fragrances, colors, and animal ingredients, which is a huge plus for anyone avoiding harsh additives. Tom’s is a Certified B Corporation and is proudly cruelty-free, which adds a layer of trust to its ethical stance.

Scent

Tom’s of Maine offers several scent options, including Creamy Coconut, Lavender & Shea, Fresh Eucalyptus, and Orange Blossom, plus a Fragrance-Free version for sensitive skin. I’ve tried a couple, and the experience was interesting.

The Lavender & Shea variant gives off a relaxing, natural floral aroma—not too strong, but clearly authentic. It feels calming, especially before bed. The Orange Blossom bar, on the other hand, has a bright, cheerful scent that instantly lifts my mood and makes my bathroom smell lovely even before unwrapping it.

However, I noticed that the Creamy Coconut version divided users, and I understand why. While some might expect a rich tropical scent, it’s actually quite light—almost too subtle. The natural fragrances don’t linger on the skin the way synthetic ones do, which could be disappointing for those who prefer a more noticeable scent.

Personally, I appreciate the understated nature of these fragrances. They feel clean and real, without overwhelming the senses. Still, if you’re expecting a long-lasting aroma, you might find them underwhelming.

Lather and Application

This is one area where Tom’s of Maine soap truly shines. The lather is rich, creamy, and abundant, even with minimal effort. I found it very satisfying to use—the soap glides smoothly over the skin and produces a dense foam that feels luxurious for something so simple. It rinses off easily too, leaving the skin feeling clean without that waxy or slippery residue some moisturizing bars can leave behind.

That said, I did notice some variability. Longtime users have mentioned that newer formulations (especially the fragrance-free version) can feel softer, melt faster, or even leave residue. My bar didn’t have that issue, but the feedback is worth noting—especially if you’re a repeat customer who has used older versions of the soap.

Overall, in terms of texture, glide, and rinseability, this soap performs exceptionally well for a plant-based bar.

Effectiveness

As a cleanser, Tom’s of Maine delivers exactly what it promises: a clean, refreshed feeling without harshness. My skin felt soft and smooth after every shower, and I didn’t experience any irritation. The inclusion of glycerin and plant oils helps maintain a balance between cleansing and moisture retention.

However, as with many true soaps, its alkaline nature (pH 8–10) can be a bit drying for those with very sensitive or already dry skin. Some users reported that it left their skin feeling tight or flaky—a reminder that even natural products can affect people differently depending on skin type.

For me, the soap struck a nice middle ground. It cleaned thoroughly but didn’t strip my skin’s moisture when used moderately. The Fragrance-Free version would likely suit those with more reactive skin, thanks to its aloe vera content and lack of added scent.

Size and Lifespan

The standard Tom’s of Maine bar weighs 5 oz (141 g), which is noticeably larger than many other brands. It’s a solid, hefty bar that feels like it will last. In my experience, one bar lasted just over a month with daily use, which makes it quite economical considering its premium ingredients. The soap is also fairly hard, so it doesn’t dissolve quickly if you store it properly in a draining dish.

Some users, however, have mentioned that newer bars seem softer and melt faster. This inconsistency might depend on the variant or batch. If you take care to keep it dry between uses, it maintains its shape well and offers good longevity.

Brand Reputation

The story behind Tom’s of Maine is part of what makes it so appealing. Founded in 1970 in Kennebunk, Maine, by Tom and Kate Chappell, the brand started as a small family business focused on creating safe, natural alternatives to mainstream personal care products. Over the decades, it built a reputation for transparency, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility.

Today, Tom’s is owned by Colgate-Palmolive, but it continues to operate with a degree of independence and maintains its Certified B Corporation status. The company donates 10% of profits to nonprofit causes and allows employees paid time off to volunteer. Those initiatives make me feel like my purchase supports something meaningful. Still, some longtime fans worry that the brand’s original integrity has diluted since its acquisition. I can understand that skepticism, especially with reports of formula changes.

Price and Value

At around $4.50 to $5 per 5 oz bar, Tom’s of Maine is priced within the premium natural soap range. It’s more expensive than conventional brands like Dove or Irish Spring but sits comfortably alongside Dr. Bronner’s and Burt’s Bees in cost. Considering the bar’s durability, clean ingredient list, and ethical standards, I find the price reasonable.

Buying in multipacks brings down the per-bar cost, and the company’s frequent online discounts make it even more accessible. While you could argue that you’re paying a bit more for the brand name and its eco-ethical story, I genuinely think the quality and peace of mind justify the price.

Availability

One of the advantages of Tom’s of Maine being part of a major corporation is its wide availability. You can find these soaps in most large retailers—Walmart, Target, CVS, Kroger, and Whole Foods—as well as online at tomsofmaine.com and on marketplaces like Amazon and iHerb. That kind of accessibility is rare for a natural brand and makes it easy to restock.

However, availability of specific scents can vary, especially in physical stores. For example, I had to order the Orange Blossom variant online since it wasn’t stocked locally. Still, the convenience of finding this brand almost anywhere is a definite plus.

Overall Rating