If you’re someone who loves indulging in natural, handcrafted products, chances are you’ve come across Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap. It has a loyal following, often praised for its luxurious lather, unique scents, and moisturizing properties. But with so many “natural” soaps flooding the market, I wanted to see if Zum Bar truly stands out. After using it for several weeks, here’s my honest take—the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between.
Packaging
Zum Bar’s packaging immediately reflects its natural, eco-conscious branding. Each bar comes wrapped in a simple paper wrapper, which I appreciate for its minimal environmental impact. The design feels earthy and artisanal, with a clear label displaying the scent, ingredients, and weight (standard 3 oz per bar). One thing I love is the transparent nature of the packaging; you can see the soap’s wavy, hand-poured texture and unique color variations through the wrapper.
The soap itself has a distinctive, uneven shape—a charming reminder that it’s handcrafted rather than mass-produced. It fits comfortably in the hand, though the irregular edges can wear down unevenly over time. While the packaging isn’t fancy, it’s practical and aligns well with the brand’s natural aesthetic.
I also appreciate that the country of origin is clearly stated: Zum Bar soaps are proudly made in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. This adds a personal touch, knowing it’s crafted locally rather than mass-produced overseas.
Ingredients
One of Zum Bar’s biggest selling points is its natural ingredient list. Each bar is made with saponified food-grade oils like olive, coconut, palm, and castor oil, combined with goat’s milk for added moisturization. I appreciate that they steer clear of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic detergents.
Essential oils provide the fragrance, though some varieties also include phthalate-free fragrance oils. There are no artificial colors; instead, the soap gets its hues from natural mineral pigments. Some bars, like the Sea Salt variety, offer gentle exfoliation. However, the percentage of active ingredients like goat’s milk and essential oils isn’t specified, which might leave ingredient-conscious buyers wanting more clarity.
For those with sensitive skin, the balanced pH of goat’s milk makes this soap gentler than many commercial options. The brand is also cruelty-free, vegetarian (though not vegan, due to the goat’s milk), and many bars are gluten-free. While the ingredients are impressive, I’d love to see more transparency regarding ingredient sourcing—for example, the origins of the goat’s milk and plant-based oils.
One unique aspect worth mentioning is the superfatting process used during production, which leaves extra oils in the soap. This enhances its moisturizing properties, ensuring skin feels soft rather than stripped after use.
Scent
If you’re someone who appreciates a good scent experience, Zum Bar delivers—but with a caveat. The scent strength is noticeable without being overpowering, lingering subtly on the skin after use. Essential oils drive the fragrance, though some bars incorporate fragrance oils to enhance complexity.
Zum Bar offers an impressive variety of scents—over 30 options—ranging from fresh (Lemongrass, Sea Salt) to earthy (Frankincense & Myrrh, Patchouli) and floral (Lavender, Rose). Frankincense & Myrrh quickly became my personal favorite—it’s warm, slightly spicy, and perfect for unwinding after a long day.
That said, scent longevity can vary. While the soap itself remains fragrant throughout its lifespan, the aroma on skin fades within an hour or two. If you prefer a stronger, all-day fragrance, you might find this underwhelming. However, for those sensitive to overpowering scents, this could be a plus.
The aromatherapy benefits are also worth noting. Scents like Lemongrass are known for mental clarity, while Lavender promotes relaxation. It’s clear the brand puts thought into crafting not just soaps, but sensory experiences.
Lather and Application
Zum Bar shines when it comes to lather. Thanks to coconut and castor oils, the soap lathers up quickly, creating a creamy, luxurious foam. Whether you’re using your hands, a washcloth, or a loofah, the coverage is impressive—a little goes a long way.
The wavy shape provides a decent grip, though it can get a bit slippery once the bar starts shrinking. What I really appreciate is how cleanly it rinses off, leaving no residue—just soft, refreshed skin. My husband even found it useful as a shave soap, thanks to the rich, protective lather.
Effectiveness
In terms of cleansing power, Zum Bar performs exceptionally well. It removes dirt and impurities without making skin feel stripped or dry. The addition of goat’s milk and natural oils ensures skin feels moisturized and soft post-wash.
For sensitive skin, it’s a gentle option—I didn’t experience any irritation, and many users with eczema or psoriasis report positive experiences. If you have acne-prone skin, the Lemongrass variety might be worth trying, as it’s known for its clarifying properties.
While it’s not a heavy-duty exfoliant, sea salt varieties provide a subtle scrub, making them ideal for occasional exfoliation. I also found that the soap performs consistently in both hard and soft water, which isn’t always the case with natural soaps.
One additional benefit I noticed was how well Zum Bar worked as a multi-purpose soap. Beyond body washing, it doubled as a shave soap and even a light hand-wash for delicates in a pinch.
Size and Lifespan
The standard Zum Bar size is 3 oz (85g). While this might seem small, the bar’s hard texture ensures it lasts longer than expected, especially if you store it properly between uses. On average, I found a single bar lasted 3 to 4 weeks with daily use.
Zum also offers “sliver bags” (small leftover pieces) and “pound bags” (assorted mini end cuts), which provide better value if you’re a frequent user. While the bar holds up well, like most handmade soaps, it can soften quickly if left in standing water. A soap dish with drainage will help extend its lifespan.
Brand Reputation
Zum Bar is made by Indigo Wild, a company based in Kansas City, Missouri, known for its commitment to natural, handcrafted products. Founded in 1996, the brand emphasizes plant-based ingredients, essential oils, and cruelty-free practices.
Their handmade approach ensures quality control, and customer reviews generally praise the soap’s scent, lather, and moisturizing qualities. However, some buyers note that the sample sizes can feel small for the price. I appreciate that Zum is transparent about ingredients, though I wish they provided more detail about ingredient sourcing and sustainability efforts.
What’s also worth highlighting is Indigo Wild’s community involvement. They support local causes and charities, further reinforcing their brand values beyond just product quality.
Price and Value
At around $6.50 USD per 3 oz bar, Zum Bar sits in the mid-range price category for natural soaps. You can often find multi-packs (e.g., 3 for $17.55) that reduce the per-bar cost to around $5.85. While it’s more expensive than mass-market soaps, the quality of ingredients, handmade production, and aromatherapy benefits make it worth the investment if you prioritize natural skincare.
Zum also offers subscription options with 5% savings, and you can sometimes catch sales or discounts on their website or through Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers. While the price might seem steep for a small bar, longevity, effectiveness, and skin benefits contribute to its overall value.
Availability
You can purchase Zum Bar directly from the Indigo Wild website, as well as Amazon, Walmart, HEB, and select natural grocery stores. Their store locator makes it easy to find local retailers. Shipping costs vary, but Indigo Wild offers free shipping on orders over $50.
The stock availability is generally good, though popular scents like Frankincense & Myrrh occasionally sell out. Multi-packs, pound bags, and limited-edition releases are also available, offering variety for frequent users.
- Natural ingredients with no parabens, sulfates, or synthetic detergents.
- Rich, creamy lather that cleans without drying.
- Moisturizing properties from goat’s milk and plant-based oils.
- Wide variety of scents for different preferences.
- Cruelty-free, vegetarian, and made in the USA.
- Eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable ingredients.
- Price is higher than standard soaps.
- Scent longevity on skin could be better.
- Softens quickly if not stored properly.
Overall Rating
After weeks of testing, I’d give Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It excels in ingredients, lather, moisturization, and scent variety, while price and scent longevity slightly hold it back.
If you value natural skincare, aromatherapy benefits, and handmade quality, Zum Bar is worth trying. While it’s pricier than supermarket brands, the skin-loving ingredients and luxurious feel make it a treat worth indulging in. Whether you choose Frankincense & Myrrh, Lemongrass, or another variety, you’re in for a pampering experience that leaves your skin soft, clean, and refreshed.
As someone who values eco-conscious products, I also appreciate that Zum Bar is biodegradable and packaged with minimal waste. It’s more than just soap—it’s self-care with a conscience.
