This is part two of my Vintage Vanity series, I am continuing with the exploration of bars of soap that have stood the test of time. Today I am looking at the British favourite, Pears transparent soap.
History:
Pears was first made in 1807, in all its transparent amber oval bar glory. This British gem is known for having royal warrants leading back to Queen Victoria.
The bar has gone through some changes over the last 200+ years, mainly in 2009 and again for a relaunch in 2016. People really didn’t like the 2009 change, and made a Facebook petition, it lost its Royal Warrant and disappeared for quite a few years as a result. In 2016 it relaunched and tried to win back its old fans. It sounds like it is much better than the 2009 version, but not as good as the original.
The bars were first sold in London in 1807, its transparent colour was due to it being a glycerine-based soap, but was also a big part of its marking, promoting how ‘pure’ it was.
Things that make this bar unique are, a divot in the top, which is due to shrinkage as it sets (not moulding), but people love to smush their old bars into it, preventing waste. It is also clear, which at the time of release, was neat. It has a unique scent that is supposed to be that of an English Garden.
Review:
I immediately did not like the scent of this soap when I opened the box. It was overwhelming and unpleasant to me. I am used to a whole bunch of different types of scents, this was not one I had smelled before. After a few days of the bar in my shower, I either got used to it, or the unboxing potency faded and it was a lot better.
When I used it, I instantly felt a film on my body that I did not like. I did not find it rinsed off well unless I used a body wash mixed with it or afterwards. It wasn't the worst soap film, but not a great feeling.
It did do an excellent job cleaning like all soaps should. I did not smell bad after using it and the bar's scent did not linger.
Pros:
- Cheap, at 3 75 g bars for under $4.00 CAD
- Easy to find, can find it at dollar stores, grocery stores, and drug stores easily.
- Cleans well, and removes odour easily.
- Lathered well.
Cons:
- I do not like the scent of this soap.
- Residue feeling after using.
- The scent did not linger.
- Soap is wrapped in plastic, so not plastic-free.
Overall:
I did not like this soap. I can see why people got mad about the changes in it. It did not smell good, it did not feel good. I would not recommend it unless you could not find another bar to use.
Ingredients: Aqua, Sorbitol, Sodium Palm Kernalate, Sodium Rosinate, Glycerin, Sodium Palmate, Sodium Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, PEG-4, Sodium Laurate, Alcohol Denat, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfate, Parfum, Gugenia Caryophyllus(Clove) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Carum Carvi (Caraway) Fruit Oil, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Lauryl Alcohol, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, CI 17200, CL 47005
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