The Sudsy Switch of the 80s
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Ah the 80s. A time of big hair, bold fashion, and the birth of the personal computer. But amidst the pop culture and tech revolutions, a subtler shift was happening in bathrooms across the globe. This was the decade when many people moved from using traditional soap bars to embracing body washes - why? Because the marketing at the time made us.
The Rise of Body Washes
In the early part of the decade, body washes were a novelty. The concept of replacing the classic, solid bar of soap with a liquid product was intriguing yet unfamiliar. However, as the '80s progressed, body washes began to gain ground, thanks to aggressive marketing campaigns by large companies. These businesses realised they could benefit from the liquid soap market for several reasons:
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Mass Production: Liquid products could be produced more efficiently on a large scale. The manufacturing process allowed for easier incorporation of various fragrances, and exfoliating agents, making these products more appealing to a broad audience.
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Marketing Appeal: Liquid body washes offered a new and exciting product for consumers. They were marketed as more luxurious and convenient compared to traditional soap bars. Advertisements highlighted the ease of use, especially with the introduction of pump dispensers, and portrayed body washes as a more sophisticated, modern choice.
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Higher Profit Margins: On a per-wash basis, body washes are more expensive than soap bars. This fact, coupled with their perceived superiority to the humble soap bar, allowed companies to command higher prices for these liquid products. The profit margin on body washes was significantly more attractive to these corporations.
Oh, it was hard to resist, wasn't it? The allure of body washes came in strong with their convenience, the smorgasbord of scents, and that touch of luxury they added to our daily scrub. Suddenly, choosing a body wash became a mini-adventure. Would it be the tropical coconut vibe today, or maybe the soothing lavender for a calm evening? And for those of us with finicky skin, finding a formula that seemed tailor-made for us? Pure gold.
But, here's the kicker – our newfound love affair with these liquid luxuries came with a bit of a downside. Yep, I'm talking about the plastic predicament. Every pump and squeeze out of those shiny bottles added to the mountain of plastic waste we're still grappling with. Unlike the good ol' soap bars that came in simple, earth-friendly packaging, these plastic containers didn't always make it to the recycling bin, leading to a not-so-great increase in plastic pollution. It's a classic case of not realizing the baggage that comes with our choices until we're too deep into it.
And let's not forget, the humble soap bar back in the '80s wasn't exactly the hero we needed it to be. Between some of the, let's say, less-than-ideal ingredients and a one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, it's no wonder we were all dazzled by the shiny new option on the block.
But here's the good news: the soap bars we're crafting in the 2020s? They're a whole new ball game. Imagine a soap that's patiently slow-set over four weeks, infusing each bar with just the right amount of love and care. And the cherry on top? We're using incredible Australian plant oils that are chock-full of moisture to keep your skin feeling hydrated and happy. These aren't your average soap bars; they're a testament to what happens when you mix a little innovation with a whole lot of natural goodness. So, if you're thinking of giving soap bars another chance, now's the perfect time to dive back in.
Soapy hugs,
Emma xx
