Soap for body and clothes???

[PFarnsworth]

Does anyone have a recommendation on a soap that will work for body/hair/clothes? I'm guessing that any soap will "work" but I'm looking for what works "best" and is easy to carry. What do pilgrims use?

 

[TrekkerProf]

Yes. I have a Dr. Bronner bar of soap that’s great for shower, shampoo, and wash. It should last me from SJPP to Finesterre. Buen Camino.

 

[tomnorth]

Yes. I have a Dr. Bronner bar of soap that’s great for shower, shampoo, and wash. It should last me from SJPP to Finesterre. Buen Camino.

I concur, it's Dr. Bronner's bar soap for this pilgrim too.

 

[Calisteve]

Have also seen many recommendations for Savon de Marseilles. Personally - for this year I have bought a bottle a 89ml bottle of 'Wilderness Wash with Citronella' from Sea to Summit.

 

[Tony Murray]

Lush soap does top to bottom and cloths as well. Used it last year but do get the box for it,

 

[november_moon]

I liked Dr Bonners Almond soap for body and clothes. I used Lush jojoba bar for hair - the Dr Bonners was too drying - but if you have short hair, it is probably fine.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Wilderness Wash from Sea To Summit. Got it here. I repackaged it into a smaller container.

 

[Tony Murray]

Sorry you are correct I should has said Lush

 

[Calisteve]

Advantages of Wilderness Wash - you don't need an additional container + it's environmentally friendly + the citronella version claims to 'discourage' mozzies etc. Then again, on previous Caminos I just used a bar of soap in a flannel.

 

[tillyjones]

I use Campsuds.

 

[alaskadiver]

We took half a bar of Bronner's for body and clothes washing (when we didn't have a washing machine). I used conditioning shampoo sachets for my hair.

 

[Sandi Smith]

I liked Dr Bonners Almond soap for body and clothes. I used Lush jojoba bar for hair - the Dr Bonners was too drying - but if you have short hair, it is probably fine.

Agreed. I used lush for my hair and body but take half of a Dr. Bronner’s bar for clothes. Lasted me 38 days with plenty left.

 

[PFarnsworth]

I'm thinking I'm just going to shave all my hair off and go bald to avoid having to wash or comb my hair. SIMPLIFY! That way I only have to worry about washing body and clothes!

 

[Tincatinker]

I'm mystified. People carry bathing condiments even when their Camino does not coincide with their birthdays?

Even so how do they ensure sufficient personal space in Albergues and at the bar?

OK, that was a joke ( or was it?). I used to carry the good Dr's impressive fluids until one escaped. Like spilt milk it put itself about... Now I use a fragment of one of those 1 Kg blocks of Sabon or whatever I find abandoned by previous pilgs. It's all just fat and alkaloid and it all does more or less the same job.

At least I don't need to shave my head to achieve baldness ;0)

 

[Pilsprog]

I used Liggetts soap on Camino Frances in 2015. Worked well for all purposes.

 

[Beeman]

Does anyone have a recommendation on a soap that will work for body/hair/clothes? I'm guessing that any soap will "work" but I'm looking for what works "best" and is easy to carry. What do pilgrims use?

I used a bar of African black soap on the Camino and found it excellent for all things. I use it at home with our hard water,and it still sundaes up well.

 

[Albertagirl]

I use my regular small size bar of Ivory soap in my home soap dish: just put the lid on and bring it along for body and clothes. But I also bring a small plastic container of my regular cheap shampoo for my hair. I tried to use the soap, but it took two washes to rinse out the sticky residue. Whatever you plan to bring, if it is not your regular, try it out before you leave.

 

[JillGat]

Ivory soap and Dr. Bronner's soaps are both actually pretty harsh. I know this because I make soap and I look at the ingredients. I loved my own grapefruit scented soap on the Camino. That being said, even nice homemade soap does not work well for hair (altho some here said they use regular soap for all). The pH of soap is too high for hair and, especially with long hair like mine, really fries it. I made my own bar shampoo and conditioner which worked very well, but they are complicated to make. Many people like Lush bar shampoos, but I thought they disintegrated too quickly. I found this source of bar shampoos and conditioner that I highly recommend: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GetLathered
She makes great, long-lasting hard bar shampoos and conditioners and I think you can pick the scent. She's in the US.. not sure about shipping elsewhere.

 

[Sunrayrob]

Lush was good for body and clothes but we found we should have taken 2 each. I agree that you need a bos for it which Lush also sell.

 

[t2andreo]

My personal favorite for body, hair and clothes (hand wash) is the locally sourced "Heno de Pravia." It is available in 4 and 5 oz bars. The most commonly seen is the 4.0 oz bar. I bring a supply home with me each time to to Spain.

Ironically, the soap is now produced in Mexico. However, it is far more expensive in the US, at least in FL (when I can find it) than it is in Spain.

This soap is an olive oil based soap with a clean non-fruity fragrance. As the label says, it has been a standard across Spain for more than 100 years. (See photo).

You can obtain it in just about every tienda and supermercado in Spain.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bodi]

Last year on the CF, I used a Lush shampoo bar and 1/2 a conditioner bar for hair and body. I also took Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash dissolving tissues. As others have mentioned, get the box for the Lush bars. All worked really well.

 

[cindyjo]

I recently finished the VDLP /Sanabres and for the first time took an easy-grip sudzing bar by Johnson’s Kids. It’s a bar of soap in a soft pouch that doesn’t slip out your hand, lasts a long time, and really makes a rich lather. It can also be used without a wash cloth if you don’t carry one or it’s not handy. In addition, it doesn’t get as messy as some other soaps when you carry it in a small plastic bag or box. It has a light watermelon scent and I used it for both clothes and body. I didn’t try it on my hair. It lasted the whole walk with some to spare.

 

[Lunchmeat337]

My personal favorite for body, hair and clothes (hand wash) is the locally sourced "Heno de Pravia." It is available in 4 and 5 oz bars. The most commonly seen is the 4.0 oz bar. I bring a supply home with me each time to to Spain.

Ironically, the soap is now produced in Mexico. However, it is far more expensive in the US, at least in FL (when I can find it) than it is in Spain.

This soap is an olive oil based soap with a clean non-fruity fragrance. As the label says, it has been a standard across Spain for more than 100 years. (See photo).

You can obtain it in just about every tienda and supermercado in Spain.

Hope this helps.

View attachment 42960

We like this soap also.

 

[tominrm]

I use Ivory soap. I chose it because it is mild and LIGHT. It does not have any colour so does not leave any stain without having to rinse vigorously.

 

[Former member 28585]

Allepo olive soap.

 

[WalkingJane]

Does anyone have a recommendation on a soap that will work for body/hair/clothes? I'm guessing that any soap will "work" but I'm looking for what works "best" and is easy to carry. What do pilgrims use?

I use Miracle II, available on Amazon. A green liquid, comes in plain or with moisturizer. I like the moisturizer.

 

[HikingGeo]

I use Campsuds.

I agree with Campsuds. Comes in a small concentated bottle. You can use it for bathing, hair, clothes and even dishes.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

On my first Camino I took Dr. Bronner's liquid and put it in a 3 oz size plastic travel bottle. I used it for my hair, showering and laundry. It worked fine. For my next two Caminos I just filled my little travel bottle with super cheap Suave shampoo. Yep, I used it on my hair, showering and laundry. When it ran low, I filled it up with the leftovers laying around from others (like Tinky does) and probably ended up with a few brands in the same bottle. My hair, body, and clothes still got squeaky clean.

 

[Karl Oz]

I have used Johnson's Baby Shampoo. It certainly works more effectively on clothes than soaps I have used.

 

[jeffnd]

I used a bar of generic glycerin soap I found a store because I lost my bar of soap I brought over. It was fine for me, but not so good for my clothes.

I'm preparing for a wilderness hike this summer, and I've been reading up on camp soaps, Dr. Bronners, etc., and I've made up my mind. I'm going with a small bottle of regular Dawn dish soap. It's cheap, I can get it from the dollar store for... well, a dollar. It's powerful and a great cleaner, oilfield workers use it to get oil out of their clothes and off their skin. It's safe for you and the environment. It's what they use when they clean birds and animals after an oil spill.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I used a bar of generic glycerin soap I found a store because I lost my bar of soap I brought over. It was fine for me, but not so good for my clothes.

I'm preparing for a wilderness hike this summer, and I've been reading up on camp soaps, Dr. Bronners, etc., and I've made up my mind. I'm going with a small bottle of regular Dawn dish soap. It's cheap, I can get it from the dollar store for... well, a dollar. It's powerful and a great cleaner, oilfield workers use it to get oil out of their clothes and off their skin. It's safe for you and the environment. It's what they use when they clean birds and animals after an oil spill.

I'd have no problem using Dawn dishwashing liquid. It's in my kitchen right now, but have always wondered if it might be a tad harsh on my hair.

 

[jeffnd]

I'd have no problem using Dawn dishwashing liquid. It's in my kitchen right now, but have always wondered if it might be a tad harsh on my hair.

Since I have no hair, it's not a factor for me!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Since I have no hair, it's not a factor for me!

 

[domigee]

I have been trying at home a new (to me!) shampoo bar to use on the camino and I like it.
Used to use Lush but I have gone off it.
This one is https://www.friendlysoap.co.uk/product-category/shampoo/
No obvious nasties in it and it feels like I have used conditioner. And it is cheaper
PS: I hasten to add I have no affiliation with this Company nor any other interest

 

[Anamya]

I usually take any hotel mini-shampoo/body wash I have at home from previous trips. If needed, I get new ones along the way.
(My hair is short and thin, so one month of weird hair doesnt bother me )

 

[JillGat]

I have been trying at home a new (to me!) shampoo bar to use on the camino and I like it.
Used to use Lush but I have gone off it.
This one is https://www.friendlysoap.co.uk/product-category/shampoo/
No obvious nasties in it and it feels like I have used conditioner. And it is cheaper
PS: I hasten to add I have no affiliation with this Company nor any other interest

The ingredients list from that company does not mention lye, which had to have been used to create a bar with those other ingredients. Lye is not bad.. almost all soaps are made with it. It means the company is dishonest, though, in my opinion. It also means that it is technically a soap, not a shampoo, which means the pH will be very alkaline, which can be fine for skin but can be damaging to hair. All that being said (as a soap and shampoo making nerd), if it works for you, you can ignore me.

 

[JillGat]

I used a bar of generic glycerin soap I found a store because I lost my bar of soap I brought over. It was fine for me, but not so good for my clothes.

I'm preparing for a wilderness hike this summer, and I've been reading up on camp soaps, Dr. Bronners, etc., and I've made up my mind. I'm going with a small bottle of regular Dawn dish soap. It's cheap, I can get it from the dollar store for... well, a dollar. It's powerful and a great cleaner, oilfield workers use it to get oil out of their clothes and off their skin. It's safe for you and the environment. It's what they use when they clean birds and animals after an oil spill.

Cleaning and conditioning/moisturizing are opposite properties in soap and sometimes it's hard to find a balance that works for your skin. Dawn is very cleansing, but you may find it very drying on your skin. Let us know.

 

[JillGat]

PS - You might try a search on this board, too. There have been some excellent, and very long, discussions about this in the past. Here are a couple:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/what-shampoo-soap-to-bring.30355/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/even-more-about-soap-and-shampoo.47973/

It looks like you have very short hair, which gives you broader options than those of us with longer hair.

 

[domigee]

The ingredients list from that company does not mention lye, which had to have been used to create a bar with those other ingredients. Lye is not bad.. almost all soaps are made with it. It means the company is dishonest, though, in my opinion. It also means that it is technically a soap, not a shampoo, which means the pH will be much higher and can cause hair damage. All that being said (as a soap and shampoo making nerd), if it works for you, you can ignore me.

Yikes, no, I am not ignoring you! Back to the drawing board..

 

[JillGat]

Yikes, no, I am not ignoring you! Back to the drawing board..

If you like that soap, though, take it for body and clothes and get a real shampoo bar for hair. I like this one (I have no connection with this company, other than I have used and highly recommend her shampoo and conditioner bars) https://www.etsy.com/shop/GetLathered

 

[Beeman]

I use African black soap,for everything. It is wonderful.

 

[jeffnd]

Cleaning and conditioning/moisturizing are opposite properties in soap and sometimes it's hard to find a balance that works for your skin. Dawn is very cleansing, but you may find it very drying on your skin. Let us know.

Well, my in-the-field test of Dawn went awry, but I do have experience using it as an everyday soap. (I've worked plenty of jobs where I get dirty and greasy every day.) As far as dry skin goes, in the summer time, it was never really a problem. Since I was showering at night and then just relaxing and sleeping, I never noticed any dryness. I also live in a humid area so that helps too. Plus, the next day, once you're out in the hot sun and sweating, you certainly don't notice dry skin! Winter is a bit of a different story, because winters are very dry here. I get dry skin no matter what I use for soap, my hands especially.

 

[FamPed]

@Beeman, I never heard of African black soap. Can you please tell me about it? I would like to learn more. ☺

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I'm thinking I'm just going to shave all my hair off and go bald to avoid having to wash or comb my hair. SIMPLIFY! That way I only have to worry about washing body and clothes!

With a completely shaved head, I spent more on sunscreen than I saved on shampoo. My low-maintenance preference is to have short hair rather than a shaved head. Of course, that's not an option for everyone.

 

[Beeman]

@Beeman, I never heard of African black soap. Can you please tell me about it? I would like to learn more. ☺

FamPed. I walked from Oviedo to Muxia last september,and used a small bar of african black soap,for body wash,shampoo,and washing my clothes. Q 4 oz. bar lasted me all 18 days with some left over. I use it at home,and on the trail when hiking. I find it in my local health food store, but located it on Amazon; although they advertised mostly 1 lb. blocks which would have to be quartered. It is probably sold in Spain,as africa is right next door. Try it out at home and see if you like it. I mentioned it to some of my friends,and was surprized to hear that they all used it. If you have any more questions,feel free to ask. And by the way Buen Camino!

 

[Beeman]

FamPed. I walked from Oviedo to Muxia last september,and used a small bar of african black soap,for body wash,shampoo,and washing my clothes. Q 4 oz. bar lasted me all 18 days with some left over. I use it at home,and on the trail when hiking. I find it in my local health food store, but located it on Amazon; although they advertised mostly 1 lb. blocks which would have to be quartered. It is probably sold in Spain,as africa is right next door. Try it out at home and see if you like it. I mentioned it to some of my friends,and was surprized to hear that they all used it. If you have any more questions,feel free to ask. And by the way Buen Camino!

I found the box the soap comes in and the website is: OUT OF AFRICASHEA.COM. This explains the humanitarian work they do. I hope that this helps you.

 

[FamPed]

Thank you @Beeman, I will check it out.

 

[FamPed]

http://outofafricashea.com/products/african-black-4oz/
Aha, it is a shea butter soap, sounds interesting.I love different soaps, so maybe I´ll try one out or bye one to my collection. I have to ask our soapmaking expert @JillGat , what do you think about this soap?

Edit: Trying to fix the broken link to @JillGat .

 

[Enzed]

Ivory soap and Dr. Bronner's soaps are both actually pretty harsh. I know this because I make soap and I look at the ingredients. I loved my own grapefruit scented soap on the Camino. That being said, even nice homemade soap does not work well for hair (altho some here said they use regular soap for all). The pH of soap is too high for hair and, especially with long hair like mine, really fries it. I made my own bar shampoo and conditioner which worked very well, but they are complicated to make. Many people like Lush bar shampoos, but I thought they disintegrated too quickly. I found this source of bar shampoos and conditioner that I highly recommend: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GetLathered
She makes great, long-lasting hard bar shampoos and conditioners and I think you can pick the scent. She's in the US.. not sure about shipping elsewhere.

3

 

[JillGat]

http://outofafricashea.com/products/african-black-4oz/
Aha, it is a shea butter soap, sounds interesting.I love different soaps, so maybe I´ll try one out or bye one to my collection. I have to ask our soapmaking expert @JillGat , what do you think about this soap?

Edit: Trying to fix the broken link to @JillGat .

That soap would be great for body and clothes. For hair, no. Natural soap - like all soap - is made with oils saponified with lye. The pH is too high, no matter what you do. It will fry your hair.

Carrying liquid shampoo on the Camino is a drag and I couldn't even find small bottles of hair conditioner in Spain. I have long hair. Being a clinical researcher, I played around with formulas and finally came up with formulas for bar shampoo and conditioner that I find not only practical for travel, but are better than any liquid versions I have ever used. Small, solid bars of shampoo and conditioner last way longer than larger bottles of the liquid stuff, too.

I make my own, and it is a completely different process than making soap. I am happy to share links to sites that sell solid shampoos and conditioners.

 

[Beeman]

That soap would be great for body and clothes. For hair, no. Natural soap is made with oils saponified with lye. The pH is too high, no matter what you do. It will fry your hair.

Carrying liquid shampoo on the Camino is a drag and I couldn't even find small bottles of hair conditioner in Spain. I have long hair. Being a clinical researcher, I played around with formulas and finally came up with formulas for bar shampoo and conditioner that are not only practical for travel, but are better than any liquid versions I have ever used. Small, solid bars of shampoo and conditioner last way longer than larger bottles of the liquid stuff, too.

PM me if you are headed out on the Camino soon and I will send you some bars at cost (for materials and shipping). I'm not trying to profit here, I'm just excited about this solution to a problem I've been dealing with, too.

I have used it for years and it works just fine!

 

[JabbaPapa]

The "best" IMO would be a block of lavender-scented Savon de Marseilles.

https://www.maison-du-savon-de-mars...es-essentielles-de-lavande-3700601504026.html

This can be bought in many ordinary supermarkets in France, though the "Casino" ones seem to do a better job than others of having it in stock.

The simple olive oil version is better just for clothes, and is also perfectly fine for your hair and your body, but the lavender is of course a lot more pleasant for the two latter.

 

[JillGat]

The "best" IMO would be a block of lavender-scented Savon de Marseilles.

https://www.maison-du-savon-de-mars...es-essentielles-de-lavande-3700601504026.html

This can be bought in many ordinary supermarkets in France, though the "Casino" ones seem to do a better job than others of having it in stock.

The simple olive oil version is better just for clothes, and is also perfectly fine for your hair and your body, but the lavender is of course a lot more pleasant for the two latter.

This is a soap that - like all soap - is saponified with lye and is bad for your hair. There are no soaps with a pH low enough for hair. Many soaps are mild and work great on skin, but you have to use a completely different process to make solid shampoo bars.

 

[JillGat]

I can't find the site I usually go to, but here is another one (I haven't tried hers, but they seem to be the same thing): https://www.etsy.com/listing/637767167/solid-shampoo-solid-conditioner-bar-set

 

[Jamieb]

anyone ever use these....www.squeezepods.com ?

 

[trecile]

anyone ever use these....www.squeezepods.com ?

Since those are single use pods the packaging probably weighs a lot more than the product.

 

[trecile]

I've used shampoo bars from several Etsy vendors. Here are a couple
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GetLathered

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScenterSquare

And this conditioner bar lasts forever - I cut it in half for the Camino
https://www.etsy.com/listing/189275869/solid-conditioner-bar-argan-oil-shea?ref=user_profile&bes=1

 

[Beeman]

I have used it for years and it works just fine!

Actually talking about black african soap! My lady friend with long hair has also used it for years!

 

[nidarosa]

This is a soap that - like all soap - is saponified with lye and is bad for your hair. There are no soaps with a pH low enough for hair. Many soaps are mild and work great on skin, but you have to use a completely different process to make solid shampoo bars.

@JillGat This is very interesting, I didn't know that! Just checked the Liggett's shampoo website and they saponify their shampoo bars with lye - does that explain why I thought it was awful? (Apologies to everyone who loves them, I know different stuff works for different people but this never worked for me.) The links you and others have posted are for US sellers, but I have now sent messages to a few shampoo bar makers and sellers asking outright if they use lye in the process, since you spotted that they don't always list it. Hopefully I'll find one that doesn't. I dislike having to use normal shampoo every day when I go for a long walk so have been looking for a good alternative. Thanks for the info.

 

[DonCamino]

@nidarosa

hi, have a look to my 2013 picture

Greetings
DonCamino

 

[DonCamino]

Try seba med Seifenfreies Waschstück, thats a kind of soap „without soap“ for hair, body and washing your clothes

 

[Suzanne S.]

On my first Camino I took Dr. Bronner's liquid and put it in a 3 oz size plastic travel bottle. I used it for my hair, showering and laundry. It worked fine. For my next two Caminos I just filled my little travel bottle with super cheap Suave shampoo. Yep, I used it on my hair, showering and laundry. When it ran low, I filled it up with the leftovers laying around from others (like Tinky does) and probably ended up with a few brands in the same bottle. My hair, body, and clothes still got squeaky clean.

Me, too, regarding shampoo. Brought a three ounce container, filled up when I could, bought a big bottle to fill up with and leave at an albergue when I had to. Cleans everything!!!

 

[DonCamino]

Cleans everything

Yes, i agree. But not good for my hair. They get Strawy and scaly. So i need Shampoo or my new seba med „soap free“ „Soap“ (german product). In the moment I test it for the next year to get rid of the weight of water in the fluids ;-).

 

[Deleted member 73526]

Found this article in the Independent (UK) - Is anyone familiar with these products?
https://www.independent.co.uk/extra...beauty-environmentally-friendly-a8505026.html

 

[Beeman]

My personal favorite for body, hair and clothes (hand wash) is the locally sourced "Heno de Pravia." It is available in 4 and 5 oz bars. The most commonly seen is the 4.0 oz bar. I bring a supply home with me each time to to Spain.

Ironically, the soap is now produced in Mexico. However, it is far more expensive in the US, at least in FL (when I can find it) than it is in Spain.

This soap is an olive oil based soap with a clean non-fruity fragrance. As the label says, it has been a standard across Spain for more than 100 years. (See photo).

You can obtain it in just about every tienda and supermercado in Spain.

Hope this helps.

View attachment 42960

I bought some of this and found it passable,but not as good as african black soap.

 

[Iriebabel]

My camino I used Dr Bonners for washing and bathing but I carried shampoo and conditioner as I have very long hair which tangles easily which requires a moisturizing conditioner and a sulfate free shampoo.

On the next camino 2019 Del Norte I will replace it with Travel on laundry sheets literally weighs nothing (less than a pack of gum) and bar soap for my hair . This will cut weight and provide a good option if I need conditioner I will buy along the way. Just another option for those looking. Ethique is a New Zealand product I found on Amazon. Soaps simular to Lush made with natural products and lasts longer than liquid.

 

[trecile]

BTW, since my first Camino on 2016 when I first tried shampoo bars that's all that I use on my hair, while at home or traveling.

 

[t2andreo]

I bought some of this and found it passable,but not as good as african black soap.

You might be correct. But, Heno de Pravia is available just about everywhere in Spain. So, resupply is easy and cheap.

This said, each person is free to use what works best for them...

 

[JillGat]

@JillGat This is very interesting, I didn't know that! Just checked the Liggett's shampoo website and they saponify their shampoo bars with lye - does that explain why I thought it was awful? (Apologies to everyone who loves them, I know different stuff works for different people but this never worked for me.) The links you and others have posted are for US sellers, but I have now sent messages to a few shampoo bar makers and sellers asking outright if they use lye in the process, since you spotted that they don't always list it. Hopefully I'll find one that doesn't. I dislike having to use normal shampoo every day when I go for a long walk so have been looking for a good alternative. Thanks for the info.

Where do you live? I'll see if I can find a solid shampoo/conditioner maker where you are.

 

[JabbaPapa]

This is a soap that - like all soap - is saponified with lye and is bad for your hair.

Mine seems to be fine with it, though you could easily be right about those with delicate and/or dry hair.

 

[captdave51]

Washing macines for laundry seem to be ever more prevalent in a albergues along the Camino Frances these days. Are pilgrims carrying laundry detergent or is it provided for the price of renting the machine?

 

[trecile]

Washing macines for laundry seem to be ever more prevalent in a albergues along the Camino Frances these days. Are pilgrims carrying laundry detergent or is it provided for the price of renting the machine?

The laundry detergent was always provided when I used a machine in an albergue. Sometimes it was automatically dispensed.

 

[Deleted member 43780]

Dr Bronner bar soap for everything. Clothes, hair, shaving, body, etc.

Trick to the bar lasting long time is to air out. I air out my bar in a small mesh bag. If you pack it in a plastic bag it will melt.

All soaps are not the same. Some brands are hard to rinse out and leave a "film" on body or clothes.

 

[JillGat]

All soaps are not the same, that's true. And, in my above post, I did not mean to say that lye was a bad thing, as the saponifying ingredient in soap. It works great for skin and - depending on the oils used can lean toward being either more cleansing or more moisturizing. It's just that bar soap necessarily has a very high pH, around 8 or higher, which is damaging to the cuticle of the hair. It is very difficult to repair this damage, no matter how intensive your conditioner is. Most shampoos are pH 6 or below. If soap works for your hair, great, but for most people it does not work well. Also (one of my pet peeves, as I've mentioned before), Dr. Bronner's claims to be a Castile soap, which it absolutely is not. Castile soap by definition contains at least 85 percent olive oil. Bronner's has coconut oil and palm oil and other things. I have other issues with palm oil, but I think I covered that elsewhere.

 

[Michael-FL]

Lush soap does top to bottom and cloths as well. Used it last year but do get the box for it,

Concur on the Lush soap. Buy the round tins they provide in their shops. Also they make a great toothpaste alternative, which which is in a chewable tablet form.

 

[Shston Girlfd]

Does anyone have a recommendation on a soap that will work for body/hair/clothes? I'm guessing that any soap will "work" but I'm looking for what works "best" and is easy to carry. What do pilgrims use?

I just brought a smallish bottle of my usual shampoo for all my cleaning needs. On the Frances I ran out of soap about 5 days in - travel size. Ended up buying a regular size bottle of shampoo and pouring 1/2 of it out to minimize weight. Only one alburgue I encountered carried 'travel' size sundries. Also just bring a regular size deodorant - travel size will only get you to Leon.

 

[MikeJS]

I take a bar of Fairy soap (UK) as it is what my gran used!

 

[Via2010]

I took Dr. Bronners liquid Soap (eucalyptus) last time. It was very good for shower and washing clothes, refreshing and adding a fresh smell. The small 60 ml-bottle easily serves for three weeks. So I will surely take that on my next camino again.
But I would not use this on my hair, as I have very long and dry hair. I took a small bottle (30 ml) of gentle shampoo for that purpose, washing my hair only every three or four days.
A French friend uses "Savon de Marseille" for everything.

 

[JillGat]

Concur on the Lush soap. Buy the round tins they provide in their shops. Also they make a great toothpaste alternative, which which is in a chewable tablet form.

I use a different little container for my bar shampoo and conditioner that, unlike the Lush tins (which are very pretty), have ventilation holes so the soap doesn't get stuck or dissolve in the box.

 

[Theresa Brandon]

I use Dawn 4x Platinum Concentrate for hair, shower and laundry.

 

[JillGat]

I use Dawn 4x Platinum Concentrate for hair, shower and laundry.

Yikes, that sounds harsh!

 

[Jodean]

Twice, have taken a small bottle of dishwashing liquid with me. It isn't harsh at all. Used to use it for my kids bubblebaths. It is formulated to be really kind to your skin. Found it great for washing clothing too as you don't need very much and it rinses out so easily. Give it a try at home in the shower and see if you like it.

 

[Theresa Brandon]

I've been using Dawn dishwashing liquid for years for shampoo. With the concentrate a little goes a long way.

 

[howlsthunder]

I used a bar of Dr. Bronner's soap for my hair, body, and laundry. I think a half bar would of been fine for the entire Camino. I have very dry, thick, coarse hair and live in a very dry climate; I didn't test this soap before I left so I'm not sure my hair would of liked it but on the Camino it did fabulously. I stored it in a snack-size zip lock bag which is very light weight. I think you get more soap for your dollar and more use for its weight in bar form compared to liquid.

 

[Mikel Olivares]

My "Pastilla de jabón de glicerina" for laundry, hair, body, everything.

 

[Mugatu]

Ive used Dr Bronners which leaves my feeling dry, S2S Wilderness Wash with slightly does the same... Ive also been on the hunt for an alternative as well. Outside Online just posted some great eco friendly, biodegradable, options.

https://www.outsideonline.com/2380526/our-favorite-biodegradable-soaps

Im going to give a few of these a try.

 

[Miguel de Flandes]

I started out with a bar of Sunlight soap (Sunlight on Wikipedia), better for hair and body and surprisingly good for clothes. After a couple of weeks I lost the worn-down bar down a drain-hole in a lavadero, and replaced it with a bar of jabón Lagarto (Jabón Lagarto)
which was better for clothes, but a bit harsher for hair and body. Didn’t lose any skin or any more hair than usually though, so will probably do it the same way next time around.

Ultreia
Miguel de Flandes (planning for the Camino Sanabrés)

 

[C.C.]

My camino I used Dr Bonners for washing and bathing but I carried shampoo and conditioner as I have very long hair which tangles easily which requires a moisturizing conditioner and a sulfate free shampoo.

On the next camino 2019 Del Norte I will replace it with Travel on laundry sheets literally weighs nothing (less than a pack of gum) and bar soap for my hair . This will cut weight and provide a good option if I need conditioner I will buy along the way. Just another option for those looking. Ethique is a New Zealand product I found on Amazon. Soaps simular to Lush made with natural products and lasts longer than liquid.

Used the laundry sheets o my 1st ...never again. Didn’t dissolve well and left a residue

 

[hecate105]

There is no contest....!
Ecover washing up liquid - natural product easily available thru Europe - if you run out you can just pop into any health store and they will top up your bottle from their refill system (have done this in Spain, France and the UK)
So you can take your own preference of bottle - I take a tough 4" plastic one that has survived many camping trips. It lathers up well - you only need a minute bit - whether washing up your dishes, washing your hair, having a shower and stomping on your sweaty clothes..... it is also brilliant at getting oil off - so handy for the cyclists...! My bottle lasts about a month for all uses....

 

[Enzed]

If using lye soap/shampoo bars, who uses an acidic hair rinse After. Often recommended is an Apple cider vinegar hair rinse, which Is supposed to balance the pH, and make your hair smoothier. That's what I use at home.
Who also takes with them some vinegar, or is correct that citric acid powder can work just as well?

 

[Iriebabel]

Used the laundry sheets o my 1st ...never again. Didn’t dissolve well and left a residue

I used 2-3 travel on sheets last year in the laundry machines last year with no issues.. but they were quite small for the large machines and I shared laundry with another pilgrim. This year I will try another brand. Trying out at home they work fine I don't use the entire sheet (3x5). I cut it into 3 pieces so it dissolves faster with no residue. If hand washing allow the sheet to dissolve first before putting the clothes in, in the machine wash on warm if you can. .

 

[Iriebabel]

If using lye soap/shampoo bars, who uses an acidic hair rinse After. Often recommended is an Apple cider vinegar hair rinse, which Is supposed to balance the pH, and make your hair smoothier. That's what I use at home.
Who also takes with them some vinegar, or is correct that citric acid powder can work just as well?

I cannot speak for Lush bars but with the Ethique it does not require a acidic rinse....I have very long hair almost to my waist which tangles easy. I am of mixed heritage. I found Ethique on Amazon and they also make a deep conditioner (tiny dissolvable bar).

 

[trecile]

I cannot speak for Lush bars but with the Ethique it does not require a acidic rinse....I have very long hair almost to my waist which tangles easy. I am of mixed heritage. I found Ethique on Amazon and they also make a deep conditioner (tiny dissolvable bar).

Neither the Lush or Ethique bars are lye soap based, so wouldn't require the vinegar rinse.

 

[Moorwalker]

If using lye soap/shampoo bars, who uses an acidic hair rinse After. Often recommended is an Apple cider vinegar hair rinse, which Is supposed to balance the pH, and make your hair smoothier. That's what I use at home.
Who also takes with them some vinegar, or is correct that citric acid powder can work just as well?

Soap is alkaline and in hard water deposits scum under the scales on the surface of your hair which can damage it. An acid rinse removes that scum and stops it from feeling rough and sticky. Anything acidic will work, vinegar is usually easy to find, or a dilute solution of citric acid.

I make soap, and for traveling I use 100% coconut oil to make a bar which produces a soap that lathers even in salt water and is very good for washing clothes. I don't use soap on my hair because its very long - not quite able to sit on it - and soap makes it rough. For that I use Lush shampoo bars, which are not soap but are a standard detergent that doesn't produce scum and doesn't need any special rinsing.

 

[Delphinoula]

Have extreme dry skin so I can’t experiment with other than what worked for me for years. I used my shampoo for everything.
For washing clothes by hand or in a washer there are really inexpensive compact wash taps about 75 cents for about 6 roles in a pack in any supermarket in Spain. It for washing by hand. I use one take two and leave the rest for the next pilgrim.

 

[Enzed]

tried lush bar, it made my scalp more itchy than the average cheap liquid shampoo, wouldn't buy there again.
Ethique is okay though.
But currently liking my totally balmy shampoo bar for home use, with an acidic rinse and some oil to ends of hair.
wouldn't mind some ideas for travel friendly acidic hair rinse options.

 

[Enzed]

For clothing, a castile soap would be a good option.
And for my body , I do like my fav hemp oil , sweet almond oil bazed soap, also made by totally balmy.

 

[trecile]

tried lush bar, it made my scalp more itchy than the average cheap liquid shampoo, wouldn't buy there again.
Ethique is okay though.
But currently liking my totally balmy shampoo bar for home use, with an acidic rinse and some oil to ends of hair.
wouldn't mind some ideas for travel friendly acidic hair rinse options.

You can raid the albergue kitchens for a bit of vinegar.

 

[Flig]

I'm thinking I'm just going to shave all my hair off and go bald to avoid having to wash or comb my hair.

I envy you having a choice in the matter.

 

[hecate105]

I hadn't heard of cider vinegar for my hair... but i often take it with me as a tbsp a day is said to prevent food poisoning - especially from seafood. Just cycled 7 weeks in Asia with no upset tummy so perhaps it works!