This soap from Dr. Squatch took care of my dry winter skin

We bought the Dr. Squatch Cool Fresh Aloe Men’s Natural Soap for our writer to test. Read on for our full product review.

While as a beauty writer I often get free product samples to try, I found the Dr. Bought Squatch Cool Fresh Aloe Men’s Natural Soap proactively because I was intrigued by the brand’s (mostly) humorous ad campaign that promises “real soap for real men.” I chose this product after browsing the brand’s website took a short but fun quiz that matched your individual preferences for different products. In addition to choosing my ideal getaway, my favorite drink, and what I would do if I ever saw the Squatch brand’s mascot (a selfie, of course!), I entered my scent preferences, desired exfoliation level, and the type of soap I used I was already using which gave the brand what it needed to give me personalized recommendations.

Based on the quiz, I made three soaps from Dr. Squatch ordered and will review the Cool Fresh Aloe without grit. Ordering was easy and the package arrived in a recyclable bubble envelope with each bar of soap packed in an individual box. Before testing the soap in the shower, I have to admit that I enjoyed the scent that emanated from the packaging before I even opened it, and the way it smelled in my home made me curious to like it would create a sensual shower experience. But did the soap from Dr. Squatch withstood the test? Read on for my full review.

About my skin: Combination, drier in winter

My skin tends to be combination skin and can range from oily to dry depending on the weather. At the time of this review it was winter in New York City so my skin was on the dry side. As much as I’d like to quickly fix the issue by frothing coconut oil, my skin is still sensitive and breakout-prone, so I have to be selective with products to ensure the right balance.

I am currently using the Malin + Goetz Rum Bar Soap, which, despite its aromatic scent, does not cause any irritation and instead leaves the skin feeling balanced. I usually use this soap every other day followed by Nécessaire’s The Body Lotion which is fragrance free, full of omegas and leaves no greasy residue. This combination has really helped me when my skin feels dry, but as a beauty writer I’m always open to experimenting with new products to improve my skin, so I was curious to see how Dr. Squatch would affect my routine.

The Feel: Smooth with a good lather

I personally prefer a good lather in the shower, so I was pleasantly surprised when this soap did just that without the use of sulfates, which are common in cleansing products but can dry out skin. I also appreciated the size and shape of the soap. Typically, bars of soap are larger than my hand or have a curved shape, which doesn’t always give me a smooth user experience. The soap from Dr. Squatch is designed with the user in mind as it fits snugly in the palm of your hand and its square shape makes it feel substantial and balanced. The green and white swirls also make it visually appealing – dare I say elevated. The soap glides on smoothly with minimal friction, and those with hairy bodies will appreciate that it doesn’t drag or pull on hair.

The ingredients: Natural cleaning and calming agents

Curious to learn more about the key ingredients in this soap, I contacted Dr. Rachel Maiman, a dermatologist at Marmur Medical. She shared insights into aloe vera, kaolin clay and sea salt used in Dr. Squatch’s Cool Fresh contains aloe, and in short, it has the goods.

Aloe Vera: “There is limited scientific evidence and research on aloe vera’s role in skin care, but most of us agree that there are clear benefits from its use,” says Maiman. “The sugars in the plant help retain moisture in the skin. It is also a natural antiseptic, which means it prevents infections and reduces the skin’s exposure to microorganisms. Additionally, it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, due in part to being rich in antioxidants C and E. These antioxidants also underscore why aloe vera can be particularly helpful in healing minor wounds and skin injuries (including, yes, sunburn). natural source of salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory and keratolytic extremely helpful in the treatment of acne.”

Kaolin Clay: “This is a natural earth tone. Its main function in skin care products like cleansers is to absorb sebum (oil),” Maiman explains. “Consequently, it may help reduce the likelihood of pores becoming clogged with sebum, one of the factors involved in the development of comedonal and inflammatory acne. It can also help reduce pore size, as this depends in part on how oily your skin is. Therefore, it is particularly well suited for people with oily or pimple-prone skin who want to control acne and mattify shine.

Sea-salt: “It’s important to realize that there is limited evidence in the scientific literature for the benefits of sea salt,” says Maiman. “Sea salt absorbs excess oil, much like kaolin clay, so it was believed to be helpful in preventing and treating acne as sebum is a precursor to acne. Sea salt also works as a mechanical exfoliator for particularly dry, rough skin, however it is far too harsh for use on the face and should therefore only be reserved for use on the body. It is also important to choose an over-the-counter product that does as well contains moisturizing ingredients instead of using a do-it-yourself version. ”

The result: a refreshing experience

When I Dr. Using Squatch’s Cool Fresh Aloe, I enjoyed breathing in the inviting scent I noticed upon unwrapping the soap, which only got better with exposure to hot water and shower steam. However, the scent on the skin is very short-lived. This could be due to my body chemistry. I didn’t notice any residue when I stepped out of the shower and didn’t feel like I needed to moisturize my skin afterwards, both of which are great benefits.

Although I felt my body was clean after showering with this soap, I noticed that it didn’t remove armpit odor as well as I expected. I wear natural deodorants, so if I miss a day, it’s noticeable. If you’ve had similar experiences you might want to keep your existing products for areas that need a heavier cleaning, but overall I found the soap to be pretty thorough at its job.

The value: Affordable and worth it

With all-natural ingredients, powerful performance, and “hand-cut” manufacturing, it retails for $7 per 5-oz. Bar seems a reasonable price for this soap. dr Squatch also offers discounts if you opt for a subscription option, which is appealing if you decide you love the Cool Fresh Aloe soap and want to refill often. Other natural soap bars, like Dr. Bronner’s, have similar ingredients and are available for around $5 for 5 ounces. Bar at organic markets and health food stores.

Similar products: You have options

Malin + Götz Rum Soap: This bar of soap ($16) is one of my go-to places when I want to switch up my products, and one I’m currently using. The fragrance is not heavy, lathers up well and is great for use in all seasons. I love this product in the summer because it removes excess oil and sunscreen without damaging my skin. Compared to Cool Fresh Aloe by Dr. Squatch I prefer the luxurious feel of this soap – it’s a completely different experience. In terms of effect, I find the two soaps comparable, so it really depends on which scent and price point you prefer.

Almond Soap by Dr. Bronner: Although dr Bronner’s is best known for its peppermint liquid soap, the brand also offers a selection of soap bars. Formulated with organic oils, this almond soap ($5) is safe and gentle to use anywhere on your body. If almond isn’t your scent of choice, the brand offers a wide range to suit a variety of tastes.

Pacha Soap Co. CBD Soap: The official jury is still out on the benefits of topical CBD, but if you’re looking for a natural cleanse and possibly some relaxation at the same time, this soap bar ($6) is a great product to try. Enriched with full-spectrum hemp extract and key ingredients like olive oil and shea butter, the bar leaves skin feeling hydrated. The brand uses high-quality ingredients in all of their products.