When it comes to cleansers, you shouldn’t have to choose between clean ingredients and smelling good. At Krem au Krem, our Shampoo & Savon Bars get quite the controversy. Often we are asked “What is savon bar, how could this be a shampoo bar too , and how to determine which one is ideal for your needs?” In this article we will share the secrets to these common contemplated questions by customers like you, make an informed decision, and help you choose your favorites.
Whether you're looking for something gentle or a fragrance heavy experience during your shower time, we have a bar for everyone.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the differences between soap bars, body washes, and benefits of the ingredients in our soap base, and which ones have added benefits giving you the perfect clean beauty routine from head-to-toe.
What is Savon?
Savon is French / Haitian Kreyol for “soap”, it’s just our way of staying true to our Haitian roots and congruent with branding. We believe our savon bars are more impactful and nourishing than your typical soap bar or cleanser because they are made with organic plant-based ingredients such as Mango Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, and Beeswax. In leading soap brands like Dove and Dial, the ingredients include Mineral oil, Sodium Stearate, and Silicones. These ingredients are considered safe per the FDA regulations and guidelines, but doesn’t mean they are the safest:
-
Mineral Oil - a petrolatum derivative, can cause pore clogging and carcinogen
-
Silicone - synthetic semi-liquid substance derived from silica, can cause pore clogging
-
Sodium Stearate - emulsifying thickening agent, can cause itching or dryness for sensitive skin
All natural cold-process soap bars are made through saponification, a chemical process where the natural fats and oils are transformed into a lathering soap bar when carefully mixed and blended with lye (sodium hydroxide). After blending, soaps are poured into a mold to sit and harden for 24-48 hrs. Then the soap is either removed from the molds and or cut/shaped. Afterwards, the soap batch is ready for its 3-4 week curing process in a dry cool environment. During the curing process the soaps are slowly releasing the lye solution through evaporation, making it completely safe for use. Once the soaps bars have cured they are packaged and labeled for you to use as a gentle lathering cleanser!
What IS touching your skin when you use a savon bar:
-
Shea Butter imported from Ghana
-
Coconut Oil from Mexico
-
Mango Butter from India
-
Beeswax from Minnesota filtered by us
-
Olive Oil from the Mediterranean
-
Castor Oil from Haiti
What IS NOT in the Final Product:
-
Sodium Hydroxide (lye) - evaporated during the curing process
Ingredient benefits for Hair & Skin:
-
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: It hydrates, heals, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits; penetrates hair shaft to prevent hair loss.
-
Mango Butter: Rich in Vitamin A, C, and E; lightweight, soothing, and rich in nutrients for stronger, softer hair without the greasy feel.
-
Shea Butter: Contains Vitamin E & A; sealing and protecting dry, coarse curly hair.
-
Olive Oil: A powerful antioxidant that helps repair damaged or cracked skin; add shine, reduce frizz, and protect hair against heat damage
-
Castor Oil: Antibacterial and antifungal properties for dandruff, promotes hair growth; antiinflammatory properties, seals hydration, and boost collagen production.
-
Organic Raw Beeswax: Creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture and smooth the skin; reduces frizz and adds shine.
With over 80% certified organic ingredients, these savon bars are crafted for purity, safety, and sustainability. Together, these ingredients create the perfect balance of softness, shine, and long-lasting moisture. Each bar reflects our commitment to mindful formulation and thoughtful self-care.
Why not liquid body wash?
Growing up in America it has become standard practice to use a liquid soap or body wash/polish to cleanse with in the shower or bath. BUT have you ever thought about how much plastic you are wasting just to wash your hair and your body? Or what is in the slimy gooey “liquid” washes we have fallen in love with? Or why your skin feels so rough, or coated with a film?
Most if not all liquid soaps are a form of detergent. Detergents are made from synthetic ingredients such as petroleum, instead of natural plant fats. Meaning that there is no saponified oil in the final formulated liquid soap. Our savon bars not only are made with saponified oils your skin can properly process, they are all sustainably packaged as well in our black paper boxes- zero waste cleansers. Stay clean and keep the planet cleaner!
Most body washes or shower gels use sulfates to create the lather we are familiar with. But that lather is also the cause of your dry, stripped skin. Contrary to our natural savon bars, shower gels this is due to sulfates lower pH levels causing irritation and dryness. Your skin and hair ideal pH is between 4.7–5.5, which is more acidic than water (pH 7). Be sure that the products you are using are maintaining your skin’s optimal pH is key to your skin outshining the rest.
Ingredients commonly found in Shower Gels to AVOID:
-
Water
Why Savon?
The story behind savon is simple, it was about the planet and humanity. Both are our top priorities as a brand of conscious humans. We wanted to create cleansers that were gentle, moisturizing and safe for sensitive skin types, and the creatures in our ecosystem, fish, birds, insects…you. Creating a plastic free/waste free cleanser was so intentional for us especially for Krem Kares.Krem Kares is our non-profit partnership with Soaring Unlimited Haiti, where every bar purchased donates one to a Haitian in Northern Haiti. With this initiative we wanted to ensure that ZERO plastic waste was entering Haiti as they already have a growing waste management crisis, plastic being the main product found littered in waterways, streets, and the air. To commit to our promise, we designed paper box packaging for both you, the donor, and those gifted to recycle or compost!
Another reason we went the natural route, synthetic ingredients are not organically processed in our environments causing byproducts such as microplastics, PFAS, phthalates that contaminate soil, water, air, and much more. All of these harmful chemicals can get into your precious body and cause a plethora of chronic health issues like asthma, inflammation, and cancer. Being intentional about what you use not only saves your direct skin health, but everyone you love’s indirect health. When you buy a natural savon bar you aren’t just switching to a natural solution for your skin, you’re making a political stand, economic stand, and environmental stand against mass-produced, synthetic manufacturing that produces large waste, causes high CO2 emissions, and support poor environmental legislation.
To us savon is more than just a trend, more than just a cleanser, and more than just a handmade product with love. Savon is love, it is often said that “cleanliness is the closest thing to godliness,” “God is love,” “love is shown in action” and we pride ourselves in serving in this circle of simple, clean, holistic skin care for all through savon creation.
Let’s break it down now…
Now that you understand the difference between liquid and solid soaps, you’re probably thinking “okay great, but I still have some questions” lets see if we can clear them up for you:
Which is good for eczema or dry skin? All of our savon bars are safe for sensitive skin types and were formulated for people with eczema specifically. The differences are in the scents, for sensitive skin we recommend our essential oil collection
Which is best for facial use? Oatmeal Honey & Shea, Mant “Peppermint & Tea Tree”, and Te Jejanmn “Ginger Tea”
Can I use this on my children? Yes, all our savon bars are safe for the whole family. Each bar has the same hydrating base, we usually recommend starting with our Oatmeal Honey & Shea Savon Bar if you are hesitant about allergens due to its mildness.
Are these sustainable? Yes, all of our savon bars are packaged in recyclable/biodegradeable paper boxes with paper labels, and our soap base is safe for your bio ecosystem once entered into the water filtration system.
We hope this clarified some concerns you may have had prior to reading this blog.
Here are the variations of savon bars offered and the benefits of each:
| Type | Scent notes | Botanicals/benefits |
| Oatmeal Honey Shea | Honey & Shea FO | Oatmeal Grinds for gentle exfoliation* |
| Te Jejanm “Ginger Tea” | Ginger & Lemon EO | Turmeric, Carrot, & Honey for uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation* |
| Mant | Peppermint & Tea Tree EO | brewed with organic peppermint tea for sensitive skin/inflammation* |
| Jasmine & Violet | Jasmine & Violet FO | Purple Mica Powder and dried Jasmine botanicals |
| Magnolian Pineapple | Magnolia & Pineapple FO | Dusted Gold Mica Powder |
| Sitwonel “Lemongrass” | Lemongrass EO | Dried Lemon Granules for exfoliation/ anti-mircobial soap* |
| Krem Kokoye “Coconut Cream” | Coconut Cream Pie, Pina Colada, Coconut FO | French Green Clay for natural detox, reduces redness, clears pores |
| Lavand Siwo Myel “Lavender Honey” | Lavender EO | dried Lavender buds & local honey for dry, aging skin |
| Type | Scent notes | Botanicals/ benefits |
| Orange Moon | Mandarin & Mint EO | Turmeric & Charcoal for detox and brightening* |
| Himalayan Roses | Rose EO | Pink Himalayan Salt for rougher exfoliation |
| Doule Hemp | Sage & Lime EO | Hemp Infused for topical pain management, anti-inflammation |
| Apple Cider Vinegar(AVC) | No scent | Detox & anti bacterial for scalp and loc cleansing / Yoni safe bar |
No parabens, no sulfates, no plastic—just pure, effective skin care.
Real Feedback from Real Krew Members
We let our customers speak for us, and they never hold back.
“Don’t hesitate!”
“Starting using the tu[r]meric soap for 3 weeks and have seen a huge difference in my complexion!! Hyperpigmentation has lightened significantly and smoother texture! Had to reorder!”
Lydia- Verified Customer
That’s the kind of results you can have too! Whether you’re trying just looking for a holistic, or environmentally better option, these bars will improve your skin appearance!
How to properly use a savon bar?
Our savon bars are a great simple way to cleanse your body and your hair naturally. Be sure to use warm water and create a creamy lather with your hands, washcloths, or loofah. To ensure longevity, leave savon bar on a soap dish to dry out and remain dry between uses.
Pair with a gentle exfoliant 2-3x a week, such as our Natural Body Scrubs for even smoother skin and finish.
Pat dry with a towel, and pair with one of our #1 moisturizers such as our Whipped Body & Hair Butter, Body Balms, or Body Oil to complete the final look.
Your Body Deserves the Best—So Why Wait?
With so many cleansers out there, it’s hard to know which ones are truly clean and effective. But when you choose your natural organic body balm or body butter, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in a feel-good ritual backed by purpose and purity.
Our balms are:
-
Handcrafted in a small batch.
-
Made with organic coconut oil.
-
Eco-conscious from packaging to ingredients.
-
Loved by customers who value quality and results.
-
Delivered fresh to your door.
-
Perfect for gifting purposes. Pair with other essentials or include in sustainable gift bundles for thoughtful presents.
Because clean beauty should be accessible, our hydrating moisturizers are priced starting at just $10—no bells, no hidden costs, just purity and performance
Why is Krem au Krem the Natural Choice?
Our formulation process, ingredient transparency, and community-first approach define what we do. Here’s how we’re different:
-
Ingredient Honesty: No chemicals you don’t recognize. What you read is what you get.
-
Clean and Resolute: No shortcuts, no artificial fixes—just plant-derived skincare done right.
-
Designed for Simplicity: Whether it’s your overnight balm or daily lip partner, it fits into your life seamlessly.
-
Community Built: Slow growth with loyal customers who believe in our mission, not just our products
This is more than soap bar—it’s mindful skincare.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Ditch the Body Wash?
If you're tired of synthetic moisturizers that just sit on your skin without healing them, it's time to switch to something natural, organic, and nourishing. Our savon bars or shampoo bars are your skin’s new best friend—clean, effective, and made with care.
At Krem au Krem, we believe that skincare should feel good, do good, and smell amazing while doing it. With ingredients you can pronounce and results you can feel, your lips will thank you every time. Shop now!