Why Plastic-Free & Vegan Soap Is So Popular (And How to Make Your Own)
- Jul 4, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
From bathroom shelves to market stalls, plastic-free and vegan soap bars are everywhere at the moment – and for good reason. They’re kinder to the planet, often gentler on skin, and they look beautiful lined up by the sink. In this post, we’ll explore why so many people in the UK are switching to bar soap and, most importantly, how you can start making your own at home as a beginner.
If you’re just starting your soap making journey, you can grab my free Soap Making Checklist for Beginners or explore the Botanical Soap Making Beginners Course (£99) for a full step-by-step path from “scared of lye” to “I made this!”.
Plastic-Free Soap Bars Are Back and More Popular Than Ever
With climate concerns rising and the zero-waste movement gaining momentum, UK consumers are rethinking their everyday products, especially in the bathroom. According to a 2023 Mintel report, over 67% of UK adults are actively trying to reduce plastic waste. Soap bars are one of the first swaps they’re making.
What does that mean for soap makers?
Solid soap bars are replacing bottled body washes.
Shampoo bars are now stocked in major UK supermarkets.
Conditioner bars and dog soap bars are trending on Etsy and Shopify.
Customers are looking for handmade, natural, and plastic-free soap options.
These shifts signal a big opportunity for indie soap brands focused on natural, sustainable products.
The Plastic-Free Skincare Boom
The global beauty industry generates over 120 billion units of plastic packaging each year — and much of it is not recyclable. UK shoppers are increasingly aware of this waste and are taking action.
Searches for "plastic-free soap UK" and "zero waste skincare" have increased dramatically on Google, especially after 2020. Sales of solid shampoo bars in the UK alone grew by over 35% year-on-year from 2020 to 2022 (Statista).
If you sell or make soap, this is the time to promote:
Plastic-free packaging (think paper wraps, compostable bags, or reusable tins).
Biodegradable and zero-waste soap bars.
Natural, minimalist formulas with no synthetic colours or preservatives.
Vegan Soap Is More Than a Trend. It’s a Lifestyle!
As of 2024, an estimated 3.5 million people in the UK identify as vegan or plant-based. Millions more choose vegan beauty products even if they’re not fully vegan in lifestyle. That’s a massive market for vegan soap makers to tap into.
Vegan customers are actively searching for:
Cruelty-free soap bars.
Palm oil–free vegan soap.
Plant-based skincare with no animal fats or by-products.
Vegan shampoo bars and conditioner bars.
If your handmade soap is vegan, be sure to highlight it in your product titles, descriptions, Etsy listings, and packaging. Use SEO-friendly keywords like "vegan soap UK", "plant-based soap", and "cruelty-free skincare" to boost visibility.
If reading about plastic-free, vegan soap has you itching to try your own batch, but lye still makes you hesitate, you’re not alone. Inside my Beginners Course, we start with gentle lye safety lessons, then move into beginner-friendly recipes that can easily be made vegan and plastic-free with simple oils and botanicals.
Don’t Forget the Dogs! Pet Soap Bars Are on the Rise
Did you know more people are now searching for natural dog soap bars in the UK than ever before? As pet owners become more ingredient-savvy, they’re seeking out:
Fragrance-free or essential oil–based soaps for dogs.
Oatmeal and aloe vera bars for itchy skin.
Plastic-free grooming options for pets.
If you offer pet-safe soap bars, this is a great niche to expand into. Just make sure all ingredients are vet-safe and clearly labelled.
A Booming Market for Eco-Conscious Soap Makers
From plastic-free skincare to vegan soap bars, the UK market is leaning heavily toward natural, handmade, and sustainable personal care. For soap makers, this opens the door to build a meaningful business that aligns with customer values and makes a positive impact on the planet.
Whether you're just starting your soap-making journey or growing your eco-friendly brand, now is the perfect time to promote your products using keywords like:
Plastic-free soap UK
Vegan soap bars
Zero waste skincare
Natural shampoo bars
Handmade soap for sensitive skin
Dog soap bars UK
Strategies for Success in the Handmade Soap Market
To thrive in this competitive landscape, consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Embrace Sustainable Practices
Adopt eco-friendly practices in your soap-making process. Use sustainable ingredients and packaging. This not only appeals to environmentally conscious consumers but also enhances your brand's reputation.
2. Build an Online Presence
Create a user-friendly website and engage with customers on social media. Share your soap-making journey, product benefits, and customer testimonials. This builds trust and encourages repeat purchases.
3. Collaborate with Influencers
Partner with eco-conscious influencers to reach a wider audience. Their endorsement can significantly boost your brand visibility and credibility.
4. Offer Customisation
Consider offering custom soap bars tailored to individual preferences. This personal touch can attract more customers and enhance their shopping experience.
5. Educate Your Audience
Provide valuable information about the benefits of using natural and plastic-free products. Blog posts, videos, and social media content can help educate consumers and position your brand as an authority in the market.
Ready to Take Your Soap-Making Business to the Next Level?
Shop Eco-Friendly Soap Packaging PDF Guide for insights on sustainable packaging solutions.
Your next step, lovely
If this post has you excited about making your own soaps, here’s where to go next:
Download the free Soap Making Checklist – perfect to keep on your counter on soap day so you don’t forget anything when the lye comes out.
Join the Botanical Soap Making Beginners Course (£99) – a calm, step-by-step online course that takes you from “I’m nervous” to “I made this!” with videos, recipes and printable guides.
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