The Rise of Plastic-Free & Vegan Soap in the UK: Why More People Are Turning to Bars

Dilek Unsal
Jul 4
3 min read

Bars of beige and pink soap with flowers and herbs on a wooden table. Dried rosebuds and petals in bowls create a natural aesthetic.

In recent years, the simple soap bar has made a powerful comeback across the UK.

From artisan skincare lovers to eco-conscious families, more people are ditching liquid soap in plastic bottles and embracing plastic-free soap bars, shampoo bars, and vegan skincare products, even for their pets!

If you're a soap maker or small business owner in the handmade skincare world, this is great news.

Let's take a closer look at the growing trends in the UK and why now is the perfect time to craft and sell sustainable soap products.

Plastic-free Soap Bars are back and they are 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, and 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.

Flower-shaped soaps on brown paper, featuring sunflowers and blossoms. Note reads "Rosemary & Peppermint Soap 20/06/2023".

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, with millions more choosing 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 and use SEO-friendly keywords like "vegan soap UK", "plant-based soap", and "cruelty-free skincare" to boost visibility.

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 forEco-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: