Not all soaps are created equal, and not all skin has the same needs. Since 1926, Savonneries Bruxelloises has crafted its soaps by hand in Laeken, choosing natural ingredients for their recognized properties rather than relying on generic formulas. Here's how to find the right one for your skin.
Sensitive or irritation-prone skin: choose calendula
Calendula (marigold) is known for its soothing, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It's particularly well suited to reactive skin, prone to redness or fragility. Our Calendula soaps and glycerin bars pair this gentleness with a glycerin base that helps preserve the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Not sure where to start? Try a Small Box (2x50gr) to test two scents before committing to a full-size bar.
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Skin prone to eczema or psoriasis: Dead Sea mud
Rich in minerals, Dead Sea mud has traditionally been used to soothe certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Our Dead Sea Mud range, available as a 200gr Prestige Bar or as glycerin bars, makes it a good option for uncomfortable skin in search of relief.
These properties reflect the traditional use of the ingredient. If you're dealing with a persistent skin condition, a dermatologist's advice remains essential.
Dry or mature skin: glycerin formulas
Glycerin, present in our glycerin soap bars, attracts and holds moisture in the skin. It's the best choice for dry skin, skin that feels tight after showering, or for daily use in winter, when indoor heating dries out the skin even more.
Normal skin, looking for a classic, elegant scent
No particular concern, but a taste for the house's historic fragrances? Our Lavender, Fern and Black Roses soaps, available as a single 100gr bar or as an exclusive 3x100gr box set, carry on the scents that built the reputation of Savonneries Bruxelloises, supplier to the Court of Belgium.
Skin lacking radiance: citrus scents
Ginger-lime or orange-grapefruit: these citrus soaps, rich in natural antioxidants, are appreciated for their invigorating effect and energizing scent, especially first thing in the morning.
How to try a new soap without the risk
Before committing a whole bar to a new scent or formula, our Small Box (2x50gr) format lets you try two different scents at a lower cost — also a nice option as a courtesy gift.
Quick reference
| Skin need | Recommended ingredient | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive, irritated | Calendula | Calendula |
| Eczema, psoriasis | Dead Sea mud | Dead Sea Mud |
| Dry, mature | Glycerin | Glycerin bars |
| Normal, classic scent | Lavender, Fern, Black Roses | Single soaps |
| Dull, lacking radiance | Citrus (ginger-lime, orange-grapefruit) | Citrus collections |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a scented soap on my face?
Many people do use body soap on their face without issue, but facial skin is generally more delicate than body skin. If your face is sensitive or reactive, it's worth patch-testing a new soap on a small area first, or choosing a gentler formula such as our Calendula range.
How do I know if a soap is too drying for my skin?
Signs of over-drying typically include tightness, flaking or redness shortly after washing. If you notice this, switching to a glycerin-based formula, which helps retain moisture, is usually a good first step.
Is Dead Sea mud soap a substitute for medical treatment?
No. Dead Sea mud has a long traditional use for soothing certain skin conditions, but it is not a medical treatment. If you have a diagnosed skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, always follow your dermatologist's guidance and treat our soap as a complement, not a substitute.
Can I use the same soap on my body and my hands?
Yes, all of our soap bars are formulated for body and hand use. If your hands are washed very frequently, a glycerin-rich formula can help offset the drying effect of repeated washing.
What's the difference between a single bar and a glycerin bar?
Our single bars (100gr) are our classic soap format, while our glycerin bars are formulated specifically to retain moisture in the skin, making them a better fit for dry or sensitive skin types.
In summary
Choosing a soap based on your skin's needs, rather than its packaging, is a return to a simpler — and more effective — approach to daily care. Explore our full range of artisanal soaps to find the one that matches yours.
Ready to find your soap? Explore our full range, handcrafted in Brussels since 1926 — free shipping in Europe on orders over €30.
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