A solid cleansing bar made from mild synthetic surfactants instead of soap, so it is gentler on skin.
Creamy, dense lather that rinses away to a soft, non-tight finish.
Face and body bar, Solid shampoo, Sensitive-skin cleansing bar, Travel cleanser
What it is
A syndet bar looks like soap but is made from mild synthetic surfactants, so it cleans at a skin-friendly pH. It suits face and body cleansing and also makes a solid shampoo. It needs no plastic bottle, which suits plastic-free and low-water routines.
Main risks are cracking, sweating, fragrance loss and softening in humidity.
Packaging
BarTin
In the lab
How it is made
01Mix the doughSurfactants, fatty acids and binders with little water.
02Mill for uniformityRoll-mill with fragrance and colour.
03Extrude through plodderForms a dense, continuous bar log.
04Cut and stampOr press or pour into moulds.
05Cure and wrapDry the bars before wrapping.
FillingNot liquid-filled: bars are extruded, cut and stamped or moulded, then checked for weight, hardness and size before wrapping.
Specifications
pH
pH 5.5–72 acid7 neutral10 alkaline
Lab notes
Preservation
Usually not needed because water activity is low; confirm with an ISO 29621 risk assessment.
Stability testing
Heat and humidity storage, mush and wear-rate tests, cracking, and fragrance and colour stability.
Regulatory, Australia
Cosmetic for cleansing claims, following the same ingredient labelling standard as other cosmetics. If surfactants or fragrances are imported, the importer registers its business with AICIS and categorises each introduction.
