Beecology All-Natural Body and Hand Soap

In my experience, when something unfolds organically, there is a passion behind the product rather than a sole objective of making money.  This passion is reflected in the quality and care put into the product.   This is the case with Beecology’s cruelty free soaps.

Here’s some background on how the Cleveland-based company came to “bee” (sorry, couldn’t resist).  David Rzepka allowed a co-worker to keep a beehive on his farm.  The guy’s wife got pregnant and was unable to care for the bees.  Rzepka assumed care for the bees and became fascinated with the bee culture.  He witnessed how the world of bees imitated our life on earth, and how the slightest changes in the environment are reflected in the bees’ environment.  This led to his thinking about the chemicals we use and their impact on all of us.  These revelations ultimately inspired Rzepka to make products from bees that are better for us, and thus, Beecology was born.

In addition to the well balanced and beautiful aromas of the soaps, I was very impressed that they worked up a great lather.  I have used natural soaps in the past, and the one negative is that they didn’t lather up.

I washed my face for consecutive mornings with Beecology’s “Peppermint Honey & Oat Morning” soap. I used the others (“Relaxing Lavender with Honey”, “Totally Hip Hemp”, “Tea Tree Oil”, and “Mosaico”) each morning in the shower, after workouts in the afternoon, and on the weekends.

I struggle to articulate how much I enjoyed these soaps.  They are extraordinary and it’s really hard for me to pick a favorite.

The “Peppermint Honey & Oat Morning” soap was balanced perfectly.  The peppermint is invigorating and the remaining blend of oils, honey and beeswax cleaned and moisturized my face.  I absolutely-positively-unequivocally recommend this soap.

Beecology’s “Relaxing Lavender with Honey” is perfect for unwinding.  I love the smell and calming properties of Lavender, and this soap is infused with the perfect amount along with a blend of oils and bee extracts.  I don’t know about a calming soap in the morning, but this one is ideal alongside a glass of wine and candles while soaking in the tub.

Although they didn’t work any bee extracts into this one, I still dug the “Totally Hip Hemp Soap with Lemongrass”. I’m used to a little Lemongrass in my Thai food, but it also really works well as a stimulant in this soap.  I know one benefit of the Hemp plant, but it has nothing to do with soap and more to do with Twinkies.  I did a little research and it turns out that it is full of essential fatty acids and cannabinoids that work within your endocannabinoid system (mood receptors). Don’t worry or be disappointed, there is no THC (the component that gets you stoned) in the soap, but some of the other beneficial cannabinoids like cannabidiol (sedative effects and some other great benefits) are present, and these are really good for you. This soap works for me.

At first glance and smell, “Mosaico Orange and Ginger” reminds me of the saying: “Too many cooks spoil the broth”.  In addition to the orange, ginger and hemp oils, there is a dozen other natural ingredients in this soap.  But, it works.  The smell of this soap is a great wake-me-up.  Ginger is used to remove toxins and fight nausea, and Orange Oil calms.  I recommend this one as the perfect hangover or wake-up soap.

Beecology says its Tea Tree Oil helps heal cuts, acne and psoriasis. It also controls body odor, oily skin, athlete’s foot, and rashes.  You may even find it soothing for sunburn, poison ivy, insect bites and bee stings.   I say it smells really good and is refreshing.  Keeping this in mind and based on my experience in trying it, I suggest it after a day at the beach or a long hike where you have been exposed to the elements.

At $6 for a 5-ounce bar (plus shipping), I say you are not going to find a better natural soap at this price.  Nice job Beecology and Go Cavs!

Press samples were provided for the purpose of review. Opinions are the author’s own.