Raise The Bar

Cut plastic waste with these eco-friendly multi-tasking beauty soaps, says Tamara Hinson

- Tamara Hinson

Soaps have undergone some-thing of a transformation since 1898, when the first distinctive olive-green bar of Palmolive was produced.

However, in the 1980s, the humble bar of soap was replaced by ocean-clogging plastic bottles of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. More recently, brands have started to rethink this bathroom staple, and bar-style products have been reimagined to do everything from condition hair to deodorise armpits. Here, we celebrate Plastic-Free July (plastic freejuly.org) with this pick of the best.

Best for... dry hair

Solid shampoos can be tough on hair, but Biovene Hydrate Repair Argan Oil & Mint Solid Shampoo Bar, £6.40 (cosmeterie.co.uk) is a nourishing combination of scalp-stimulating peppermint and cuticle-smoothing shea butter, which leaves locks super smooth, squeaky clean and smelling fantastic. Other options include solid shampoos for dry and fine hair and solid conditioners for coloured hair.

Best for... exfoliation