Pears Traditional Soap abandons new recipe after Facebook campaign (2024)

The soap, the world's oldest brand, recently changed its formula - trebling the number of ingredients used - and making it 'smell and feel disgusting', according to some users.

A Facebook group campaigning for the return of the old soap was set up after customers realised that stocks were running dry in chemists and stores across the UK and they could only buy the new soap.

The group, called 'Bring Back The Original Pears Soap', says that the new soap - made in a factory in India - is 'radically different' to the old one.

Following a flood of complaints to owners Hindustan Unilever Ltd - which is based in Bombay - Pears bosses have agreed to bring the old soap back in March this year.

They even admitted that the new formula was 'not quite right at the moment'.

The old bar contained just eight ingredients - including rosemary and thyme extracts and also Pears Fragrance Essence - but these were ditched and replaced with 24 ingredients.

* Sorbitol - a sugar substitute often used in diet foods and also as a thickener in toothpaste.

* Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - A wetting agent used to allow the soap to glide across the skin. A health and safety warning about SLS states that it 'may worsen skin problems' and that it can cause oral sores.

* Linalool - A chemical found in plants used as a calming scent. A health and safety warning about Linalool states that it may cause allergic reactions such as eczema.

The soap was first produced in 1789 - 221 years ago - by Andrew Pears at a factory in central London, and was the world's first transparent soap and the first registered brand in the world.

But late last year the formula was changed - 'totally changing the smell and texture of the soap' and 'making it unrecognisable from the original'.

Users said the old amber bar, with its mild and spicy herbal fragrance, was destroyed and replaced with a bar of soap which smells 'very strongly of frankincense'.

The Facebook group, set up by Janice Halliwell - who has used the soap for more than 50 years - said: "The formula has changed considerably.

"The new packaging doesn't mention that it is hypo-allergenic nor does it claim to be non-comodgenic (does not block pores)."

She added: "Also, they've increased their packaging so that the soap inside the box is now in a cellophane wrap."

Alison Browning, a Facebook campaigner, said: "The new one is smaller, harder and smells too much of tea tree oil and there's too much packaging which isn`t very green. The old one was much, much better.

"If you start to use it it is almost gone after having two baths and washing with it. Also the new smell sets my asthma off its far too strong."

Tony Coultas said that he was boycotting the soap until it was changed back, adding: " I suggest that the only way to make a point is to boycott it."

Bridget Henderson agreed, adding: "I got two boxes of the new stuff. It looks and feels completely different, smells disgusting and the cellophane wrap is completely superfluous.

"Unless the reason why it is in the cellophane wrapping is to disguise the foul smell of carbolic if you're buying it in a shop, so you only realise your hideous mistake when you get to open it a couple of weeks later."

Neil Rutty, the Divisional Managing Director for Cert Brands - the UK firm charged with marketing Pears - admitted that the company had done and about-turn after a flood of complaints and said the old soap would be on supermarket shelves by March.

He said: "You will be pleased to hear that although some changes were made in October 2009, Unilever India have listened to their customers and are revising the product again and it will be much closer to the original by March this year."

He said he company had had 'numerous complaints' about the new formula, but said that since October 1.6m bars have been sold in the UK and that the new bars were more environmentally friendly.

He added: "It would appear that Unilever have not got the new formulation quite right at the moment, but from the samples I have seen we will be pretty much back to normal by March and consumers will only have the benefits of a greener product with improved moisturising qualities to enjoy.

"We appreciate that Pears consumers are very loyal and we will do everything to ensure they have a product that they can enjoy for many years to come."

The original listed ingredients are: Sodium Palmitate, Natural Rosin, Glycerine, Water, Sodium Cocoate, Rosemary Extract, Thyme Extract, Pears Fragrance Essence.

The listed ingredients of the new soap are: Sorbitol, Aqua, Sodium Palmate/stearate, Sodium Palmkernelate, Sodium Rosinate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, PEG-4, Alcohol, Glycerin, Perfume, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Meta Bisulfite, Etidronic acid, Tetra Sodium EDTA, BHT, Cl 12490, Cl 47005, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Cinnamal, Eugenol, Limonene, Linalool.

Pears Traditional Soap abandons new recipe after Facebook campaign (2024)

FAQs

Did Pears soap change their formula? ›

In October 2009, the formula for the transparent amber soap was altered from the original to become 'Gentle Care' and wrapped in an inner cellophane covering. The new soap was slightly softer in texture and lasted half as long, but its most noticeable difference was its scent.

What is the message of the Pears soap advertisem*nt? ›

Pears' Soap ad which perpetuated the scientific theory of the black race being inferior and in need of the British "civilizing mission" appeared in McClure's Magazine in 1899 ( fig. 3). The central part of the image shows an elderly white man in a naval uniform washing his hands in a boat cabin.

What are the disadvantages of pears soap? ›

Pear soap has ingredients in it, that I personally don't believe are good for our skin. Propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulphate are just a couple that I would research and see if it's something you want in your soap. Soap made with natural vegetable oils,is what I personally would prefer.

What is the meaning of the White Man's Burden Pears soap ad? ›

The two advertisem*nts for pears soap implies that the life of a white man I more sophisticated and civilized that that of a person of color. The first ad congaing a white man dressed in a suit implied that her I civilized and clean.

Does Pears soap contain pig fat? ›

Most opaque soaps contain tallow. Transparent soaps like Pears can contain tallow unless the label says otherwise. Soaps like Dove are all tallow with oil added to them to reduce the drying effect that soaps have on the skin. Animal fats are not essential to the soap-making process.

Is Pears soap recommended by dermatologists? ›

Pears Transparent Amber Soap with Pure Glycerin and Natural Oils | Gentle Moisturising and Cleansing | Parabens and Sulfates-free, Dermatologist Recommended for Delicate Skin | 100g.

How does this advertisem*nt for Pears soap illustrate the ideas of social Darwinism? ›

How does this advertisem*nt for Pears' Soap display Social Darwinist ideas? Social Darwinism takes Darwin's ideas of natural selection and evolution and inappropriately puts them in a social context. It suggests that Europeans are more “evolved” and superior to other “races”.

What is the smell of pears soap? ›

Today, Pears comes in three varieties: an original formula amber bar, an 'Oil-Clear' green bar, and a slightly harder-to-find “ Germshield' blue bar. The amber bar smells resinous and slightly medicinal.

How effective is Pears soap? ›

Pears Oil Clear Soap is an excellent choice for those who seek a mild and effective cleaning solution. This 125g soap bar is particularly suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. It boasts a combination of nourishing ingredients that ensure a healthy skin balance.

Which soap is better Pears or Dove? ›

Both Pears and Dove are popular soap brands known for their gentle formulations, but there are some differences to consider: Pears: Pears soap is known for its transparent appearance and mild, glycerin-based formula. It is generally considered gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Is Pears soap safe to use? ›

Pears soap has been a reliable addition to my daily routine. Its gentle formula and refreshing scent make for a pleasant bathing experience. While there may be other options on the market, I find Pears soap to be consistently satisfying.

Who owns Pears soap? ›

Its original aroma – mildly spicy, clean, with a hint of thyme – was controversially altered in 2009 by its owners Unilever (Lever Brothers acquired the brand in 1917) and replaced by a stronger scent although a public outcry resulted in a reformulation.

Why do people like pears soap? ›

Pears: Pears soap is known for its transparent appearance and mild, glycerin-based formula. It is generally considered gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. Pears soap does not contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, making it a good choice for those with delicate or easily irritated skin.

Why is pears soap popular? ›

The first "Pears Transparent Soap" was marketed in 1807. The virtues of the soap gained people's acceptance because it lived up to its claim as "pure soap". 'Pears' became a household name in the following decades for its pure quality and also due to vigorous marketing and advertising.

How does the pears soap ad show imperialism? ›

More overtly political messages could also be found in Pears' Soap advertisem*nts. The concept of the White Man's Burden – the duty of the superior white race to civilise the black savages – is illustrated in an advertisem*nt from the 1890s in which spreading cleanliness is used as a justification for imperialism.

In what country is Pears soap still made? ›

Currently Pears soap is manufactured in India by Hindustan Unilever. Initially Pears soap was produced in London, England by Andrew pears later on it was acquired by Unilever in 1917.

Which pear soap is better? ›

Pears Original Transparent Soap It is a natural way to attain clean, healthy looking skin. It contains high quality skincare ingredients like glycerin and natural oils. It is especially made to take care of even sensitive and delicate skin, cleansing thoroughly, yet gently and rinsing clean.

Which soap is better Pears or dove? ›

Both Pears and Dove are popular soap brands known for their gentle formulations, but there are some differences to consider: Pears: Pears soap is known for its transparent appearance and mild, glycerin-based formula. It is generally considered gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Does Pears soap contain chemicals? ›

Free from Harsh Chemicals: Lacks sulphates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, suitable for daily use.

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