Bar Soap Isn’t Cutting It Anymore: The Evolution of Men’s Skincare

Bar Soap Isn’t Cutting It Anymore: The Evolution of Men’s Skincare

For decades, one gritty bar of soap was expected to do it all.

Face. Body. Hair. Sometimes even laundry in a pinch. If you grew up with Irish Spring, Coast, or Dial on your shower shelf, you’re not alone. Men’s grooming used to be simple—but not in a good way.

And while the simplicity had its charm, it came at a cost to your skin.

The Era of “One Bar to Rule Them All”

Most men were taught that the less you needed, the manlier you were. Skincare? That was for women. Moisturizer? Soft.
So we stuck with the classics. One bar, one bottle, one routine.

The problem? Traditional soap bars are often too alkaline for facial skin, which naturally sits at a pH of around 5.5. Most bar soaps range closer to a pH of 9–10, which can disrupt your skin’s acid mantle—its protective outer layer—and leave your face feeling dry, tight, or irritated (Healthline).

This harsh stripping effect is especially problematic for facial skin, which is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your arms or chest.

When We Started Noticing Something Was Off

At some point, many of us started noticing:

  • Dry patches, especially in colder weather
  • Razor burn and irritation, even with good razors
  • Breakouts, even when we were “washing” regularly

We blamed our diet, stress, or genetics—but the reality was often much simpler: we were using the wrong products for our skin.

Dermatologists have since confirmed that over-cleansing—especially with high-pH soaps—contributes to irritation and a damaged moisture barrier, both of which are root causes of acne, sensitivity, and premature aging (US Dermatology Partners).

The Shift Toward Smarter Grooming

Enter the 2010s and beyond. Suddenly, grooming advice wasn’t locked in GQ or a barbershop. It was everywhere—YouTube, Reddit, TikTok. Guys started realizing that washing your face with the same bar you use on your feet wasn’t a flex—it was a mistake.

Even big brands noticed the shift. The rise of tailored skincare for men, minimal routines, and dermatologist-developed products wasn’t a trend—it was a correction.

More men began seeking products that were:

  • Gentler on skin
  • Free of sulfates or drying alcohols
  • Designed specifically for men’s skin biology, which tends to be oilier and thicker than women’s, with larger pores (International Journal of Women's Dermatology).
Imperial Scruff

Modern Skincare Isn’t Complicated—It’s Just Smart

This isn’t about turning your bathroom into a spa. It’s about upgrading from “whatever’s in the shower” to a routine that works with your skin instead of against it.

At Imperial Scruff, we came to this realization the hard way. Both of us spent years bouncing between bar soap, drugstore scrubs, and stuff we borrowed from our partners. Nothing felt right. That’s what led us to build something that actually respects men’s skin—formulated with clean ingredients, no junk, and no unnecessary steps.

You’ll never see us pushing 12-step routines or mystery serums. Just solid, intentional grooming built around real-life skin concerns.

Why It All Matters

Your skin is your first line of defense. When it’s healthy, it protects you better, looks better, and feels better.
It’s not about looking “pretty”—it’s about showing up with confidence, comfort, and control.

So if you’re still reaching for that ancient bar of soap out of habit, consider this your friendly wake-up call. Your skin deserves better—and so do you.


Ready To Ditch Your Current Routine?

If you’re ready to ditch the bar soap, start with the essentials: Check out our Face Cleanser and our Peptide Moisturizer to get started. Or make it easy with the Face Bundle—everything you need, nothing you don’t.

Don't forget to use code SCRUFF20 for 20% off your first order! And as always, standard shipping is free for all orders.