In the heart of London, where tradition meets innovation, a unique industry quietly thrives the world of English soap companies. These businesses blend time-honoured British craftsmanship with modern sustainability and skincare science, producing artisanal bars and luxury soaps for an increasingly discerning clientele.
From luxurious boutiques in Kensington to family-run operations in Hackney, London is home to some of the UK’s most respected soap makers. This article explores the top 10 English soap companies based in London, detailing what makes them stand out in a crowded and competitive market.
What Makes English Soap Companies in London So Unique?
London’s soap makers are more than just producers of everyday hygiene products they are artisans, chemists, and environmentalists wrapped into one. The uniqueness of these companies stems from several defining characteristics.
A Heritage of Craftsmanship
Many English soap brands draw on centuries-old traditions. They rely on traditional soap-making methods like cold processing and fine milling, infusing each bar with plant-based oils, fragrant botanicals, and time-honoured formulas inspired by British skincare heritage.
Sustainable and Ethical Practices
London-based soap manufacturers are increasingly embracing sustainability. From recyclable packaging to cruelty-free testing and ethically sourced ingredients, these companies meet high environmental standards.
Personalisation and Innovation
Several companies now offer custom blends or scent profiles, allowing customers to create their own soap bars. This level of innovation combines science with a deep understanding of skincare needs.
Top 10 English Soap Companies in London
1. Soapsmith London – “Scents That Tell London’s Story”
Soapsmith brings the spirit of London’s neighbourhoods to life through its signature scented soaps. Founded by Samantha Jameson, the brand is known for crafting luxurious, handmade bars using natural ingredients and rich, city-inspired scents such as Hackney, Camden, and Bloomsbury.
Their bars are full of character, colour, and a strong sense of place each one an olfactory journey across the capital. The products are vegan, cruelty-free and wrapped in eye-catching artwork designed to match each scent’s identity.
Craft Focus
Hand-poured bars inspired by iconic London districts
Ideal Choice
Perfect for scent lovers who enjoy a touch of London heritage
Pricing: £10 per bar (approx.)
- Website: https://soapsmith.com/
- Phone: +44 0203 233 0009
- Address: 656 Forest Rd, London E17 3ED, UK
- Email: Hello@soapsmith.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“One bar and I was hooked — the Hackney scent reminds me of Sunday mornings in East London.”
2. The English Soap Company – “Where British Tradition Meets Fragrance”
With roots in Sussex but a strong London retail presence, The English Soap Company is famed for triple-milled soap bars enriched with shea butter and wrapped in ornate, vintage-style packaging.
Founded by Bob and Juliet McTaggart, this brand pays tribute to traditional English manufacturing while embracing sustainable practices. Their wide range of scents includes everything from English rose to coastal breezes. The products are cruelty-free and made with sustainable palm oil.
Signature Feature
Classic British designs combined with high-quality ingredients
Target Audience
Great for luxury gifting and traditional English elegance
Pricing: £5–£8 per bar
- Website: https://theenglishsoapcompany.com/
- Phone: +44 1435 813849
- Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London
- Email: info@theenglishsoapcompany.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
“A quintessentially British gift — beautiful, fragrant, and affordable.”
3. Wildheart Organics – “Wellness in Every Wash”
Based in South London, Wildheart Organics infuses aromatherapy principles into its handcrafted soaps. With a foundation in wellbeing and natural healing, the brand uses therapeutic essential oils to create mood-based blends like lavender for sleep or citrus for energy.
All soaps are vegan, 100% organic, and formulated without any sulphates or parabens. Their wellness-first philosophy makes them popular among health-conscious Londoners.
Core Element
Aromatherapy-led soap blends that calm, refresh, or energise
Preferred Use
Ideal for daily self-care rituals and holistic skincare
Pricing: £8–£12 per bar
- Website: https://wildheartorganics.com/
- Phone: +44 (0)20 8671 0200
- Address: South London Studio
- Email: sales@wildheartorganics.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I use the sleep bar every night — it’s like a spa treatment at home.”
4. The Little Soap Company – “Eco-Friendly Soap for Every Body”
With a solid presence across London’s health food stores, The Little Soap Company delivers ethical and accessible options for every skin type. Their award-winning “Eco Warrior” range includes bar soaps for face, body, and even pets.
The products are palm oil-free, plastic-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. Founder Emma Heathcote-James started the brand in her kitchen and it has since become a favourite for clean, green personal care.
Defining Trait
Multi-use soaps for face, body, and hair with minimal packaging
Best Suited For
Eco-conscious users looking for zero-waste solutions
Pricing: £4.50–£7 per bar
- Website: https://www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk/
- Phone: +44 (0)1386 853 241
- Address: Stocked in Planet Organic, Whole Foods London
- Email: info@littlesoapcompany.co.uk
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
“Finally, a plastic-free soap that doesn’t dry out my skin!”
5. Bloomtown – “Beauty That Does No Harm”
Founded in response to unethical palm oil practices, Bloomtown is one of the UK’s first B-Corp certified soap companies. Bloomtown crafts every soap bar in limited batches to ensure quality and purity, deliberately excluding sulphates, artificial dyes, and palm oil.
As a values-driven brand, they regularly contribute to green charities and reforestation efforts.Each bar is scented with real botanical extracts and essential oils, making them as luxurious as they are sustainable.
Notable Quality
Eco-luxury bars with bold scents and transparent sourcing
Recommended For
Conscious consumers who want luxury without compromise
Pricing: £6–£8 per bar
- Website: https://bloomtown.co.uk/
- Phone: +44 (0)1209 313 553
- Address: Unit 3 Empire Way, Tregoniggie Industrial Estate, Falmouth, TR11 4RX
- Email: info@bloomtown.co.uk
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The Rosewood & Moss soap smells like nature bottled — I’m obsessed!”
6. Skin & Tonic – “Less Is More Skincare”
This minimalist skincare brand uses only certified organic ingredients in its soaps and other products. Their bars are gentle, unscented or lightly scented, and ideal for sensitive skin.
Made in small batches in London, Skin & Tonic’s approach is rooted in transparency, simplicity, and sustainability. Their soaps are housed in minimal packaging with full ingredient lists printed clearly.
Standout Factor
Pure, no-fuss soaps with transparency and simplicity
Designed For
People with sensitive or allergy-prone skin
Pricing: £9–£11 per bar
- Website: https://skinandtoniclondon.com/
- Phone: +44 800 130 3668
- Address: Unit J, 9C, Queen’s Yard, White Post Ln, London E9 5EN, United Kingdom
- Email: hello@skinandtonic.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I finally found a soap that doesn’t irritate my eczema — total game changer!”
7. B Natural Soap – “Bee Kind to Your Skin”
This East London brand crafts handmade soaps using beeswax, raw honey, and herbs sourced from local markets. The bars are nutrient-rich and naturally antibacterial, making them great for soothing irritated or dry skin. B Natural also offers bespoke soap orders and event favours, making them a favourite for weddings and corporate gifting.
Unique Advantage
Honey-infused soaps made from East London botanicals
Especially Useful For
Natural healing and gentle cleansing for dry skin
Pricing: £5–£9 per bar
- Website: https://shopbnatural.com/
- Phone: +44 (0)20 8089 5531
- Address: East London Studio
- Email: info@bnaturalsoap.co.uk
★ ★ ★ ★☆
“The lavender & honey soap cleared up my winter skin in a week.”
8. Hackney Herbal – “From Garden to Bar”
Hackney Herbal blends herbal wellness with social impact, producing handcrafted soaps from herbs nurtured in urban gardens. Their community-centred model supports education, sustainability, and inclusive wellbeing projects across East London.
The soaps are simple, calming, and deeply tied to the rhythms of nature. All profits support local wellness and mental health initiatives, making this brand a true social enterprise.
Distinct Attribute
Locally grown herbal infusions for holistic skincare
Excellent Option For
Mindful buyers who value community and wellbeing
Pricing: £7–£10 per bar
- Website: https://www.hackneyherbal.com/
- Phone: +44 020 8986 3389
- Address: Unit 16, Celia Fiennes House, 8-20 Well Street, E9 7PX
- Email: hello@hackneyherbal.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“It’s more than soap — it’s a social movement wrapped in rosemary.”
9. Wild Bloom Box – “Luxury Skincare, Consciously Curated”
Wild Bloom Box is a London-based natural skincare brand offering elegantly formulated soaps, botanical products, and self-care rituals. Rooted in a love for nature and ethical beauty, the company handcrafts each soap bar using the cold process method, with ingredients like organic oils, natural colourants, and therapeutic essential oils.
Their product range is inspired by seasonal blooms and earthy elements, delivering both nourishment and indulgence. Wild Bloom Box stands out for its attention to sustainability using eco-friendly packaging, plastic-free shipping, and offering fully vegan, cruelty-free formulas.
Creative Identity
Seasonally inspired soap bars with an eco-luxury feel
Most Suitable For
Those seeking gentle, elegant skincare with a sustainable ethos
Pricing: £6.50–£9.50 per bar
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Website: https://www.wildbloombox.co.uk/
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Phone: +44 (0)20 8050 2761
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Address: Online-based, London
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Email: hello@wildbloombox.co.uk
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Soft on skin, strong on values the scent combinations are truly calming and beautifully crafted.”
10. D.R. Harris & Co. Ltd – “Tradition in Every Bar Since 1790”
Established in 1790, D.R. Harris is one of London’s oldest and most prestigious apothecaries. Located on St James’s Street, this heritage brand is renowned for its luxury soaps, traditional grooming products, and longstanding Royal Warrant.
Their triple-milled soaps are enriched with natural oils and classic English fragrances like Arlington, Windsor, and Marlborough. With elegant packaging and a timeless aesthetic, D.R. Harris remains a favourite among those who appreciate sophistication, legacy, and British craftsmanship. All soaps are made in the UK and reflect centuries of pharmaceutical and cosmetic expertise.
Defining Hallmark
Triple-milled heritage soaps with a refined, classic scent profile
Ideal For
Traditionalists who value legacy, luxury, and Royal-endorsed quality
Pricing: £10–£14 per bar
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Website: https://www.drharris.co.uk/
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Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 3915
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Address: 29 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1HB
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Email: sales@drharris.co.uk
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Elegant, long-lasting, and unmistakably British — a soap for true gentlemen and ladies alike.”
Which English Soap Brands Offer Luxury and Heritage?
Many of the top English soap companies operate at the intersection of luxury and legacy. These brands not only deliver on aesthetics but also on experience and performance.
Soaps That Feel Like Gifts
The English Soap Company and Soapsmith, for instance, specialise in high-end packaging that makes every purchase feel premium. Their products are favourites for gifting during festive seasons or events.
Signature British Scents
English lavender, Earl Grey, and rose are staple fragrances. These companies use such scents to invoke nostalgia and pride in British heritage, distinguishing them from international counterparts.
Are There Vegan and Cruelty-Free Soap Brands in London?
Yes, in fact, many London-based soap companies lead the way in cruelty-free and vegan formulations.
Ethical Formulations
Brands like The Soap Co., Bloomtown, and The Little Soap Company have removed animal-derived ingredients and strictly avoid animal testing. They are Leaping Bunny certified and many have additional eco-labels.
Transparent Ingredient Lists
These companies clearly list their ingredients, offering transparency. This builds trust among users with sensitive skin or ethical concerns.
How Do Handmade and Artisan Soap Companies Operate in London?
Handmade soaps involve a meticulous process, usually cold-process, which retains glycerin a natural moisturiser often removed in mass production.
Small Batches, Big Impact
Craft soapmakers such as Hackney Herbal and B Natural Soap stay rooted in locality drawing on regional ingredients and age-old techniques to create one-of-a-kind bars with authentic London character.
Workshop and Market Presence
Some brands host soap-making workshops or sell in Sunday markets across London, offering not just products, but community experiences.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Natural Soap in London?
Choosing a good soap involves understanding skin needs, ingredient sourcing, and company ethics.
| Feature | Why It Matters | Brands That Offer It |
| Organic Ingredients | Reduces exposure to synthetic chemicals | Bloomtown, Wildheart Organics |
| No Artificial Fragrance | Gentler on sensitive skin | Nathalie Bond Organics, Skin&Tonic |
| Vegan & Cruelty-Free | Aligns with ethical values | The Soap Co., The Little Soap Co. |
| Recyclable Packaging | Supports sustainability | Soapsmith, Hackney Herbal |
Where Can You Buy the Best English Soaps in London?
Soap lovers can find top English soap brands in boutique stores, department shops, and local markets.
Online and Physical Locations
Most brands now offer e-commerce alongside stockists like Whole Foods, John Lewis, and Planet Organic. Local markets such as Borough and Broadway Markets often feature artisan stalls.
Gift Shops and Speciality Stores
Tourist-friendly gift shops in Covent Garden, Kensington and Notting Hill stock British-themed soaps perfect for souvenirs.
Why Support London-Based Soap Companies?
Buying local benefits the economy, promotes sustainability, and often results in better quality products.
Environmental and Social Impact
Companies like The Soap Co. contribute to social causes, while Hackney Herbal reinvests profits into local wellness education. Supporting these businesses means contributing to a better community and planet.
Tailored Products
Local companies are better attuned to their audience’s skincare needs and climate, offering targeted formulations not found in mass-market products.
Conclusion
London’s soap industry is thriving, thanks to its blend of heritage, innovation, and ethical production. Whether you’re after a luxury bar for a gift or an organic soap for sensitive skin, these 10 companies exemplify why London is one of the best places in the world to discover exceptional English soap.
FAQs About English Soap Companies in London
What makes London-made soap better than supermarket brands?
London-made soaps typically include higher-quality ingredients, are handmade in small batches, and come from ethical producers who care about sustainability.
Can I find zero-waste soap brands in London?
Yes, brands like Hackney Herbal and The Little Soap Company offer packaging-free or recyclable options to reduce environmental impact.
Are artisan soaps suitable for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. Most artisan soaps avoid harsh detergents and use natural oils and botanical ingredients that are gentler on the skin.
Where can I attend a soap-making workshop in London?
Hackney Herbal and other local community groups often run workshops and classes open to the public.
Do English soap companies ship internationally?
Yes, many brands offer international shipping via their websites or through global stockists like Amazon and Not On The High Street.
How long does handmade soap typically last?
Handmade bars last around 3–4 weeks with daily use, longer if kept dry between uses using a proper soap dish.
Are there fragrance-free options available?
Yes, brands like Nathalie Bond and Skin & Tonic offer unscented versions ideal for users with allergies or fragrance sensitivity.