Today, the bathroom is one of the rooms in the home that generates the most plastic waste. Shampoo bottles, shower gels, facial cleansers, hair care products, toothpaste, lotions… The list seems endless. Yet, this accumulation of products has a significant environmental cost.
Good news! Rampal Latour, an artisanal soap maker located in Salon de Provence for almost 200 years, has the solution. By adopting cosmetic minimalism, you reduce your plastic waste while making real savings. But which products should you keep for everyday use? Here are the 3 essentials for a zero-waste bathroom.
Why is minimalism the future of hygiene?
Adopting a zero-waste bathroom does not mean giving up comfort. On the contrary, this approach helps you simplify your routine while improving the quality of the products used. By choosing cosmetic minimalism, the benefits are numerous.
Ecology
The bathroom is responsible for a large amount of disposable plastic packaging. Solid cosmetics make it possible to considerably reduce this pollution.
A solid shampoo can replace two to three bottles of liquid shampoo, while a solid soap replaces several bottles of shower gel. As for multi-use products, they limit the multiplication of packaging.
Economy
Solid products generally last longer than their liquid equivalents. Their concentrated formula contains less water and more active ingredients. This means you have fewer products to buy for a longer period.
Skin health
Many complex formulas weaken the skin and scalp by multiplying cleansing agents. This has a direct impact on your epidermis, especially if you have sensitive skin.
By returning to simple formulas, you respect the natural balance of your skin and avoid the accumulation of unnecessary ingredients. This promotes gentler hygiene. The Provençal soap-making tradition is based on this authenticity.
Pillar No. 1: Extra Pure Olive Marseille Soap
If there is one product capable of replacing several cosmetics on its own, it is the traditional Marseille soap.
The Extra Pure Olive Marseille Soap offered by Rampal Latour is made using a process inspired by the historical methods of Marseille soap-making. Thanks to the patent developed by the soap factory, the glycerin naturally formed during saponification is preserved, which contributes to the soap's gentleness.
Marseille soap is also appreciated for its short and traditional formula, composed mainly of vegetable oils. Unlike many industrial cleansers, it does not contain harsh surfactants. This makes it a valuable ally for sensitive, reactive, or tightness-prone skin.
Discover our collection of olive oil soaps.
Use for the body
Marseille soap cleanses the skin effectively while respecting its hydrolipidic film. Its simple formulation is suitable for many skin types, including children's.
Use for the face
For the face, it can be used as a daily cleanser morning and evening. Wet your skin, lather the soap between your hands, then apply the foam to your face using light circular motions. This method cleanses the skin gently without irritating it.
Use for shaving
For shaving, Marseille soap offers a simple and natural alternative to industrial foams. By lathering the soap using a shaving brush or directly between your hands, you get a fine foam that facilitates the blade's glide. This reduces irritation and is particularly suitable for sensitive skin.
Use for teeth
Some people also use Marseille soap as an alternative to toothpaste. You will also find on our online store a dental stick suitable for washing teeth and gums.
Pillar No. 2: Rampal Latour Solid Shampoo
The second essential product for an eco-friendly hygiene routine is the solid shampoo. Unlike classic liquid shampoos, it does not require a plastic bottle and offers a concentrated formula.
Discover our collection of solid shampoos.
How to properly use a solid shampoo?
Using solid shampoo is simple.
- Wet your hair.
- Rub the solid shampoo between your hands or directly on your scalp.
- Massage to create a lather.
- Rinse thoroughly.
To optimize the use of your solid shampoo, take the time to properly lather the product between your hands before applying it, especially if your hair is long. This allows you to distribute the foam more easily over the entire scalp. Remember to gently massage your scalp for a few seconds to stimulate blood circulation and promote a deep cleanse.
How to switch from liquid shampoo to solid shampoo?
When switching from conventional liquid shampoo to natural solid shampoo, your hair may need a short adjustment period. This transition phase can last for a few washes. During this time, the scalp gradually rebalances itself.
A few tips:
- gradually space out your shampoos;
- rinse your hair thoroughly;
- use lukewarm water.
Once this phase is over, hair often regains more lightness and volume.
Pillar No. 3: Soap Flakes
Marseille soap shavings are traditionally used to make homemade laundry detergent, but they can also be very useful in the bathroom.
Discover our collection of laundry flakes.
Soap flakes are useful for:
- washing washable makeup remover pads;
- cleaning reusable wipes;
- washing wash mitts;
- making homemade liquid soap.
If you want to wash your laundry by hand, simply dissolve a few flakes in hot water, then let it cool before using it as a washing solution.
Step-by-step guide: My morning and evening routine with these 3 products
Morning routine
This minimalist routine will save you time every morning. By using a multi-use product like Marseille soap, you avoid the multiplication of bottles and simplify your bathroom space. It is an ideal solution for family bathrooms and small spaces.
1. Facial cleansing
Use olive oil Marseille soap to gently cleanse your face. Gently massage the skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Body cleansing
Use olive oil Marseille soap in the shower. You can cut your soap bar in half for easier use.
3. Hair cleansing
Use Rampal Latour solid shampoo one to three times a week, depending on your hair type.
Evening routine
Evening is the ideal time to properly let your solid cosmetics dry. After use, place your soap and solid shampoo on a well-ventilated soap dish. This prevents them from becoming soft, which guarantees a longer lifespan.
1. Facial cleansing
Marseille soap removes impurities accumulated during the day. Therefore, there is no need to change products.
2. Body cleansing
After an intense day, a good shower does you a lot of good! Olive oil Marseille soap will allow you to wash from head to toe.
3. Accessory care
Take advantage of your evening to wash your washable cotton pads and wipes with soap flakes. With practice, you will find the ideal dosage.
This minimalist routine makes it possible to eliminate many superfluous products.
Storage tips to make products last
To fully enjoy solid cosmetics, it is important to store them properly. We recommend using a slotted soap dish for your Marseille soap. Avoid leaving it in stagnant water and let it dry between uses.
Store your solid shampoo in a dry place and avoid leaving it under the shower water. Place your soap flakes in an airtight container and keep them away from moisture.
These simple actions considerably increase the lifespan of your cosmetic products.
Zero-Waste FAQ
Do solid cosmetics lather enough?
Yes. Well-formulated solid shampoos and soaps produce a delicate lather. The sensation may be different from highly sulfated shower gels, but the cleansing remains perfectly effective.
How do I transport my soap?
To transport your soap, several solutions exist. You can put it in a suitable soap box, a waterproof pouch, or a travel case.
Is it hygienic to use a solid soap?
Yes, provided you let it dry properly between uses. A well-ventilated soap dish helps prevent water from stagnating.
Are solid cosmetics suitable for children?
Yes, solid cosmetics can be suitable for the whole family. Traditional soaps, such as Marseille soap based on vegetable oils, are often appreciated for their simple and gentle formula.
The assessment of a year without plastic bottles
Switching to a zero-waste bathroom may seem like a big change. Yet, with only three versatile products, the transition becomes very accessible. By opting for Marseille soap, solid shampoo, and soap flakes, you considerably reduce your plastic waste.
Beyond the ecological impact, this approach also allows you to rediscover a simpler approach to hygiene. The Provençal tradition reminds us that the most effective products are often the simplest. And it is precisely this philosophy that the Rampal Latour soap factory has perpetuated for nearly two centuries.
To discover the brand's universe, visit the Rampal Latour store.
