Content created in partnership with ecostore
Conscious consumerism has become more than just a buzzword in recent years, with many choosing purchases (whether they be clothes, beauty products, homewares or cars) as much for their environmental footprint (or lack of) as efficacy and aesthetics. How wonderful when all those things combine into one great product.
ecostore’s new Smoothing Shampoo Bar, $17.99, happily ticks all the boxes with its plastic-free, recyclable cardboard packaging, lack of toxic chemicals (meaning it’s safe not only for your household but also grey water suitable) and, most importantly, amazing results.
Ensemble asked an ‘ensemble’ of readers to use their bar and compile their honest feedback. Bars were gifted, but reviewers were not paid (if you’d like the chance to become an Ensemble reviewer, let us know!).
Laura, 27. Health and eco-conscious PR executive and beauty lover with thick, curly, dry hair
“I have thick, curly, dry hair that I wash once or twice a week. I need a good deep-cleaning shampoo, so I liked how the bar lathered up easily and I could get it directly into my scalp. It definitely cleansed my hair well without it feeling too squeaky or dry. My curls air-dried really nicely after using this, which is important to me! I'm also a big fan of the smell, a yummy coconut/vanilla scent.”
Hannah, 34. Millennial office worker with fine, knot-prone hair
“I have fine and flat hair that I wash every three-four days depending on how much I've worked out or whether I'm going into the office. I love shampoo with a rich lather; I associate it with properly clean hair and was a little bit sceptical whether I'd get the same results from a shampoo bar. I’m happy to report the bar lathered up well and I got the same bubbly clean feel.
Because my hair is fine it can get tangled really easily but the ecostore conditioning bar I used afterwards did a good job sorting out all the little knots. I live in a flat and shower space is hotly contested so I appreciated how little space the bars take up. Also they made the bathroom smell divine - warm and tropical.”
Lynley, 67. Librarian, with thick, frizzy hair
“I’ve used shampoo bars in the past so I was excited to be given the opportunity to try out ecostore’s Smoothing Shampoo Bar made with flaxseed oil and 100% soap free. It has a very subtle smell and is simple to use. It rinsed out easily making my hair squeak and feel really clean. I have short hair but lots of it and it has a tendency to go a bit frizzy in the wet weather, but the smoothing bar left my hair feeling soft, smooth and healthy. It would be brilliant to take on holiday as it is small and compact and the drip tray stopped the bar from going wet and mucky.
I would definitely use this bar again and highly recommend others giving it a try.
It’s even available at supermarkets.”
Chloe, 32. Busy working professional with thick hair
“I have thick hair that I wash and condition every other day so I don't make it too greasy. Oily hair is my biggest problem. The smell of the shampoo smoothing bar was divine - it smelt good enough to eat! It was easy to use and worked up into a fluffy lather in the shower. It left my hair feeling soft and a lot less oily the second day after washing than it does after using other products, so I felt confident in leaving my hair unwashed.
It works best with the conditioner, which also smells delicious. Buying environmentally conscious products is also very important to me, and I felt good about using this product. The price point was reasonable for the quality of the product. I'm honestly sold - I would buy these products again in a heartbeat (and I will!)”
Flora, 27. Jeweller and hospo worker with fine, straight, coloured hair
“I usually wash my hair (which is fine and straight, and regularly dyed) once or twice a week and use hair oils to combat dryness caused from dyeing.
I enjoyed using this product as a person prone to scalp and hair dryness as it felt very nourishing and moisturising. It's hard to find shampooing products that don't leave you feeling as though you have stripped all of the goodness out of your hair and scalp, but this shampoo bar left my hair feeling soft, healthy and shiny.
Before trying it I was unsure of how convenient the application process would be but I found it easy, and felt that using the bar meant I could really massage the product into my hair and scalp. I also like the fact that there is no plastic waste and that it doesn't take up heaps of room in my shower.”
Olivia, 27. Contractor with curly but dry hair
“I have fine, curly, dry hair which I wash 2-3 times a week. I swim, so I usually try to wash after I’ve been in the pool as the chlorine dries it out. I’ve been looking for a more sustainable hair routine for a while now but the hair bar I tried previously left my hair feeling dry and lifeless, so I was put off. I was really impressed with the ecostore hair bars. Not only did they look chic in the shower but they were easy to use and left my hair feeling lush!
I was concerned about getting enough coverage from the conditioner but I actually found that upon application my hair immediately felt smooth all over and I was able to run my comb through it with ease (I use a wide tooth comb in the shower to detangle). Once dry, my hair felt silky, soft and had that salon shine. It didn’t leave my hair feeling heavy or greasy - I’ll definitely continue to use it.”
The ecostore Smoothing Shampoo Bar, $17.99, is available nationwide
