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? ›

A bar of Pears 'Gentle Care' soap. 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 advertisement? ›

This ad of Pear's Soap represents white imperialists in 19th century by showing White Supremacy that was a general idea among white people of late 19th century. The ad is targeted general white people at that time who believe they are superior to black natives and it is right to deem blacks are subordinate to them.

What does Pears soap advertisement white man's burden mean? ›

The first two ads show how soap manufacturers and colonialists alike colluded in suggesting that the colonized were unclean/uncivilized and needed to be cleansed/enlightened. This first ad for Pears' Soap reads: The first step towards lightening The White Man's Burden is through teaching the virtues of cleanliness.

Does Pears soap contain chemicals? ›

Free from Harsh Chemicals: Lacks sulphates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, suitable for daily use. Dermatologically Tested: Clinically verified to be gentle on the skin and appropriate for all skin types.

Has Pears soap got smaller? ›

Another brand, Pears, was rebuked by readers for selling packs containing three bars of soap that are now 20% smaller.

In what country is Pears soap still made? ›

Pears translucent soap has been popular and loved for quite some time and was the first ever mass-market translucent soap. Since 1917, the company is now owned by Unilever (much like Camay). Today, the soap is produced and manufactured in India but is still distributed world wide.

How does this advertisement for Pears soap illustrate the ideas of social Darwinism? ›

How does this advertisement 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? ›

We have three fragrances; our iconic fragrance made with Natural Oils, our uplifting & refreshing fragrance with Mint Extract and our mild & refreshing fragrance with Lemon Extracts.

What makes Pears soap different? ›

Pears Soap is known to have glycerin in it. The glycerin attracts moisture to your skin and makes it softer, not rougher, the way some soaps makes your skin feel after washing.

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.

What is the history of Pears soap advertisement? ›

The Golden Era Of Pears' Soap Advertising

In 1865, his son-in-law Thomas J Barratt, became a partner in the business. Considered “the father of modern advertisement”, he changed the distribution system and came up with the extensive advertising campaigns that have become iconic.

What is the white man's burden a metaphor for? ›

The phrase ''The White Man's Burden'' is a trope related to modern imperialism that entered English usage with the publication of Rudyard Kipling's 1899 poem of the same title. Kipling's poem is about the colonization of the world by European and North American powers and the attitude that it should entail.

Is Pears soap really good? ›

Yes Pears soap is good to use on your face. It is safe for sensitive skin. However, everyone's skin may be different.

What does Pears soap do to your face? ›

Glycerine in the Pears Bathing Bar helps maintain healthy and bright skin. It can also slow down ageing by keeping skin hydrated. The Pears Bathing Bar also gently removes dead skin cells that help in opening clogged pores.

How pure is Pears soap? ›

This soap contains 98% pure glycerine and natural oils. It helps you look as well as stay young. It can be used all over your body, including your face, neck and hands.

Why is Pears soap transparent? ›

Pears, a soap with 200 years of heritage, is prepared with a unique process of moulding & then matured till it reaches pure transparency. Each bar of Pears is still finished by hand and checked by eye.

Which Pears soap has more glycerin? ›

Pears Pure & Gentle Soap - 98% Pure Glycerin & Natural Oils - 75 g (Pack of 3) …

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