Brickell Charcoal Soap Bar Review: Why I Switched Back to Bar Soap

Why I’m Sticking with Bar Soap:

Let’s be honest—bar soap sometimes gets a bad reputation in the world of men’s grooming. Shower gels are all the rage, but for me, there’s something deeply satisfying and effective about using a good bar of soap. At 51, with years of testing grooming products under my belt, I can confidently say: I feel cleaner with a bar soap than I ever do with gels. There’s just no comparison. And recently, I got my hands on the Purifying Charcoal Soap Bar by Brickell. As someone who’s a fan of charcoal soaps (and Brickell in general), I was curious to see if this bar lived up to the hype—and it really does. Whether I’m using it on my body or occasionally on my face, this soap has genuinely earned its place in my shower..

What Makes This Soap Different?

The Brickell Purifying Charcoal Soap Bar is a natural soap designed specifically for men, made with:

• Activated Charcoal: known for drawing out impurities and detoxifying the skin

• Organic Coconut Oil: helps hydrate and cleanse without stripping natural oils

• Peppermint & Tea Tree Oils: give it a refreshing, energising scent while helping with bacteria and odour

From the moment you lather it up, you can feel it’s not your average soap. The texture is smooth, the scent is invigorating (thanks to the peppermint), and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry afterwards—something I really appreciate.

My Experience Using It

This soap just feels clean. You know when you rinse off and there’s zero residue left on your skin? That’s what I love. I use it almost daily on my body, and I’ve even used it a few times on my face when I want something quick but effective—and it works brilliantly. I wouldn’t do that with many bar soaps, but this one doesn’t dry me out or irritate my skin.

The scent is another win. It’s masculine without being overpowering—more like a refreshing minty wake-up call than a heavy cologne. It’s the kind of soap that actually makes your bathroom smell nicer after you use it. My wife even commented on it the other day!

And another little detail I’ve grown to appreciate: it lasts. Some natural bar soaps melt away too quickly, especially if you don’t store them properly. This one holds its shape and doesn’t get too soft over time.

Pros and Cons

• PROS

• All-natural ingredients

• Smells amazing (minty, clean, fresh)

• Doesn’t dry out skin

• Can be used occasionally on the face

• Long-lasting

• Great for men who want a no-nonsense, effective cleanse

• CONS

• Slightly more expensive than regular supermarket soaps

• Scent may be a bit strong if you're sensitive to peppermint

Who Is This Soap For?

If you’re someone like me who still prefers a classic bar of soap—and you want something made with quality ingredients that actually delivers—this is worth trying. It's especially great for:

• Men with normal to oily skin

• Guys looking for a refreshing, non-drying soap

• Anyone who appreciates natural grooming products

• People who are into charcoal-based skincare

Final Thoughts: My Go-To Bar Soap Right Now

I've tried plenty of soaps over the years, especially those claiming to detox or deep-clean. But the Brickell Purifying Charcoal Soap Bar is honestly one of the best I’ve used. It fits perfectly into my routine, feels luxuriousand delivers on all the things I care about—clean skin, great scent, and no dryness.

If you’re still on the fence about bar soap, or if you’ve never tried one with activated charcoal before, give this a go. It might just convert you.

Jerome

Jerome is a 50-year-old lifestyle blogger and the founder of Dapper & Groomed. He shares honest, personal reviews on skincare and grooming products for men, drawing from his own daily routines and experience with aging skin. Based in the UK, he helps men look and feel their best at any age.