The Rise of 'Less Waste' Trend Highlights Eco-Friendly 'Cleansing Bars'

Recently, there has been a growing movement across various industries to consider ‘sustainability’ and ‘eco-friendliness.’ Efforts to minimize waste by excluding harmful ingredients and unnecessary packaging that could impact the environment are actively underway to promote environmental sustainability.

Perfectly practicing ‘zero waste,’ which aims to reduce unnecessary waste output to ‘0,’ is more challenging than expected. As a result, ‘less waste,’ where individuals gradually reduce their daily waste output as much as they can, is spreading like a trend.

The winds of change are sweeping across the market. The industry is minimizing plastic use by reducing unnecessary packaging and replacing materials from packaging to cushioning with eco-friendly alternatives such as paper. Consumers, increasingly interested in eco-certified products and brands, are participating in efforts to reduce waste by using just one all-in-one product.

In this shift, the ‘cleansing bar (facial soap)’ is gaining attention. Unlike the commonly used liquid-type cleansing products, soap can be packaged in paper materials, making it relatively environmentally friendly. After using the product, no separate plastic waste is generated, making it popular among consumers who consider environmental sustainability. Additionally, it can be used to cleanse not only the face but the entire body, eliminating the need for multiple products.

The product attracting consumer attention is the German No.1 dermocosmetic brand ‘Sebamed (CEO Choi Yoon-sil)’ and its ‘Classic Cleansing Bar.’ This product has a long history, originally invented by Dr. Mauer, a German dermatologist during World War II, while researching ways to cure skin diseases among the population. It is the world’s first soap released with a pH 5.5 mildly acidic formula, which helps maintain a strong skin barrier without causing tightness after use. It is highly versatile, suitable for light daily makeup removal and for use on the entire body. The minimal use of paper packaging instead of plastic packaging is also cited as a plus factor for its popularity.

A brand representative explained, “Recently, products with minimized packaging such as plastic have been gaining popularity, especially among younger consumers. Sebamed’s cleansing bar has long been recognized by consumers for its excellent cleansing power and gentle ingredients. Using minimal paper packaging prevents excessive waste, making it a product that can replace liquid-type cleansers, which seems to be attracting interest.”

In addition to the ‘Classic Cleansing Bar,’ which is easy for men and women of all ages to use, Sebamed offers three types: the ‘Clear Face Cleansing Bar’ that helps manage oily skin, and the mildly acidic and gentle ‘Baby Cleansing Bar’ that cleanses without irritation or tightness.

Meanwhile, Sebamed, which holds the No.1 market share in Germany, is a brand launched by the German Sebapharma Group.

With the concept of popular medical skincare created by dermatologists and emphasizing its mildly acidic (pH 5.5) characteristics, the brand officially exports products to 126 countries worldwide. Currently, its products can be found at large retailers such as Costco, E-Mart, and Lotte Mart, as well as duty-free shops, department stores, pharmacies, and Korea’s leading H&B stores like Olive Young and LOHB’s.