Pine tar soap has a long history of use — traditionally turned to for dry, flaky skin, persistent itching, and discomfort related to rashes, fungal issues, or seasonal dryness. It’s been used on everything from eczema and dermatitis to athlete’s foot, jock itch, and scalp buildup.
I had used pine tar soaps during both of my pregnancies, especially while managing PUPPs rash. They helped, but I always wished I could control the ingredients — simplify the formula, remove the extras, and base it in something more moisturizing like tallow. Eventually, I made my own.
Not long after, my husband dealt with a case of ringworm from a stray cat we were trying to care for. It became clear this was something our family kept reaching for — so we made a small batch for him, too. Realizing it was another item we used often but weren’t offering to anyone else, we decided to bring it with us to a boutique pop-up and a local music festival. That first small batch sold out completely within two days.
So we’ve decided to make it part of our regular offering — a pine tar soap that’s deeply moisturizing, naturally smoky, and made with the same care and ingredients we use at home.
Each bar contains just four ingredients: grass-fed tallow, cosmetic-grade pine tar, water, and sodium hydroxide (used for saponification). Tallow offers a creamy, gentle wash, naturally rich in oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids to help keep moisture in without disrupting the skin’s barrier.
We don’t add plant oils to adjust texture or boost bubbles. We formulate for purpose, not foam. The lather is low and creamy, which is how we prefer it — though if you want more lather, a loofah or soap saver works just fine.
Though it’s often used for skin issues, this is also a great everyday soap. The naturally smoky scent gives it a grounded, woodsy feel without any added fragrance. It’s been a favorite in our home — especially for my husband — and we hope it earns a place in yours as well.
