Robb Recommends: This Elevated Hand Soap Will Add a Dose of Style to Your Sink
Welcome to Robb Recommends, a regular series in which our editors and contributors endorse something they’ve tried and loved—and think will change your life for the better.
An elevated hand wash does more than cleanse. It adds character to your bathroom décor, smells artisanal, and turns a boring task into something a bit less mundane; I dare say (as a scent enthusiast) something even to look forward to. Esker’s Calendula hand soap, with its apothecary-esque design, natural and softening formula, and fantastic aroma, is an upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Plus, its new biodegradable refill pouches are truly recyclable and allow the handsome glass dispenser to be a permanent fixture by your bathroom or kitchen sink.
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The first thing you’ll notice when you unpack the soap is its substantial weight— Esker’s hand wash comes in a robust, practical glass bottle that exudes an upscale retro vibe. The minimal black logo, listing the primary scent notes, adds personality, while the black metal pump is far superior to the typical plastic ones found in most hand soaps. Unlike a drugstore brand, this bottle is one you’ll want to display next to your sink—a statement piece that quietly elevates any washroom décor. That being said, it is quite heavy, so be careful not to drop it; your bathroom tiles (or your toes) won’t thank you. But that’s a small trade-off for such a cool, refined, and substantial design.
Esker Calendula Hand Cleanser
Aesthetics continue inside the liquid formula, where actual calendula petals float within the amber hue, almost resembling tiger-eye jewelry. While you might be tempted to shake it, the calendula is more than just a seemingly visual novelty—they infuse the soap with its soothing and protective benefits, leaving hands feeling incredibly soft after washing. The petals swirling in the amber liquid are a conversation starter, and guests will likely inquire about and admire the hand wash. Yes, it’s a subtle flex.
For fragrance fanatics like myself, luxury hand soaps offer another means to enjoy an artisanal aroma in your day. Esker’s fragrance is a calming, incense-like, earthy tone that doesn’t veer into granola territory. I’m partial to woodsy or incense-based scents, and this blend of palo santo, clove, and a hint of litsea strikes a distinct, aromatic balance, especially for fall and winter. If you love the idea of a brisk walk in the woods with a fireplace burning in the distance, this scent is for you. If you prefer crisp, citrus tones, you might look elsewhere.
Almost all grooming products claim to be natural nowadays, but Esker strikes an ideal balance between actually being natural and effective. While you may spot a few “ionates” on the back label, it is free of synthetic preservatives, with almost all primarily plant-based ingredients that you can pronounce and decipher. The viscosity lathers well without being overly foamy, and the essential oils provide antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying benefits. In other words, it feels natural but doesn’t sacrifice any of the cleansing power.
The real newness here, though, lies in the refillable pouch. Most refill pouches on the market today that hold liquid are made up of multiple layers of different types of plastic chemically bonded together, making them impossible to recycle. Made from 100% polyethylene plastic, Esker’s is easy to recycle, so you can indulge in luxury while doing your part for the planet. It’s another step towards reducing environmental waste from our reliance on disposable hand plastic pumps. With global warming at the top of our minds, every little effort counts.
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