Blue Power Carbolic Soap -4.4oz

The bar of soap while in its package without being exposed to water smells like sharpies. I didn't mind the smell at all, I quite like it actually lol. It does carry the scent all over the bathroom though. I have to keep it in its package in a drawer when not in use bc my partner doesn't like the smell. I actually love it though! Once the bar of soap touches water, gets sudsy, the scent changes to.. something reminiscent of liquid smoke. I love barbecue so I wasn't complaining. But the most amazing thing happened after rinsing the suds away. The scent that lingered on my body is the most subtle, powdery fresh fragrance. AND I am a bar soap HATER, as a person with habitually dry skin. But this soap left not a trace of sticky itchy film on my body. It rinsed completely clean and left me feeling quite pampered. I did not even need to apply lotion (I didn't want to cover up this lovely clean fresh scent yet!) and there was no irritation left whatsoever. I also feel immaculately clean. The bar produces tons of suds as well. I actually might be in love with this $6 bar of soap.

To preface this, Ive never smelled carbolic soap before but got this because of an article saying this is what marilyn monroe used and did some more digging and that this would also help with my ever-persistent acne. So, upon opening, all i could smell was incredibly intense black printer ink. It definitely was an overwhelming scent as i expected, but i tried it nonetheless in the shower. Upon getting the bar of soap wet, the slight hint of red medicine scent i smelled previously got stronger and the black printer ink smell lessened for sure. Once rinsed off, my skin felt almost like wet rubber under the shower water if that makes sense, just intensely clean. I got out of the shower and i have NEVER felt so clean!!!! The smell now left all over me is a slight ink smell, as if i worked in a newspaper shop in the 50’s and also just bought a very freshly made nice leather bag. I can see where some think of it as a leathery smell now. Its subtle, but when my hands are next to my face, i can definitely smell it and honestly… i love it. Not my favorite smell, but the feeling of being so intensely clean is just beyond description. I recommend a good hydrating moisturizer for your face afterwards and definitely body lotion if using long term. Overall, its wonderful! Havent tried perfume over it yet, and an hour later, my skin still smells just like leathery printer ink. I’d definitely try some scents over this if you’re looking for the clean feeling but not a fan of the smell. After an hour, the smell does get a little much from smelling it frequently, so yeah probably scented hand & body lotion would be a good idea.

The soap is great. My husband loves it. Yes it's strong smelling but the smell doesn't linger after using. Like others, I only received one bar of the 30 pack that was ordered hence the one star review. I wish amazon could get this figured out. I hope I'm able to resolve this without having to pay $50 per bar! THIS IS MY SECOND ORDER WHERE I ONLY RECEIVED ONE OF THIRTY BARS. PLEASE FIX THIS!

I honestly love this. It leaves your skin feeling so clean and almost tacky but not because of residue just cause your skin is SO CLEAN. It does smell VERY STRONG and I don’t think most people would enjoy the scent if I’m being honest BUT it’s not a super strong smell on the body after washing, just smells kinda like an old leather jacket lol I have chronically dry skin and it doesn’t seem to make it worse or better so I’m happy with that! I like the smell and everything else personally, but - I also am a fan of Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds - so do what you will with that information. I like “old people” smells.

PSA: if you have a very sensitive nose please do not buy this product. It WILL stink up your house, so please if you invest do BE PREPARED!! PROS: I personally love this product. It makes my skin baby soft and helps with my breakouts and razor burns. However, I would not buy this product solely for razor burns (especially if you neglect moisturizing). In addition, I have super sensitive skin and this product cleans very well. I like it better than fragranced soaps and body washes because they irritate my skin so badly. This product is great for after work showers too because you’ll actually feel clean! I will add that you WILL NEED to moisturize after this product because it WILL dry your skin out. It’s an antiseptic soap so it will strip your moisture barrier in exchange for clean skin. I recommend Vaseline, it might be a little oily at first but you will see throughout the day your skin is soooooo soft. CONS: the smell. I live with roommates so I have to literally box my soap up after every use. It’s not that it smells rancid, it just smells like a hospital or nursing home, AKA very medicated. Again, not dissing either of those because I find the smell comforting. It reminds me of my great grandmother. The only other con I can think of would be not moisturizing after, so if you’re lazy think twice!!! You will feel tight and itchy in some places if you do not moisturize!!

I wanted to try it after reading the reviews, some people said it smells medicinal, which the smell is of chloraseptic throat spray after the soap dries due to the phenols in the soap, but while it’s wet it smells like ashes or burning rubber mixed with a tar smell. Yes I agree with the clean feeling that comes with using the soap and no traces of BO. The first time I tried it, the smell was so strong that I thought my house might be on fire so I hopped out of the shower to smell the house and everything was fine. It smelled like burning or burnt wood! As someone who loves soap, I do like it! Carbolic acid (the main ingredient) is a phenol derived from coal tar so once you understand that, it makes sense. The same phenol is in the medicinal throat spray. Hope this helps.

Wow this soap is the strongest smelling soap I’ve ever tried. I put it in the bathroom and a little bit later my husband asked me what is that awful smell? I really wanted to like this soap. It smells like anbesol and burning rubber. It’s a weird smell but it was growing on me. I used it a few times just to wash my hands and let me tell you. It’s fantastic because it makes you feel so super clean. The scent remained on my hands for a long time. I didn’t get to try it in the shower because my husband asked me if he could throw it away. The smell was overwhelming and making him nauseous. Even though I put it in an airtight container, when I took it out to wash my hands the smell filled the bathroom and it lingers for awhile. Bottom line is I think you should try it and see for yourself. It’s fantastic because works very well but the smell is overwhelming for some.

I love this soap. It smells clean. Like my nana. Clean from the 1930's and on clean. Generations of cleanliness... You are captivated by the clean aromatherapy that takes me back to when I was with my nana and all was well. Plus, it cleans like nothing ever before, like your skin will show it's gratefullness and you'll appreciate it and reciprocate the taking care of your skin and the wonderful soap that allows the nostalgic tubs and showers! Love it and thanks so much for not changing a thing in all these years!