If you’ve been following us for a while, no doubt you’re quite familiar with the Little Soap origin story. But every now and then, the whole team will take a step back and literally pinch ourselves when we take a moment to reflect on just how far we’ve come!
From that kitchen table to the first market stall, and then on to the first bar appearing on the shelf at Waitrose… sixteen years later and we’re still here, still doing what we love - and what we’re really very good at! - and yes, still making plans to do even more! So indulge us for a moment, and let’s take a look back at the Little Soap journey so far…
Little Soap Company’s humble beginnings
Who would have imagined that a little idea at the kitchen table would grow into the Little Soap Company you know today? The journey started with a simple goal: to bring back the kind of natural, honest soap my grandmother used to make. I was so fed up with all the synthetic chemicals in everyday products, especially soap, and I wanted to create something pure and natural that was kinder to both our skin and the environment.
Gran remained a huge inspiration to me in the early days, where I would make soap in my cottage in the Cotswolds. I started selling my creations at farmers' markets, but I really didn't have a grand plan—just a passion for real, organic soap. I used to think, "Why has soap become so complicated?" It didn’t need to be! I wanted to go back to basics and create a product that was not only good for you but good for the planet too.
Little Soap hits the supermarket shelves
Securing a spot in Waitrose within our first year of trading was a huge moment for us here at Little Soap. For such a small business, that was huge! I truly had to pinch myself when I saw my products on the supermarket shelves - it was such a surreal moment. But I’d worked hard, and I knew I was making something special, and that there was a gap in the market for what I was making. Natural soap just wasn’t around anymore, and I wanted to change that - one bar at a time.
From that first shelf at Waitrose, we expanded into other major stores like Tesco and Boots, becoming the first organic soap brand available nationwide. And honestly, it never gets old to see Little Soap Company nestled on the shelves next to the big names. But even as we’ve grown, we’ve never lost sight of our mission: to make organic, eco-friendly soap accessible to everyone.
Little Soap Company’s commitment to sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability runs deep. It’s always been a number one priority for us, in everything that we do. We’ve always wanted to create products from nature and to also give back to nature too. That’s why we’re committed to educating on the issues that matter, to supporting ethical practices and to engaging in environmental causes and charities. We care. We’re determined to better. And we’re passionate about helping others to implement small changes that make a BIG difference.
Little Soap Company is a certified B Corp brand
We became a certified B Corp brand in November 2020, and to be honest we’re still on a high today! This accreditation means the world to us all, because it not only recognises our purpose and values, but it highlights the impact we’ve made as a brand too.
Gaining B Corp certification was one of our proudest moments, encapsulating everything that I’ve always wanted Little Soap Company to stand for. It’s more than just soap. It’s about changing how we think about the products we use every day. It’s about doing better for the planet. It’s about helping others to make small, meaningful changes too. Whether it's switching to an organic soap bar, using one of our shampoo bars, or choosing a product from our Little Beast™ pet line, every purchase supports sustainable, ethical practices.
Little Soap’s achievements so far
Looking back, I’m still amazed at how far we’ve come. What started as a passion project has grown into a national brand, but it’s still personal for me. I’m incredibly grateful to all our customers who share my belief that what’s good for our skin can also be good for the Earth. Together, we’ve shown that organic doesn’t have to be niche—it can be for everyone!
So here are just a few of the highlights:
- We made pure, natural soap accessible to all. 3,500 stores stock our products, and our bars cost less than £3.45 on average.
- We’ve championed natural, healthy skin and hair. With 6,000 five star reviews and 69 awards (and counting!), we’re certified Vegan and Cruelty Free.
- We’re eliminating bathroom waste. Our Eco Warrior range has contributed towards the elimination of two million plastic bottles to date.
- We’ve invested in our people and suppliers. 9.8 out of 10 say they’re proud to work for Little Soap, and 9.8 out of 10 of our suppliers feel valued too.
- We partner with charities who matter to us. We support and donate to the Sumatran Orangutan Society and we’ve made charity donations to Dogs for Good, NHS, Waitrose Garden Party and local hospitals, amongst others.
- We share our knowledge and resources. We’ve trained over 5,000 in the Little Soap School, and our Eco Bathroom campaign has reached 360,00 to date.
The next chapter in the Little Soap Company story
And the Little Soap story is far from over. We’ve got plans to do even more.
We’re committed to continuing to improve inclusion in products, making as accessible to all as possible. We’re committed to further research into how we can save even more water and plastic, how we can help our customers to offset their carbon and how we can ensure our supply chain is as sustainable as possible. And we’re committed to not only supporting charity partners, but to finding new partners to invest in too.
Watch this space. Little Soap Company is, and always has been, bursting at the seams with vision and ambition!