About Us

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Why HARP?

At Mansure & Prettyman’s HARP, our philosophy is simple: do it right, or don’t do it at all.

We’ve always loved the simplicity and satisfaction of a bar — no slimy loofahs, no endless bottles of body wash, just rich, creamy lather and effortless convenience.

What we didn’t love was how most bars left our skin feeling dry, tight, or coated in that strange residue. So we set out to create something better: a bar that delivers the same satisfying experience, without the harshness.

We did the research to understand why traditional bars fall short—and then invested the time, resources, and expertise to create a truly high-quality cleanser that doesn’t race to the bottom of the price list.

At HARP, we spend more on ingredients that actually benefit your skin, not on gimmicks or fancy marketing. The result is a product that’s scientifically sound, genuinely effective, and uncompromising in quality.

There’s a fundamental difference between a traditional “soap” and a modern syndet (synthetic detergent) cleanser. Once you understand the first ingredient on most soap bars — whether it’s sodium cocoate, sodium tallowate, sodium palmate, or the catch-all term “saponified oils” — you’ll see what they all have in common: they’ve been saponified with lye.

This process makes them cheap to produce, but it also sends their pH levels through the roof, leaving your skin’s natural moisture barrier stripped, dry, and irritated. And here’s the kicker — you’ll find these same ingredients in bars that sell anywhere from $1 to $30. The difference in price isn’t quality — it’s marketing. Most of those bars cost less than a dollar to make.

HARP uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate as our base cleanser — a scientifically proven, gentle, and pH-balanced syndet ingredient trusted by dermatologists worldwide. It cleanses effectively without disrupting your skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it soft, balanced, and hydrated.

You can take our word for it — or look it up for yourself. We’re confident once you try HARP, you’ll never go back to the old stuff.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

pH Balanced

The pH level of your cleanser plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. Your skin’s natural pH typically falls between 4.7 and 5.75, making it slightly acidic. Most ordinary cleansing bars are alkaline, meaning they have a higher pH that can disrupt your skin’s balance, leading to dryness, tightness, and irritation.
HARP’s pH-balanced cleansing bars are carefully formulated to stay closer to your skin’s natural level, helping to preserve the acid mantle—your skin’s protective barrier—and keep it soft, hydrated, and resilient.

Gentle Cleansing

HARP syndet (synthetic detergent) cleansers are designed to be exceptionally gentle on the skin compared to traditional soap-based bars. They cleanse effectively without causing irritation or stripping away natural oils, making them ideal for maintaining your skin’s natural balance.
Because of their mild, pH-balanced formulation, HARP bars are suitable for sensitive skin and for those with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis who need a cleanser that cares as much as it cleans.

Moisturizing Properties

Shea butter is a rich natural fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree, renowned for its deeply moisturizing and skin-softening properties. When blended into a cleansing bar, it helps nourish, hydrate, and restore the skin’s natural suppleness, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed.

Naturally rich in vitamins A, E, and F, shea butter delivers powerful antioxidants that protect, repair, and rejuvenate the skin with every use.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Shea butter naturally contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help calm and soothe irritated skin. Its gentle, restorative properties make it especially beneficial for sensitive or inflamed skin conditions, promoting comfort and balance with every use.

Rich Lather

HARP’s daily cleansers produce a velvety, indulgent lather that feels as good as it performs—soap-free, pH-balanced, and gentle enough for everyday use.

Less Soap Scum

HARP daily cleansers are formulated to minimize soap scum buildup—the residue traditional bars often leave behind in hard water. The result is a cleaner rinse, a smoother feel, and a shower that stays fresher, longer.

Non-Comedogenic

Many syndet (synthetic detergent) cleansers are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. This makes them an excellent choice for those with acne-prone or oily skin, helping maintain clear, balanced, and healthy-looking skin.

It’s important to note that while these benefits are well-supported, the suitability of any cleanser can vary depending on individual skin types and sensitivities. Some may prefer or respond better to other formulations—it ultimately comes down to personal preference and how your skin reacts to specific ingredients. If you have unique skin concerns, consulting a dermatologist is always the best way to ensure the right fit for you.

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