If an oil or fat (or any long chain fatty acid) is combined with a chemical called "lye" a chemical reaction called saponification occurs and "soap" is the result.

Lye is so alkaline that it will eat through skin and bone and special protective equipment is necessary to handle it.

The lye is supposed to be neutralized during the saponification process so its no longer dangerous, HOWEVER, the resulting bar of soap thats produced will still have an inherently high pH level (around 10) that does not match healthy skin (around 5 to 6).

This is what strips the skin's acid mantle leading to dryness and all sorts of other irritations.

When the first ingredient reads sodium cocoate, sodium tallowate, sodium palmate, or simply saponified oils, it reveals a harsh, alkaline base that strips your skin’s natural barrier and leads to dryness. Whether that bar sells for a $1 or $30, the cost to make it is the same—just cents on the dollar.

We chose a different path. HARP’s pH-balanced syndet cleanser is crafted with sodium cocoyl isethionate. This requires professional level precision, not shortcuts—designed to respect your skin, not disrupt it. Because true quality isn’t about the price tag; it’s about the science and integrity behind every bar.

HARP’s cleanser base is built on Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate — a premium, pH-balanced syndet trusted by cosmetic chemists for its exceptional gentleness.

This isn’t the kind of formula that can be mixed in a bathtub or mass-produced for pennies. It’s crafted with precision, using ingredients chosen for performance, not shortcuts.

Look it up — we’re confident you’ll never go back to traditional soap again.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

HARP develops soap-free, pH-balanced cleansing bars that respect your skin’s natural barrier. Made in the USA with responsibly sourced botanicals and dermatological expertise, HARP offers a modern skincare essential that's simple, effective, and grounded in science.

Science-Driven Benefits & Certifications

  • Cruelty Free
    Leaping Bunny–certified cruelty-free. Free from PFAS, parabens, sulfates, and preservatives.
  • Vegan
    HARP’s Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Stearic Acid formula is 100% vegan.
  • RSPO certified
    Sustainably sourced through an RSPO-certified supply chain.
  • ISO certified
    Meets ISO 16128:2017-2 natural and organic standards.
  • No SVHC substances
    Free from VOCs and any substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction.
  • Made in America
    Crafted with care, quality, and a commitment.
Cruelty Free
Leaping Bunny–certified cruelty-free. Free from PFAS, parabens, sulfates, and preservatives.
Vegan
HARP’s Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Stearic Acid formula is 100% vegan.
RSPO certified
Sustainably sourced through an RSPO-certified supply chain.
ISO certified
Meets ISO 16128:2017-2 natural and organic standards.
No SVHC substances
Free from VOCs and any substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction.
Made in America
Crafted with care, quality, and a commitment.

Make the switch, we're confident you'll never go back

Vanilla Lavender

Calming, creamy, and subtly aromatic.

A soothing blend designed to relax the senses while cleansing with care.

Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Fragrance, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil

Fragrance Free

Pure, balanced, and ideal for sensitive skin.

Formulated without added fragrance to deliver a clean, pH-balanced cleanse that’s as gentle as it is effective.

Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil

Fresh Sport

Clean, energizing, and refreshing.

A revitalizing blend that deeply cleans without over-drying — perfect post-workout or anytime you need a reset.

Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Fragrance, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil