Is Pears Soap Vegan? The Review & Top Alternatives

The rise of veganism has inspired many to rethink not only their diets but also the products they use daily, including skincare essentials like soap. Among the many brands that come under scrutiny is Pears Soap, a household name known for its translucent bars and gentle cleansing properties. But is Pears Soap vegan? If not, what are the top alternatives for those seeking ethical and sustainable options? Let’s dive into the details to answer your questions and explore the best options for vegan soap lovers.

Is Pears Soap Vegan?

The simple answer for strict vegans is that Pears Soap is not a reliably vegan choice. While Pears is often marketed as gentle and natural, its ingredient lists tell a more complex story. Some formulations contain stearic acid, an ingredient that can be derived from either animal or plant sources, and Pears does not clearly state which it uses. Independent breakdowns of the bar, such as this Pears Transparent Soap ingredient analysis, show additional synthetic detergents, preservatives and fragrance components that may not align with what many people expect from a “natural” soap.

There is also no consistent, public assurance from the brand that every version of Pears sold worldwide is free from animal-derived ingredients. Some retailers loosely describe certain products as “vegan friendly”, but without a clear statement from the manufacturer and third-party verification, there is always uncertainty. An external review of Pears’ ethical profile, for example, concludes that it cannot be considered fully vegan or cruelty-free, which you can see in this independent Pears cruelty-free and vegan status review.

If you already prefer clearly labelled ethical brands, it may be easier to start with soaps that are transparent about their ingredients and testing policies. Our own cruelty-free soap in the UK guide is a useful companion read when you are comparing everyday bar soaps.

Why Isn’t Pears Soap Considered Vegan?

There are three main reasons why Pears Soap is not regarded as reliably vegan or cruelty-free.

1. Unclear ingredient sourcing

Some ingredients used in traditional soap making, such as stearic acid and glycerin, can be derived either from animal fats or from plant oils. Pears does not clearly state the origin of these ingredients in its bars, and without a firm commitment to plant-based sourcing, it is hard for consumers to be sure that the final product is free from animal-derived components. For people who want to avoid animal by-products completely, this lack of clarity is a significant drawback.

2. Parent company and animal testing policies

Pears is owned by Unilever. The company has publicly expressed support for modern alternatives to animal testing and describes its position in detail on Unilever’s page on alternatives to animal testing. However, Unilever is not classed as a cruelty-free company by several independent organisations, as it may allow animal testing where required by law in certain markets. You can see an example of this analysis in Cruelty Free Kitty’s review of Unilever’s cruelty-free status.

3. Lack of third-party vegan or cruelty-free certification

Pears does not hold certifications from recognised vegan or cruelty-free bodies, such as The Vegan Society or Cruelty-Free International. These certifications give clear standards for ingredient sourcing and animal testing; without them, consumers have to do a lot more investigation themselves. If certification and clear labelling matter to you, it may be simpler to choose brands that already meet the criteria set out in our cruelty-free soap in the UK guide or in our broader list of eco-friendly, chemical-free soap options.

Discover Vegan Soaps at The Humble Shepherd

If you’re searching for ethical, plant-based alternatives to Pears, The Humble Shepherd focuses on simple, carefully formulated soaps made with high-quality plant oils, clays and botanicals. Our bars are designed to be gentle on the skin and created with clear, straightforward ingredient lists, so you know exactly what you are using every day.

We do not test on animals, and our recipes avoid obvious animal-derived ingredients, making them a good fit for people who want everyday soaps that align with vegan and cruelty-free values. Packaging is kept minimal and considered, with sustainability in mind.

If you would like to explore what we currently have available, you can browse our handmade soap range in the online shop and filter for the scents and textures that suit your routine. For a broader look at our ethos and how we approach gentle, low-impact skincare, you can also read more about us on the About page.

Vegan Soap Alternatives

If you enjoy using bar soap but want something that is clearly vegan and cruelty-free, there are several established brands worth exploring alongside small-batch makers like The Humble Shepherd.

Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap

Dr Bronner’s is a well-known ethical brand with strong third-party credentials. Their castile bar soaps are made with organic plant oils and are certified to various organic and fair trade standards. You can see how these standards come together on Dr Bronner’s product certifications page.

Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Bars

Ethique specialises in solid, plastic-free products for hair and body. The brand is certified vegan and cruelty-free and focuses on minimal, compostable packaging. Their range of bars, detailed on Ethique’s solid bar collection page, is designed to replace multiple bottled products with concentrated, low-waste alternatives.

Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar

Herbivore’s Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar combines charcoal with botanical ingredients to support oily or blemish-prone skin. The brand is known for plant-based formulas and minimal packaging, and this bar is a popular option for those wanting a more luxurious-feeling vegan cleanser.

Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Soap

Kirk’s produces traditional castile-style soaps based on coconut oil. The formula is vegetable-based and designed for a creamy lather without heavy additives. For an example of how they present their bars, take a look at Kirk’s Original Castile bar description as a point of comparison when you are reading other ingredient lists.

Friendly Soap Natural Bars

Friendly Soap is a UK brand that focuses on low-waste, palm-oil-free and vegan formulations. Their soaps are registered with The Vegan Society and Cruelty-Free International and come in simple, recyclable cardboard boxes. You can see a typical product and its credentials on Friendly Soap’s lavender soap bar page.

If you would like more inspiration across bath, body and self-care, our overview of eco-friendly bath products in the UK is a good next read.

What to Look for in Vegan Soap

When you are comparing soaps and trying to decide which ones truly fit vegan and cruelty-free standards, a few simple checks can make the process much easier:

Ingredient transparency

Look for full ingredient lists and clear wording about the origin of key ingredients. If you see stearic acid, glycerin or similar components, check whether the brand explains that they are plant-derived. For a more detailed look at what “cleaner” formulas can look like, our guide to eco-friendly, chemical-free soap options is a helpful reference.

Cruelty-free assurance

Seek out logos from recognised organisations, and cross-check the brand with independent cruelty-free lists where possible. This helps you avoid products whose parent companies still permit animal testing in certain markets.

Environmental practices

Vegan does not automatically mean low-impact. Consider packaging, palm oil policies, and how transparent the brand is about sourcing and production. Articles like our eco-friendly bath products in the UK guide can give you a clearer picture of what responsible practice looks like.

Suitability for your skin

Look for gentle, plant-based ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter, and avoid harsh synthetic detergents if you have sensitive or reactive skin. If you know your skin needs extra care, it can help to start with milder formulas and patch test before switching fully.

Final Verdict

If you are wondering if Pears soap is vegan, the honest answer is that it does not meet the level of clarity and independent verification most vegans now look for. The uncertainty around ingredient sourcing, the parent company’s animal testing policies and the lack of third-party vegan or cruelty-free certification all make Pears a poor fit for those wanting clearly ethical skincare.

The positive side is that you have no shortage of alternatives, from long-established ethical brands like Dr Bronner’s, Ethique and Friendly Soap to smaller makers focused on simple, plant-based formulations. At The Humble Shepherd, we aim to combine everyday comfort with a clear conscience, using thoughtful ingredients and straightforward recipes. If you would like to be notified when new vegan-friendly batches are ready, you can join our Shop Now waitlist, or browse our current handmade soap collection in the online shop to see what is available today. For a deeper look at who we are and how we work, you can also learn more about us on the About page.

Whichever brands you choose, moving from ambiguous products to clearly labelled vegan soaps is a small but meaningful step towards a routine that feels kinder to your skin, animals and the planet.