Beer
Brewing Better Lather
Beer: Not Just for Drinking
Throughout the world, beer may be one of the most popular beverages, but used topically, it offers some surprisingly beneficial properties for skin and hair.
Beer is a natural humectant, meaning it helps attract and hold moisture. For centuries, beer baths and washes have been used to soften skin and improve texture—a practice that dates back to the Middle Ages and still appears today in spa treatments.
A simple, natural beer is made from malted grains, hops, brewer’s yeast, and water. During brewing, starches from the grains are converted into sugars, which are then fermented by yeast. The result is a liquid rich in B vitamins, amino acids, natural sugars, antioxidants, and trace minerals—all of which can support skin and hair when used topically.
Why We Use Beer in Natural Soap
We use beer in our Honey Beer Soap because it changes both how the soap feels and how it performs.
Once the alcohol and carbonation are removed, beer becomes a nourishing liquid base that contributes to a rich, fluffy, creamy lather—the kind that feels almost like a bubble bath in the shower. The natural sugars boost lather, while B vitamins, yeast, and hops help condition and soothe the skin.
Beer also supports skin balance by helping attract moisture without stripping natural oils, leaving skin feeling softer, smoother, and more comfortable after washing.
And no—our Honey Beer Soap does not smell like beer. The finished bar has a clean, lightly sweet aroma from honey and hops.
Key Beer Components & Skin Benefits
- Hops: Contain polyphenols and amino acids that help soothe irritation and reduce redness
- Brewer’s Yeast: Naturally rich in B-complex vitamins that support skin health and moisture balance
- Malted Grains & Sugars: Boost lather and contribute to a creamy, stable foam
- Antioxidants: Help defend against environmental stressors that can dull the skin
Why We Use Beer in Natural Shampoo Bars
Beer has long been used as a hair rinse, and for good reason.
In hair care, beer helps tighten the hair cuticle, which increases shine, body, and smoothness. The proteins from malted grains and hops can temporarily strengthen the hair shaft, while B vitamins from yeast support scalp health.
We add beer to our Honey Beer & Egg Shampoo Bar to enhance lather and deliver conditioning benefits that leave hair feeling fuller, softer, and more manageable.
Key Benefits of Beer in a Shampoo Bar
- Adds Shine & Smoothness: Helps flatten the cuticle for better light reflection
- Boosts Volume: Proteins and natural sugars help plump the hair shaft
- Strengthens Hair: Malt and hops provide small proteins that reduce breakage
- Soothes the Scalp: Hops offer calming, antimicrobial support for irritation and dandruff
- Enhances Lather: Natural sugars create a richer, creamier foam
The result is hair that looks healthier, feels stronger, and has noticeable bounce—without heaviness or buildup.
Sometimes the most familiar ingredients have the most surprising uses—especially when you look at them through the lens of skin science.
👉 For a deeper look at the benefits, types, and science of exfoliation, read our blog Beer Hair Rinse Recipes
