There’s something about summer that makes you rethink the basics a little. Lighter clothes, more weekends away, more time spent outside — and for some reason it all tends to highlight the products you actually enjoy using every day.
I was lucky enough to be sent a selection of grooming products from both Dr. Squatch and Little Soap Company, and while men’s grooming launches can sometimes feel a bit over-marketed, there were a few things here that genuinely stood out for practical reasons rather than hype.
Both brands are tapping into the growing interest in naturally derived ingredients, solid grooming products and simpler routines that feel a bit less wasteful and a bit more considered.
Dr. Squatch near you!
American men’s grooming brand Dr. Squatch has now officially landed in Tesco stores across the UK, which probably makes it easier for a lot of people to finally see what the fuss is about without ordering online.
The brand started after founder Jack Haldrup struggled to find products suitable for sensitive skin, eventually creating natural cold-process soaps aimed specifically at men. Since then, the company has built a loyal following thanks to its distinctive scents and slightly tongue-in-cheek branding.
The products I tried definitely lean into those more rugged fragrance profiles — woods, bourbon, coastal-style scents — but thankfully without being overpowering in the way some men’s products can be.
My personal favourite from the range was the Wood Barrel Bourbon Soap Bar (£7). It has a warm, slightly smoky scent that feels more subtle once you actually use it than the name suggests, and the medium-grit texture gives it that slightly exfoliating feel that works particularly well after the gym or on hotter days.
The Coastal Mist Deodorant (£12) was probably the easiest everyday option of the lot. Aluminium-free deodorants can sometimes be a bit hit-and-miss performance-wise, but this one held up surprisingly well during warmer days without feeling sticky or overly scented.
A simpler approach from Little Soap Company
Meanwhile, Little Soap Company continues doing what it has quietly done well for years — making accessible, low-waste alternatives that don’t feel overly worthy or expensive.
Founded in the Cotswolds back in 2008, the brand has grown from a kitchen-table idea into a widely stocked British company, with products now available in places like Waitrose, Boots and Sainsbury’s.
Their new Men’s Edit focuses on solid grooming bars designed for travel, gym bags and everyday use, with a strong emphasis on reducing plastic packaging.
Out of the range, the Men’s Edit Shampoo Bar (£5.50) was the standout for me. I’ve tried solid shampoos before and some leave hair feeling slightly dry or heavy, but this one felt pretty balanced and easy to use. The cedarwood and patchouli scent is noticeable without lingering too much afterwards, which I actually prefer.
The All Over Bar (£3.95) also deserves a mention simply because it’s practical. Face, hands and body products don’t always need to be separated into three different bottles, especially when travelling.
The bigger shift in men’s grooming
What both launches seem to reflect is a broader shift in how men approach grooming now. It’s less about complicated routines and more about products that feel better to use day-to-day — whether that’s naturally derived ingredients, solid bars that travel well, or just scents that don’t smell like generic shower gel.
Neither of these brands feels particularly revolutionary on its own, but together they show how mainstream the move towards more thoughtful grooming products has become. And honestly, if it means fewer half-used plastic bottles cluttering up the bathroom shelf, that’s probably no bad thing.
I’ll definitely be searching out the Dr. Squatch Wood Barrel Bourbon soap again, while the Little Soap Company shampoo bar has quietly earned a place in my travel bag for summer weekends away.
More Information
Dr. Squatch: https://drsquatch.co.uk/
Little Soap Company: https://littlesoapcompany.co.uk/