Let’s Bust These Pine Tar Soap Myths
Calling all fans of “The Office.” You know who you are…you can recall the name of Angela’s cat and Jan’s sperm donor baby.
And you can probably also recall the “Gossip” episode where Michael tries to cover up for the fact that he spread gossip about Stanley having an affair. He does this in the cringiest Michael Scott way ever—by covering his gossip with a bunch of fake gossip:
- Angela is dating an 81-year-old billionaire
- Kelly has an eating disorder
- Oscar is the voice of the Taco Bell Dog
- And (wince) so many more!
Defamed Office stars, we get you! Our beloved pine tar soap has also been the subject of various rumors and myths over the years, and we’re here to debunk them.
Myth #1: Pine Tar Soap Will Make You Smell Bad
Pine tar is known for its woodsy, rustic smell…it’s part of its charm. It’s a far cry from that perfectly pastel bar of soap that smells like roses or honey lavender (compliments of a whole slew of chemicals).
If you want an authentic, outdoorsy smell (no chemicals involved), pine tar soap is the move. But if the people around you don’t want to share in your scent choices, no worries; pine tar soap gets you feeling fresh and clean, but the smell doesn’t linger on your skin. Win win!
Myth #2: Pine Tar Soap Will Stain Your Skin or Clothes
Those drug store soap bars may look as pink as a peony or as yellow as a buttery daisy, but they’re probably a product of colored dye. More chemicals!
Pine tar soap doesn’t pull any punches. It’s unabashedly brown. If you’re used to white or pastel soaps, the dark, chocolatey color of pine tar soap might catch you off guard, and it may even make you worried that it will rub off on your scalp, skin, towel, or clothes. The good news is that the color won’t spread. No mess, no fuss. Just a natural, chemical-free clean.
Myth #3: Pine Tar Soap Will Dry Out Your Skin
Doctors put so much trust in pine tar, they even use it to help treat wounds. Pine tar soap is associated with antimicrobial properties, meaning it has been shown to kill or slow the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. But some people associate antimicrobial products with dehydrating the skin. Picture COVID days when we all went nuts on the hand sanitizer and dried our skin into sandpaper.
However, it’s not the antimicrobial agents that cause the dryness; it’s the added chemicals found in so many soaps and sanitizers that can strip away your skin’s natural oils. The chemicals can enhance smell, boost the product’s lather, and lengthen its shelf life—but at what cost?
Good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. Natural versions of pine tar soap represent the best of all worlds. You get germ-killing power without the harsh additives.
Myth #4: You Shouldn’t Use Pine Tar Soap if You Have Sensitive Skin
Think of pine tar soap as a rugged lumberjack who cries during Hallmark movies. It’s so sensitive, it’s a go-to source of natural relief for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin problems. If you have either of these conditions, you know the discomfort of those inflamed skin patches that itch, sting, and ooze. The research backs the power of pine tar to soothe these irritating, unsightly skin conditions.
Myth #5: Pine Tar Soap Contains Chemical Fillers
Remember those grade school kids who goofed around and made everybody else lose recess? Some pine tar soap manufacturers are like that. They put just enough pine tar in their soap to make their ingredient list but still fill their soap with all kinds of chemical additives. Cutting corners saves money, but it gives pine tar soap a bad name.
When choosing pine tar soap, check the ingredient list. Watch out for sulfates and parabens. These villains of the personal hygiene world are associated with endocrine and hormone disruptions and even cancer. Don’t settle for less than “clean” pine tar soap free of harmful chemicals.
Myth #6: Pine Tar Is Carcinogenic
Pine tar starts with pine wood. The wood is carbonized, meaning it is exposed to extreme heat in an anoxic (no oxygen) environment. Carbonization breaks the wood down into elemental carbon and chemical compounds.
The resulting product has been associated with carcinogens in the past, but today’s pine tar is different. It’s manufactured with increased purity, so you don’t have to worry about carcinogenic components.
Myth #7: Pine Tar Soap Is the Same as Black Soap
You may have heard of an old-timey type of bar soap called “black soap.” And while pine tar soap is brownish-black in color, it’s not the same as black soap.
When some people refer to black soap, they’re talking about coal tar soap, which can offer some therapeutic benefits—if you can get past the smell.
They may also be referring to African black soap, which is usually derived from cocoa pod ash or plantain skin ash and can be harsh on some skin types.
Don’t believe everything you hear around the water cooler. Packer’s Pine Tar Soap has been cutting through dirt and grime since 1869, and many thousands of loyal customers swear by it. It’s safe, effective, natural, and oh so manly. But the best way to learn for yourself is to try it and let us make a superfan out of you.
