Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Fig Soap?

M. Chambers
M. Chambers

Fig soap is a type of cleanser that uses fig as one of the key ingredients. Other ingredients often used in the soap include green tea, sea kelp, aloe vera, glycerin, botanical fragrances, and water. Fig is a fruit known for its pleasant aroma and moisturizing properties, which is why it is frequently used in various soaps, lotions, perfumes, and other cosmetic products. Often times, fig soap is made naturally and does not contain sulfates or other harsh cleansers.

Rich in vitamin A, the fig is a highly fragrant fruit used in numerous cleansers and bath products. Naturally hydrating and soothing, fig extract moisturizes dry, irritated skin and leaves behind a calming, sweet scent. It also tightens the skin and can ward off wrinkles and other signs of aging when used regularly.

Figs.
Figs.

Soaps that contain fig typically have a distinct aroma that many individuals find soothing and fresh. The aroma is often described as earthy, sweet, and delicate, as well. The scent is often paired with other sweet scents such as clove, brown sugar, cassis, fresh grass, and cherry. Cedar, musk, pine, bergamot, and jasmine fragrances are also commonly used in fig-scented soaps and bath products. Products that contain a substantial amount of fig extract usually smell more potently than products that only contain a small amount of fig.

Figs growing on the tree.
Figs growing on the tree.

This type of soap is often glycerin-based and includes ingredients such as aloe vera, vegetable oil, essential oils, and sodium palmate. Lotus seed extract, coconut oil, moss, green tea extract, and sodium chloride are also commonly used in fig soaps and cleansers. While fig is moisturizing on its own, other hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera extract and essential oils make the cleanser even more soothing to the skin. Exfoliating ingredients such as sea kelp are also commonly used in fig soap, especially if the soap is designed to cleanse as well as rid the body of dead skin cells.

Fig leaf extract is sometimes included in fig soap.
Fig leaf extract is sometimes included in fig soap.

Naturally-made fig soaps tend to be biodegradable and free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors. Often times, they also do not contain any animal ingredients, such as animal fats. Natural soaps and cleansers can be beneficial to those who suffer from skin allergies or sensitivities to artificial dyes or fragrances. The soothing properties of the fig fruit are also good for sensitive or dry skin in need of extra hydration. Many who choose to use fig soap will often also use other cosmetic products that contain fig, such as fig lotions and perfumes.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

@ZipLine-- Fig soap isn't really something that most people use every day. It's true that natural, vegan soaps with fruit as an ingredient aren't the most affordable. But I think of fig soap as a treat to myself once in a while. I buy it once every few months to make the bathing experience a notch more pleasant.

As for the moisturizing ingredients, all natural soap has a fat or oil base. Sometimes it's an animal based fat and sometimes it's a plant based oil. But either way, it's not possible to make soap without this moisturizing base. I don't think this is a negative of fig soap, it's a positive if it has natural beneficial oils like coconut oil.

fBoyle

@ZipLine-- Well I think that depends on the soap. I'm sure there are soaps out there that just have a fig fragrance without the actual fruit as an ingredient. A soap like that may not have many benefits but there are other options out there.

I bought an all natural Mediterranean fig soap recently and I love it. It has real figs in it, along with fig deeds distributed throughout the soap. The tiny seeds make for an excellent physical exfoliator. And the moisturizing effects of fig reduce inflammation and make my skin very soft. I think that this is a great soap for people with gentle skin who want a gentle exfoliation for their skin and body. And did I mention how good it smells? It has a lush but sweet smell, it's very relaxing.

ZipLine

I think fig soap, like most other fruit and plant based soaps, are luxury soaps. They don't really have much benefit to skin. I doubt any fig soap is truly moisturizing because of the fig ingredient. Most soaps have other additional ingredients like natural oils that make them moisturizing. Adding something like fig just makes it a costly soap.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Figs.
      Figs.
    • Figs growing on the tree.
      Figs growing on the tree.
    • Fig leaf extract is sometimes included in fig soap.
      Fig leaf extract is sometimes included in fig soap.
    • Dried figs.
      By: SK
      Dried figs.
    • Fig soaps and cleansers are touted for their ability to soothe and hydrate facial skin.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Fig soaps and cleansers are touted for their ability to soothe and hydrate facial skin.