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Insights & Innovation for the Personal Care Industry

Sustainable Skincare Routines for New Moms

cocokind As a new mom, you have a lot of responsibilities. But perhaps the most important one of all is teaching your little one how to be a responsible human in the world. That trickles down to the smallest details--even your skincare routine.

Skin Hydration Tips and Tricks

Does it feel like you are losing the skin hydration battle? Some days, it can be easy to feel discouraged when dealing with dry, flaky skin. It creates physical and mental irritation. Dry skin can even make fine lines and wrinkles look more prominent.

4 Ways to Reduce Your Ecological Footprint (in Personal Care)

Making simple changes to your personal care routine may sound unproductive or futile in the big scheme of things: However, becoming part of the bigger picture will reduce the demand for unsustainable consumer goods.

The Nuances of Sustainable Packaging

Olivia Hancock for Brydie According to the organization Zero Waste, more than 120 billion units of cosmetics packaging are produced each year globally. The beauty industry's massive (and problematic) environmental footprint has led sustainable packaging to become a very hot topic, and every brand is approaching the conversation differently.

#skinimalism – What it Means and Why it’s Trending

If we can consider one positive thing that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it must be the regression to a more simplified lifestyle. As many of us stayed safe at home, we felt we didn’t need to maintain our regular skin and makeup routines

7 Skin-Care Trends That Will Dominate 2022

Taylore Glynn for Allure We might not fancy ourselves psychics here at Allure, but we sure know a trend when we see one. We'll admit that 2021 did do a fabulous job of keeping us guessing: After a year of intense shifts in priorities, new skin-care concerns, and supply chain issues all due to COVID-19, the beauty world looks as different as we all feel.

Gentle & Eco-Friendly: Our New Makeup Removal Bar

Making a conscious effort to reduce plastic usage and water waste is becoming easier as more and more skincare companies choose to go the solid-cleansing route. Generations Y and Z are some of our clients’ biggest target markets, and they care more about sustainable purchase choices than generations before.

The Benefits of Orange Blossom for Skincare

Today is National Orange Blossom Day! You might be thinking, “why do we need a holiday to celebrate orange blossoms?” We are here to tell you that while some national days are actually silly and meaningless, orange blossoms genuinely deserve to be celebrated.

Spring Bar Soap Ingredients to Wake Up Your Senses

Spring and summer are the perfect months to consider dipping into some new and energetic bar soaps and other skincare products. With younger generations’ love for solid format cleansers on the rise, they are also looking for fun ingredients that perk the senses.

Everything You Need to Know About Glycerin Soap

Healthline Glycerin, or glycerol, is derived from plant-based oils. It also occurs naturally in fermented goods, such as beer, wine, and bread. This ingredient was “accidentally” discovered in 1779 by a Swedish chemist heating up an olive oil mixture. He identified the resulting fat as glycerin.

Gentle Makeup Brush Cleaner in a Solid, Sustainable Format

Year over year, younger generations have made the switch to solid cleansers from liquid ones. This is because these personal care products are much more ecologically friendly. The vast majority of Bradford’s product offerings are formulated with little water and minimal packaging.

4 Ways to Relax and Unwind

No one is immune to stress. It is a process that comes in waves. We all live through personal events which cause high-stress levels, while other times, we coast through happily and stress-free. Whether you are on a good or bad stretch, keeping your stress levels in check is crucial to overall wellbeing.

Sharing Bar Soap Isn’t As Gross as You Think, According to a Microbiologist

Dominique Michelle Astorino for Well + Good There’s a natural inclination to think “ew” when presented with a foreign, used bar of soap. Someone else’s germs might be on that, right?! Wrong, according to Juliet Morrison, PhD, assistant professor at University of California Riverside’s Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, whose research focuses on immunological and virological methods.

Introducing Our New Multi-Vitamin Bar

A new year at Bradford always means introducing new bar soap formulations. With skincare trends continually rising and falling, we must constantly innovate for our customers. One ingredient trend that has seen sustained growth over the last few years is vitamin C.

4 Common Bar Soap Terms Explained

Triple-milled soap is exactly what it sounds like. Although, some may not be familiar with what the process of milling entails. After soap noodles are made for the base, they are mixed with fragrance, additives, and color. From there, they are milled.

4 May flowers with skincare powers — and how to harness them

Grove Collaborative Spring is in full bloom, and those beautiful botanicals in your backyard are more than just a pretty face. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, botanical extracts support the health, texture, and integrity of the skin, hair, and nails — and they’re the single-largest category of additives found in "cosmeceuticals" today.

Mood-Boosting, Aromatherapeutic Soaps and Beauty Bars

It has been a long winter. While we have all been hibernating over the last few months, trying to stay warm and relaxed, it is time to recharge. Boosting your mood with aromatherapeutic skincare products such as bar soap is a great way to invigorate the senses and influence positive energy.

4 of the Best Exfoliating Soaps

We live in a much different world than we were just a couple of years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to take extra safety measures like staying home more often, washing our hands more, and simply focusing on the things we hold most dear.

Bar Soap Dilutions Cheat Sheet

Lisa Bronner for Dr. Bronner's Like the forgotten middle child, the Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap has languished without a usage cheat sheet for years while the Pure-Castile Liquid Soap and Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner hoarded the attention. No more. Bar soap afficionados, this one’s for you! Whether you champion the bar soap because of cost, packaging, travel convenience or availability, this Bar Soap Cheat Sheet will help you use the bar soap for almost every purpose.

Bar Soap Myth: Does It Really Dry Out Skin?

At Bradford, we strive to provide both helpful and factual content. Skincare has become increasingly critical to our overall health and protection as we navigate through unexpected twists and turns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we have begun debunking some well-known bar soap myths.

2022 Skin and Personal Care Ingredient Trends

We pride ourselves on our passion for innovative research and development throughout the year. That means keeping up with current and up-and-coming trends within the personal and skincare markets.

The Sustainable Shampoo and Conditioner Bar That Finally Convinced Me To Kick the Bottle

Erin Bunch for Well + Good Ever since zero waste influencer and Package Free Shop founder Lauren Singer changed my life by conducting a single-use plastic audit of my home, I've been completely taken with any and all plastic-free personal care products. We can't shop our way out of the climate crisis and therefore, we need to buy fewer things overall.

Consider this Bar Soap Myth Debunked

Sometimes trends can inhibit the truth behind proper skincare. If you lived through the 1980s or 90s, you’d likely recall the sudden and overwhelming explosion of body washes on the market. Whether you preferred those iconic shower gels with the build-in bottle hook or delighted in cotton candy-scented brands from your local drug store, chances are, you felt fancy.

Why You Should Switch to Bar Soap for… Everything

Chantal Lamers for Food 52 Have you ever considered using a bar of soap to wash your hair? Treat laundry stains? Scrub your dishes or give your dog a bath? No? You should. With the rise in concern over plastic consumption, bar soaps are becoming an excellent—and accessible—alternative to liquid bath and body products.

What Is My Skin Type? Here’s How to Tell and Care for It

Jessica Griffiths for Dermstore Skin care is an art and a science, but don’t be intimidated: this is something we can all learn. The trick to caring for your skin is knowing your skin, because understanding means you can find the right products that work for you and combat potential issues without causing more problems.

4 Tips to Keep Your Skin its Healthiest

Your skin is the first point of contact for most environmental irritants. It is our armor, our shield against harmful bacteria, viruses, pollution, and even injury. It would take all day to list all the additional helpful jobs skin does! Whether you realize it or not, your skin is working overtime, all of the time.

The Future of Skin Care Products – Natural Meets Synthetic

Synergio Itamar Levy for Happi Modern day skin care is a far cry from the products introduced in 18th and 19th Century Europe. What began as pungent, botanically-derived cleansers with unpleasant textures, inconsistent viscosity, and short shelf life, have transformed into a multibillion-dollar industry with products targeting a multitude of needs and catering to consumers worldwide—all courtesy of the synthetic revolution.

3 Common Autumn Skin Complaints and How to Fix Them

Who doesn’t love Autumn? Isn’t it all so enjoyable? The colorful changing leaves, the perfect weather, and the dry skin. Dry skin? Yes, we said it! Autumn is all fun and games until your body catches up with the changing seasons, only to realize that hydrating summer air is all over.

Is a Sulfur Bar Soap Right for You?

Whether you are 16 or 60 years old, we all deal with a blemish here and there. You are never too old or too young for a breakout, and if you are like the 50 – 70% of people with skin sensitivity, sulfur (yes, that smelly stuff!) may be the right option for you.

3 Sustainable Packaging Trends

Global Cosmetic Industry Consumers care just as much about packaging as they do what’s inside the container. In line with keeping the planet as a priority and eliminating unnecessary waste, beauty brands are finding innovative ways to produce makeup, skin care and personal care products housed in Earth-friendly designs.

Charcoal for Skincare: Just the Facts

If you’ve browsed the skin and personal care aisles anytime within the last few years, you may have noticed a particular is ingredient trending. Charcoal has been making waves in the cosmetic and skincare community, but why?

Bar Soap vs. Beauty Bar: What is the Difference?

Are you confused about soap? Don’t worry. You aren’t the only one. When it comes to keeping clean, is there a difference between a bar of soap and a beauty bar? The simple answer is yes, but there is a lot more to it than that.

Let’s Talk About Sweat, Baby: The Top All-Natural, Odor-Fighting Skincare Ingredients

We are smack dab in the middle of summer, and let’s face it: some of us stink. Those hot and humid days can be a struggle! Our bodies are working overtime to keep us cool through the process of sweating. But sweat doesn’t have to mean stink

7 Beauty Benefits of Organic Lemongrass Essential Oils

Garnier The aromatic tropical plant lemongrass is native to India and, despite its name, isn’t actually related in any way to the citrus family. This fresh and fruity lemon-scented organic essential oil is a powerful extract that can be put to good use for plenty of beauty purposes.

Bradford Soap Works hosts successful COVID-19 vaccination clinic at main headquarters

Following a growing need for easy access to safe COVID-19 vaccination sites in the West Warwick manufacturing community, Bradford Soap Works hosted an on-site clinic this past June. An invitation to register for the free vaccination clinic was offered to Bradford employees and their family members. Registration was then extended to surrounding manufacturing facilities’ employees and their families.

Introducing Our New Laundry Bar for Stain Removal

Forget the spray bottles, powders, and push pens. Bradford is re-innovating the laundry stain remover! The newest edition of our ever-evolving line of products is our Lavender Laundry Bar for stain removal. Although we don’t see many solid bars for laundry on the market today, it is a very classic idea.

The Skincare Dictionary: Every Ingredient Explained

Jessica Teich for Good Housekeeping The skincare boom has understandably brought an onslaught of new ingredients, each sounding better than the next (and some sounding downright insane). In a fast-changing world of vampire facials and snail mucin face masks, the question is: Which ingredients are actually worth the hype, and which will work for your lifestyle, your skin type, and your skincare goals?

The Rise of Solid Shampoo

Consider all the reasons bar soap is back on the rise. Now think about your shampoo and conditioner. Whether you are a lifelong bar soap user or just made the switch from bottled body wash, why not take your zero-waste journey one step further?

Argan Oil for Skin Health

Healthline Argan oil is made from the kernels that grow on the argan trees native to Morocco. It’s most frequently sold as pure oil, which can be directly applied topically (directly to the skin) or ingested in order to provide several health benefits. It comes in supplement capsule form to be taken by mouth. It’s also commonly mixed into a number of cosmetic products like shampoos, soaps, and conditioners.

These Beauty Bars Will Help Fight Oily Summertime Skin

If you’re like most people in the summertime, you sweat. You may also have noticed that the more you sweat, the oilier your skin can become. This is because of a simple biological process meant to cool the body down.

10 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Taking a Bath

Pentucket Medical by Garret Bomba Bathing has a long and detailed history. Submerging ourselves in water, whether in a bathing receptacle or in a natural body of water is something we do for both personal hygiene, leisure and health. There is nothing more enjoyable than going for a swim in the ocean on a warm day or having a hot fragrant bath in the cooler months.

How to Use a Kitchen Bar

If you’ve never heard of a kitchen bar, you aren’t the only one. Sustainability is an ever-important characteristic to consumers and removing unnecessary water from everyday products just makes sense. Inspired by our foundation of creating innovative personal care products using little to no water, Bradford decided it was time for something new. That’s why we’ve formulated our signature kitchen bar.

4 Reasons Why ‘Old Reliable’ Bar Soap is Making a Comeback

Way back before the advent of body wash and the mainstream use of plastic in nearly every consumer product, we used this handy little item to stay clean. It was called bar soap. Do you remember? If you think bar soap is too old school, or smells too much like what your grandma used to use, it is time to think again. Bar soap is making a comeback – and for a good reason.

Ingredient of the Year: Vitamin C

For decades, we have heard of the importance of vitamin C. Drink a glass of orange juice or take a supplement, and you’re good to go for the day. Right? Did you know that topical applications of the multi-beneficial vitamin are actually more effective when it comes to skincare than ingesting it?

Your Skin’s Microbiome: The Ultimate Protection

When you hear the word “bacteria,” what are the first things that come to mind? Germs? Ugly tiny organisms covering kitchen counters? If you are like most people, you’re likely drumming up poor imagery in your head. Believe it or not, bacteria get a horrible reputation.

Handwashing 101

With all of the focus on handwashing, even five-year-olds are experts. See this adorable tutorial on the correct way to wash your hands

Experiencing Eczema Due to Hand Sanitizer? Here’s What to Do

Vogue by Akili King If you’re like me and have eczema, you’re likely having a difficult time finding the right soap and hand sanitizer for sensitive skin, as constant handwashing and usage of alcohol-based products can be particularly drying.

Why You Should Ditch Plastic Bottles, And Switch To Bar Soaps And Solid Skincare

Forbes by Katie Chung With so much extra time (and not to mention, less scheduled activities) on my hands, I’ve developed some good habits in the past few months. But one I never imagined? Making the switch over from plastic bottles to solid-based skincare and haircare.

Shea Butter Moisturizer

Made with sustainably-sourced shea butter sourced through the Global Shea Alliance, this portable moisturizer hydrates your skin without a greasy after-feel.

EcoEx™ Olive Oil Base

A soap base that prominently features one of the oldest, most efficacious beauty ingredients of all time.

An Expanding Opportunity with Older Consumers

The senior segment of the US market is really growing. So what do seniors need when it comes to skin care?

A New Exotic Oil from Africa

In our on-going quest to find intriguing ingredients that provide ultimate moisturization, we discovered Mongongo Oil.

Bradford's Heritage

Learn about Bradford's history of innovation over 140+ years

Sustainable Shea Butter Sourcing

Bradford travels to Ghana to visit the communities that process our shea butter using a traditional hand-crafted method. Our commitment to sourcing from the Global Shea Alliance and these villages not only provides additional income for the families, but it also helps to empower the women who are central to the process.