The GQ Guide to Dr. Bronner's
The main association many guys have with Dr. Bronner’s is its label and its blocks of tiny text: Is it scripture? No. Is it the product ingredients? I'm sure they're somewhere in there, but mostly: hell no. Is it a manifesto? Eh, kind of? Let’s call it a “call for peace”, though it’s actually called Dr. Bronner’s Moral ABCs.
You’ll see names like Jesus and Karl Marx and whatnot on the label, but put aside your own belief systems and keep in mind the original Dr. Bronner and his own history: He was born Emanuel Heilbronner in Germany, a Jewish man who fled to the US during the war (and dropped the “Heil”). He couldn’t convince his parents to join him, and they were later killed in the Holocaust. Dr. Bronner himself preached—somewhat zealously—about an “All-One-God-Faith”, wherein we are all united and leading moral, virtuous lives. But anywhere you look in the Dr. Bronner’s code, you see ethics at the center: Be good to your employees, be good to your suppliers, be good to your customers, be good to this earth, be good to your community. (These days that takes the form of the company's advocacy for a higher minimum wage and wider availability of psychedelic therapy.)
Oh, and: be good to yourself. If you ask us, a great way to do that is to get clean (and moisturized, and fed) with some great-smelling Dr. Bronner's products. The classic soap is already one of our favorite body washes, but there's so much more to explore.
The 10 Best Dr. Bronner’s ProductsCastile Soap
Dr. Bronner's Eucalyptus Castile Liquid Soap (32 oz.)$16
Target
I use it foremost as a face cleanser, but also a body wash, an emergency shampoo, a floor cleaner, a travel clothing detergent—this stuff really does do it all. It's a must for minimalists, one of the hardest working multitasking grooming products. Peppermint is classic for a reason, but Eucalyptus will make your bathroom smell like a pricey spa.
Hand and Body Lotion
Dr. Bronner's Hand and Body Lotion$10
Amazon
One of the quickest shortcuts to soft skin is a dose of this lotion before bed. I prefer the patchouli in this one, though: The kind vibes help soothe me to sleep.
Healing Balm
Dr. Bronner's Arnica + Menthol Healing Balm$12
Amazon
It seals off cuts and traps moisture inside the skin, but it also soothes aching joints and muscles. Go ahead and rub a pinch onto your chest, too, for some vapo-style soothing.
Lip Balm
Dr. Bronner's Lip Balm (6 pack)$17
Amazon
Beeswax and oils of jojoba, avocado, and hemp give you some seriously supple, smoochable lips.
Bar Soap
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Bar Soap (5 oz.)$6
Amazon
The solid version of the liquid soap, for those who prefer it. In addition to shower-time, I adore this one for hand-washing gentle clothes, or for a quick on-the-road clothing touch-ups, for when I slurp spaghetti too fast in some white jeans.
Toothpaste
Dr. Bronner's Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (5 oz.)$6
Amazon
Baking soda and coconut oil-derived potassium cocoate are the cleaning agents in this purifying, fluoride-free toothpaste. It gets its refreshing kick from essential oils. I like the spicy cinnamon variety myself.
Hand Sanitizer
Dr. Bronner's Lavender Hand Sanitizer (6 pack)$26
Amazon
Hands down my favorite, favorite, favorite sanitizer to use in these careful times. No drying, all soothing—even on the senses.
Sugar Soap
Dr. Bronner's Sugar Soap (Unscented, 12 oz.)$12.50
Amazon
Soft enough for babies and sensitive skin, this soap has a little more heft to it than the pure castile option. I like it on my sink ledge for frequent hand washing (since it doesn't dehydrate the skin).
Coconut Oil
Dr. Bronner's Whole Kernel Virgin Coconut Oil (30 oz.)$24
Amazon
Certified Fair Trade (but of course), this coconut oil will elevate any recipe, but also is a grooming workhouse. Swizzle it in your mouth to purify your palate, or hydrate your skin and hair. (Acne-prone skin folks shouldn't apply this to their vulnerable breakout areas, though.)
Chocolate
Dr. Bronner's Chocolate Bars (6 count)$32
Amazon
The brand realized that it was sourcing products from farmers whose cocoa supply could also produce delicious chocolate bars—and so here we are, with six different bars in the lineup. You can buy a sample pack of all 6, or dedicate yourself to one (six times over). I recommend Salted Dark Chocolate or Smooth Coconut Praline.
Read MoreThe Best Body Wash for Your Particular Skin16 top-shelf picks to upgrade your shower caddy.
By Adam Hurly and Michael Stefanov
Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQGQ RecommendsBathroom and ShowerSkincare