I never really set out to make a “5-in-1” product.
That name came later — almost as a joke. But the bar? That came from experience, curiosity, and a need for something simpler and better.
After a year of making soap, I began washing my hair with my own castile olive oil soap. It was basic, unscented, and gentle — and it worked. Clean hair, no fuss. Then I made a new version using fresh avocado and added a touch of cocoa butter. The result was noticeably better: softer hair, less dryness, and a richer lather.
I began studying the benefits of herbs, and then eventually created what’s now known as my Herbal Shampoo Bar.
So, What Are the 5 Uses?
Here’s how I (and many of you) use it:
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Shampoo – Gently cleanses hair and scalp without harsh detergents
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Conditioning – Plant butters like cocoa and avocado help soften hair
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Face cleanser – Gentle enough for sensitive skin
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Body soap – Creamy lather, beautifully mild
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Travel bar – Lightweight, plastic-free, and does it all
It’s simple. But not simplistic.
It’s made with intention, using ingredients that are naturally kind to both skin and hair — extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, butters, herbs, and essential oils. These ingredients don’t belong in just one category. They nourish everything.
What’s Inside Our Herbal Shampoo Bar
Every ingredient serves a purpose. Nothing extra. Nothing synthetic.
🌱 Oils & Butters
Each oil is selected for its specific benefits to the scalp, hair strands, and skin:
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Olea Europaea (Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil) – The foundation of every bar. Rich in antioxidants and deeply moisturising without clogging pores.
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Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil) – Adds cleansing power and stable lather; traditionally used for scalp health.
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Argania Spinosa (Argan Kernel Oil)* – Known as "liquid gold" for dry or damaged hair, bringing shine and softness.
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Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil)* – Mimics the skin's natural sebum, balancing and soothing.
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Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil)* – Lightweight, nourishing, and softening for both skin and scalp.
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Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)* – Adds moisture and creaminess; helps soften dry or brittle hair.
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Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Seed Butter) – Rich in fatty acids, offers conditioning and a smooth lather.
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Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed Oil) – Boosts lather and helps support hair growth and scalp comfort.
🌸 Essential Oils & Natural Extracts
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Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Essential Oil) – Calming to the scalp, subtly floral and fresh.
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Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Essential Oil & Extract) – Invigorates circulation and supports healthy hair growth.
🌿 Whole Plant Botanicals
Infused into oils before soapmaking for a more potent and natural result:
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Calendula Officinalis* – Known for its soothing, skin-calming properties.
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Lavandula Angustifolia* – Whole lavender flowers add gentle scent and skin benefits.
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Rosmarinus Officinalis* – Rosemary leaves bring a natural herbal freshness and scalp-stimulating properties.
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Urtica Dioica (Nettle Leaf)* – Traditionally used to support hair strength and reduce irritation.
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Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey Leaf)* – Supports skin renewal and scalp balance.
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Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Leaf)* – Adds a light tingle and helps freshen the scalp.
*Certified organic where available.
🌿 From Convenience to Care
The name “5-in-1” started as a way to explain how versatile the bar was. But over time, I’ve come to feel it doesn’t quite capture what this bar offers.
“5-in-1” sounds like a gimmick — a convenience combo product from the supermarket shelf.
And that’s not what this is.
- This is a bar made by hand, with care.
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It’s not built for speed — it’s built for simplicity, safety, and connection.
- It works not because it tries to do everything, but because it’s made from ingredients that naturally support the scalp, skin, and hair — all in one.
✈️ The Unexpected Joy of Travel Simplicity
The 5-in-1 bar really shines when you’re on the move.
No more TSA (Transportation Security Administration) limits. No more heavy bottles. Just one bar that covers you — from morning showers to evening face washes.
Many of you have shared that you were skeptical at first… but once you tried it, you didn’t want to go back. I love reading those messages. They remind me that simplicity isn’t about sacrificing — it’s about choosing what matters.
🧡 From My Hands to Yours
Whether you’re new to The Australian Olive Oil Soap or you’ve been using my bars for years, I just want to say thank you. Your support has helped me grow this from a kitchen craft into a meaningful journey — one bar, one heart at a time.
So, if you’re looking for something simple that just works —
A bar you can take anywhere, or trust every day —
I invite you to try the bar that quietly became more than I expected.
No hype. Just herbs, oils, and love.
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With gratitude,
Amy
Founder & Soap Maker, Mum of 3
The Australian Olive Oil Soap
P.S. Not only our herbal shampoo bar but all of our shampoo bars are 5-in-1 !!!