On My Soapbox for Sun Basin
In which Aly rambles about her selections for Sun Basin Soap scents of the year.
Did anyone tell you that it’s a new year? (HUGE if true!) I looked up, and somehow, we are halfway through January. I’m not big on resolutions, but I do love to come up with some signifiers that help it feel like a transition between the end of one era and the beginning of another. That can be the candles I light, types of meals I cook, clothing and hairstyles, or even the scents I choose to wear.
For 2026, we’re ditching the old and fake-smelling body washes and filling the shower caddy up with a fresh set of soap bars. In a sea of synthetic, headache-inducing fragrances, Sun Basin Soap emerges not only as a cleanser, but as a storyteller: bars that transport me to forest floors, citrus groves, and chilly mountain mornings, all while being made with natural oils, butters, and plant extracts.
As someone who cherishes both sensory delight and ethical impact (Sun Basin donates all profits to charity), it’s a no-brainer that I’ll keep washing with these soap bars this year. I do firmly believe that setting intentions can put you on a path towards success, and whether or not it was a good use of my time (keep those thoughts to yourself), I looked inward and came back with my four Sun Basin scents that I’ll be taking with me into this year with gusto.
Forager – Spiced Pinyon
For the days when I really need to scrub the bad smells and bad vibes away, I think I’ll be reaching for a bar of Forager. Imagine wandering through a high desert at sunrise: crisp air, whispering pines, and that warm, woodsy spice in the breeze. That’s this bar. There’s something super grounding about the spiced pinyon notes that feels both rugged and refined.
Navigator – Eucalyptus Mint
If Forager is the trail I’ll wander on, Navigator is the cool breeze that will keep me going. I tend to shower in the early morning when I’m still not awake; Sometimes I do need that jolt of clarity that helps me shake off fog and lean into the day. Navigator is the scent that wakes me up in the most refreshing fashion.
Daydreamer – Cinnamon Citrus
I’m not going to complain about the winter weather, because if I do, then Future Aly will be mad when July comes and it’s 1,000 degrees and she’s sweating her face off. BUT! I am really excited for the first thaw of spring, and the bar that I will reach for when I get clean that season will be Daydreamer. This bar is pure whimsy. Think citrus bursting like sunshine on your skin, waltzing with warm cinnamon spice. This is the soap I reach for when I want a pick-me-up with a bit of soul.
Snowmelt – Fresh Peppermint
Snowmelt is a Sun Basin bestseller for a reason: refreshing, universally appealing, and a lovely part of my self-care routine that leans into an uber clean aroma. It’s cool, crisp, and zesty in all the right ways. I’m keeping a bar of this in rotation for the nights where I want to have a full, all-out Take Care Of Yourself Evening (Trademark Pending).
Your Top Suds
My picks are not only about smelling good (though, yes, these absolutely do). My top suds are the bars that I think will feel right from the first lather to the last rinse in ‘26. Together, they prove that soap doesn’t have to be boring or one-note. Sun Basin stands out in a world of generic “clean” scents by making bars that actually have personality and a point of view.
Even better: every bar comes with real-world impact baked in. Profits go to charity, packaging keeps things eco-friendly, and the formulas stick to natural ingredients instead of synthetic nonsense. It’s soap you can feel good about in every sense of the phrase. What are your picks for scents this year?
