I first discovered this hand soap at a spa here in Detroit, right after stepping out of a red light sauna and taking a refreshing shower, feeling like the most relaxed version of myself. I used the restroom before leaving and, upon squirting a drop of the handsoap they had stocked onto my palm, immediately froze. It smelled like a boutique hotel in Copenhagen and the beauty of summer in northern Michigan all at once. Bright citrus. Warm cedarwood. A hint of something herbal that whispered, “You have your life together.” I was hooked.

Griffin Gonzales / BuzzFeed

Naturally, I became obsessed. So, I bought the exact soap — Grown Alchemist’s hand wash in Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, and Sage — and now it lives in my bathroom like the smug, perfect little status symbol it is. The bottle is minimal and apothecary-chic, like it belongs next to some $85 face oil I pretend to use. Basically, it’s giving “quiet luxury,” but for your sink.

And the smell?? Still everything. Spa-core to the max. I now fully associate it with feeling calm, collected, and slightly more important than I actually am. I literally look forward to washing my hands (which is either a beautiful form of mindfulness or a sign that I need new hobbies).

Amazon

But here’s the thing: this little bottle of soap has genuinely upgraded my day-to-day. It’s one of those small, repeated rituals that makes your home feel intentional. Every time I use it, it feels like a tiny gift to myself — like I’m not just surviving the day, but romanticizing it a little.

BTW, here’s why the brand itself is worth knowing:

Grown Alchemist is a certified organic skincare brand founded in Australia, known for their use of botanical ingredients. Their whole vibe is clean beauty meets results, and they focus on formulations that support smooth, healthy-feeling skin. Think: 94% natural ingredients, no artificial fragrance, and a minimalist aesthetic that makes every bottle feel like it belongs in a design museum. Which is why their products feel like they belong at a spa, because…they kind of do.

Sure, it’s more expensive than drugstore soap, but so is moving into the spa where I found this. Using this at home feels more responsible.

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Griffin Gonzales / BuzzFeed

Also? Guests always say something. Sometimes it’s “Wow, what is this soap?” Other times, it’s just a stunned silence followed by them dramatically inhaling with both hands. Either way, I win.

You can snag a bottle of your own from Amazon for $30. Happy handwashing!