"Tanaka (n.) [tah-nah-kah] is a Zimbabwean Shona name, meaning we are good, and it is this sentiment that guides their mission.

Founder Leonara started making soaps because she was becoming more mindful of her overall health, including what she put on her skin.

Tanaka make bars of soap to benefit skin health and boost wellbeing and, in doing so, rid the world of plastic waste. They are committed to using only 100% natural, cruelty-free ingredients, so you won’t find any SLS, parabens, synthetics or palm oil in their products.

Their formulations are rooted in nature and influenced by Leonara's family and friends—be it a skin concern they might have, a specific ingredient they love or a texture they desire.

Each bar is made, cured and packaged in London with intention and care. Tanaka soaps are made in small batches using the cold-processed method and are left to cure for 6 weeks.

Tanaka bars are wrapped in semi-transparent glassine paper (non-toxic, plastic-free, compostable) and sealed with a sticker made from FSC-approved paper.

Their bars are made with a unique blend of butters and oils, which results in highly conditioning, moisturising soap that forms a creamy lather and stable bubbles. Whether you’re swapping liquid hand wash in the kitchen or trading shower gel for a nourishing body bar, TANAKA’s eight soap bars are multi-purpose and kind to all skin types.

"My earliest childhood memory is spending time making what I truly believed to be healing tinctures from the herbs and flowers in my garden. It is as though TANAKA has evolved from my favourite childhood pastime—I’m still playing and experimenting with natural ingredients, creating formulations that stimulate our senses and nourish our skin.”

- Leonara, Founder