Cotton vs Sisal vs Ramie: Choosing the Right Soap Pouch for Your Daily Ritual

The Quiet Role of a Soap Pouch

A soap pouch does more than hold a bar. It encourages less waste. It anchors your ritual into your palm. And depending on the fibre, it shifts the way you exfoliate, cleanse, and care for the skin.

Among natural fibres, cotton, sisal, and ramie stand out—each bringing its own mood and texture to the bath.

01 — Cotton Soap Pouch

Texture: Soft, familiar, cloud-like

Best for: Sensitive skin, daily gentle cleansing

Cotton is the quietest of the three. Smooth and comforting, it creates a mild lather without much abrasion. Ideal for those who prefer a non-exfoliating, skin-kind experience or who have irritation-prone skin.

Strengths:

• Soft and non-abrasive

• Easy on sensitive, reactive skin

• Works well with creamy, low-lather soaps

Limitations:

• Least exfoliating

• Wears out faster compared to plant fibres

• It can take longer to dry

Cotton feels familiar—almost invisible in use. But for someone seeking real exfoliation, it may feel too gentle.

02 — Sisal Soap Pouch

Texture: Firm, gritty, invigorating

Best for: Deep exfoliation, rough areas, stimulating circulation

Sisal is derived from the agave plant. It’s unmistakably coarse—the material you choose when you want to feel the exfoliation.

Strengths:

• Excellent for removing dead skin buildup

• Long-lasting and sturdy

• Dries quickly and resists mould

Limitations:

• Too rough for daily use on sensitive areas

• Can feel harsh on inflamed or dry skin

Sisal brings that “scrubbed clean” sensation. It’s not subtle. It’s intentional and energising, perfect for those who love exfoliation that you can hear as much as feel.

03 — Ramie Soap Pouch

Texture: Soft yet structured, silky-matte

Best for: Daily moderate exfoliation, balanced cleansing

Ramie sits beautifully between cotton and sisal. Woven from fibres of the Chinese nettle plant, it offers a refined exfoliating experience—present but polite.

Strengths:

• Gentle enough for daily use

• More durable than cotton

• Smoothed fibres feel clean, not scratchy

• Quick-drying and naturally resistant to bacteria

Limitations:

• Slightly firmer than cotton (for ultra-sensitive skin)

• Quality varies widely by weave—premium ramie matters

Ramie is often chosen for its balance: exfoliating without aggression, structured without rigidity. It complements modern, natural, minimalist bathing habits—the very essence of Lathr.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Cotton	Sisal	Ramie
Exfoliation	★☆☆	★★★	★★☆
Softness	★★★	★☆☆	★★☆
Durability	★★☆	★★★	★★★
Quick Drying	★☆☆	★★★	★★★
Daily Use Comfort	★★★	★☆☆	★★★

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Cotton if you want:• The softest touch• Zero abrasion• A calming, minimal ritual for sensitive skin

Choose Sisal if you want:• A vigorous exfoliating scrub• A tool for rough skin, heels, elbows• High durability and fast drying

Choose Ramie if you want:• The perfect middle ground• Daily exfoliation without harshness• A natural fibre that complements modern bathing habits• The Lathr® standard feel — natural, honest, clean

Conclusion

Each fibre brings its own character into the shower. Cotton is softness. Sisal is strength. Ramie is balance.

At Lathr®, we lean towards Ramie because it aligns with our philosophy — natural materials that feel considered, grounded, and in tune with everyday rituals.