Say’Chandriks Soap’ and all Malayalis recognize it immediately. I have known of it and used it off and on from my childhood. Let me tell you, it is not a glamorous soap like some bathing bars-it is for ordinary everyday use.
I have heard it said that initially, when labor migrated from Kerala to the gulf and were domiciled in congested habitations where they shared beds and buckets, there was a lot of skin infection, especially a fungal infection known as’Themmal’ which was really repulsive. Chandrika soap not only cured that but prevented further spread and many swear by its use.
I used it in my teens to control breakouts and it also controls oily dandruff. My son uses it now.
I have breakouts of psoriasis in my palms and soles occasionally and is triggered by some detergents, steel, some leather products like some shoes and handbags and soaps. I heard that it is the chromium or nickel in these that trigger these reactions.
I only use Pears Glycerin Soap.
Now the climate here is unbearably sticky and I have shifted to Chandrika for its cool smell and clean feeling and to prevent fungal infections from the sweat. I have been using it for 10 days. I do not know whether it would trigger my psoriasis and must wait and see.
Otherwise, it feels great.
The proper use of soap is not to rub it on your body as in ads, but to just pass your hand or a sponge lightly over it and rub it on your wet body. The lather may be less, but you will get clean enough and your body will not be stripped of its lubrication.
I love Chandrika and Chandrika means moonlight.
I wish it would come in a smaller size as soap is a personal product and I won’t be able to finish mine for several months and it would loose some of its smell and get soggy.
I do not know whether it would suit cold climates.