Andrew Pears Inventor of clear (glycerin) soap Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Andrew Pears
2. Early Life and Career
3. Innovation and Success
4. Expansion and Marketing
5. Current Status

Biography of Andrew Pears

Andrew Pears, the inventor of transparent (glycerin) soap, was born around 1770 and died in 1845. He was the founder of the brand 'Pears Soap', which became the world's first mass producer of transparent soap. Pears opened a factory near Oxford Street in London, England in 1789.

Early Life and Career

Andrew Pears, the son of a farmer, was born in the village of Mevagissey in Cornwall around 1770. He moved to London in 1787 and opened his own barbershop on Gerrard Street in Soho. His clientele consisted of wealthy individuals who were concerned about their appearance. In that era, pale white skin was considered fashionable among the wealthy, while tanned faces were associated with working-class individuals. Pears noticed that his customers often used his powders and creams to hide damaged skin caused by harsh soaps and cosmetics containing harmful substances. This inspired him to experiment with soap-making and eventually develop a gentle soap based on glycerin and other natural ingredients. His new soap turned out to be transparent, giving it a distinct marketing advantage. Pears also added fragrances reminiscent of English gardens to his soap, making it more appealing to customers. Additionally, Pears' high-quality soap produced a better lather compared to other soaps on the market.

Innovation and Success

Pears' soap-making process was completely different from previous methods. He saponified a mixture of fats and other oils using potassium hydroxide in technical alcohol. After saponification, small vessels containing glycerin were left behind, instead of storing it in large containers. Once the semi-transparent amber liquid cooled enough to be molded, it was shaped into oval pieces with a concave-convex form. These pieces were then dried in ovens for an extended period. Pears' soap had a total fatty matter (TFM) content of 45%, while other regular soaps of that time had TFM levels ranging from 70-80%.

In 1835, Andrew's grandson, Francis Pears, joined the business and the company was renamed 'A & F Pears'. Three years later, Andrew retired, leaving the company in his grandson's hands. Andrew Pears passed away in London in 1845 and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.

Expansion and Marketing

'A & F Pears' was awarded a medal for its gentle and pure soap at the Great Exhibition of 1851. By 1862, production had been relocated to Isleworth. In 1864, Thomas J. Barratt, often referred to as the father of advertising, was appointed as the company's accountant. Barratt's innovative marketing methods significantly improved soap sales. In 1865, Andrew Pears' son, also named Andrew, joined the company as a co-owner and managed the Isleworth factory. That same year, Thomas Barratt married Mary Pears, the eldest daughter of Francis Pears, and began handling the company's affairs in London.

In the early 20th century, the 'Pears Soap' brand gained fame through its annual 'Miss Pears' competition. Parents would bring their daughters to compete for the title of the brand's young ambassador. The winner's face would appear on the soap's packaging, and Miss Pears herself would participate in consumer events. Many of the competition's winners went on to become actresses and models.

Current Status

Originally, Pears Soap was produced in 75g and 125g bars. Today, the soap is available in three shades: classic amber, green, and blue (mint). Each variant has its own fragrance. Recently, the company introduced two new bar sizes - 69g and 119g. However, changes in the production process have led to some negative outcomes. The soap lost its concave-convex shape and became flat, and its characteristic soft, spicy scent became too strong. In 2009, it was noted in the UK that the soap had lost its shape, its moisturizing properties had decreased, and its scent resembled coal tar. On January 8, 2010, it was reported that the 'Pears Soap' brand was ready to use an aroma that more closely resembled the original formula, but this change was never implemented.