What does this soap smell like, and does the tar smell fade after washing?

The smell of birch tar is distinctive and fairly intense — resinous, with a light smoky note. A strong scent is a normal feature of tar products. If you have never used tar soap before, be prepared for the smell to be noticeably different from the familiar floral or fruity fragrances.

After rinsing, the smell on the skin and hair is usually much weaker than during washing — tar rinses off well with water. However, a light residual scent may linger for some time, especially on the hair. How quickly it fades depends on individual perception and hair length: on long hair the smell lasts longer.

Those who are sensitive to smells or work in settings where a strong scent is undesirable should bear this in mind when choosing. On the other hand, for use in the sauna or after outdoor activities, many people see the characteristic tar smell as part of the “sauna” ritual and deliberately choose such products precisely for it.