The $2,800 'Qatar' Soap Has Gold and Diamonds

Somewhere in a Lebanese soap factory, artisans spent six weeks crafting a single bar of soap worth more than most people's monthly rent. The result? 'Qatar'—officially the world's most expensive bar of soap at $2,800.

Yes, you read that right. A bar of soap. For nearly three grand.

What Makes It Worth a Fortune?

The soap contains 17 grams of 24-karat gold powder and 3 grams of diamond dust, blended with organic olive oil and virgin honey. It took one and a half months to produce, and yes, you're meant to actually wash with it.

The company behind this luxurious lather is Khan Al-Saboun Bader Hassoun and Sons, a Lebanese soap dynasty that's been perfecting their craft for over 800 years. Eight centuries of soap-making experience led to this—a bar so exclusive it was originally created as a gift for Qatar's first lady.

The Rough Truth About Luxury

Here's something the marketing probably glosses over: the soap has a rough texture. All that diamond and gold powder means you're essentially exfoliating with precious metals. The company insists it won't harm your skin and offers "a psychological and spiritual effect."

What exactly that means is anyone's guess, but apparently being covered in gold dust does something for the soul.

The soap debuted at the Qatar Pool and Spa 2013 exhibition at the Doha Exhibition Centre, unveiled alongside some of the most expensive items in the world—including a $300 million penthouse. In that company, a $2,800 soap bar probably seemed like a bargain.

Why 'Qatar'?

The name isn't random. The soap was created as a tribute to Qatar's global achievements, particularly the country's successful bid to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup. The word "Qatar" is elegantly inscribed on the bar in Arabic script.

It was never meant for commercial sale. As the founders explained: "We have made only this one piece in order to showcase our capabilities for inventions in soap making and just to express our respects for royalty."

So if you were hoping to add gold-encrusted cleanliness to your shower routine, you're out of luck. The Qatar soap is reserved for special guests and important personalities only.

What's Actually in This Thing?

• 24-karat gold powder (17 grams)
• Diamond dust (3 grams)
• Pure organic olive oil
• Virgin honey
• Aged oud
• Dates

The combination transforms your shower from "daily routine to a pleasure," according to company CEO Amir Hasen. Whether that pleasure is worth $2,800 depends entirely on how you feel about watching diamonds disappear down your drain.

For the rest of us, there's always the $5 option at the drugstore. It may not contain precious metals, but at least you won't cry every time it slips out of your hands.