I Found a Brand That Makes Affordable Versions of Luxe Hand Soaps (My Guests Couldn’t Tell the Difference!)

published Dec 4, 2025

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Bathroom with black vanity, round mirror, hanging plant, wooden shelves, and a bathtub with a tray holding towels and candles. — Credit: Marisa Vitale

I’ll never turn my nose at affordable alternatives to pricier, luxury products, and I’d bet you feel similarly — it’s why brands like Quince are such a hit! I’m one of those people who refills their Aesop bottles with generic hand soap (sorry, not sorry), because I love the elevated look the bottles bring to my bathroom counter. So when I scrolled upon Element Brooklyn —a brand that makes wallet-friendly (and sustainable!) refills that promise to be as good as their high-end counterparts, I knew I had to try it. Keep reading for the full scoop.

What Does Element Brooklyn Specialize In?

Element Brooklyn offers premium refills inspired by the fragrances of luxury brands (think Aesop, MALIN+GOETZ, Le Labo, and more) all at a fraction of the price. They make everything from hand soaps and creams to body washes, candles, and diffusers — there’s even an all-purpose cleaner and hair care products, too. It’s like the Quince of home and personal care.

Element’s refill model reduces plastic waste, which I love, and allows them to keep costs low. Byredo’s famous Bibliotheque Candle costs $95, for example, but Element’s similar Reading Room Candle is only $30. And you can even refill your glass vessel with a new candle for only $20. What’s more, the brand’s soap refill pouches, like the Mandarin Crush Hand Soap that’s comparable to Aesop’s Resurrection Hand Wash, only costs $24 for 17 fluid ounces. Nearly half the price of the name brand, and you get two refills per pouch.

I should note that Element Brooklyn refills don’t just smell like their luxury counterparts; they perform like them, too! So much so that you won’t be able to tell the difference (but your bank account certainly will). More on this later.

Does Element Brooklyn Have Stores?

Element Brooklyn doesn’t have a retail store, but if you’re local to NYC, they host Warehouse Fridays at their headquarters in Bushwick. Just book an appointment to experience all the scents in person and shop your favorites. You may even get a behind-the-scenes tour!

Do Element Brooklyn Candles Burn Faster Than High-End Candles?

Nope! Element Brooklyn Candles have a slow and steady burn, which means you can enjoy their luxe fragrances for longer before it’s time for a refill. I’ve tested high-end candles like Diptyque and didn’t notice a difference in burn time!

How Do You Refill Element Brooklyn Candles?

I haven’t burned through an entire candle yet, but refilling seems pretty straightforward! The candle refills come in their own box, and it’s essentially a new pillar of solid candle wax. Before refilling, pop your candle into the freezer (not while it’s hot as the glass may shatter), and after a couple of hours, try prying out the residual wax. Wash it in your sink, and once dry, you can pop your new candle wax inside and start all over again.

Are Element Brooklyn Dispensers Plastic?

Yes, Element Brooklyn containers are plastic. But they’re also certified plastic negative, which means that for every dispenser they make, twice as much plastic is removed from the environment.

The Best Finds at Element Brooklyn

Out of everything in Element Brooklyn’s repertoire, I’d recommend starting with their hand and body soap refill pouches — you’ll be floored by how much they smell like their high-end equivalents! I also had the privilege of putting their other products to the test. Here’s what stood out to me.

Commodore Hand & Body Soap

$24

I’ll often judge hotels on the quality of their shower products, and the best ones always had MALIN+GOETZ’s Rum Hand and Body Wash in the shower. So I was delighted to discover that Element’s Commodore Hand and Body Soap smells identical, with notes of rich rum, bergamot, and ambery sweetness. It now makes my showers feel like a fancy hotel experience. And a little goes a long way; just one pump gives you a plush foamy lather that leaves my skin feeling clean and smelling great, even after I’ve left the shower. Plus, one pouch gives you two refills of the brand’s soap dispenser for less than $25!

$24 at Element Brooklyn

Pumice Stone Hand Soap

$19

I refilled my bottle of Aesop’s Reverence Hand Wash with this Pumice Stone Hand Soap and my visiting mother-in-law (who also has a taste for the finer things, I might add) couldn’t tell the difference. Down to the exfoliating pumice stone and fresh petitgrain and vetiver scent, it’s a 10 out of 10. It leaves my hands feeling so clean, and I’m positive it’ll result in compliments from your house guests.

$19 at Element Brooklyn

Reusable Hand Soap Dispenser

$10

While you could totally refill the bottles you already have, Element’s soap dispensers definitely elevate the experience. And because not all soap dispensers are created equal, it’s worth noting that I haven’t had any issues with the pumps on these getting clogged with product. What’s more, the minimalist-looking bottle clears up the visual clutter of multiple labels on your counter! I think it’d make a great holiday gift alongside a soap pouch, too.

$10 at Element Brooklyn

In Full Bloom Candle

$27

As a Diptyque Baies devotee, I have to give the In Full Bloom candle its flowers. Its lush black currant and soft floral notes burn beautifully all year round. The soy wax candle tunnels a tiny bit, so you’ll want to burn it for a longer period to ensure it stays even. Hand-poured in a tinted glass vessel, it looks and smells way more expensive than its $27 price would suggest. Honorable mention goes to the brand’s Campfire Studio candle, which is comparable to By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela REPLICA. Campfire Studio is sold out but incredibly cozy-smelling.

$27 at Element Brooklyn

Desert Bloom Hand & Body Cream

$25

I highly recommend keeping a dispenser full of Element’s Desert Bloom Hand and Body Cream at your bedside. Not only does the geranium and mandarin rind scent remind me of walking into an Aesop store, it’s bright and refreshing, a total pick-me-up on dreary days. What’s more, it feels super nourishing without leaving a goopy, greasy residue behind, so it’s perfect for the warmer months, too.

$25 at Element Brooklyn

Genovese Hand Soap

$19

The Genovese Hand Soap has taken up permanent residence at my kitchen sink. The zesty, herbaceous scent is ripe for washing my hands before cooking. It’s also inspired by Le Labo’s Basil Hand Soap, so if you’re a fan of the fragrance, you’re bound to love Element’s version.

$19 at Element Brooklyn

Mandarin Crush All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate

$13

I’m no stranger to a cleaning concentrate, but Element’s Mandarin Crush All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate smells better than any of the others I’ve tried. Its citrusy, woodsy aroma (that’s Aesop inspired!) brings a new level of luxury to everyday chores like wiping down my kitchen counter, while delivering a thorough clean. What’s more, one 3.4-ounce bottle gives you two refills of the brand’s glass spray bottle — and it’s only $13!

$13 at Element Brooklyn

Dispenser Wall Mount

While I didn’t test the wall mount myself (renter problems!), I think they’re a smart and stylish way to give your bathroom a hotel vibe. The matte black mount keeps Element dispensers securely in place and adds sophisticated polish to your bathroom. They just look like you have it all together!

$9 at Element Brooklyn

Candle Care Set

$19

Every candle enthusiast needs this set. It includes a candle snuffer and wick trimmer in a sleek matte black finish. They’re the kind of tools you won’t feel weird about leaving exposed on your coffee table. And it comes ready to give in a chic little box! I think it’d make the perfect present alongside one of the brand’s candles.

$19 at Element Brooklyn

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