If you are a sucker for handmade soaps and lotions like I am, this may be a high point of your shopping. Set among the cute boutiques of 13th Street, on the edge of the Gayborhood, Duross and Langel sells hair and body care products crafted right here in Philadelphia.

The store is beautiful, with row upon orderly row of brightly colored potions: shampoos, conditioners, skin care, bubble bath and deodorants made in small batches. Fragrant candles named after the city’s coolest neighborhoods. Bath bombs, scrubs, bug repellents, shaving creams and lip balms in scrumptious scents. And their beautiful soaps are sliced from big slabs and sold by the pound. Scented with fruit and herbs, they are works of art almost too beautiful to use in the shower.

Duross and Langel was recently named one of the best shops in Philly by Philadelphia Magazine.

I love their facial scrubs, and their lip balms and skin lotions are also high on my list. My friends swear by their high-end face serums. Their beard care products are also popular. Look for the testers to find your favorite scents and try the scrubs at the sink they offer for sampling. A leisurely shop here can feel like a low-budget spa day!

If you want more, try their salon, with excellent stylists at a reasonable price for the quality of the experience and products used. Not cheap, but a good value for the service. Enjoy!