Sydney Sweeney Defends Bathwater Soap Controversy, Cites Jacob Elordi: “It Was Mainly the Girls…”

Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney has once again found herself in the center of a cultural storm after defending her controversial Dr. Squatch collaboration that featured a limited-edition soap called “Sydney’s Bathwater Bliss.” The product, which reportedly contained a “drop” of the actress’s actual bathwater, sparked massive online debates when it launched earlier this summer. Now, Sweeney has addressed the backlash by pointing out what she sees as a glaring double standard between how men and women are judged in pop culture.

The Bathwater Soap That Broke the Internet

The soap was released on June 6, 2025, priced at $8 (around ₹685), and infused with natural fragrances like pine, Douglas fir, and earthy moss. But what set it apart—and fueled the frenzy—was its unique selling point: a drop of Sydney Sweeney’s real bathwater.

The product sold out within minutes, crashing Dr. Squatch’s website and prompting opportunists to list fake bars on Walmart and resale platforms for up to $1,600. The company later confirmed these listings were fraudulent and urged fans not to fall for them.

While some fans embraced the campaign as bold, creative marketing, others slammed it as bizarre, unhygienic, and even exploitative—sparking one of the biggest celebrity-product controversies of 2025.

Sweeney Responds: “It Was Mainly the Girls”

Speaking about the backlash in a recent interview, Sweeney directly addressed the criticisms that poured in online.

“The internet was either all for it, with some saying, ‘Whatever makes men take showers.’ Or they thought it was disgusting,” she said, laughing off some of the harsher comments. But what stood out to her most was who was driving the criticism.

“It was mainly the girls… They all loved the idea of Jacob Elordi’s bathwater,” Sweeney pointed out.

By referencing her Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi, Sweeney highlighted what she considers a clear double standard. In 2023, Elordi went viral for a scene in Saltburn involving bathwater, which was largely celebrated and meme-ified online. Sweeney suggested that while men engaging in provocative or unusual acts often receive praise—or at least playful fascination—women doing the same are judged far more harshly.

The Gender Double Standard

Sweeney’s comments have reignited conversations about gender bias in celebrity culture. Her point is clear: when male stars like Jacob Elordi embrace sexualized or unusual narratives, it is viewed as iconic or entertaining. But when women attempt similar provocative branding, they face moral criticism and online trolling.

Social media proved her point. While memes celebrating Elordi’s Saltburn scene flooded platforms like TikTok, Sweeney’s soap campaign was bombarded with comments comparing it to OnlyFans stunts, calling it “gross” and “desperate.”

A PR Masterstroke?

Despite the backlash, branding experts say the move may actually boost Sweeney’s star power. Marketing analysts told Business Insider that the soap and its controversy are part of a larger strategy to position Sweeney as one of Hollywood’s most daring, conversation-driving figures.

Just weeks before, her American Eagle “jeans/genes” ad campaign also sparked outrage, with critics accusing it of being overly sexualized. Yet industry insiders argue that the controversy only strengthened her personal brand, ensuring she remains in headlines and at the center of pop culture debates.

PR strategists note that while risky, these campaigns make Sweeney impossible to ignore. “Provocative marketing often translates into staying power,” one analyst said. “Love her or hate her, people are talking—and that’s invaluable.”

Market Frenzy and Fake Listings

The soap’s meteoric sellout not only fueled the conversation but also triggered a wave of online scams. Fake versions of Bathwater Bliss quickly appeared on Walmart’s marketplace and resale sites, with some marked up to over $1,000.

Dr. Squatch moved quickly to debunk the listings, warning consumers that only their official site had sold the legitimate bars—and those had already sold out in under an hour. The frenzy underlined just how powerful Sweeney’s name has become in both entertainment and consumer culture.

Conclusion: Sydney Sweeney Plays on Controversy

While Sydney’s Bathwater Bliss may have started as a quirky brand collaboration, it has evolved into a flashpoint in larger debates about gender, celebrity, and marketing.

By calling out the Jacob Elordi comparison, Sweeney cleverly reframed the narrative—not as a joke about hygiene, but as a serious point about double standards. She underscored how female celebrities are often criticized for the same behaviors that earn male stars viral acclaim.

Love it or hate it, one thing is undeniable: Sydney Sweeney has mastered the art of turning controversy into conversation. And in today’s media landscape, conversation is currency.

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