I've been using bronners for a decade and have recommended it to more people than I could count. I've never had anyone tell me they downright disliked the soap - with the exception of peppermint, some folks don't like the chilling sensation.
Follow the instructions on the bottle for dilution as well, makes like easier and spreads out the soap.
Your hair gets that stiff feeling that shampoo doesn’t leave you with. I think it was the mint one I got, as recommended, and it left strong sensation on my balls - the kind you can’t tell if it is burning or freezing. And generally skin dry.
So what exactly does it do that the cheapest store brand bar or liquid soap doesn’t? It’s obviously full of residue given it’s scented, and even if it wasn’t full of non soapy things you’d still need to use body lotion and conditioner afterwards to not feel completely dried out.
Bronners cleans dirt and washes away sweat and grease, sure. But I’ve never encountered a soap or detergent in a super market that didn’t.
The cheapest liquid hand washing soap leaves your skin feeling softer and just as clean and just as scented as Bronners. Although I’m not really sure why being scented is a selling point.
Personally I can’t see why you shouldn’t go for a no perfume, certified safe for people with astma and allergies and certified environmentally friendly. In some markets (like Denmark) even the store brands has these certificates and you can scent yourself with the perfume or cologne of your choice instead of having a mix of cologne, body wash and shampoo fight it out.
I will use it for housekeeping but I don't let it near my body anymore.
That being said - are you diluting it or using it straight? I usually dilute 4 parts water to 1 part soap for handwashing / showering. Also, the Eucalyptus scent was harsher on my skin than others - I prefer the unscented, almond, or peppermint varieties.