Let me start off by saying that this soap is fantastic (as long as you can tolerate the smell). It does a great job at keeping your skin hydrated, even during the winter months. It is worth noting that the 4.25 oz bar is the original formula from 1878 which contains sodium tallowate (animal fat) as its base. Although I do not consider this a problem, some users may prefer a vegetable based alternative. If so, go with the 3.25 bar. It contains all of the same ingredients as the 4.25 oz bar, minus the animal fat.