When it comes to skin cleansers, the word ‘soap’ can encompass a wide range of products - from solid bars to liquid and even powdered options, each with its own colors, scents, shapes, packaging, and claims.
Some claim to deodorize, while others tout their antimicrobial properties, anti-aging benefits, or moisturizing capabilities.
Soap is an essential part of our daily routines, used several times a day by most people, and is a crucial tool in preventing the transmission of bacterial and viral diseases.
However, not all soaps are created equal.
There are two basic types of soap: commercially made soaps and handmade, natural soaps. Although commercially made soaps are typically more affordable than their natural counterparts, there’s a great reason for the difference in price.
Our skin is not only the largest organ in the human body, but it also serves as a barrier between our internal organs and the external environment. It is constantly exposed to toxins, pollutants, and other harmful substances. This is why it is crucial to pay close attention to what we put in contact with our skin.
One way to minimize our exposure to potentially harmful toxins is to use organic, natural soap. These soaps usually consist of blended butter and oils derived from various plants, which are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that our skin needs to stay healthy. Many natural soaps also contain other beneficial ingredients, such as clays, salts, essential oils, and botanical extracts.
While handmade soaps take longer to produce and usually use higher-quality ingredients, the added cost is often worth it as they tend to be gentler on sensitive skin. It’s important to try a variety of natural soaps to find the one that best suits your skin type and preferences.
There are several other benefits to using natural soap, including:
1. It's actually real soap.
Many products that are marketed as soaps, such as ‘cleansers,’ ‘body bars,’ ‘body washes,’ ‘beauty bars,’ ‘skincare bars,’ and even ‘deodorant soaps,’ are actually detergent-based products, not true soaps.
2. Natural soaps are highly moisturizing.
Real soap is an excellent skin moisturizer because it’s made with nourishing skin oils. It doesn’t contain harsh detergents like commercially manufactured soaps do. Natural soaps also use - you guess it - natural ingredients such as olive and coconut oils, shea butter, and grass-fed tallow, and are rich in antioxidants, which help to repair the skin by reducing inflammation and keeping it hydrated.
3. Natural soap is free of harsh chemicals.
Natural soaps are free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and other harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. They're also usually cruelty-free, biodegradable, and often free from sulfates, phthalates, and animal by-products that are typically found in detergent soaps.
4. They're eco-friendly.
Natural soaps are made with sustainable and biodegradable ingredients, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. As mentioned above, organic soaps are cruelty-free, plant-based, and do not require large-scale factories that cause environmental damage. They also break down more easily after use and do not harm the water cycle or wildlife.
5. Smaller batch production means fresher product and more variety.
All natural and organic soaps are handmade in small batches. This allows makers like us to create a much wider variety of products for you to enjoy! The bars themselves are unique, as they vary slightly due to being handmade as opposed to commercial soaps that are made in huge batches by machines.
Also, natural soaps are much more fresh. They hit your shower within weeks, vs months (or even years).
In conclusion, natural handmade soap is an excellent choice for those who want to prioritize their skin health and minimize their exposure to potentially harmful toxins. Although it may be more expensive than commercial soaps, the benefits of natural soap far outweigh the added cost. So, the next time you reach for a bar of soap, consider making the switch to natural soap for a healthier, more eco-friendly option.
