Why buy handmade soap ?

Why buy handmade soap

Handmade natural soap and mass-produced soap may serve the same purpose but that is about where the similarity ends. Even some of the well-known soap and bath product brands state that they are ‘natural’ or ‘full of nature’s bounty’ yet have a long ingredient lists containing poor quality, cheap ingredients. Other ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) and the family of parabens (chemical preservatives) found in mass-produced bath & body products fall into a more dubious category of substances to say the least.

Handmade Soap

Saponification is at the heart of soap-making. It is the chemical reaction in which the building blocks of fats and oils (triglycerides) react with lye to form soap.  Glycerin is a natural biproduct of the saponification process and a wonderful moisturiser. However, because if its value for skin moisturisers, most commercial soap makers remove it from the soap during manufacturing. With handmade soap all the Glycerin is left in the soap for superior moisturising capabilities.

Rather than use fragrance oils (synthetic fragrances manufactured in the laboratory) we prefer to use essential oils (the very essence of a tree, plant, herb or flower) that carry known therapeutic properties alongside their scent. By adding essential oils to our soaps, we can offer products that can alleviate or reduce the symptoms of common skin complaints such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema; restore balance to skin complexions; have natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and soothe inflamed areas amongst a host of other benefits. See our soaps for more details on their properties.

We have no need to bulk out our soaps with fillers such as SLS (see below) or use parabens to ensure long shelf lives. We add generous amounts of vitamin E and use oils such as wheatgerm that are high in antioxidants to achieve this.

Mass-Produced Soap

Next time you shower or bathe, have a look at the ingredients lists on the back of the bottle, jar or box. The chances are that you will find Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate and one or more parabens on the list.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

In the cosmetics industry, SLS is used as a cheap filler to bulk out many types of products such as shampoo, soap & toothpaste. It also has the added advantage of lathering up readily and degreasing surfaces which is why it is so favoured in the mass-production of bath and body products.

There are lots of rumours and myths about SLS some may or may not be true. However, SLS is known to dry out the skin and hair follicles. For sensitive / dry skin, products containing SLS are best avoided and if you do not need it why include it.

Parabens

These chemicals are readily absorbed and stored by the body and have been found in cancerous tissues. Yet, studies are not conclusive enough to make a categorical link.

However, for us where there is doubt, leave it out!