Soapmakers are often asked about the difference between handmade soap and store-bought soap. There are many differences. First and foremost, most commercial store-bought soap isn’t soap at all. It’s a detergent made out of chemical hardeners, artificial scents, and chemical foaming agents.
It may be labeled “natural” and come with all kinds of persuasive advertising claiming all sorts of wonderful benefits, but read the ingredients label for more info.
Handmade soap is pure soap, in its true pure form. It cleanses and moisturizes naturally without stripping away your skin’s natural healthy oils.
To be fair, some of the ingredients of commercial soaps are in handmade soaps, too, and they are natural ingredients. Stearic Acid is a fatty acid common in all soaps. Sodium Tallowate is a byproduct of the saponification of animal fats like beef tallow. (It makes a good soap, but we don’t use animal products at C&L.) Sodium Palmitate is a salt of palm oil, also common in handmade soaps.
However, handmade soaps do not usually contain any preservatives or harsh chemicals that are commonly found in commercial soaps.
Handmade soap is more expensive – Typically selling in a range from $4 to $9 per bar, handmade soap is far more expensive than most store-bought soaps. It’s worth it, though. Read on.
Handmade soap contains all its natural glycerin – In the soapmaking process glycerol (glycerin) is liberated from the triglycerides, which are then converted to sodium salts. Chemically speaking, soap itself is a “salt”. Glycerin is FANTASTIC for your skin, but it is far more commercially valuable than the soap itself. So, commercial soap companies extract the glycerin and sell it separately, replacing it with cheaper chemicals. Independent soapmakers leave in the natural glycerin to hydrate and soften skin.
Handmade soap can be custom formulated – We can make soap in very small batches, so we can easily custom formulate. For example, this weekend I’m making ten pounds of all natural dog soap for a special use containing colloidal oatmeal, activated charcoal, tea tree, sulfur, lavender, and citronella.
Handmade soap uses natural essential oils – Commercial store-bought soaps are usually scented with chemicals. Most soapmakers, however, use all natural essential oils instead. These oils have real therapeutic properties. For example, tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial. Lavender oil helps you relax. Citronella repels biting insects. Peppermint is a natural astringent.
Handmade soap preserves the natural oils – The coconut oil, shea butter, and other natural skin-nourishing oils we use actually stay in handmade soap to protect and heal your skin naturally.
Handmade soap comes in many varieties – C&L makes 150 varieties of soap in a dozen formulas for different purposes. Buying from an independent soapmaker, you can select exactly the soap you want for your specific needs and preferences.
Handmade soap is local – Buy local! Yay!
FAQs
Handmade Soap Is Natural and Organic
This is especially important when it comes to the oils used in the soap. Handmade soap bars are made with high-quality oils, providing your skin with a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Many commercial soaps are made with harsh synthetic ingredients that can damage your skin.
What are the benefits of handmade soap? ›
Unlike commercial soaps that are often made with harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, handmade soap is gentle and safe for all skin types. Plus, the natural ingredients in handmade soap can help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healthy skin cell growth.
Why do people like handmade soap? ›
Handmade soap bars contain an ingredient that helps to retain moisture in the skin: glycerine. Commercial soaps leave many people's skin dry and itchy—this is due not only to what is in the soap, but also what isn't in it.
Why is natural soap better than commercial soap? ›
Most natural soap lines are consciously created by people who are passionate about health and the environment. Commercial soaps are batch made by machines in large factories in less than ideal conditions. Organic soaps are not only good for the environment, but they're also safe and biodegradable.
Why switch to handmade soap? ›
Better Ingredients, Better Results
But what they're lacking is skin-loving ingredients that will enhance your skin's performance. Handmade soaps are typically made with ingredients like skin softening oils, lye, liquids, and essential oils for added fragrance and performance.
Why is buying handmade better? ›
Buying handmade is about more than just purchasing a product. It's about supporting artisans and their craft, preserving cultural heritage, and making a positive impact on the environment and local economies. It's about choosing quality over quantity, unique over generic, and sustainable over disposable.
Why should you use homemade soap? ›
It made without chemicals and synthetics
Most commercial soaps aren't true soap at all. Often manufactured with synthetic ingredients, they're similar to detergents. These may include parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, triclosan, and phosphorus, which irritate and dry the skin.
What makes handmade soap last longer? ›
One fundamental way to make your bar soap last longer is by incorporating hard oils into your recipe. Oils like coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, tallow, lard, and shea butter are rich in saturated fats, creating a solid structure in your soap.
What are the disadvantages of homemade soap? ›
Cons:
- The soap has already gone to saponification, so the recipe can not be customized as per the needs.
- Fresh ingredients will eventually go bad in the soap.
- Due to its thick texture, swirls are intricate, and layering is not possible.
Handcrafted soaps made from scratch require three things to become soap: oil, water and lye. It is the chemical reaction between these ingredients that turns them into soap.
If you make a handmade bar of soap and then add chemicals to it, you're no better off than the stuff you can buy at the grocery store. However, if you handcraft soap with all-natural ingredients (and skip the chemical color and fragrance part) you will have a wonderfully good for your skin bar of soap.
Is handmade soap better than store bought? ›
Natural handmade soap only uses natural ingredients and since they are made in small batches, due attention is given to their ingredients. The end result is no doubt natural soaps are better, gentler and safer for your skin.
What is the healthiest soap to use? ›
Our top 10 picks for natural body washes and soaps
- Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap.
- Rooted Beauty Bar Soap.
- method Body Wash.
- Mrs. Meyers Body Wash.
- Tree to Tub Gentle Body Wash for Very Sensitive Skin.
- Spinster Sisters Co. Bar Soap.
- SheaMoisture African Black Soap.
- Oars + Alps Exfoliating Bar Soap.
Handmade soap is expensive to make because production runs are very small and ingredients are expensive. You need a pot, measuring equipment, fats, lye, molds, safety gear, packaging materials, fragrances, oils, and lots of space.
Is it healthier to make your own soap? ›
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Many commercial soaps contain synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, and harsh chemicals that can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. By making your own soap, you can avoid these potentially harmful ingredients and create a gentler product.
It may be labeled “natural” and come with all kinds of persuasive advertising claiming all sorts of wonderful benefits, but read the ingredients label for more info.