Natural bar soap is gradually making a return to many bathrooms and kitchens across the world. Millions of consumers are now intentional about their skin's health and the products that they use on it. Another reason natural soap is becoming popular is that an estimated 40% of people worldwide consider themselves to have sensitive skin. As the body's largest organ, your skin is among the first line of defense against germs.
Natural bar soap is made from scratch with raw organic ingredients by small scale producers through hot or cold processes. The small batches are crafted with nourishing ingredients that promote healthy skin. Here are five benefits of using natural bar soap.
1. Natural Ingredients
Handmade bar soaps are made with natural ingredients such as olive and coconut oil mixed with shea butter and other emollient oils. The organically-sourced ingredients are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that promote healthy skin. Additives such as oatmeal, clays, or aloe may also be included to provide additional benefits. Oatmeal and almond soap contains natural exfoliators that not only nourish the skin, but provide health and beauty benefits.
In contrast, commercial bar soaps use synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and other petrochemicals. These ingredients cause the skin to dry, resulting in itchiness and flaking. Some of these chemicals are linked to an increased risk of developing certain cancers.
2. Moisturizing Effects
Natural bar soaps, such as lavender or honeysuckle soap, contain glycerin and other ingredients that moisturize the skin. The FDA defines natural soaps as 'true soaps,' not detergents. Soap must be produced through saponification, which utilizes alkali salts and natural oils to produce soap, glycerin, and water. The glycerin present in the soap bar acts as a humectant that attracts water moisture from the air, making the skin soft and supple.
It is a well known fact that commercial soap manufacturers extract glycerin from their soap to sell it commercially or use it in more expensive products such as lotions. Using the beauty bar, without any glycerin, may cause your skin to dry out and crack.
3. Better Aroma and Scents
Small-scale natural bar soap producers add essential oils such as lemongrass and thyme during the production process. The result is a soap bar that releases fantastic scents with therapeutic effects. The addition of essential oils means you have a wide range of products to choose from, such as clove soap and eucalyptus oil soap.
4. Friendlier to Our Little World
There are numerous environmental benefits tied to the use of natural bar soap. Handmade soaps are crafted in small facilities that have little to no emissions and wastewater discharge. Besides, the organically-sourced natural ingredients are easier to breakdown than synthetic chemicals when washed down the drain. It also involves a cruelty-free production where innocent animals do not have to suffer under the guise of safety testing.
Purchasing natural gardenia or clove soap may be your small way of contributing to environmental protection.
5. Support Small Business
Handmade soap products are often produced by small businesses like us here at Carter Mill Soap Company. The small batches have an artisanal element with higher standards for quality.
Consumers are now more than ever willing to invest in products that better protect their overall health. Natural bar soap is one product that they are using to protect their skin. You can benefit from its moisturizing effects and better aroma while preserving the environment and supporting small business.