Why should you choose natural soap?

What is natural soap?

Natural soap - whether in liquid or solid form - is a soap that has been made from natural ingredients and organic plant and vegetable oils. They are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic detergents, colours and fragrances.

In particular, most commercially-produced soaps (and shampoos) contain the ingredient SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), a surfactant that degreases and washes dirt away. Unfortunately, it can also be extremely drying for the skin.

Why should you choose natural soap?

What is natural soap?

Natural soap - whether in liquid or solid form - is a soap that has been made from natural ingredients and organic plant and vegetable oils. They are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic detergents, colours and fragrances.

In particular, most commercially-produced soaps (and shampoos) contain the ingredient SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), a surfactant that degreases and washes dirt away. Unfortunately, it can also be extremely drying for the skin.

What are the benefits of using natural soap?

Without wanting to get on our soapbox, there are many benefits of using natural soap (or eco soap, as it’s sometimes known).

As well as the simple fact that you are using a product made entirely from natural ingredients, natural soap is better for your skin, especially if you are prone to dryness or eczema.

The strong detergents in commercial soaps can strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry or even irritated.

Another advantage of organic soap Australia is the aromatherapeutic benefits you’ll get by using them, thanks to essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil and lavender oil.

What are natural soaps made from?

Now we know what natural soap is free from, let’s focus more on what it contains. Natural soaps, which are often handmade, are usually butter and plant-based oils blended together. They can then be enriched with other earth-based ingredients, such as clays, essential oils and botanical extracts.

One byproduct of natural soap making is glycerin, a gentle emollient that allows the skin to keep moisture. They usually remove glycerin from commercially produced soaps.

Can I make natural soap at home?

Someone once said that “soap-making is like cooking. Just don’t lick the spoon”. While it’s perfectly possible to make natural soap at home, bear in mind it’s quite a complicated, not to mention messy process.

Soap is oil or fat mixed with an alkali called lye. When you heat oil and lye, a chemical reaction called saponification occurs which results in soap. No lye is then left in the soap.

If you’re game to give soap making a go, see this natural soap recipe.