Coming clean: the truth about soap

What Is Soap?

Soap is the oldest cleanser around. It is created by a chemical reaction between oils, water and lye. Although lye is used to make soap, there is no lye left ftersaponification (the chemical reaction that makes soap) is complete. There is no such thing as a bar of soap that was made without the use of lye. Different kinds of soap are made using a variety of different oils. Both animal and plant oils can be used in the soap making process, each adding different qualities to the soap.

Conventional Bar Soaps Much of the soap available in the store today is not really soap at all, but a detergent. Detergent is a petroleum-based product, like gasoline and kerosene. Have you ever noticed how regular soap leaves your skin feeling dry,
itchy and tight? Alkali, the most common irritant in soap is often the culprit. Other ingredients in mass-marketed soap have been proven harmful to human health and can cause severe skin irritations in some people. These include ingredients such as
DEA, Isopropyl Alcohol, BHT and Triclosan (commonly found in anti-bacterial soap). The most common ingredient in conventional bar soaps is sodium tallowate. It is the natural product of combining tallow, or beef fat, with lye. Tallow is used for mass-producing soap because it processes quickly, produces a hard bar of soap,
and is cheap and plentiful. The New Bar On The Block While there is nothing new about handmade soap, its popularity is growing rapidly.

The sales of handmade soap

continue to grow as part of society's movement toward buying products that are healthy and good for the environment. With the ever-increasing use of synthetic chemicals and studies about their dangerous effects, consumers want more
"green" alternatives. Benefits Of Handmade Soap There is evidence of the healing properties of a handmade bar of soap. Those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as people who have sensitive skin or arehypoallergenic, often find immediate relief by switching to handmade soap. Compared to store bought soap, handmade soap is very mild. This soap is often made from vegetable-based oils, such as olive, coconut, and palm. They do not contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in conventional bar soap. One of the
biggest differences between commercial soap and handmade soap is
glycerin. Glycerin is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air. It is a key factor in

keeping skin soft and healthy.

Glycerin soap is especially good for sensitive and delicate skin, and for children. Because it is a high quality by-product in the soap making process, many mass commercial soap manufacturers often extract the glycerin and sell it to be used
in higher priced products like lotions and skin creams.

Handmade Soap Is Good For Your Body

The skin of an adult covers approximately 20 square feet. It is
the largest human organ and the body’s first line of defense
against dehydration, temperature extremes, infection and harmful
substances. Handmade soaps give your skin the care it
deserves and make bathing a gentle, soothing experience.

Handmade Soap Is Good For Your Mind

For many of us today, life seems to move at an often hectic
pace. While the stress of everyday life increases, personal time
is at minimum. A fragrant, handmade bar of soap is a simple
indulgence that fosters a feeling of relaxation and being
pampered. Treat yourself or someone you love to the benefits of
handmade soap!

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