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 after saponification (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 & 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. Detergents are
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. Others 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. The attractiveness for
tallow for mass producing soap is that 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 are on the lookout for more
"green" alternatives. Benefits Of Handmade Soap
Evidence abounds 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 that have sensitive skin or are
hypoallergenic often find immediate relief by switching to
handmade soap. Compared to store bought soap, handmade soap is
very mild. They are often made from vegetable-based oils, such
as olive, coconut, and palm and do not contain the potentially
harmful chemicals found in conventional bar soap. One of the
biggest differences between commercial soap and handmade soap is
glycerine. Glycerine is a clear liquid that absorbs water from
the air and 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 glycerine and sell it as a
by-product to be used in higher priced products like lotions and
skin creams.
Handmade Soap Is Good For Your Body
For adults, the skin covers approximately 20 square feet of the
human body. It is the largest human organ and is the bodies
first line of defense against dehydration, temperature,
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!
