Natural Soap: What Is It All About?

 Natural Soap: What Is It All About?

Handmade natural soap is becoming increasingly popular in eco-stores and at handmade fairs. But what makes it different from regular soap? How can you identify a truly natural product among imitations? Let’s figure it out.

History and Everyday Use of Soap

Historians believe that soap was first used in ancient Babylon. Today, it’s hard to imagine a person who doesn’t use soap daily. The difference lies in the choice: some prefer mass-market products, while others opt for natural alternatives.

 How Is Soap Made?

The process of soap-making is largely the same: fats are treated with alkali, resulting in soap and by-products. However, in mass production, low-quality fats and synthetic additives like parabens, fragrances, and colorants are often used.

Such soap may smell like “juicy apple” or “ripe banana,” with colors ranging from crystal-clear to bright lemon. Its main selling point is affordability, making it accessible to everyone.

But there’s a downside: synthetic additives can cause allergies, dry out the skin, and disrupt its hydro-lipid balance. Instead of nourishing your skin, you may end up with dryness and irritation.

 How Is Natural Soap Different?

Natural soap is made exclusively from natural ingredients like plant oils, extracts, and essential oils. It contains no parabens, synthetic fragrances, or artificial colorants.

Key benefits of natural soap include:

- Moisturizing and care.** It doesn’t dry out the skin but rather nourishes it and helps heal minor irritations.
- Gentle impact.** It promotes proper sebum production, doesn’t clog pores, and improves skin condition.
- Natural components.** Often includes ingredients like beeswax, known for its healing and nourishing properties.

Beware of “Natural” Soap on Synthetic Bases

Be cautious: some soaps labeled as "natural" are made using synthetic soap bases. These may contain parabens and other synthetic ingredients. Such soaps are easy to spot by their bright colors and strong artificial fragrances.

 How to Choose Truly Natural Soap

1. Natural fragrance.
True natural soap doesn’t smell like cherry pie or banana because these scents are only achieved with synthetic additives.

2. Natural color.
It won’t be bright green or red. Authentic soap has soft, muted shades and a slightly cloudy appearance.

3. Pure ingredients.
Always read the label: natural soap should only contain oils, plant extracts, and essential oils.

By choosing natural soap, you’re caring not only for your skin but also for the environment. It’s an investment in health and harmony with nature.