In today’s time, we are being more concerned for our skin health. Our skin health getting effected due to residing in heavy polluted cities, unhealthy diet, not giving proper skin care to out skin. People being more conscious about the products they use on their skin.
To overcome this act, we can make one simple yet powerful change in our daily routine is to shift from commercial soaps to handmade soaps. Handmade Soaps are way much healthier for skin health than commercial soaps.
What are handmade soaps?
Handmade Soaps are soaps that are made with natural ingredients such as essential oils, butters, leaves, herbs, etc. Unlike commercial soaps, handmade soaps are made with traditional methods like cold press, hot process and melt & pour. These are extremely effective for skin problems, working process is slow but extremely effective in long run.
Handmade Soaps retain beneficial properties of all the ingredients which we poured in the handmade soaps making process. All the natural ingredients helps to nourish the skin and heal skin problems.
Key Characteristics of Handmade Soaps-
1. Made with Natural Ingredients
Handmade soaps are made with natural ingredients such as essential oils, aloevera, neem leaves, rose petals, etc.
2. Rich in Natural Glycerin
Glycerin is used during the soap- making process. It helps to attract moisture to the skin, which keeps skin soft and hydrated.
4. Crafted in small batches
Handmade soaps are usually produced in small quantity, as it helps in focusing better quality control and attention to detail.
5. Suitable for Different Skin Types
We can customized handmade soaps according to our need, skin requirements. Each ingredient has its own special benefit for the skin. For example:-
- Aloevera soap for hydration
- Neem Soap for acne- prone skin
- Coffee Soap for exploitation
- Rose soap for gentle cleansing
Now lets know about commercial soaps:
What are Commercial Soaps?
Commercial Soaps are soaps that are made in factories, using synthetic chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, strong detergents and artificial fragrances and sold in supermarkets stores. They are produced in mass production in factories with the help of industrial processes. Glycerin is not used in commercial soap making.
They just create foam and help in removing dust from the skin.
Difference between Handmade soaps and Commercial soaps
| Feature | Handmade Soaps | Commercial Soaps |
| Ingredients | Natural & Plant based | Synthetic chemicals |
| Skin Feel | Gentle & Nourishing | Make skin dry |
| Production | Small batches | Mass production |
| Glycerin | Often used in soap making | Not used in soap making |
Benefits of switching to Handmade Soaps
In today’s harsh world, we should definitely switch to more organic products rather than inorganic products. Organic or handmade products retain natural ingredients properties that helps in improving skin health in a effective way.
1. gentle on the Skin
Handmade soaps are made with natural ingredients such as essential oils, aloevera, neem leaves that cleanse the skin without removing natural moisture from the skin. It holds natural moisture in the skin. Unlike many commercial soaps, they just cleanse skin and don’t retain moisture in the skin. Handmade soaps are extremely gentle for the skin and maintain the skin’s natural balance.
2. Rich in Natural Ingredients
Only reason why we prefer handmade soaps is that they are rich in natural ingredients. Ingredients like aloevera, neem leaves, rose petals, sandalwood powder, coffee powder and coconut oil. They helps to nourish the skin and improve the overall skin health.
3. Free from Harsh Chemicals
Commercial soaps are usually produced in mass production and often made with synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances which are not good for skin health. Using commercial soaps for a long time ruins skin health. It irritates the skin and increases skin pigmentation. We should highly avoid commercial soaps and start adopting handmade soaps in our life.
4. Naturally Moisturizing
Handmade soaps often retain glycerin, an ingredient which is used in the soap making process. Glycerin helps to store moisture in the skin, keeps skin soft and hydrated.
5. Helps in reducing Common skin issues
If we consistently bathe with handmade soaps, it reduces common skin issues like reducing pigmentation, smooth skin, nourishes the skin, calms itchy and inflamed skin, helps removes excess oil and cleanse pores, helps with acne and skin infections.
Methods of Producing Handmade Soaps
- Cold Process Method
Cold process method is the most popular method for producing handmade soaps.
In this method, oils such as coconut oil or essential oils are mixed with lye aka sodium hydroxide. This process turns oil into soaps. This reaction is termed as saponification.
But, there is a drawback of this method, it needs 4-6 weeks to cure before use.
2. Melt and pour Method
This is the easiest and beginner friendly method for soap making.
In this method, ready- made soap base is melted and then raw ingredients like aloevera, neem, essential oils, coffee powder for exfoliation are added before pouring mixture into molds. After pouring the mixture into molds, we place molds into the freezer for at least 3-4 hours to get solidify. After solidifying, we can use it for bathe.
3. Hot Process Method
Hot process method is a very popular method for soap making. In this method, heat is used to speed up soap making process. In this method, natural oils and lye (sodium hydroxide) are mixed together and then heated (double boiler is more preferable). The heat accelerates the chemical reaction called as saponification, which turns oils into soap.
With the help of this method, soap is produced much faster than the cold process method. We can use soap sooner instead of using soap after 4-6 weeks. This method is best for those people who wants to use soap quickly without waiting for long curing time.
Conclusion
Switching to handmade soaps is a minimal change that can make a big difference to your skin health. With gentle formulations, natural ingredients and essential oils, handmade soaps makes more healthier and refreshing bathing experience.
If you are looking for soaps made with care and natural ingredients, adapting handmade soaps would be a wonderful choice for daily skincare routine. It boosts softness, hydration and nourishment to the skin. Choosing the right soap according to your skin type can make a noticeable big difference to your skin health.
In today’s harsh world, we should definitely switch to more organic products rather than inorganic products. Organic or handmade products retain natural ingredients properties that helps in improving skin health in a effective way.
Aloevera soap for hydration
Neem Soap for acne- prone skin
Coffee Soap for exploitation