In today's market, we've all seen products labeled as "natural" or "handmade" getting a lot of attention.

Many sellers claim that handmade soap is far better for our skin than industrially produced soap, offering benefits like retaining more natural ingredients, being more moisturizing, and being gentler on the skin. But is that really the case?

Let's take a closer look and see if handmade soap really lives up to the hype.

What Makes Handmade Soap Popular?

Handmade soap has its charm, no doubt. It's often marketed as more natural and healthier than mass-produced alternatives. One of the main selling points is the presence of natural glycerin. Glycerin is a clear, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid commonly used in skincare products because of its moisturizing properties. In large-scale soap production, manufacturers often add salt during the process to separate glycerin, excess alkali, and moisture from the soap base, making the final product 100% pure soap. However, this process also removes the natural glycerin that could otherwise help moisturize your skin. On the other hand, handmade soaps are often made with glycerin intact, which could potentially offer a more moisturizing effect and be gentler on the skin.

The Importance of Ingredients

When making handmade soap, we can select the ingredients according to our preferences and specific skin needs. From essential oils to herbs and natural additives, the possibilities are endless, and that customization is certainly a big plus. But here's the thing: whether industrial or handmade, soap is made by combining oils and alkalis. The chemical reaction, called saponification, results in sodium salts of fatty acids, which are what we know as soap.

Handmade soap often emphasizes retaining glycerin from the saponification process, and while this glycerin is beneficial for moisturizing, it's important to remember that once we wash our skin with soap, the water and soap foam typically wash away the glycerin. So, in the end, the moisturizing benefits may not be as substantial as claimed.

Does Industrial Soap Really Lose Natural Nutrients?

There's a common belief that industrial soap's manufacturing process destroys valuable natural nutrients, but this isn't entirely true. In fact, during the industrial soap-making process, ingredients like fragrance, plant extracts, and glycerin are typically added after the saponification reaction, during the melting and molding stage. The temperature at this point is not much higher than that used in handmade soap. On the other hand, during handmade soap production, a large amount of strong alkali (like sodium hydroxide) is involved throughout the process. This could lead to the breakdown of some of the natural nutrients, especially if the ingredients are sensitive to high pH levels, potentially making them less effective.

Is Handmade Soap Always Made in a Clean Environment?

We often assume that handmade products, especially soaps, are made in clean, controlled environments. However, many handmade soaps are created in regular kitchens or workshops without strict sanitation protocols. The lack of proper hygiene standards could increase the risk of contamination and affect the safety of the product. So, if you're buying homemade soap, it's important to be cautious and choose products from trusted sources. It's generally not recommended to use homemade soap for facial cleansing unless it comes from a reliable, well-established brand.

Handmade Soap: Pros and Cons

There's no denying that handmade soap has its benefits. It often uses high-quality natural ingredients, offers customization, and tends to be gentler on the skin. However, it may not always be the best choice for everyone. Industrial soap, with its more controlled production process and added safety measures, can be just as effective, if not more so, for skin cleansing. It's important to weigh the pros and cons and decide based on your skin's needs, the source of the soap, and its overall safety.

So, Is Handmade Soap Really Better?

In conclusion, handmade soap does have its advantages, but it isn't automatically a superior choice over industrial soap. While it may contain glycerin and other natural ingredients, the actual benefits may not be as significant as some would like to claim. Industrial soap, when made under controlled conditions and with added skin-friendly ingredients, can also provide great results. The key is to know what works best for your skin and choose products from trustworthy sources.

Lykkers, have you tried both handmade and industrial soaps? What's your experience with them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!