Why choose handmade soap?

Soap has gotten a bad rap over the years, as people claim it's harsh or drying. This is true of many mass-produced soaps, but not all soaps are created equally. Manufactured or commercial' soaps chemically remove the glycerin and sell it as a by-product - such as lotions & body butters.

Soap is the product of a chemical reaction between an acid (fat/oil) and a base/alkali (sodium hydroxide, also known as lye). This chemical reaction also produces glycerin. Glycerin is a humectant which draws and absorbs water from the air, and helps the skin retain moisture.

Many soaps use animal fats, which can clog pores, where vegetable oils allow skin to breathe. Commercial soaps can contain synthetic colorants, fragrances and other additives. Even unscented' products contain masking' scents to cover up the other ingredients.

Handcrafted soap, usually made by the "cold process" method, is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The "cold process" simply means there is no external heat involved in the chemical reaction. This soap retains its naturally-occurring glycerin. This kind of soap is considered true glycerin soap, as opposed to the popular transparent soaps which undergo chemical processes and require alcohol to keep them clear. Many handcrafted soapmakers use better quality oils and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, as well as natural essential oils for fragrance.

So what is the myth about lye soap. All soap is made with lye or an equivalent. You cannot make soap without it. Soap needs time to cure, and in that time the chemical reaction converts the lye and oils into soap and glycerin. The lye is no longer present in the final product - only soap and glycerin.