Why Handmade Soap?
Written by Karen Danella
Did you know that there is difference between handmade soap and store-bought soap? The bars of "soap" that you buy at the store are made of detergents and synthesized chemicals, which are very harsh on your skin. Detergents also contain petroleum distillates rather than oil. Natural, handmade soap is made from natural oils, such as olive, coconut, and palm, and is a gentle cleansing product that is much milder on your skin. Handmade soap gently cleanses away excess oils and bacteria, but does not strip your skin of its natural oils.
What is Handcrafted Soap made of?
Many handmade soapmakers use all vegetable oils, such as Coconut, Palm, Olive, Castor, and Sunflower. Oils are carefully chosen for their lathering and moisturizing properties in soap. For example, coconut makes a hard, white bar with a fluffy lather, while olive oil helps keeps your skin soft, supple and younger looking. Essential and fragrance oils contribute scent; natural mineral pigments create color; and botanicals & spices add texture.
What is Saponification?
Saponification is the chemical reaction created by combining oils or fats with an alkali and water. By using the cold processed method, the heat produced by combining the oils and fats initiates the chemical reaction that makes soap. Saponification is complete after the soap mixture has been poured into molds, cut into bars, and allowed to cure for about four to six weeks.
Is There Glycerin in Handmade Soap?
Yes. Handmade soaps naturally contain glycerin, a skin softener and emollient. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning that it draws water from the air. Commercial soap manufacturers remove glycerin from their detergent soap bars for more profitable uses, such as selling to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies.
Article author
About the Author
Hello and welcome to Cedarwood Soaps! We are a friendly, family owned and operated business located in Millersville, Maryland. We offer healthier alternatives for anyone looking for more effective ways of caring for their skin while ensuring a delightful bathing experience.
Cedarwood Soaps grew out of the desire to create fresh, natural handmade soap; free of petroleum products, detergents, or other chemicals. Since our soaps are plant-based, they are safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Credentials:
In addition to a degree in Business Management, our soap creator is a graduate of an international school of aesthetics and makeup artistry, and so we understand the importance of properly caring for your skin. Through years of testing and research, our recipes have been developed using the most beneficial skin care ingredients. We are committed to educating the consumer on choosing our natural handmade soaps over the synthetic detergent bars sold in the supermarkets.
Mission:
Our goal is to provide you with high quality soap bars without animal fats, petrochemicals, sodium sulfate, or chemical preservatives, along with superior customer service, and total product satisfaction.
Eco-Friendly with the Finest Ingredients:
Our handmade soaps are 100% biodegradable and made using quality, food grade vegetable oils. We do not use petroleum based products, phosphates, detergents, or other harsh chemicals like sodium laurel sulfate. We also incorporate skin softening Shea Butter in every bar. Shea Butter is known for its unique ability to repair, moisturize and nourish your skin. Our soaps are healthy and beneficial for the skin, as well as for the environment. We are a cruelty-free company and never test on animals.
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