When it comes to soap, there are two main options available: store-bought soap and handmade soap. While both options have their advantages, there are several key differences between the two that make handmade soap the superior choice. In this blog post, we will outline the differences between handmade soap and store-bought soap and explain why handmade soap is much better.
1. Attention to Ingredients: One of the main differences between handmade soap and store-bought soap is the quality of ingredients used. Store-bought soap often contains harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and other additives that can be irritating to the skin. On the other hand, handmade soap is typically made with natural ingredients such as oils, butters, glycerin, natural fragrance oils or essential oils that are gentle and nourishing for the skin. Mass produced soaps are filled with detergents with high levels of harmful fragrances that have little to no beneficial ingredients.
2. Customization: Another advantage of handmade soap is the ability to customize it to suit your specific skin care needs. Handmade soap makers can create soap bars tailored to address specific skin concerns, such as dry or oily skin. Store-bought soap, on the other hand, is mass-produced and may not offer the same level of customization. It’s a one size fits all kind of product. Artisans work diligently to curate handmade soap that is beneficial to consumers. Handcrafted products may have some imperfections but that is the beauty and uniqueness of handmade products.
3. Moisturizing Properties: Handmade soap is usually made using the cold process method, which allows the soap to retain its glycerin content. During the chemical reaction used to make handmade soap glycerin is created. When used glycerin stays on your skin and attracts moisture from the air, which will help keep skin moisturized. Store-bought soap often has the glycerin removed and put into moisturizers manufactured by the same company. Removal of glycerin creates a bar soap that is very drying to the skin.
4. Ethics & Environmental Impact: Handmade soap is typically made in small batches by independent artisans who are committed to using sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Handmade soap will dissolve easily and are not harmful to the water system or environment. Store-bought soap, on the other hand, is often produced on a larger scale and may contain synthetic ingredients that are harmful to the environment with no regard to sustainability or ethical sourcing practices. By choosing handmade soap, you can reduce your carbon footprint and support local artisans.
5. Unique Scents and Designs: Handmade soap makers often experiment with different scents and designs, creating unique and artistic soap bars that are a feast for the senses. Each soap maker has their own unique style when making soap, they often experiment with patterns, shapes, colors and scents. Store-bought soap, on the other hand, tends to have generic scents and bland designs. Handmade soap allows you to enjoy a luxurious bathing experience with beautiful, handcrafted soap bars.
6. Handmade Soap is Real Soap: Real soap or handmade soap is made through a chemical reaction called saponification. This reaction takes place between lye or sodium hydroxide and oils or fats. The leftover oils (those left over from the saponification process) provide benefits to the skin. Mass produced soaps contain detergents, synthetic ingredients and chemicals to create lather, therefore this is not soap. Handmade soap is milder, moisturizing and keeps the skin healthier.
7. Attention to Health & Safety: Natural ingredients used in the production of handmade soap do not contain harmful chemicals like methylisothiazolinone, phthalates, or parabens unlike store bought soap.
8. Multiple Purpose: Many handmade soaps are multi-serving. Unlike commercially made soaps which are made specifically for a certain use. Handmade are very much multi-purpose, they can be easily used as your evening face wash or even for a hot shower after a long football game.
9. Quality Lather: Too many bubbles are created by chemical additives that create lather. So just because your soap is making more lather that doesn’t mean it is a good product. Handmade soaps, on the other hand, don’t make unnecessary lather.
10. Supporting A Small Business: Times have changed, people have started showing love to local businesses and handmade products. People are realizing the health benefits of handmade products and the harmful effects of mass produced products. This has enabled a lot of small soap makers to thrive. By purchasing handmade products you are supporting a small business, using a beneficial product and also using a one of a kind product.
In conclusion, handmade soap is a superior choice to store-bought soap due to its high-quality ingredients, customization options, moisturizing properties, eco-friendly production methods, and unique scents and designs. By using handmade soap, you can pamper your skin with natural, nourishing ingredients while supporting small businesses and reducing your environmental impact.
Take a look at all of the handmade soap and other natural self-care products offered by Dunkirk Soap Co. Visit the store here.