What is soap? Soap is the oldest cleanser around. It is created by a chemical reaction between oils, water and bleach. Although lye is used to make lye soap is not left after saponification (the chemical reaction that makes soap) is complete. There is no such thing as a bar of soap that was done without the use of bleach. Different types of soap are made using a variety of different oils. Both animal and vegetable oils can be used in soap making process, each adding different qualities to the soap. Conventional Bar Soaps Much of soaps available in the store today is not really soap at all, but a detergent.
Detergents are a petroleum-based products such as gasoline and kerosene. Have you noticed how regular soap leaves the feeling of dryness, itching and tight? Alkaline, the most common irritant in soap is often the culprit. Other ingredients mass marketed soap have been proven harmful to human health and can cause severe skin irritations in some people. These include ingredients such as DEA, Isopropyl Alcohol, BHT and Triclosan (commonly found in antibacterial soap.) The most common ingredient in conventional bar soaps is sodium tallowate. Is the natural product of combining tallow or beef fat, with lye. The appeal of tallow for mass producing soap is that the processes quickly, produces a hard bar of soap and is cheap and plentiful. The new bar on the Block While there is nothing new about handmade soap, its popularity is growing rapidly. The sales of handmade soap continue to grow as part of the movement of society toward the purchase of products that are healthy and good for the environment.
Alternatives to the increasing use of synthetic chemicals and studies about their dangerous effects, consumers are looking for more “green.” Benefits Handmade Soap There is abundant evidence of the healing properties of a handmade bar of soap. Those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as people with sensitive skin or are hypoallergenic often immediate relief by switching to handmade soap. Compared to store bought soap, handmade soap is very mild. They are often made from vegetable oils such as olive, coconut and palm and do not contain potentially harmful chemicals found in conventional bar soap. One of the biggest differences between commercial soap and handmade soap is glycerin. Glycerin is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air and is a key factor in keeping skin soft and healthy.
Glycerin soap is especially good for sensitive skin and delicate, and for children. Because it is a high quality product in the soap making process, many manufacturers of commercial mass of soap often extract the glycerine and sell as a commodity to be used in more expensive products such as lotions and skin creams. Handmade Soap is good for your body For adults, the skin covers approximately 20 square feet of the human body. It is the largest organ of humans and are the bodies first line of defense against dehydration, temperature, infection and harmful substances. Handmade soaps give your skin the attention it deserves and make bathing a gentle, relaxing experience. Handmade soap is good for the mind for many of us today, life seems to move at a hectic pace. While the stress of everyday life increases, personal time is minimal. A fragrant, handmade bar of soap is a simple indulgence that fosters a sense of relaxation and pampering. Treating yourself or someone you love to the benefits of handmade soap!