Natural Soap Q & A

Q: Won't soap dry out my skin?
A: Not if it's real soap. Handmade soap is rich in naturally-occuring glycerin which prevents dryness. All-natural handmade soap is free of the culprits that dry and irritate the skin — alkali salts, chemicals, alcohol, and detergents; and artificial colors, fragrances and preservatives. Handmade soap is mild, suited for those with sensitivities, and won't dry out your skin.
     In contrast, commercial soaps are processed with heat to speed production. Glycerin is removed and nutrients are rendered less effective as they are altered by the heat. Commercial soaps often contain harsh additives, chemicals, fillers, and artificial ingredients which serve only to beautify the product and offer no benefit to the skin. Many of today's mass-market products are actually synthetic detergents that bear little resemblance to a real bar of soap.

Q: If a soap doesn't contain a foaming agent, will it produce lather?
A: Yes. All soaps produce lather when the fatty acids in the oil base come into contact with water. Lather is increased or decreased depending on the oils that are used. It is not necessary to add foaming agents or chemicals to create lather. Natural soaps produce a rich natural lather.

Q: Are there any antibacterial organic soaps?
A: All soaps are antibacterial — they kill germs and remove dirt. Some essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree, also have natural antibacterial properties. Killing all bacteria involves synthetic chemicals and really isn't necessary unless you're performing surgery. As a matter of fact, using commercially processed soaps that are "antibacterial," on a daily basis, is likely to severely dry out your skin.

Q: Does natural soap go bad or have a shelf-life?
A: Natural soap will always work as soap, however, the oils do have a shelf life. The soap is best during its first six months if kept out of heat and direct sunlight. After that, it will still get you clean but may no longer have its fresh scent.