Humans have been using soap since at least 2800 BC. We know that the Babylonians and Egyptians were mixing fats, oils, and salts to create cleansing soaps for washing dishes and medicinal purposes. While there have been some innovations in soap making over the centuries, for the most part, all-natural soap is still made the same way today as it was way back then. So, is there any value in making your own soap here on Cape Cod? Absolutely. And if you don’t want to make it yourself, just find someone like us who are happy to make the soap ourselves and ship it of to you.
Here is a list of reasons that all-natural, homemade soap is better than store-bought soaps:
- Commercial soaps remove vital ingredients such as healthy oils and natural glycerin from the skin.
- Natural glycerin in homemade soaps is a humectant, which means it absorbs moisture from the air and draws moisture to the surface of the skin.
- Commercially produced soaps remove glycerin to sell it separately. Manufacturers then add other moisturizing chemicals to mimic glycerin.
- Homemade soaps keep the natural glycerin to hydrate skin; they don’t need to add extra chemicals.
- Without glycerin, commercial soaps tend to dry the skin. Natural glycerin keeps the skin smooth, silky, and moisturized – without lotion.
- Commercial soaps add chemicals like parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, artificial colors, and synthetic perfume.
- Your skin absorbs the chemicals in commercial soaps, potentially leading to health problems.
- The fatty acids in all-natural soaps come from sources coconut oil, jojoba oil, or other healthy oils that enrich the skin and add vital nutrients and minerals.
- Naturally occurring oils provide health benefits, are better for your skin, and don’t introduce harmful chemicals.
- Commercial soaps often use synthetic oils as a base. Because these oils are manufactured, they require added chemicals to provide nutrients and other benefits.
- The artificial perfumes and colors in commercial soaps are synthetic and can cause adverse skin reactions.
- The FDA does not regulate use of the word “organic” or “natural” in soap labeling. The “organic” commercial soap you buy probably isn’t organic at all.
- Many commercial soaps are not cruelty-free. They test their products or ingredients on animals, and/or use animal-based sources such as musk for scents.
- Commercial soaps can contribute to skin conditions, irritation, redness, and breakouts because of the harsh chemicals they use.
- Homemade soaps use healthy oils, essential oils, honey, aloe, oatmeal, and other natural ingredients that soothe the skin.
- Most commercial soaps are produced by large corporations that contribute to environmental waste. Homemade soaps are usually created locally, without heavy machinery.
- Real quality control is nearly impossible with commercial soap production.
- Handmade soaps use the same process that’s been around for thousands of years. Commercial soaps use shortcuts and hacks that result in lower quality.
- Buying homemade soap supports a local business in Cape Cod and helps the community economy thrive.
- The people who create homemade soaps in Cape Cod do so with pride and care. Their products are truly handcrafted and high quality, whereas commercial soaps are mass produced by manufacturers who typically don’t care about the craft.
The natural ingredients in homemade soaps make them healthier for your skin. Make the better choice by skipping the commercially manufactured product and treating yourself to homemade soap today!
Sources:
http://www.soaphistory.net/soap-history/
http://science.jrank.org/pages/6214/Soap.html
https://www.essentiallynola.com/blogs/news/handmade-vs-commercial-soap-whats-the-difference
https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/make-use-handmade-soap/
https://patch.com/illinois/tinleypark/handmade-soap-vs-store-bought-soap-whats-difference
https://patch.com/illinois/tinleypark/handmade-soap-vs-store-bought-soap-whats-difference