The Truth About Handmade Natural Bar Soaps vs. Fragrance-Infused Soaps and Commercial Liquid Soaps

With the growing awareness of self-care and skincare, more people are switching from commercial liquid soaps to handmade natural bar soaps. But not all natural soaps are created equal. Some are made using pure essential oils. while others contain synthetic fragrances. At SkinSapphair we use only pure essential oils in all our products for their therapeutic properties. So, what’s the difference? And why should you consider switching to handmade natural bar soap?

Understanding the Different Types of Soaps

• Handmade Natural Bar Soap with Essential Oils

These are the purest form of soap, made with plant-based oils, butters, and essential oils. Essential oils not only add natural fragrance but also provide therapeutic benefits such as antibacterial, anti-fungal, and skin-nourishing properties.

• Natural Bar Soap with Fragrance Oils

Some handmade soaps use synthetic perfume or fragrance oils instead of essential oils. While they may smell pleasant and mimic natural scents, they lack the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and may contain chemicals that irritate sensitive skin.

• Commercial Liquid Bath & Shower Soaps

Most commercial liquid soaps contain detergents, sulfates, and artificial fragrances that can strip the skin of its natural oils. They often include preservatives to extend shelf life, which may lead to skin irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions.

Benefits of Handmade Natural Bar Soap for Your Skin and Health

• Gentle on the Skin

Natural bar soaps contain nourishing ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, which help to cleanse the skin without drying it out. Unlike commercial soaps with harsh chemicals, handmade soaps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

• Free from Harmful Chemicals

Handmade soaps avoid synthetic detergents, parabens, sulfates, and artificial preservatives, reducing the risk of skin irritation, allergies, or long-term exposure to harmful chemicals.

• Packed with Skin-Loving Nutrients

Essential oils and natural ingredients provide vitamins, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties that help with skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Unlike liquid soaps that come in plastic bottles, natural bar soaps have minimal packaging, reducing plastic waste. The ingredients used are biodegradable, making them safer for the environment.

How to Use Handmade Natural Bar Soap

1. Wet your hands or body, then rub the soap to create a rich lather.

2. Massage the lather onto your skin, then rinse thoroughly.

3. Store the soap in a dry, well-ventilated area to extend its lifespan.

Why Are Handmade Natural Bar Soaps More Expensive?

Natural bar soaps tend to cost more than commercial soaps for several reasons:

• High-Quality Ingredients - Handmade soaps use pure, unrefined oils, butters, and essential oils, which are more expensive than synthetic alternatives.

• Small Batch Production - Unlike mass-produced soaps, handmade soaps are crafted in small batches, ensuring better quality control but at a higher production cost.

• Time-Intensive Process - The cold process method, commonly used for natural soaps, requires curing time (usually 4-6 weeks) before the soap is ready for use.

• No Cheap Fillers or Harsh Chemicals - Commercial soaps use inexpensive synthetic ingredients, while natural bar soaps rely on premium natural components.

How Long Does Natural Bar Soap Last?

With proper care, a bar of handmade natural soap can last anywhere from 3-6 weeks, depending on the size and usage. To extend its lifespan:

Keep it on a draining soap dish to prevent it from sitting in water.

Use a soap saver bag or lather it up with a washcloth instead of rubbing the whole bar directly on your body.

Why Is Sodium Hydroxide Used in Natural Bar Soaps?

Many people are surprised to learn that sodium hydroxide (lye) is used in natural soap making. However, all real soap is made using lye. Without it, oils and butters would not transform into soap through a process called saponification.

Why Is It Still Considered Natural?

During saponification, sodium hydroxide reacts with the oils, breaking them down into soap and glycerin. By the time the soap is ready, there is no sodium hydroxide left in the final product. So, while lye is used in the process, the finished soap remains completely natural.

The Effort Behind Making Handmade Natural Bar Soap

Making handmade natural soap is a labor-intensive craft that requires knowledge, skill, and patience. Soap makers carefully select ingredients, measure proportions, blend oils, and monitor curing times to ensure each bar is of the highest quality.

Unlike commercial brands that rely on machinery, small-scale soap makers hand-pour, hand-cut, and hand-package each bar, giving it a personal touch. Many artisans also source ethically produced and sustainable ingredients, making their soaps a better choice for both your skin and the environment.

Why You Should Buy Handmade Natural Bar Soaps

• Healthier for Your Skin - Free from synthetic additives that can cause irritation or dryness.

•  Eco-Friendly - No plastic waste, biodegradable ingredients, and sustainable sourcing.

• Supports Small Businesses - Helps artisans and small-batch soap makers thrive.

• Customisable & Unique - Many handmade soap makers offer unique scents, colours, and formulations tailored for different skin types.

Switching to handmade natural bar soap is an investment in your skin, health, and the planet. While they may cost more upfront, their benefits far outweigh the cheap, chemical-laden alternatives found in commercial soaps. Next time you shop for soap, consider going natural, you’ll feel the difference. SkinSapphair we pride ourselves in using the best ingredients include pure essential oils for all our bar soaps.