Cold Process Soap vs. Commercial Soap: Why Handmade is Better for Your Skin (and the Planet!)
Let’s chat about soap—specifically, the contrast between cold process soap bars and the mass-produced options you find on store shelves. Since we all use soap every day, why not opt for something that’s kinder to our skin, the environment, and possibly even our budget? If you’ve been curious about whether that artisanal soap is worth the extra price, this blog post is just for you.
So, why should you pick cold process soap over the typical commercial varieties available at your local grocery store?
- Crafted with Natural Ingredients (No Strange Chemicals)
If you’ve ever scrutinized the ingredient list on a commercial soap bar, you might have come across a lot of unfamiliar terms. Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, and parabens can irritate your skin, and some even raise health concerns over time. In contrast, cold process soap is made with straightforward, natural ingredients such as oils (think olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter), lye (which is safe after the soap-making process), and perhaps a few essential oils for fragrance.
The best part? There’s no need for synthetic fragrances or unnecessary additives. Cold process soap is pure and uncomplicated, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
- More Beneficial for Your Skin
Have you ever used a commercial soap that left your skin feeling tight, dry, or irritated? This often happens because many mass-produced soaps strip away your skin’s natural oils. Cold process soap, however, retains the natural glycerin produced during the saponification process (the technical term for soap-making). Glycerin acts as a natural humectant, helping to draw moisture from the air and keep it locked into your skin, resulting in a soft, hydrated, and smooth feel.
Commercial soaps frequently remove this glycerin to sell it separately (as it’s valuable in skincare), leaving your skin less nourished.
3. It’s Eco-Friendly (No Joke) If you’re aiming to make more environmentally friendly choices, switching to cold process soap is a fantastic move. Many artisans who create cold process soap prioritize sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients—think fair trade shea butter, organic oils, and cruelty-free methods. Additionally, most handmade soap bars come with minimal packaging, often using paper or paperboard, which helps reduce plastic waste. (We all know how much plastic wraps those commercial soap bars!) In contrast, commercial soap bars frequently contain palm oil, which can lead to deforestation and harm the environment. And let’s not forget the plastic packaging—most commercial soaps are wrapped in plastic, which isn’t ideal for our planet.
4. It Has a Longer Lifespan (Seriously) Here’s a handy tip: cold process soap bars actually last longer than their store-bought counterparts. Due to their density, high-quality oils, and a curing process of 4-6 weeks, cold process soaps are more concentrated and can endure much longer than mass-produced options. This means you’re getting more value for your money over time. Commercial soap bars are often more “fluffy”—they dissolve quickly and can become a soggy mess if left in a wet soap dish. Cold process soap, however, remains solid, and because it’s crafted with care, it won’t break down after just a few uses.
5. It’s Tailored to Your Skin’s Needs.
One of the most exciting aspects of cold process soap is its customizability. Handmade soap makers can create bars with unique combinations of oils, essential oils, herbs, and clays to address various skin concerns. Looking for something calming? A lavender and chamomile bar might be perfect. Need an exfoliating option? A bar with oatmeal and honey could be just what you’re after. Dealing with acne? Tea tree oil and activated charcoal could be your go-to solution.
Commercial soaps are typically produced in large quantities to appeal to a wide audience, which often leads to a “one-size-fits-all” mentality. While they may offer a few different scents or formulas, they frequently contain synthetic fragrances or chemicals that can irritate the skin. In contrast, cold process soap allows you to know exactly what ingredients are touching your skin, and you can select a bar that suits your skin type or even your mood!
6. A Touch of Luxury in Your Routine
Let’s face it: using a handmade soap bar transforms handwashing into a delightful experience. The luxurious lather, the delightful aroma, and the satisfaction of treating your skin to something premium all contribute to making the task feel a bit more indulgent. On the other hand, commercial soaps can sometimes feel like a mundane chore, especially when they are packed with overpowering artificial scents.
A cold process soap can elevate your shower or handwashing routine into a self-care moment. Plus, it’s enjoyable to support local artisans or small businesses that are dedicated to creating quality products.
7. Gentler for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you understand the challenge of finding skincare products that won’t irritate. Cold process soaps are typically crafted with mild ingredients that are less likely to cause reactions. They avoid artificial dyes, fragrances, and harsh chemicals, which can trigger skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
In contrast, commercial soaps often contain numerous artificial additives that can clog pores, lead to breakouts, or irritate the skin. Cold process soap, especially those made with nourishing oils like olive or jojoba, is formulated to keep your skin calm, clean, and hydrated.
The bottom line, handmade is worth it!
Ultimately, making the switch to cold process soap may seem like a minor adjustment, but it can significantly impact your skin and overall well-being.