What are natural soaps?
They are soaps without the added preservatives, parabens, surfactants, and other assorted nasties commonly found in the commercial soaps sold in supermarkets (where of course, we'd urge you not to shop), apart from the lye (sodium hydroxide or caustic soda) that is necessary in the soap-making process. Natural soaps are made largely from various plant oils, although animal fats can be used too.
The chemistry of soap
Saponification is the chemical reaction involved in making soap. An acid (the oil or fat) reacts with an alkali, or base (the lye) to form a salt (the soap – not table salt, but a chemical salt nonetheless). Soap works in two ways. First, soap molecules are long chains with a water-loving end and a water-repelling end. The water-repelling ends push up through the surface of water droplets (to try and get away from the water), and the combined effect of millions of soap molecules pushing through the water's surface breaks the usual surface tension of water and allows it to spread, and 'wet' the objects to be cleaned more. Secondly, the water-repelling ends of the molecules attract dirt, and the water-loving end pulls the molecule into suspension in water. After rinsing, the soap molecules and the dirt are washed away.
What Is Natural Soap Made Of?
Natural soap is a testament to the age-old art of soapmaking, which relies on a simple yet effective combination of natural ingredients. Unlike commercial soaps that often incorporate a host of synthetic additives, natural soap prides itself on its clean and minimalistic composition.
At its core, natural soap is primarily made of two key components:
Natural Oils and Fats
The heart of natural soap lies in natural oils and fats, such as olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and shea butter. These oils are carefully selected for their unique properties and are rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin. Each oil brings its own benefits to the soap, contributing to lather, moisturization, and cleansing.
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
Lye, a strong alkaline substance, is an essential ingredient in soapmaking. It plays a pivotal role in a chemical process known as saponification. During saponification, lye interacts with the natural oils and fats, transforming them into soap. While lye is a caustic substance in its pure form, it is entirely consumed in the chemical reaction, leaving behind a gentle and skin-friendly product.
In addition to these core ingredients, natural soap may also incorporate other elements to enhance its properties:
Natural Fragrances
Essential oils extracted from plants are commonly used to add natural scents to the soap. Lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, and mint are just a few examples of the delightful fragrances that can be infused into natural soap.
Natural Colorants
For those seeking aesthetically pleasing soap, natural colorants derived from sources like herbs, spices, and clays are used to create subtle, earthy hues.
Exfoliants and Additives
Some natural soaps include natural exfoliants like oatmeal, coffee grounds, or poppy seeds, providing gentle scrubbing to help remove dead skin cells.
The beauty of natural soap lies not only in its ingredient list but also in the artisanal craftsmanship that goes into its creation. Soap makers carefully balance these elements to create unique formulations that cater to different skin types and preferences.
The Benefits of Natural Soap
Natural soaps, made with plant-based oils and butter, offer several advantages over traditional commercial soaps:
1. Gentler on Skin:
Less Harsh: Natural soaps are often formulated with milder ingredients that are less likely to irritate or dry out sensitive skin.
Natural Oils: They contain nourishing oils like coconut, olive, or shea butter that moisturize and protect the skin.
2. Eco-Friendly:
Sustainable Ingredients: Natural soaps typically use plant-based ingredients that are renewable and biodegradable.
Reduced Environmental Impact: They often avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can harm the environment.
3. Healthier Ingredients:
Free of Harmful Chemicals: Natural soaps are generally free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, which can be harmful to both the skin and the environment.
Nourishing Properties: Many natural soaps contain ingredients with known health benefits, such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, or antibacterial effects.
4. Versatility:
Multiple Uses: Natural soaps can be used for various purposes, including body wash, hand soap, and even facial cleanser.
Gentle on Sensitive Areas: They are often suitable for use on delicate areas like the face and hands.
5. Pleasant Scent:
Natural Fragrances: Natural soaps can be scented with essential oils, offering a pleasant and refreshing aroma without the use of artificial fragrances.
Remember: While natural soaps offer many benefits, it's important to choose products from reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients. Patch testing is also recommended, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Is All-Natural Soap Better for You?
When talking about soaps, there is traditional soap - the stuff we see sold in supermarkets and Target - and then there is all-natural soap, which is usually thought of as the "non-toxic" version. All-natural soap is made with all-natural ingredients and all-natural soap bases. In all-natural soap, there should be no lye or other potentially harmful ingredients, as well as any additives.
Traditional soap could include ingredients like parabens, which are one of the most toxic yet common beauty ingredients. Parabens help prevent the growth of yucky stuff like bacteria, mold, and yeast. However, parabens are typically not good for you, as they have been known to be endocrine disruptors, mimicking estrogen, and therefore, have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Another common toxic beauty ingredient in soaps is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). This is the foaming agent in traditional pump soaps that causes soap to bubble and foam. It's great for consistency purposes, but SLS and SLES have been linked to irritation of the skin, lungs, and eyes; if mixed with certain chemicals, it can form nitrosamines, which are a known carcinogen, or kidney and respiratory damage.
Many conventional soaps also contain triclosan, which is an antimicrobial chemical that is a known endocrine disruptor. Triclosan can negatively affect the thyroid and reproductive hormones, as well as cause skin irritation.
Knowing the potential negative impact of all of these ingredients commonly used in traditional soap, why wouldn't you make the switch to all-natural soaps? All-natural soaps should not contain parabens, SLS, SLES, or triclosan. Make your all-natural soap and then you have control over which non-toxic ingredients are used.
