A multitude of types of natural soaps have been crafted and used for centuries for hygiene purposes, for their deodorizing effect, also for their benefits for various skin conditions. Just a small number of cosmetic products have not been affected by time and are crafted like in the early days, handmade soaps included. From ancient times to the present day, high-quality natural soaps are a result of a chemical process that has astonished ancient man and still amazes us. Soap is a product that the average person uses every day, several times a day. Some natural soaps are made to neutralize bad smells and aromatize, while others have hydrating, antimicrobial, and healing properties. Some of the most popular and well-loved handmade soaps, however, combine new benefits into one bar.
History reminds us of the renowned socialite Beau Brummell, the dandiest and most stylish gentleman in Regency England. As a close friend of the future king, Beau advised George IV about personal style and fashion. Historical sources share that Brummell has mastered the art of always looking presentable and smelling fresh by sending his laundry to the English province. There, laundresses air-dried his clothes and linens, so they can soak up the freshness and aroma of wild flowers and herbs. There is no need to go through this overcomplicated process to smell fresh, dear man! We have simplified it for you. Our handmade natural soaps are created for more than just ensuring high hygiene. You can explore more of the benefits, as well as the chosen method of crafting them by following the article below.
Natural soaps – the essence
Skin is more than just a surface. Skin is the largest organ of the body and it reflects the condition of the organism as a whole. Therefore, taking good care of the skin is important.
Handmade natural soaps are a simple yet super efficient way to take a good care of skin while benefitting from some of the most precious natural gifts. Unlike their mass-market competitors, handmade soaps are not made by using harsh synthetic chemicals, additives, and parabens, which can potentially affect the skin’s balance and condition. Instead, natural personal hygiene products have pure and organic ingredients. Therefore, they can ensure gentle and soft yet super in-depth and efficient cleansing of the skin. In addition, they will hydrate the skin and restore the moisture balance within. Depending on the oils and additional ingredients of choice, soaps can also contribute to inflammation and acne-free skin, while also helping hyperpigmentation fade.
The two known processes of natural soap crafting are the cold method and the hot method. This article will further explore the difference between these two approaches while offering an answer as to why the cold method ensures significantly more advantages for the final product.
Natural soaps – cold process
At the base of bar soap making is a captivating chemical process called saponification. The process consists of the combination of oils or fats with an alkali (lye is the most popular choice). Combining these ingredients results in a liquid or hard soap and glycerin. Simultaneously with the cleansing properties of bar soap, glycerin has a hydrating and nourishing effect on the skin.
The cold soap process, as the name suggests, uses significantly lower temperatures for making and the main source of heat is internal, normally caused by the saponification process itself. The cold soap method includes a mixture of a liquid (usually water, but fruit juice, tea, or milk can also be used) and lye. Then, a variety of vegetable oils and fats can be added, as well as natural colorants and fragrances. The cold process allows for far more creativity when it comes to designing unique bars of soap with amazing designs and one-of-a-kind fragrance and color blends. The specifics of this method also enable better control over the formation of the so-called superfat – the main reason why cold process soaps are really that moisturizing and nourishing.
Natural soaps – hot process
As the name suggests, this bar soap crafting method requires a higher temperature in the making. Even though the higher temperature speeds up the saponification process, which shaves off a couple of days from the making process, you still need to consider a few major cons of the hot process.
One of the main drawbacks of the hot process is the lack of control over which superfats will react during the saponification process. As a result, there is no guarantee that the final product will be moisturizing enough. Therefore, even if rich and nourishing oils like shea, argan, olive, or palm oils are used, there is no assurance that the final product will contribute to a well-hydrated and soft-to-the-touch skin.
Handmade soaps that are crafted with higher temperatures normally have a more rustic look and are not mild. In addition, the customization opportunities and artistic freedom are very limited, while fragrances and color additives usually lose their potency in the cooking process. Furthermore, hot process bar soaps tend to have a higher pH that makes them too aggressive to the skin, potentially causing dryness and irritation. That being the case, these soaps are better used for treating stains on clothes, while cold process natural soaps are a perfect pick for personal hygiene of the body and sometimes (with some specific products) even the face.
Advantages of cold process bar soaps
As already mentioned, cold process soaps offer an array of benefits. Anyway, let’s summarize all the advantages of the cold method products over the hot method ones:
- Impressive design! You can enjoy a wide variety of designs and vibrant colors. Hence why this type of handmade soap is truly a great pick for a gift, or simply to stimulate all your senses while taking your daily shower.
- Fragrances are unique! You are truly spoiled for a variety of potent and enjoyable scents. You can choose between more traditional options like citrusy notes for a fresh start of the day, wood and pine tree notes for relaxation and tranquility, or argan and shea for that feeling of coziness. You can also experiment with more surprising fragrance options and combinations.
- Moisturizing is guaranteed! Skin is softer, nourished, and gets in-depth hydration thanks to the added high-quality oils. The lower pH makes these soaps gentle to the skin yet super effective at removing dirt and dead skin that clog the pores.
- Natural origin! You know exactly what is used for the making of the bar of soap you are using. All ingredients are derived from nature, organic, and harmless.
- Enjoyable experience! Every natural soap can be further enriched with natural ingredients that contribute to better skincare, including exfoliation, anti-inflammation, and even healing of skin conditions.
Why choose handmade soaps by 4DERMA?
Innovation, know-how, and the high quality of our products are not the sole reason why to shop from us. Our natural handmade soaps are crafted with an appreciation for nature and gentle care for your skin in mind. By selecting high-quality organic ingredients, we can guarantee the efficiency and moisturizing properties of our products. Rich coconut, cacao, shea, olive, and caster oils support us in our mission thanks to their moisture balance, skin barrier repair, and anti-inflammation and antimicrobial effects. Gentle exfoliation thanks to the added poppy seeds ensures in-depth removal of dead skin and a soft surface of the skin. Natural scents are what make everyday use a truly special and rewarding experience.
Unlocking the secrets of natural soap-making reveals an extraordinary world of benefits for skin health. Choosing handmade soaps over commercial alternatives not only contributes to glowy, moisturized, and soft skin but also to a more sustainable lifestyle. Thanks to its organic ingredients and gentle cleaning properties, cold-process soap bars are the assurance your skin will get what it needs and deserves.