We see the word “natural” everywhere these days – especially when it comes to skincare. But when it comes to something as fundamental as the soap you use every day, what does “natural” truly mean? Is it just a trend, or does it hold a deeper, more profound meaning for your skin and overall well-being? Basically is natural soap, really natural? Well in our case, yes it is!!!
Having crafted handmade, all-natural soap for over 25 years, I’ve developed a deep conviction: that true self-care starts with choosing gentle, natural products that nurture your skin’s long-term health. It’s about moving beyond surface-level fixes and embracing ingredients that truly resonate with your body, helping you glow from the inside out. And it’s a journey I’m not on alone; it’s a true family affair, with my son, Andrew, playing a vital role in bringing these beautiful bars to life.
The Science of Nature: What’s Really in Your Handmade Soap?
So, what is the truth behind natural ingredients in soap? It’s not just about what’s missing from the label, but what powerful, active components are present. When we pull back the curtain on our soap-making process, you’ll see we start with a foundation of natural botanicals like poppy seeds in our eucalyptus and tea tree soap, real lavender buds in our lavender sage, and spearmint leaf in our good morning mint. These aren’t just for show; they add gentle exfoliation and natural properties.
But the real stars are the pure essential oils. We use only the finest, like lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, and tea tree. This brings me to one of my biggest pet peeves in the “natural” world: the word “fragrance” on an ingredient list. When you see “fragrance,” almost 100% of the time, it means a synthetic chemical concoction has been used for scent, not a pure, beneficial essential oil. This is a crucial distinction. Essential oils offer therapeutic benefits beyond just a pleasant smell. They work with your skin, not just on it, providing genuine nourishment and support, unlike synthetic fragrances which can often be irritants. In fact, I believe the pervasive use of synthetic fragrances in everything from laundry detergent to trash bags is a significant reason why so many people now suffer from fragrance allergies, where even a subtle scent can cause problems. Choosing truly natural means understanding these subtle but significant differences and protecting your body from unnecessary irritants.
Precision is also key. We weigh every single ingredient – from our base oils like cocoa butter and soybean oil to our precious essential oils. This isn’t just a preference; it’s a necessity for accuracy, especially since essential oils can vary in thickness and weight. This meticulous approach ensures consistency and quality in every bar.
Want to truly understand what goes into your natural soap? Hit play below for a behind-the-scenes look at our family’s crafting process, showing you exactly how we create soap that nurtures your skin.
Beyond the Surface: The Art of Crafting a Holistic Glow, Hand-in-Hand
Choosing natural isn’t just about what’s good for your skin; it’s about what’s good for your entire being. It’s about that holistic glow that radiates from the inside out. When you use handmade soap crafted with pure essential oils and natural ingredients, you’re not just applying something to your skin; you’re engaging in a ritual of self-care that nourishes your senses and calms your spirit. The aromatic experience, the soothing feel – it all contributes to a deeper sense of well-being.
The process itself is an art, and it’s one Andrew and I share. It begins with setting up our equipment and carefully measuring out the oils, starting with the hardest ones like cocoa butter, then moving to softer ones like soybean oil. Each pot sits on a scale, ensuring every measurement is precise by weight. Once the oils are melted, the next crucial step is preparing the lye solution. This is where extreme caution is paramount – as I learned from a past emergency room visit with second-degree burns from a spill! Safety is always our top priority.
Once the lye has cooled, Andrew takes the lead in the mixing stage. He carefully pours the lye into the melted oils, using our super-sized stick blender (much larger than what you’d find in a kitchen!) to mix until it reaches ‘trace.’ This is that perfect consistency where the soap mixture is thick enough to hold a dribbled pattern on its surface, like a letter or a zigzag. It’s a critical moment in the soap-making process!
After trace, we add our special ingredients – like the oatmeal in our lavender chamomile soap, and of course, the carefully measured essential oil blends. Andrew then expertly pours the soap into large molds, each holding about 25 pounds of soap. He’s particularly skilled at smoothing everything down and making sure the sides and corners are as crisp as possible, which makes a huge difference in the final look of the bars.
The soap then sits overnight to solidify. The next day, I take over, cutting the large block into logs, and then each log into individual bars. From a 25-pound batch, we get six bars out of each log. But the journey isn’t over. Each bar then cures for 4 to 6 weeks – a minimum of three – in our drying boxes. This isn’t just patience; it’s science. The longer they cure, the more water evaporates, resulting in a milder, harder, and longer-lasting bar. This dedication to the curing process ensures that when you finally use our soap, you’re experiencing the best possible product for your skin.
Your Journey to a Natural Glow, Rooted in Tradition
“Natural” isn’t just a buzzword or a fleeting trend. For me, it was a personal revelation born from years of crafting and a belief that natural products are simply a better, healthier way to live. It’s about understanding the science behind ingredients, recognizing the profound difference between a pure essential oil and a synthetic “fragrance,” and embracing a holistic approach to self-care that boosts your confidence and helps you glow from the inside out. And knowing that each bar is made with care, by hand, by our family, adds an extra layer of love to your daily ritual.
Now, I want you to think about your own skin journey. What small, natural swap could make a big difference in how you feel and how you glow from the inside out? Perhaps it’s trying a soap crafted with pure essential oils, or exploring how essential oils can enhance your daily rituals. Take that first step towards a more natural, more radiant you.
Ready to explore the power of natural ingredients? Check out our Free Skincare Rituals Guide. If you would like to watch me talk more about natural skincare, how I take care of my skin and the benefits of essential oils you can visit Susan’s YouTube Channel.
What are your thoughts on the word “natural” in skincare and soap? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!