Soap is an essential part of our daily routine, but have you ever thought about the type of soap you’re using?
Commercial soaps that you used often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals, detergents, and additives. These ingredients include harsh surfactants, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. Besides, commercial soap formulations are typically mass-produced and may prioritize cost-effectiveness over the use of natural ingredients.
Cold process soap, also known as handmade soap, is a natural alternative to commercial soap that offers numerous benefits for the skin and the environment. Cold process soap is a old age traditional method of soap-making that involves mixing oils or fats with an alkali (usually sodium hydroxide or lye) and water. This chemical reaction is known as saponification, and it transforms the oils and lye into soap and glycerin. The term “cold process” refers to the fact that no external heat is applied during the soap-making process; instead, the chemical reaction generates its own heat. Once the mixture has been poured in a mold, the soap must be cured. This drying process is typically a minimum of 4 weeks. This allows the saponification to completely finish and the soap to dry.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of cold process soap and why you should make the switch.
- Natural ingredients: Cold process soap is made from natural ingredients such as oils, butters, and herbs, making it gentler on the skin compared to commercial soap. The natural ingredients in cold process soap provide nourishing benefits to the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and refreshed.
- Chemical-free: Commercial soap often contains harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, paraben, phthalate, and many more that we can’t even pronounce, which can dry out and irritate the skin. Cold process soap is free from these harmful chemicals, making it a safer and more natural option.
- Long-lasting: Cold process soap is made through a slow curing process, which results in a harder, longer-lasting bar of soap compared to commercial soap. Not only is this more economical, but it also means you’ll be producing less waste by using less soap over time.
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Creamy feel and lather with deep moisturizing quality: The creamy feel and lather of the cold process soap can penetrate deep into your skin. This helps it moisturize and minimize its dryness or itchiness. This happens because of the ingredients used in making cold-process soap. The all-natural ingredients such as butter and plant oils guarantee their deep moisturizing quality.
- Customizable: Handmade soap can be customized to suit your specific skin type and preferences, with the option to add natural ingredients like essential oils and herbs for added benefits. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, you can find a cold process soap that’s right for you.
- Environmentally friendly: Cold process soap is made in small batches and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to commercial soap. Additionally, many soap makers use sustainable biodegradable plastic-free packaging, further reducing their impact on the environment.
Making the switch to cold process soap is easy and can bring a number of benefits to your skin and the environment. With the knowledge that you’re using a natural and chemical-free product, you can feel good about your daily cleansing routine. Give cold process soap a try and see the difference for yourself!