The demand for handmade soap is increasing at a fast rate. Consumers of today are well aware of the hazardous chemicals used in commercial soaps, that they are now seeking for a better and safer alternative. Created by the chemical reaction between certain oils, water and lye, the soap is the oldest agent used for keeping the body clean. Oils and fats used for soap are combinations of glycerin compounds and fatty acids. Glycerin and the sodium salt of fatty acids are formed when oils and alkali are mixed. Soap making requires fatty acids and are supplied by grease, tallow, fish and vegetable oils.
The lathering quality of the soap, including its hardness and transparency varies in accordance to the fat and alkali combinations that are used as ingredients. The best soap uses a combination of many oils. 1.
Functionality From Ingredients Almost all soaps eliminate grease and dirt because a few of their components surface active ingredients, or surfactants, having a molecular structure acting as a connection between the dirt particles and water. The particles from the underlying surfaces are loosened. One end of the molecule is hydrophilic; meaning attracted to water and the other end is hydrophobic, meaning attracted to substances which are not water soluble. This structure permits the soap to stick to substances that are then, not water soluble. Dirt is then washed away. A handmade soap has glycerin, while the commercial soap does not.
It is a clear liquid that can absorb water from the air, making it an important factor in keeping the skin healthy. Glycerin soap is especially suitable for sensitive skin, due to its high quality by-product. 2. Specific Ingredients: Almond Oil - Works as an emollient, calming the body and the senses Avocado Oil - Works as an emollient Birch Sap Extract - An effective astringent, refresher, soother and healer of the skin Corn Starch - Absorbs excess oil & excess moisture in the skin Lecithin egg yolk - Humectant and emulsifier Comfrey Extract - Sooths, heals, and has an anti-bacterial effect on the skin Citric Acid Citrus - Adjust the pH level Apple Cider Vinegar - Has high cleansing properties and balances the skins PH level Cocoa Butter - Forms a moisture barrier on the skin Corn Flower Extract - Conditions and acts as a skin soother Lavender Essential Oil - Has aromatic effects that stimulates fast metabolism Pine Essential - Warms the muscles, has aromatic properties that stimulates the senses Rosemary Extract - Works as an astringent and hair conditioner Sea Kelp Extract - Restores the kin's health & vitality and is an effective hair conditioner Wheat Germ Oil - An emollient Peppermint Essential Oil - Has aromatic and antiseptic effects & is stimulating. Birch Leaf Extract - Is an anti-irritant, having analgesic properties Aloe Vera Gel - Soothes and protects skin Apricot Kernel Oil - Emollient Eucalyptus Oil - Has great cooling and uplifting effects 3.
Why Handmade Soap? - A handmade soap uses only food grade oils, such as shea and conola which functions as emollients, olive and natural cocoa oil that makes rich lathers, sunflower that contributes to a creamy bar. - Handmade soaps uses 5 percent natural ingredients, helping the skin feel soft after a bath. - True soap just got to have lye, therefore a handmade soap has lye; once saponification process is completed, the lye and oil molecules chemically have combined and converted into soap, therefore, no lye is present in a finished soap product. - Handmade soaps produces naturally occurring glycerin which is a natural humectant that draws moisture unto the skin. Most commercial soaps have the glycerin removed, containing detergents instead. - Handmade soaps are naturally anti bacterial in composition, having a ph level of 7-8.
The higher the ph level, the effective it is against bacteria, due to the fact that bacteria thrive with ph level of - Handmade soaps uses only essential oils that soothes and eases body tension. 4. Buy Better Soap: - Consider buying natural or handmade soaps.
- Keep away from granular soaps. They are too abrasive for the skin. - Glycerin is key. It pulls moisture from the out side environment, bringing it in to the skin. Low grade and commercially produced soap remove glycerin and replaces it with cost effective chemicals that can damage the skin.
A handmade soap is of better quality, though much more expensive. - PH balance. Skin is acidic naturally, with a ph of 4.
2 - 5.6. Commercial soaps have a ph of 9.5 - 11 which is too high can remove the skins natural acid protection, leaving skin dry. - Pure aloe vera - handmade soaps having pure aloe vera content is the best.
Aloe vera retains the skins natural moisture as well as soothes dry skin, keeping skin soft and healthy.
For more great soap related articles and resources check out http://soap.bathnbodyhq.com
