Natural Soap

Even though natural soap and synthetic ones are generally thought to be the same, merely because they partake in the same function, there are several differences between them. To begin with, natural soap is made of naturally occurring ingredients such as citrus fruits, strawberries, herbs, barks, etc, combined with natural fats, but synthetics are made of petroleum. Because of their key ingredients, natural soaps and synthetic soaps affect our bodies very differently. Why?

- Artificial or synthetic soap and detergents contain harmful preservatives and antibacterial agents to make them do the cleaning job better

- The ingredients of soap, whether natural or artificial have a tendency to react with the excessive minerals in hard water. This will cause a residue to be formed on the material we wash (dishes, clothes, etc) and when this residue enters our bodies especially that made due to synthetic soap can cause long-term damages.

- In order to make their cleaning power greater, the pH values of synthetic soaps are made to be at a higher level and this may damage and irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions in some people

All of the above mentioned disadvantages of synthetic soaps can be avoided if you start using natural soap which has no proven side effects. But, how do you truly know, if those soaps that are claimed to be natural stacked up in your local supermarket, are not loaded with chemicals too? Well, you can’t; that is why you should consider making your own natural soap at home. Read on and try this easy, simple and quick method of producing your own bar of soap using your favourite fruity fragrance.

In order to make natural soap you will need a soap base of your choice, colorants, fragrants and exfoliants and any additives of your choice. A soap base can be bought at a drugstore or supermarket. You can choose from a large variety of soap bases including colourless ones, colored ones and those made of glycerine, shea butter or goats’ milk. Soap bases make the soap easier to handle. These help you cut, carve or do whatever creative artwork you want on them once the soap is made.

The additives such as fruit peels, chopped herbs, etc and the colorants, exfoliants and fragrants (e.g. – mineral salts, dried flowers, fruit and floral essence, vanilla, etc) should be added and mixed well with the base. All products must be grated and placed in a non-reactive container. You can then microwave it for a few minutes (about 5 – 10 minutes, because you wouldn’t want the essence of your natural soap ingredients to die) and allow it to settle in moulds. However, you should apply a thin layer of petroleum gel on the mould so that the soap can be removed easily. With this simple, 20-minute process, you will have all your favourite natural soaps and won’t have to worry about all those harmful side-effects of artificial cleaning agents.