Did you know that most regular soaps are not soap at all? I didn’t.
During one of my hermit stages last year, I started researching the difference between natural soap and regular soap. I was surprised to learn that there is a big difference between natural soap and regular soap.
What I’ve found out is that regular soaps are detergents, made from petroleum. Yes, the same non-renewable resource that we use for cars, airplanes, and plastics. My passion for the environment tells me that reducing the use of regular soap and, thus, reducing the use of oil is reason alone to stop using regular soap.
Regular detergent-based soap may contain other harmful ingredients, such as isopropyl alcohol, DEA, BHT, Alkali, sodium tallowate (a byproduct of beef fat) and Tricoslan, which is very common in antibacterial detergent-based soaps. None of these chemicals are particularly good for your skin, making it a good idea to steer clear of regular soap.
Natural soaps are normally made with ingredients as natural botanical oils such as palm, coconut, jojoba, and olive oil. They are all-natural so they do not contain any chemicals or additives. Quality natural soaps are made without animal products and are cruelty-free. Oatmeal, almonds, and various plant extracts are commonly found in natural soaps.
Natural soaps have higher levels of glycerin then regular soap. While regular soap manufacturers extract the glycerin to use for lotions and other products, natural soaps still retain all the glycerin, the compound which soothes and moisturizes the skin. Since glycerin pulls moisture right out of the air, your skin tends to stay moist and soft for an extended period of time, especially when compared with the detergent-based soaps.
It wasn’t a surprise to also learn that using natural soaps have health benefits. Natural soap is very mild and can relieve such conditions as psoriasis, eczema, as well as being very gentle to your skin. Natural fragrance soap promotes relaxation and stress relief. Another beneficial ingredient that can be found in natural soaps is Bentonite clay. Bentonite clay binds with and removes toxins from the body.
Natural soap also does not remove the skin’s natural oils. These soaps are processed so that all of the natural ingredients remain intact, and as a result, the user receives all of the healthy properties. The skin is nourished and revitalized leaving a soft and smooth texture.
It made sense to me to switch to using natural soaps. For someone so concerned about eating fresh, eating natural and organic to make certain my “insides” were healthy it made total sense to take care of my “outside” – my skin.
Buy Natural. Buy Organic!
