When purchasing homemade soap, there are several key factors consumers should be aware of to ensure they are getting the best value and a truly natural product.
Here's what to look for:
Price vs. Weight: Finding Real Value
Many consumers look at the price tag first, but it's important to also consider the weight of the soap.
For instance, if one bar of soap costs $6 and weighs 3.5 ounces, while another costs $7 and weighs 4.5 ounces, the second bar is actually a better value.
You’re paying slightly more, but getting a larger amount of soap for your money. Always check the weight on the label to make sure you're comparing products accurately.
Natural Ingredients: Are You Really Getting What You Think?
Many soap makers advertise their products as “natural,” but some ingredients commonly found in these soaps are anything but.
For instance, micas are often used to add vibrant colors, but they are usually synthetically produced in a lab. While they may be labeled "natural" due to their origin in nature, they undergo significant processing and are far from what most consumers consider truly natural.
Similarly, fragrance oils are another misleading ingredient. They are often labeled as natural-sounding scents like "lavender" or "vanilla," but in reality, they are synthetic compounds that can contain harmful chemicals.
Instead, look for soaps that use essential oils, which are derived from plants and are truly natural.
Cold Process vs. Hot Process: What’s the Difference?
Both cold process and hot process methods are used to make soap, but there are distinct differences between the two.
Cold Process Soap: This method involves mixing oils and a lye solution at a lower temperature, allowing the soap to cure slowly over several weeks.
This slow curing time allows for a creamy lather, a smooth finish, and better retention of the natural ingredients' benefits.
Cold process soap makers often use plant-based oils, butters, and essential oils to create nourishing bars. It’s considered the "gold standard" for natural soap because the ingredients are minimally processed, preserving their integrity.
Hot Process Soap: With hot process soap, the oils and lye are heated to speed up the saponification process, making the soap ready for use within days rather than weeks.
While this method is faster, the texture is often rougher and the natural benefits of the ingredients can be diminished due to the high heat.
Which is better?
For most consumers looking for a luxurious, skin-nourishing soap, cold process is typically the better option because the ingredients retain more of their natural benefits. However, if you prefer a quicker cure time and don't mind a more rustic texture, hot process soap could work for you.
Understanding what goes into your soap and how it’s made is crucial for making an informed purchase. By considering the weight-to-price ratio, scrutinizing the ingredient list, and knowing the difference between cold and hot process methods, you’ll be able to choose a high-quality, truly natural soap that’s worth your money.