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ETHICAL HANDMADE SOAP

There is more awareness about conventional soaps that are available today. These are not really soaps at all, but detergents. Detergents are abrasive products that tend to leave your skin feeling dry, itchy and tight due to the fact that they are laden with chemicals and preservatives.

How Commercial Soap is Made: Soap results when various oils and fats and caustic soda (every soap starts here), react together. Commercial soap is usually made from tallow and other fats. A variety of synthetic compounds are added to produce the desired lather, texture and hardness. Some chemicals included such as sodium lauryl sulphate can irritate the skin by penetrating deep into its different layers causing itchiness. Parabens are used to extend the product's shelf life and inhibit microbial growth. They can be highly toxic and again can cause rashes and other allergic reactions. The mixture is then boiled at high temperatures for several hours until the soap is made. This soap is then grated very finely (milled) and sent through a machine which compacts the soap shreds very tightly to produce a hard, polished bar. However, more additives are added to stop the soap from sticking to the rollers of the milling machines.

When fats, oils and lye are mixed, the by-product produced besides soap is glycerine. During the manufacture of commercial soaps, the glycerine is either washed away with the other waste products, or it is taken out to make moisturising creams and other cosmetics. This is an enormous loss to the consumer as glycerine is a natural moisturiser and would help protect the skin instead of stripping out all of the natural oils from the skin making it harsh and drying.

Alternative - Skin Safe & Back to Nature: We like to start our day with a nice face wash or a bar of soap. Thankfully there is a chemical free alternative that offers multiple benefits when used. These are Handmade Soaps. Handmade soaps are made with natural ingredients instead of cheap imitations which may cause irritation. A good bar of natural handmade soap is the most skin-pampering, environment-loving way to get yourself clean. Because handmade soap has become affordable, its popularity is growing as more and more people reap the benefits of natural skin care. People suffering from sensitive skin definitely feel a huge difference when they make the transition from commercial to handmade soap.

The majority of handmade soaps are vegan friendly made with vegetable oil or other luxurious oils and butters. Each soap maker develops their own recipe therefore every soap is unique. As they are chemical free, even the most basic recipe is a more healthier option for anyone who cares for their skin. Some soaps are given therapeutic healing properties by adding the purest of essential oils which are pure plant extracts with powerful immune stimulators created for emotional and physical healing with natural scents that are all blended with a lot of TLC. The naturally occurring glycerine is mixed into the soap to make it mild. The feeling derived from handmade products are exhilarating as it is good for all skin types and be made to suit skin conditions- including eczemas, psoriasis, skins with allergies and sensitive skin types. These are soaps with character made from the bounties of nature.

These products are ethical and eco friendly: There is no waste. Most handmade soaps are vegan friendly and not tested on animals. The traditional cold process method of soap making only requires a gentle heat just enough to melt the butters and warm the oils, although some methods do require the soap mixture to be stirred in hot crock pots for hours to produce soap. As the process requires the human touch it creates more jobs. These are businesses that contribute towards the economy in the most natural eco friendly environment lessening the carbon foot print.

Quality Supersedes Quantity: Handmade soap manufacturers take pride in the quality of their products made with special attention and care. Most ingredients are hand-picked for their skin nourishing attributes to produce a top quality bar of soap. People who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can find relief by switching to an all-natural and chemical free handmade soap. After all, our skin is the first line of defence against dehydration, infection and harmful substances. Handmade soaps give your skin the care it deserves by gently cleansing, protecting and locking in moisture. Calendula, for example, has the ability to increase circulation. These ingredients have their own purpose and attributes creating a humble spa like luxury. Every little thing we do to look after our skin is what keeps it looking good for longer. Life can be hectic sometimes and a handmade bar of soap with its subtle fragrances fosters a feeling of relaxation, simple indulgence and the feeling of being pampered and loved.

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