Reviewed By: Kacie La
Soaps available in the market are affordable. They work how we expect them to work. They get us cleaned, they have that fragrant scent, and can make lots of bubbles. Yet, after all these years in the industry, we still have this lingering question, why are homemade soaps better?
REASONS WHY PEOPLE MAKE HOMEMADE DIY SOAPS
At one point in history, soaps were handmade. Since soap became part of our daily needs, it is no wonder why manufacturers sell them for profit. For convenience’s sake, we as consumers purchase them.
However, with the increased concern today of our overall health during the pandemic period, people are taking into consideration a more natural and sustainable approach to life. Hence, there is a swing back to all things homemade where people can associate something organic and natural to their health.
In this blog article, we have narrowed down what seems to be the relevant reasons why people are coming back to soapmaking.
HANDMADE SOAP IS THE ACTUAL SOAP
Most of the soap you buy today are nothing more than detergents in disguise. There are only a few actual soaps sold in the market. In addition to this, most body cleansers are actually synthetic detergent products and are not really the true soap if you compare them to the regulatory definition of the word. They are just marketed as “soap”.
This is why we have a misguided perception that soaps can dry out skin. Soaps, in its true nature, doesn’t dry out our skin. As a matter of fact, soaps can moisturise! Unfortunately, the market introduced us to a “soap” product that is actually a chemical detergent with synthetic lathering agents by which is the main culprit of our dried skin. These strong detergents may do good for your dishes and laundry. But for skincare, this can’t just work since they strip your natural skin oils and may lead to contributing skin conditions.
NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Aiming for a kind and gentle product to our body is the prime reason why people go homemade. Make your own soap from essential oils and other natural ingredients is as close as you can get to being fully natural. Besides, the final product can only be as good as what it is made of. With your recipe, you can experiment and craft the soap unique to your own. You can add a variety of organic, natural ingredients to provide that natural colour, aromatherapy, texture, and gentle exfoliation.
Furthermore, with our homemade soap, we happen to create glycerine. It is a humectant that hydrates the outer layer of our skin and assists in protection against skin irritants. Actually, glycerine is the by-product that makes our handmade soap so great! Manufacturers, however, remove glycerine to increase the shelf-life of their commercial product. On a greater advantage, they use it for another profit-making strategy. They will happily sell it to you. Or, they can sell another product from it.
You see, we add those extra oils and butters in our product as they contain the exact nutrients to nourish our skin effectively. Their only limitation is that their shelf life is short. This is what manufacturers try to alter. They sacrifice the moisturising properties of the natural ingredients in lieu of a longer shelf life. And to make use of the removed glycerine, which is a very useful emollient, they produce and sell another product such as a moisturising lotion. Now, isn’t that marketing tactic just way too cunning? Rightfully so, the market’s aim is to generate profit. But this is exactly why we need to note how and why soapmaking can truly be for our own benefit.
LYE IS A CHEMICAL
For saponification to work, lye will be needed. Lye is actually an alkaline chemical that is highly corrosive. To know more about it and its role as a DIY soap making ingredient, read this article.
Some people get concerned when lye gets involved. If you are a normal person only cautious about the toxic chemicals you apply to your skin, it only fits for you to ask, “Isn’t handmade soap made with lye? We don’t want to put lye into our skin.” Hey, we couldn’t agree more.
Primarily, not all processes involve lye. The “melt and pour” is a simpler and safer method done at home without lye. But considering the matter, no, we don’t want lye on our skin either. When actually done with precision and correct procedure, no lye remains in your final product. In the saponification process, lye and oil are combined through the use of emulsifiers. The end product of this process gives you the soap. In the final product, no lye actually comes in contact with your skin. There is no lye present anymore simply because it has now become the soap.
Again, when precisely done, no lye remains in your final product.
START YOUR OWN BUSINESS
It all began with a hobby and eventually led to this. Once you get the hang of this craft and perfected the formula that works for you, you will gain the confidence to give away some to your friends and family. Consequently, they happen to enjoy your all-natural homemade soap as they are experiencing the visible benefits themselves. Thereupon, they request that you make more for them with a price. And why not? You earn the extra bucks.
We are now living in a time when our nine to five jobs do not always make our ends meet. If this opportunity is something you think you can handle and are equipped with then why not.
Here at N-essentials, we can supply the ingredients you will need in bulk for you to start your own business. We especially made our online store easier for you to navigate to our products.
If time is not on your side to do this craft, we at least hope you will support DIY soap makers. They as much value the benefits they reap when they produce one, and they surely wish the same for you. They are actually the ones who truly care and have faith in their creation. It won’t be difficult to take a leap of faith in them.
SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Since soaps are designed to be used with water, we get curious as to what actually happens when they go down the drain. The rising awareness of the general population today and concern to the environment made a few manufacturers opt to produce an environmentally friendly product. The manufacturers are fully responsible for the ingredients they use. These should not be harmful to the environment and have to make sure they are well taken care of whilst transporting. The ill effects during the manufacturing process also has to be mitigated.
Whilst they are now taking into consideration this social consciousness, it is our natural soap makers that actually have the utmost respect for earth and concern for the planet’s well-being. The natural ingredients being used in their recipe do not add synthetic chemicals in our ecosystem.
YOUR HOME SMELLS BETTER
Whether we admit it or not, this is also why we love the craft. It may not be one of the relevant reasons but this benefit just makes us happier. The essential oils you use, which are naturally fragrant, eventually add scent to your home beautifully. Over time, the scent just sticks to your surroundings. Isn’t it wonderful? You are only making soap and it instantly makes your home smell better. No need to buy that extra home fragrance, yes?
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO MAKE PREMIUM HANDMADE SOAP
Knowing the basics in soap making is the foundation we need to establish in order to achieve that premium handmade soap. They are not tedious to learn, though. The same way that they are also not difficult to make. Over time and with constant practice, you are all set to craft that soap into perfection.
BEGINNER’S GUIDE
When you are only beginning, it is best to follow the tried and tested recipes. Doing so has more chances of succeeding. Because soap making is chemistry, there is a reason to how every type of oil, gram of lye, and exact measurement of essential oil generate a formula. Customising a recipe whilst you are only beginning would only complicate the recipe and might even discourage you. There is no need to rush. You will get there somehow. As you start getting comfortable with the craft, you will eventually try tweaking recipes and develop something of your own.
With that said, what do you need to do to achieve that premium finished product?
THE PREMIUM DIY SOAP
It is not much of a secret already. This craft happens to be similar to baking. With baking, you can customise the design and make your cake look pretty. But in order to bake your cake into perfection, the secret is precision.
Minus the calories, this doesn’t differ much with soapmaking. To achieve that premium soap, you also do the procedure with precision. Weigh your ingredients exactly as needed. It would be helpful to have a quality digital scale. You need to follow the recipe. Even the ones you created for yourself. Creating your own recipe involves math and research, but no need to be intimidated by it. You can start by learning how Fat to Lye Ratios are calculated so you can adjust ingredients to either smaller or larger batches.
Should you wish to delve deeper about crafting your own homemade product, visit our blog section to learn more.
PRECAUTION
Full disclosure, though. This hobby involves some risks when you are incautious and negligent of your surroundings. Remember, the process involves a caustic substance and you will have to work at a high temperature. Soap making certainly requires our full attention.
Your safety is very important. But just look at it this way, you significantly lessen any possible accident if you only follow these rules. Operate with a degree of meticulosity paired with carefulness, and we promise you, you are good to go.
No need to be alarmed, though! If you carefully follow the safety rules, then you shouldn’t have to worry.
Here are a few reminders worth reiterating:
- Work in an area with proper ventilation especially when preparing the lye.
- When adding lye to water, be mindful not to touch the container with bare hands and not to breathe in the fumes.
- Always wear your personal protective equipment for soap making.
- Remember to slowly add the lye into water and not the other way around. Doing so creates an exothermic reaction which will be unsafe.
POST PROCEDURE
Do not forget to clean and sanitise your equipment once you are done with the process. At this stage, keep wearing your gloves and never take them off because you can never be certain if lye is present or not.
FINAL WORDS
Can you see now how handmade soap differs significantly from commercial soaps? The goal and the mission of their makers are unparalleled! From how they are composed, to how they benefit people, even how they impact the environment, are nothing alike. It is of no surprise why people are now doing the craft.
Moreover, there is nothing like the satisfaction, fulfilment, and pride we attain once our creation reaches to perfection. It is especially a wonderful feeling to know that you are crafting something that is entirely beneficial for your body and skincare. Although it takes time to master the process, keep experimenting anyway and don’t be discouraged. Eventually, your consistent effort will reap its rewards.
WHERE TO BUY QUALITY SOAPMAKING INGREDIENTS ONLINE
N-essentials Australia is your supplier of eco-friendly and quality ingredients. Everything you will need for your DIY projects, we can provide for you in bulk at a wholesale price. The hallmark of N-essentials is fully dedicated to that which is natural and sustainable. Years of experience in body and skincare has earned us our client’s trust and positive reviews, and you can expect the same that we only deliver quality products.
If you wish to know more about our products, you are very welcome to browse through our online store. You can also get in touch with us via email at info@n-essentials.com.au. Our team will gladly assist you.
