Hello everyone!
Did you know that not everything that is called ‘soap’ deserves to bear this name?
I have read tones about natural soaps, their origins, compositions and methods of production. Then, I went to a random drugstore to check out labels of the soaps.
And what have I discovered?
Well..things are not as good as I wish they were. It turns out that we wash ourselves with bars that in fact, have nothing to do with true natural soap. No wonder why so many people prefer to use shower gels instead of soap bars. I am no longer surprised that drugstore soaps dry the skin. Until recently, I had no idea that the bars bought in regular shops are not really soaps in cosmetology – they are called syndets and they contain (note!) … only 10% of natural soap. Everything else that is there, are synthetic detergents, perfumes, dyes and preservatives. They are good at creating lather and removing dirt, but this is where the good action of syndets ends, and where skin disturbance begins: they damage the lipid coat, dry out, provide comedogenic properties, and irritate the skin. Generally speaking, they carry out sabotage on our bodies.
Natural soap – an opposition to syndets
Natural soap is produced according to the old recipe and combines natural substances known for ages. First of all, their base ingredients are plant oils. The most popular ones include shea butter, olive oil, almond oil. They often contain glycerine and distilled water, as well as a number of plant extracts. It is also significant that natural soap usually comprises 4-5 ingredients and that’s it. The list is short and specific, and the ingredients are natural and safe even for sensitive skin.
The best and most popular natural soaps
1. Aleppo soap
The name of the soap derives from the place of origin. Until today, the product is produced in Siria accordingly to an ancient recipe. Aleppo soap comprises olive oil, laurel oil, sea water and sodium or potassium hydroxide. It is perfect for all skin types, it helps to heal and regenerates the skin. Additionally, it provides antiseptic properties; moisturizes, disinfects, and is a good detox for the skin. The basic version of the soap is often enriched with herbal extracts, flower petals. Ground nut shells can be added to act like a scrub, enriched with essential oils. However, there is always the “big four” – the above-mentioned ingredients.
2. Marseille soap
Smells like lavender? You have good connotations. Marseille soap comes from this particular region of France and until today, there are many small factories that sell hand-made soap. This signature product is of the finest quality – even King Louis XIV would be satisfied with it. He was the one who fought for the Marseille soap to maintain its name and great properties. It is a potassium soap, based on olive oil and glycerine. The most traditional one is composed of lavender and has a beautiful, purple shade. Marseille soap has antibacterial properties, soothes, rejuvenates, relaxes the epidermis without overdrying it. It is a great disinfectant, often recommended for all types of injuries, cuts and abrasions. It can even be used for hair – especially for those people who have been affected by dandruff or the problem of excessive sebum production.
3. Potassium soap
The well-known bar of beige potassium soap. It improves healing wounds and scars, reduces excess sebum and heals acne. This type of soap is gentle to the skin, does not cause any irritations or allergic reactions, and it does not contain artificial dyes. It should be dark in colour – the white ones are not made of potassium but sodium.
4. Sulphur soap
It is known to every boy and every girl who has ever struggled with acne. Sulphur oil contains up to 7% pure sulphur which deals with pimples. However, it can overdry the skin thus, its action should be neutralized with natural oils (the higher the sulphur content, the more oils should be used). It’s best to use it 2-3 times a week. It perfectly cleanses the skin, as long as it is used in moderation. Too frequent use of sulfur soap weakens the elasticity of the skin. I was wondering if I should include it in the top 5, but in the end, the soap defended itself: NOTHING works with pimples and sebum like sulfur soap so the bar stays on the list 🙂 Oh, one more thing – with sulfur soap, you can periodically wash your hair, which has a tendency to become greasy. Works pretty well:)
5. Black soap (Savon Noir)
Well: it is not so black, but very, very dark: its colour ranges from dark brown to olive (depending on the type of olive it is made of). It is made in Morocco and it does not resemble traditional soaps, because it is not a bar … I want to say thick and sticky but it might bring negative connotations and I do not want to dissuade you from trying this soap, on the contrary: I encourage you and I highly recommend, I have two at home and I love them with all my cosmetic heart: D It is brilliant for every skin of all ages: it rejuvenates, fights acne, absorbs sebum and dirt, disinfects and cleanses pores, moisturizes, protects, cares; it perfect for washing, make-up removal, depilation … versatile, great, high-quality soap. Viva la savon noir 🙂
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