Why handmade soap? The difference between commercial and handcrafted.

Once you've tried handmade soap, it's really difficult to go back to the commercially produced store-bought variety. The unique scents, the luxurious feel and the amazing effects on the skin are enough to justify the price for most of us who have been converted. There are still those holdouts, however, who want to know why handmade soap is so much better than an 8-pack of soap at the store for $3.99. Handmade soap will never be a bargain, but once you learn about the benefits, as well as the negatives associated with commercially produced "soaps," you may agree that the price is well worth it.

Double Butter Luxury Spa Soap - Sea Salt & Lotus Blossom
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The next time you visit the bath and body section of the grocery store or pharmacy, take a longer look at the soap section. You'll notice that very few of the soaps on the shelves are actually labeled as soap. That's because they are actually detergents. In order to be called soap, the product must meet the FDA definition for soap and undergo the saponification process. Saponification is the process where the oils/butters react with sodium hydroxide (better known as lye) to become soap. All true soaps need lye to convert oils/butters into soap. If a product cannot meet the definition for soap, it will usually be labeled as a beauty bar, deodorant bar, etc. While there are a few actual soaps on the shelves of large stores, these products which are commercial soaps are usually filled with chemicals, preservatives and detergents.

Another benefit of using handmade soap versus their commercially produced counterpart is glycerin. Glycerin is a natural byproduct of the saponification process. The companies producing soap realized how valuable glycerin was to other industries and began removing it from soap and selling it. Since commercial soaps are missing this key component, it's one of the reasons your skin feels so dry after your shower or bath when using them. Handmade soapmakers leave the glycerin in their soaps. This beneficial natural humectant actually pulls moisture from the air and binds it to your skin, leaving you feeling soft and moisturized.

Many people now realize how important it is to be just as careful of what they put on their bodies as what goes into them. The skin is our body's largest organ and as such, it deserves to be nourished appropriately. Many handmade soaps are made entirely of natural and organic ingredients, with oils, butters and botanicals chosen specifically for their beneficial properties for the skin. Here at Sunny Land Soap & Sundry, we superfat our soaps between 4% - 6%, which means we put extra oils/butters into our recipe that will not get saponified, so the soap is extra moisturizing and your skin will receive all the wonderful benefits of the natural oils and butters.

In the past, most soaps were made from animal fats or lard. We choose to use vegetable, fruit and nut oils/butters for our soaps. We do all we can to make sure no animals have been tested or harmed for any of the products we purchase as ingredients. We have made a commitment to help, and especially not hurt, our animal friends, so all of our soaps are vegetarian and many of them are also vegan.

Once you use handmade soap, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to go back to commercial soap again. With all the wonderful benefits for your skin and body, we think you'll agree that handmade soap is well worth the cost. Stop by Sunny Land Soap & Sundry's website to learn more about us, or check out our new online store to purchase our handmade soaps, lotions and bath products today!