Natural soap is very different from commercial cleansing bars. What you see on store shelves is usually detergent in a bar. Synthetic detergent was originally formulated during the war years when oils & fats for soap making were in scarce supply. Commercial soap that is actually soap is made of inexpensive oils and the natural glycerin that is produced is removed. Often, cheap fillers, whiteners and synthetic fragrances are added. These ingredients can be drying and irritating to your skin. When your skin dries out, it loses it’s protective function
– your skin is your largest organ – it works hard!
Why do they remove the glycerin? Because natural vegetable glycerin is a humectant, and draws moisture to your skin. Commercial soap makers remove it and sell it to make glycerin soap and other skincare products. Natural handmade soap still contains all the glycerin that is produced during the soap making process – natural plant glycerin – the good stuff!
Years ago, I had the most dry, itchy skin you can imagine. The winter months, with the cold dry air were especially bad. One day I tried a bar of handmade soap – and – I couldn’t believe it! My skin stopped itching! So I bought handmade soap everywhere I found it. I became a connoisseur of “gourmet” handcrafted soaps. After finding a book on making natural herbal soaps, I immersed myself in mastering the craft. I wanted the best soap for my skin.
Why is Watershed Naturals soap so luxurious? It’s the avocado. Pure and simply, it makes better soap than olive oil. Olive oil soap is awesome – but avocado is better!
It’s also more expensive to make. A lot more. The rewards – your soap is more moisturizing, more soothing for your skin, with richer, fluffier lather. I also add lots of natural, fair trade shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, apricot kernel oil or hemp seed oil. And of course, coconut oil for bubbly lather.
My soap is now palm free.
I am passionate about sourcing sustainable ingredients (local where possible), that are good for our planet. I care about what goes into my soap – because that is what goes into your skin.
