In recent years, natural bar soaps have gained popularity as people become more conscious of what they put on their skin. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose and whether natural soap is truly beneficial. In this post, we'll answer some common questions to help you make the best choice for your skin and the environment.
What Are the Best Natural Soap Brands?
When looking for natural bar soaps, it's important to choose brands that use clean ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. Here are some top natural soap brands that are loved for their commitment to purity and sustainability:
- Dr. Bronner’s – A well-known favorite, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap is made with organic oils and is biodegradable. It’s gentle yet effective, and the brand emphasizes ethical production.
- SheaMoisture – Known for their nourishing formulas, SheaMoisture bar soaps feature natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils. Their soaps are excellent for dry or sensitive skin.
- Pacha Soap Co. – This company produces eco-friendly, fair trade bar soaps that not only cleanse your skin but also give back to communities in need. Their bars are loaded with natural oils and essential oils for a luxurious experience.
- Burt’s Bees – With a focus on nature-based skincare, Burt’s Bees makes soothing bar soaps rich in natural ingredients like honey and olive oil, which are perfect for hydrating and cleansing your skin.
- Lush – If you love fresh, handmade products, Lush offers an array of vegan and cruelty-free bar soaps with vibrant scents and no harsh chemicals.
At Earthly Emanants, we strive to ensure our shops are made with the highest quality ingredients, and as natural as possible. Our soaps are not only natural like the ones mentioned above, but made by hand, and contain a variety of options from fragrance free, to the best scents, and beyond.
Is Natural Bar Soap Good for You?
In short, yes! Natural bar soap is not only good for your skin, but it's also better for the environment. Here’s why:
- No Harsh Chemicals: Many commercial soaps contain synthetic fragrances, detergents, and preservatives that can irritate the skin. Natural bar soaps, on the other hand, are typically made with plant-based oils, essential oils, and other organic ingredients that are gentler on the skin.
- Moisturizing Benefits: Natural bar soaps often include ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil, which help nourish and hydrate the skin. These ingredients retain the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness and irritation.
- Eco-Friendly: Natural bar soaps are often packaged with little to no plastic, and many are biodegradable. This makes them an environmentally friendly choice compared to liquid soaps that come in plastic bottles.
- Skin-Friendly: If you have sensitive skin, natural bar soap can be a great alternative to commercial brands. They are less likely to cause reactions, as they don’t contain artificial dyes or fragrances.
What Ingredients Should I Look for in a Natural Soap?
Choosing the right ingredients in a natural soap can make a big difference for your skin. Here are some ingredients you’ll want to look for:
- Coconut Oil: This oil helps create a rich lather and has moisturizing and antibacterial properties, making it great for all skin types.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is gentle, deeply moisturizing, and loaded with antioxidants, which are beneficial for sensitive and dry skin.
- Shea Butter: Known for its hydrating and healing properties, shea butter helps soothe dry skin and improve elasticity.
- Essential Oils: Natural essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus provide antibacterial benefits and offer a pleasing scent without synthetic fragrances. Though you can also find options without essential oils that help to prevent any allergies or causing of sensitive skin.
- Glycerin: A natural humectant, glycerin helps the skin retain moisture and prevents dryness, making it a key ingredient in moisturizing soaps.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and great for calming irritated or sunburned skin.
- Activated Charcoal: Perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, activated charcoal helps detoxify by drawing out impurities.
These ingredients are common in high-quality natural soaps and provide a gentle yet effective cleanse, making them suitable for different skin types.
The Natural Choice for Your Skin and the Planet
Natural bar soap is an excellent choice for anyone looking to care for their skin in a healthy, eco-conscious way. Whether you’re battling dryness, seeking a more sustainable option, or simply wanting to avoid chemicals, there's a natural bar soap out there for you. Brands like Dr. Bronner’s, SheaMoisture, and Burt’s Bees make it easy to cleanse your skin while staying kind to the environment.
So next time you’re stocking up on soap, consider going natural—your skin (and the planet) will thank you!
