Why Handmade Soap is Better (Without The Chemical Fear-mongering)

This is a post I've sort of needed to write for awhile, but have avoided doing so because it's really hard to draw a line between discussing the benefits of handmade soap and talking trash about chemicals. So many of the other articles I've found online tend to just give a "chemicals are so bad and in all your commercial soaps!" sort of standpoint and those that give you more scientific evidence, don't back it up with resources. I'm not too keen on sharing any of them with my friends or potential customers.  I personally believe that you can't give an educated, well written explanation of the scientific benefits of handmade soap while simultaneously bashing one of the most important sciences to my craft (hello, Chemistry!?) Here's the thing, being a soapmaker is basically being some sort of low-level chemist. And I have to respect my art and profession by saying "Hey, let's be better than this!"

So here's the thing, I'm going to the most basic version of why handmade soap is better without trying to make it too scienc-y. And if you're a nerd like me, feel free to click on my resource links to learn more.

I want to appeal to you in a way that you prefer without being anti-chemical. Here's the thing, chemicals are EVERYTHING and that's not a bad thing. "Dihydrogen Monoxide," say it with me. It's water, I hope you drink enough of it! Sodium Chloride is common table salt. And Sodium Bicarbonate, that's baking soda. These are all chemicals and ones we ingest on a regular basis at that! Now I'm not saying ALL chemicals are good either, and here's where we get into the "why handmade is better" when it comes to soap. Some chemicals ARE "bad" (for human ingestion, contact, inhalation, etc.) and some, while not bad, are just unnecessary and can become harmful over time.

So let's get started, shall we?!

Soap Design Technique - Wood Grain - Soapmaking Challenge

First off, let me apologize for not bringing a new video to you all in weeks! I realize this has let down a few of my loyal viewers, however I hope you'll understand when I say the last month has been CRAZY. Between getting soap made at lighting (for me) speed and taking care of my family (between three kids and a husband that is a school teacher, I've seen more vomit in the last week than I ever want to see again in my life.) Seriously though, tell these guys to stop getting sick, I'm tired of cleaning that stuff up.

Anyway, I've found a little time to try a new technique as part of the Great Cakes Soap Challenge Club (link here!) called the "Wood Grain" technique. Now there are probably several ways you could accomplish a wood grain technique in soap, including the simple use of a fondant mat*, however, I stuck to the squeeze bottle technique demonstrated in the challenge tutorial.

Minnesota Winter (Pine & Peppercorn)

(Watch in HD here) (Purchase Here)

Japanese Cherry Blossom Soap

(Watch in HD Here)

Honeysuckle Happiness

(Watch in HD HERE)

 

Lemon Verbena Soap

Cucumber Vanilla Bean Soap