Why All-Natural Soap? 5 Reasons to Make the Switch

Why Natural Soap is Better: 5 Reasons to Make the Switch

In a world filled with endless beauty products and skincare options, all-natural, handmade soap has become a go-to choice for people looking for cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. If you’ve ever wondered whether the switch from commercial soap to all-natural soap is worth it, the answer is a resounding YES! Natural soap isn’t just a trend; it’s a healthier, more sustainable option for your skin and the planet.

Keep reading because we're diving into the top five reasons why all-natural soap is better. Whether you’re on a quest for better skincare or you’re simply looking to make more sustainable choices, all-natural soap could be just what you’ve been looking for.

1. Gentler on Your Skin

One of the biggest reasons to choose all-natural, handmade soap is how gentle it is on your skin. Commercial soaps are often filled with synthetic chemicals, preservatives (including parabens), and artificial fragrances (including phthalates) that can strip away your skin's natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. In contrast, all-natural soap is made with nourishing oils and rich fats like beef tallow, olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, which help deeply hydrate the skin without irritation.

All-natural soaps also retain the glycerin produced during the saponification process. Glycerin is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin, helping to keep it soft and hydrated. So, 

when you use natural soap, you're giving your skin the care it deserves without the harsh stripping effects of synthetic alternatives.

Did you know? 

Many commercial soap companies remove the glycerine from their soap, making it less moisturizing. They then convince you to make another purchase and use the glycerine to make topical moisturizers!

All-natural soap is so moisturizing that you may only need a moisturizer in those especially dry winter months.

2. Free from Harsh Chemicals

Commercial soaps often contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and even disrupt your hormonal balance over time. These ingredients are typically used to extend shelf life, enhance lather, or add fragrance, but they don’t offer any real skin benefits.

All-natural soap, on the other hand, is made from simple, recognizable ingredients—usually just saponified oils and water, along with a few natural additives like essential oils or herbs that DO have added benefits for your skin. These ingredients are free of synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives, making natural soap a safer, cleaner choice for your skin. At Sojourn Soap Co., we intentionally formulate our soaps with clays, botanicals, essential oils, and exfoliants for the ultimate luxury.

3. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable

Switching to all-natural soap isn’t just good for your skin; it’s also good for the planet. Many commercial soaps are packaged in plastic, which contributes to the ever-growing problem of plastic waste. On top of that, the production of synthetic ingredients can have harmful environmental impacts.

Natural soaps, however, are often packaged in recyclable, biodegradable, or minimal packaging. Additionally, like us at Sojourn Soap Co., many soap makers prioritize sustainable sourcing of ingredients. Additionally, most handmade all-natural soap makers are crafted by small, local businesses rather than large corporations. By choosing natural soap, you’re supporting both your health and the health of the planet.

4. Customizable for Your Skin’s Needs

All-natural soap is incredibly versatile, and one of the best things about it is that you can choose or even make soap tailored to your specific skin type and needs. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, there's a natural soap formulation that will work for you. For example:

• Olive oil is great for dry skin because it’s incredibly moisturizing.
• Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial properties and can be helpful for acne-prone skin.
• Shea butter is rich in vitamins and is a fantastic option for sensitive or irritated skin.
• Beef Tallow is great for sensitive skin as its composition is similar to oil produced by our skin (sebum)

In addition to oils, you can find all-natural soaps with added benefits like Twilight with activated charcoal for detoxification, or Goat's Milk with lavender for aromatherapy, or Green Tea with tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties. With so many options, natural soap allows you to find the perfect match for your skin.

5. Made with Love and Care (and Cruelty-Free)

Many commercial soap brands still test their products on animals, which raises ethical concerns. On the flip side, all-natural soap brands are often small, artisan businesses that prioritize cruelty-free practices and create their products with passion and care. 

Additionally, because natural soaps are usually handmade in small batches, there's an attention to detail and quality control that you often won’t find in mass-produced products. 

6. No Artificial Fragrances or Colours

One of the major concerns with commercial soap is the use of synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, allergies, or even respiratory issues. All-natural soap, on the other hand, relies on essential oils for fragrance, which are derived from plants, flowers, and herbs. These oils not only smell amazing but also have therapeutic properties, from calming lavender to uplifting citrus.

At Sojourn Soap Co., we have a variety of soaps that are fragrance-free as well for those who are sensitive to essential oils.

Similarly, all-natural soap are free from artificial colorants, relying instead on natural clays, spices, or herbs to add colour. These natural additives often have skincare benefits too! For example, turmeric in our Turmeric Soap adds a golden hue and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while spirulina in our Lumberjack Soap can add a green tint and is rich in antioxidants.

7. It Feels Luxurious

Finally, let’s talk about the experience of using all-natural soap. The creamy lather, the natural scents, the smooth texture—all of these elements contribute to a luxurious, spa-like experience every time you wash. Whether it’s a simple bar of unscented soap or a beautifully thoughtful formulation with herbs and essential oils, all-natural soap feels indulgent in a way that mass-produced soap often doesn’t. It’s like treating yourself to a little moment of self-care every time you shower or wash your hands.

A Healthier, More Conscious Choice

So, why is all-natural soap better? Simply put, it’s gentler on your skin, free of harsh chemicals, and better for the environment. It offers a customizable, cruelty-free option that nourishes and protects your skin with every wash. Plus, it’s a small but meaningful step you can take towards a more sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your all-natural skincare routine or just want to make more sustainable choices, switching to all-natural soap is a great decision. Plus, once you experience the benefits, you’ll wonder why you ever used anything else!

Have you made the switch to natural soap yet? Let me know your favourite type or scent—I’m always curious to hear what others are using!