Organic or Natural Soap. How to Choose for My Baby?
Organic or Natural Soap, How to Choose?
Organic soaps are cosmetic products made from natural ingredients and act as detergents. In addition, artisanal production processes are often carried out to preserve the virtues of all the products used. There are two forms (liquid and solid), but solid soaps are more economical.
Organic soaps cannot irritate the skin, regardless of the form. On the contrary, it removes impurities, moisturizes, and adapts to every skin type. In addition, production methods contribute to respect for the environment.
What Is Soap?
What is the composition of traditional soap?
Soap is obtained by a chemical reaction: saponification.
When an oily substance (vegetable oil or animal fat) comes into contact with a base (also called alkali), it separates and turns into soap and glycerin. Glycerin is a moisturizing active ingredient widely used in cosmetics for its benefits on the skin.
Brief History of Soap
Soaps are not new. Indeed, in 2000 BC, the Sumerians used a paste made of clay oil and ash to wash. However, Aleppo soap originated in the city of the same name 3500 years ago. It is one of the most iconic soaps made from olive oil and laurel fruits.
Marseille soap was developed in the 9th century. And in the XIX century, it allowed industrial soap production. Unfortunately, waiting for the century and caustic soda will be necessary.
The long-neglected return to more natural products for shower gels drives consumer interest in natural and organic soaps containing natural active ingredients that respect the skin and the environment.
Features and Benefits of Soap
Soap can diffuse water into the skin due to its chemical composition. This increases the wetting power of the water and, therefore, the cleansing of the skin. The foam formation of soap and water reinforces this washing power.
Natural soap softens the skin.
Soaps rich in glycerin and vegetable oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, sesame, calendula, or argan help prevent skin drying and retain moisture. In addition, they can be enriched with softening active ingredients: donkey milk, honey, and shea, which makes it possible to abandon moisturizing milk after a shower.
Natural soap gently exfoliates.
Soaps enriched with argan shells or fruit acids while maintaining the elasticity and natural balance of the skin also remove the dead cells accumulated on the skin's surface. This soap is ideal for refining skin texture while cleansing it of impurities.
Different Methods of Making Soap
You can make soap in different ways.
Industrial Soaps
Industrial saponification takes place at high temperatures (about 100°C). Cheap oily ingredients such as fat or palm oil are used. Usually, the glycerin is rinsed, recovered, and then resold. Some industrial soap manufacturers use soap flakes to which they add additives. The mixture is finally kneaded in a machine, turning into soap bars.
Hot saponified soaps
For hot saponification, vegetable oils and boiling soda are mixed. After rinsing excess soda, moisturizing or exfoliating active ingredients, oily ingredients, or perfumes can be added to the soap paste. The soap is then poured into molds and left to dry.
Cold saponified soaps
Cold saponification takes place in traditional soap factories. A mixture of vegetable oil and soda occurs at a low temperature (maximum 40°). Plant materials, therefore, retain their properties as they are. Glycerin is not separated and remains at the heart of the soaps it enriches. The resulting soaps require a drying time of several months. In addition, since they contain many fatty substances, they tend to sour more easily.
Which Soap to Choose?
Cold soap for oily or problem skin
The cold soap, rich in vegetable oils and glycerin, is ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin. Less attacked, the skin produces less sebum. For minor inconveniences, purifying essential oils such as tea tree or clary sage can be added to soaps. In addition, extracts of burdock, wild pansy, or nettle can be used for clear and healthy skin.
Neutral soaps without essential oils for babies or reactive skin
The delicate skin of babies sensitive skin and sensitive skin require formulations with neutral or slightly acidic pH to match that of the skin. To clean the skin without harming it, some substances must be removed from these soaps: perfume (allergenic essential oils or synthetic fragrances), parabens, or dyes.
Oil-based soaps rich in omega-3 and omega-6 for dry and mature skin
For dry skin or mature skin that sometimes lacks softness, there is nothing better than a soap enriched with essential fatty acids such as argan oil and jojoba oil that regenerates, moisturizes, and strengthens the skin.
Black Soap
Treasure of the Maghreb, black soap has been used for centuries in the hammam for its moisturizing and exfoliating properties. Its black color is due to the saponification of oil and crushed black olives. It is made with potash which gives it its soft texture. After applying it to the skin, exfoliate the body with a Luffah glove.
Donkey's Milk Soap
Organic, fresh donkey's milk is rich in vitamins and omega-3 and 6. It nourishes, moisturizes, and soothes all skin types, even the most sensitive. The soap enriched with donkey's milk maintains the softness and elasticity of the skin. It can be delicately scented with essential oil of rose, verbena, or lavender with relaxing or soothing properties.
