Generally, the commercial soaps carried at most chain stores, etc. are full of chemical additives, additives that not only dry out your skin but can lead to rashes and other irritations. This is not only because of the synthetic additives in the soap but also because most soap companies take the glycerin out of their soap. The commercial soap bars that line most grocery stores’ shelves are actuall
y synthetic detergents. While that's great for your dishes, it's not very good for your skin. IF the commercial soap company does put in some natural ingredients along with its synthetic ones, they do so in such small quantities as for it to be inconspicuous in the soap. Its main purpose is to catch the eye of the consumer and give them the illusion that this soap is more natural. If you read the ingredient labels though, the soap is still primarily made with synthetic ingredients. Handmade soap is a cleanser made with simple ingredients that are good for your skin. In the handcrafted soap making process, oils and fats are combined with lye to produce soap and glycerin. Some people may question the use of lye in handmade soap. The fact is that all soap is made with lye. What needs to be made clear is that once the process of saponification is complete, the lye and oil molecules have combined and chemically changed into soap and glycerin. ALL bar soaps are made with lye, however, when made correctly, there is NO LYE remaining in the final bar of soap. The resulting reaction creates soap and glycerin. Soap cleanses the skin while glycerin moisturizes it. Many of our handmade soaps also contain butters and other oils to increase the moisturizing effect of the soap and herbs and other natural items for an exfoliant. All our soaps are under the label of LOLA EMIL (Lola Emiliana Bugas Perocho) who reminds me of a simpler time, when local crafts people, like her, provided for community needs.
