The Benefits of Using Handmade Soap vs. Store-Bought Soap
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When it comes to caring for your skin, not all soaps are created equal. While store shelves are packed with colorful bars and body washes, many of these mass-produced options are made with synthetic ingredients that can do more harm than good over time.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes handmade soap better—and why brands like True Lather are passionate about crafting it—you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the differences between handmade soap and store-bought soap, and why making the switch can do wonders for your skin and the planet.
Handmade Soap vs. Store-Bought Soap: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Handmade Soap (True Lather) | Store-Bought Soap |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Natural oils, raw honey, goat milk, colloidal oatmeal, essential/fragrance oils | Synthetic detergents, sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances and dyes |
| Moisturizing Properties | Retains natural glycerin to hydrate skin | Glycerin often removed—can leave skin dry and tight |
| Skin Sensitivity | Gentle and nourishing; ideal for sensitive and dry skin | May cause irritation or breakouts due to harsh additives |
| Scents | Unique, small-batch fragrances; seasonal options | Generic scents with synthetic perfumes |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal packaging, biodegradable ingredients | Plastic packaging, chemical runoff, less eco-conscious production |
| Craftsmanship | Handcrafted in small batches with care | Mass-produced for high-volume sales |
| Transparency | Full ingredient lists; you know what’s on your skin | Vague or complex ingredient labels |
| Support | Supports small businesses and ethical sourcing | Supports large-scale commercial manufacturing |
What’s Actually in Your Soap?
Commercial soaps are often labeled as “beauty bars” or “cleansing bars” for a reason: they’re technically not soap at all. Most are made with harsh detergents, synthetic fragrances, and chemical preservatives.
~ Handmade soap uses natural ingredients like glycerin, plant-based oils, goat milk, raw honey, and essential oils
~ Store-bought soap often contains sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and synthetic perfumes
These chemical additives may strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, or unbalanced—especially if you have sensitive skin.
Glycerin: The Secret to Soft, Moisturized Skin
One of the biggest advantages of handmade soap is that it retains glycerin, a natural humectant created during the soap-making process. Glycerin draws moisture into the skin and helps it stay hydrated long after you wash.
~ True Lather’s glycerin soaps are made with an all-natural base that moisturizes as it cleans
~ Most commercial soaps remove glycerin to use in higher-priced lotions or skincare products
The result? Handmade soaps leave your skin feeling soft and nourished, while store-bought versions can feel drying or harsh.
Better Ingredients, Better Skin
At True Lather, we’re proud to use high-quality ingredients that support skin health and align with our commitment to natural living.
~ Goat Milk: Rich in vitamins A, D, and B6—soothes and hydrates dry or sensitive skin
~ Raw Honey: Naturally antibacterial and deeply moisturizing
~ Colloidal Oatmeal: Calms irritation and gently exfoliates
~ Essential and Skin-Safe Fragrance Oils: Provide beautiful scents without harsh chemicals
These ingredients work together to cleanse your skin without disrupting its natural balance.
Custom Scents and Small-Batch Quality
Handmade soap is more than skincare—it’s a sensory experience. Because we make our soaps in small batches, we can offer unique scent combinations and seasonal favorites you won’t find in commercial brands.
~ Try warm, cozy scents like Bonfire or KY Bourbon for fall
~ Refresh your senses with Lemon Bar or Jungle Waterfall in summer
~ Enjoy skin-soothing blends like Oatmeal and Honey year-round
Each bar is carefully crafted for quality and consistency—something mass-produced soaps can’t always guarantee.
Handmade Soap is More Sustainable
Switching to handmade soap is a small change that makes a big difference for the environment.
~ Our bars are typically packaged with minimal or eco-friendly materials
~ No harmful chemicals are washed down the drain during use
~ Many of our ingredients are responsibly sourced and biodegradable
By choosing handmade, you’re reducing your plastic use, supporting small businesses, and avoiding the environmental footprint of factory-made body care.
Final Thoughts: Choose What’s Best for You (and the Planet)
Handmade soap isn’t just a luxury—it’s a smarter, healthier choice for your skin and the environment. With thoughtfully chosen ingredients, small-batch craftsmanship, and a commitment to natural goodness, True Lather soaps offer a better alternative to the mass-produced options lining drugstore shelves.
Whether you’re drawn to the creamy comfort of goat milk soap or the clarity of a glycerin bar, you’ll find something your skin—and your conscience—can feel good about.
Make the switch today. Explore True Lather’s handcrafted soaps and experience the difference of real, skin-loving ingredients.