14 best natural soap

Natural soap is a type of soap that is made primarily from natural ingredients, often with minimal or no synthetic additives or chemicals. It is popular among craft hobbyists and artisans who enjoy making their own soap at home or appreciate the benefits of using natural products.Here's what you should know about natural soap:

1. Ingredients: Natural soap typically contains natural oils or fats as the base, such as olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter. These ingredients provide moisture and nourishment to the skin. Natural colorants and fragrances can be added using ingredients like herbs, essential oils, and spices.

2. Cold Process and Hot Process: There are two main methods for making natural soap at home: cold process and hot process. Cold process soap-making involves mixing oils and lye (sodium hydroxide) to create a chemical reaction called saponification, which turns the ingredients into soap. Hot process soap-making is similar but involves applying heat to speed up the process.

3. Glycerin: Natural soap retains glycerin, a natural byproduct of saponification. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. Commercially produced soaps often remove glycerin, but it's typically present in natural soaps.

4. Benefits: Natural soaps are often preferred because they are gentle on the skin and do not contain harsh detergents or synthetic fragrances that can cause skin irritations. Many people with sensitive skin find that natural soaps are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

5. Varieties: Natural soap can come in a wide variety of scents and colors, depending on the natural ingredients used. Common scents include lavender, citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus, among others.

6. Eco-Friendly: Natural soap is considered more environmentally friendly than commercial soaps that may contain synthetic ingredients and contribute to plastic waste. Many natural soap makers prioritize sustainable and eco-conscious packaging.

7. Crafting and DIY: Making natural soap can be a fun and creative craft hobby. Crafters often experiment with different ingredients and designs to create unique, handcrafted soaps. There are many books and online resources available that provide instructions and recipes for crafting natural soap at home.

8. Customization: Natural soap-making allows for customization to suit individual preferences. You can choose the oils, scents, and additives to create a soap that meets your specific needs and preferences.

9. Skin Benefits: Natural soap is believed to offer various skin benefits, including improved hydration, reduced irritation, and potential therapeutic effects from the essential oils used in fragrances.

When it comes to crafting natural soap at home, it's essential to follow safety guidelines and precise measurements, especially when working with lye, which can be caustic if mishandled. Many crafters find it helpful to start with simple recipes and gradually experiment with more complex formulations as they gain experience in soap-making.