July 20, 2025

Why It’s Time to Break Up with Commercial Soaps (For Good)

Are you still reaching for that same old bar of commercial soap out of habit? Maybe it’s what your family always used. Maybe it’s cheap and smells “fresh.” But here’s the truth: most commercial soaps aren’t actually soap at all. They’re detergent-based bricks of synthetic additives that can strip your skin and pollute our planet.

At Nailah’s Shea, we believe skincare should nourish your body and soul. Switching to a handcrafted, natural soap bar isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle upgrade for your health, your skin, and the environment. Let’s explore why it matters.

Read about why handcrafted all-natural shampoo bars are gamechangers here...

What Makes Commercial Soap So Harmful?

If you look closely at the label of a typical commercial soap bar, you’ll notice a long list of ingredients you probably can’t pronounce. Many of these ingredients are there to cut costs, not to care for your skin. These synthetic additives include Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a common surfactant that strips your skin of natural oils; Parabens and phthalates, linked to hormonal disruption and often hidden under “fragrance”; and, Artificial fragrance oils, synthetic chemicals that are a leading cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

“SLS can penetrate the skin's barrier, causing it to become more permeable, which may allow other harmful substances to enter the body.”

Is commercial soap bad for your skin? Yes, it can be. Commercial soap can dry out the skin, cause inflammation, and weaken your skin barrier over time. That squeaky-clean feeling? It’s often a sign that your skin has been over-cleansed and stripped of its natural protective oils.

Synthetic Additive	Potential Effects on Skin
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)/ Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)	Dryness, irritation, barrier disruption
Parabens	Hormonal interference, allergic reactions
Artificial Fragrance	Allergies, contact dermatitis, sensitivity
Synthetic Dyes	Allergic reactions, inflammation
Phthalates	Endocrine disruption, irritation
Propylene Glycol	Dryness, mild irritation

Environmental Impact of Mass-Produced Soaps

Beyond the bathroom, commercial soap production leaves a large ecological footprint including: non-biodegradable packaging contributes to landfills; harsh chemicals contaminate waterways and soil; and, mass production uses energy-intensive methods and unsustainable resources.

Why Handmade, Natural Soap Is Better for You

At Nailah’s Shea, we use time-honored cold-process methods to craft soap bars with ingredients your skin actually understands. Our natural soaps are packed with:

· Shea butter: Deeply moisturizing and rich in vitamins A and E.

· Coconut oil: Antibacterial and cleansing without being drying.

· Olive oil: Nourishes and softens sensitive skin.

· Certified organic essential oils: For gentle, aromatic cleansing.

Plus, all natural soaps made using artisanal methods retain natural glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture to the skin—a powerful difference from commercial bars that often strip it away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Soap

Is lye harmful in natural soaps? While lye (sodium hydroxide) is a caustic substance, it is a necessary ingredient for making true soap through the saponification process. When properly used, the lye reacts with fats and oils to create soap and glycerin, and no free lye remains in the final product. Therefore, properly made lye soap is safe for most skin types

What is a glycerin-rich soap bar? A glycerin-rich natural soap bar helps lock in moisture, leaving your skin soft and hydrated. Unlike mass-produced bars, we don’t remove this precious byproduct.

How can I tell if my soap is natural? Read the ingredient list. Look for recognizable names like coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, and essential oils. Avoid soaps that list synthetic detergents or “fragrance” without specification.

Is handmade soap better for sensitive skin? Absolutely. Our cold process handmade soap for sensitive skin is free from irritants and harsh additives, making it ideal for anyone with eczema, dryness, or allergies.

Gentle, Eco-Friendly, and Ethically Made

Switching to artisan natural soap bars isn’t just about what you leave out—it’s also about what you support: - Eco friendly vegan soap bar options - Biodegradable packaging - Ethical small-batch production

Each purchase supports a shift toward holistic self-care and sustainability.

Check out our all-natural, organic, handcrafted Shea Butter Soaps here!

Handcrafted Organic Shampoo Bars Instead?

Answers to More Common Questions About Commercial and Natural Soaps

What ingredients should I avoid in soap? Avoid harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), parabens, phthalates, artificial dyes, and synthetic fragrances labeled vaguely as “fragrance” or “parfum.”
Is natural soap better for eczema or dry skin? Yes, natural soap made with ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil is gentler and helps soothe inflamed or dry skin conditions like eczema.
Do natural soaps lather like regular soaps? They do! Natural soaps lather beautifully thanks to coconut oil and castor oil, though the bubbles may be creamier and softer than synthetic foams.
How long does handmade soap last? Handmade soap bars typically last 3–4 weeks with daily use. To extend life, store the bar on a draining dish and keep it dry between uses.
Can natural soap help with acne? Yes, especially when formulated with tea tree oil, activated charcoal, or neem. These ingredients gently cleanse while fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Are fragrance-free soaps really unscented? Truly fragrance-free soaps contain no synthetic or natural fragrance compounds. Some may have a mild scent from the raw ingredients but are safe for sensitive skin.
What makes cold-process soap different? Cold-process soap retains the natural glycerin produced during saponification, cures over time for a firm, long-lasting bar, and preserves the integrity of skin-nourishing oils and essential oils.