Soaps are used for cleaning purposes, but it is not commonly known that they can also be healthier than most manufactured soaps available in the market. Many people choose to wash their hands with a fresh bar of homemade soap as opposed to a heavily fragranced commercial soap available in all supermarkets and convenience stores.
Soap is a product that can be used to clean or bathe with. It is derived from natural oils and fats by mixing them with lye (sodium hydroxide). The process of making soap is known as saponification. Traditional soaps are made with animal fat or vegetable oils. They were first discovered when Romans melted down animal fat or olive oil in large pots over the fire to create soapy water, which was then used for bathing.
Today, companies make synthetic detergents to replace traditional soap. These are referred to as syndets (or synthetic detergents). Syndets contain no lye or fat, and they work by lowering surface tension, which reduces the water’s attraction to the soil.
One of the first benefits of using an Australian natural soap is its lack of fragrance which would lead to problems similar to those caused by artificial fragrances. Artificial fragrances have been linked with many health issues, such as exacerbating asthma symptoms, making existing allergies worse, or even causing new ones. People who have sensitive skin may also want to look into organic handmade soaps as commercially made soaps often include harsh chemicals and even animal fats.
Another good reason to switch to natural handmade soaps is that they can be used on all body parts, including sensitive areas such as around the eyes. Most commercial soap bars contain chemicals that could easily irritate your skin, especially if you have dry or delicate facial skin around your eyes.
The last benefit of switching to a homemade soap bar is its gentleness when washing clothes. Commercial laundry powders are usually filled with harsh chemical elements that are known for stripping through layers of fabric, including wool. Homemade bar soap made from natural ingredients is much less likely to cause damage during washing cycles, saving money in the long run and prolonging the life of your clothes.
The benefit of using a natural soap is based on this basic chemistry: The triglyceride in the naturally derived plant-based oils has at least one hydrogen atom that is not bonded to the rest of the molecule. This un-bonded hydrogen atom wants to be bonded to something, so it bonds with the sodium (or potassium) in the lye/sodium hydroxide. When that bond is created between oil + lye, one molecule of soap is formed.
So if you want to reap all the benefits of using bar soap, then switch over to an organic handmade soap today! Visit our online store at www.soapdelishop.com to view our selection now.