Natural Soap vs Commercial Soap | What's the Difference

In the world of personal hygiene, soap plays a crucial role in keeping us clean and healthy. However, not all soaps are created equally. The market is divided between natural soaps and commercial soaps, each with its own set of characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. This article goes deeper into the differences between these two types of soap, helping you make an informed decision about which one might be best for your requirements. 

What is Natural soap? 

Natural soap is made from natural, plant-based ingredients that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These soaps are typically handcrafted in small batches using traditional cold-process or hot-process procedures. 

Key Characteristics of Natural Soap: 

1.Natural Ingredients: Natural soaps contain Natural oils (such as olive, coconut, or palm), essential oils for aroma, and natural colorants (such as herbs or clay). 

2.No Synthetic Additives: They are free from artificial preservatives, fragrances, pigments, and other chemical additives commonly found in commercial soaps. 

3.Glycerin Retention: The soap-making procedure naturally produces glycerin, a moisturizing agent. Natural soap producers often leave this beneficial ingredient in the final product. 

4.Biodegradable: Being made from natural ingredients, Natural soaps are typically biodegradable and environmentally beneficial. 

5.Minimal Processing: Natural soaps undergo less processing, which helps retain the natural benefits of their constituents.

Commercial soap, also known as conventional soap, is mass-produced using industrial processes. These soaps are commonly found in supermarkets and drugstores, and they are often less expensive than their natural counterparts.

Key Characteristics of Commercial Soap:

1. Synthetic Ingredients: Many commercial soaps contain a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients, including detergents, preservatives, and artificial fragrances. 

2. Consistency: Due to standardised manufacturing processes, commercial soaps offer consistent quality and appearance across samples. 

3. Long Shelf Life: The addition of preservatives allows commercial soaps to have an extended shelf life than most Natural soaps. 

4. Variety: Commercial soaps come in a wide range of colors, scents, and formulations to cater to various preferences and skin types. 

5. Cost-effective: Mass production techniques make commercial detergents generally more affordable than natural  alternatives.

The Key Differences  

Now that we've outlined the basic characteristics of both types of soap, let's explore the main differences between them:

1. Ingredients and Production Methods: 

The most significant difference resides in the ingredients and how they're sourced and processed. Natural soaps use natural, often certified Natural ingredients, while commercial soaps may include both natural and synthetic components. The production methods also differ, with natural soaps typically being handcrafted in small quantities, while commercial soaps are mass-produced using industrial processes.

2. Skin Benefits:

Natural soaps are often gentler on the skin's surface due to their natural ingredients. They tend to be more moisturizers because they retain naturally produced glycerin. Despite cleaning well, commercial soaps can dry out skin due to glycerin removal and harsher detergents.

 3. Environmental Impact: 

Natural detergents generally have a lower environmental impact. They're made from renewable resources, are often biodegradable, and their production usually requires less energy and fewer chemicals. Commercial detergents, on the other hand, may contain ingredients that are not biodegradable, and their mass production can have a larger carbon footprint.

4. Customization and Variety: 

While commercial soaps offer a wide range of standardized options, natural soaps provide more opportunity for customization. Handmade soap producers can create unique blends of oils and scents, often tailoring their products to specific skin types or concerns.

5. Price Point: 

Commercial soaps are generally less expensive due to bulk production and economies of scale. Natural soaps, being handcrafted with higher-quality ingredients, tend to be costlier. However, many consumers find that Natural soaps last longer, potentially offsetting the higher initial cost.

 6. Regulatory Standards: 

Commercial soaps must meet FDA regulations, which predominantly focus on safety and proper labeling. Natural soaps, especially those claiming to be "certified Natural," must satisfy additional standards set by organisations like the USDA or other certifying bodies, ensuring that a certain percentage of ingredients are indeed Natural.

7. Transparency: 

Natural soap producers often provide more transparency about their ingredients and processes. You're likely to find a comprehensive list of ingredients on an natural soap, including the source of oils and scents. Commercial soap labels may be less detailed, sometimes listing only "fragrance" without specifying the components.

8. Preservation and Shelf Life: 

Commercial soaps typically have an extended shelf life due to the addition of preservatives. Natural soaps, lacking these synthetic preservatives, may have a reduced shelf life but are often considered fresher when used.

9. Ethical considerations: 

Many handmade soap companies prioritize ethical ingredient procurement, fair trade practices, and frequently use environmentally friendly packaging. While some commercial soap brands also focus on these aspects, they are more commonly emphasized in the  soap market.

10. Therapeutic Properties: 

Handmade soaps, especially those made with essential oils, may offer additional therapeutic benefits. For example, lavender for relaxation or tea tree for its antibacterial properties. While some commercial soaps may also include these ingredients, they're often in lesser quantities or synthetic versions.

Choosing Between Natural  and Commercial Soap:

The choice between Natural and commercial soap ultimately depends on individual preferences, skin type, budget, and personal values. Here are some considerations:

Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin or are susceptible to allergies, Handmade soap might be a preferable choice due to its natural ingredients

Environmental Concerns: Those who prioritize eco-friendly products may opt for Handmade soaps 

Budget: If cost is a primary concern, commercial soaps are generally more affordable 

Skin Hydration: For dry skin, Natural detergent's moisturizing properties may be beneficial 

Scent Preferences: If you enjoy a broad variety of fragrances, commercial soaps offer more options, though Natural soaps provide unique, natural scents 

Ethical Considerations: If supporting small businesses or ensuring ethical sourcing is essential to you, Handmade soaps often align with these values

Conclusion: 

Both natural and commercial soaps have their position in the market, each with specific benefits. Handmade soaps offer natural ingredients, potential skin benefits, and often align with eco-friendly and ethical values. Commercial soaps provide affordability, consistency, and a wide selection of options. 

As consumers become more environmentally conscious about what they put on their skin, many favor handmade options. However, advancements in commercial soap production have also led to more natural and environmentally sustainable options in this sector. 

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual requirements, preferences, and values. Whether you choose natural or commercial, the most essential thing is that you're using soap to maintain your hygiene and health. Consider attempting both types to see which works best for your skin and aligns with your lifestyle.