Looking for natural skincare alternatives? It might be time to consider natural body soaps!
Natural soaps have slowly crept their way into eco-shops and communities – and we’re not complaining. From their exquisite botanical fragrances to gorgeous appearances, what’s not to love? The best part? They’re healthier, better for your skincare regimen AND eco-friendly!
what is natural soap?
In short, natural soaps are soaps using natural ingredients such as blended butter and oils derived from various plants. They are free from synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and harsh detergents compared to conventional soaps. Plus, the higher quality ingredients create tons of benefits for you skin beyond just helping you smell fresh!
but what about “conventional” soaps?
According to findings by Ola Research, the natural soap market has witnessed significant growth in recent years. The main reason? The increased awareness about the harmful effects of conventional soaps’ synthetic ingredients. Consumers have become more conscious about their skincare products, often analysing ingredients used and the effects on their skin.
Common harmful ingredients from conventional soaps include parabens, dioxane, propylene glycol, and diethanolamine. While they are best known as preservatives and solvents, they are also known to have carcinogenic effects. Plus, since these chemicals are harsh, they become irritants for those with sensitive skin, pushing consumers to search for alternatives such as natural soap, which come with a slew of natural skincare benefits.
natural soap: benefits for the skin and environment
So why natural soaps? First of all, they’re rich in antioxidants. Since they’re made of blended butter and various plant-derived oils, natural soaps are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants – all of which human skin, hair and other body parts need to grow and stay healthy. This includes being much more moisturising than conventional soap, creating improved texture and protection from outside irritants, and can even help clear up skin disease.
It also goes without mentioning that these soaps are also more than often chemical free, reducing the disposal of toxic waste into the environment! Conventional soaps and detergents are known for breaking up oil, and causing damage to marine organisms. From causing severe damage to fish gills to lowering the surface tension of water (making it hard for aquatic insects like water striders to float), conventional soap comes with a myriad of negative environmental effects.
However, since natural soaps’ ingredients are often biodegradable, natural soaps reduce possible environmental damage.
With so many benefits to both the skin and the environment, it’s no wonder natural soaps have become so popular. This also means they’re slowly becoming much easier to find, and are growing in variety. So if you’re looking to make the switch, you just have to know where to look 😉
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