In today's world, learning a new skill that can make you and your family more self-sufficient is a big win. The world around us is changing fast, and the more we can do for ourselves, the more secure we feel when things go wrong. Although soap-making was common in your great-grandmother's time, the skill of crafting natural soap has been somewhat lost over the years.
I have been making soap since November 2011 when I crafted my very first batch from scratch in my kitchen. That year, my entire family received soap for Christmas. I started using a tutorial I found on YouTube and some basic ingredients. Soap is a vital part of our daily lives, and we use it to keep ourselves clean and hygienic. However, have you ever thought about making your soap? Making soap is an age-old tradition that is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, as people become more interested in natural and sustainable living. In this blog post, I will do a deep dive into why you should make your soap.
“What Soap is to the Body, Laughter is to the Soul.”
- Yiddish Proverb
Its Cost Effective to Make Your Own Soap
Making your soap can save you money in the long run. Commercial soaps can be expensive and contain harmful chemicals that can harm your skin. When you make your own soap, you can control the ingredients used, and you can choose to use natural ingredients that are cost-effective and have numerous skin benefits. When I started making soap, I played with ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, which are all readily available and affordable. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the skin. By using natural ingredients, you can avoid the harsh chemicals that are often found in commercial soaps.
Fun Fact: the soap you buy in stores is not real soap but rather a detergent.
According to the FDA, real soap is made of "alkali salts of fatty acids" (essentially, oils or fats combined with lye). To mass-produce soap, companies have found it is easier to use synthetic ingredients instead of oils. Therefore, most mass-produced soap-like products (Dove, Irish Springs, etc.) are not technically soap but a "synthetic detergent product."
It's Better for the Environment and for YOU!
Making your soap is also an eco-friendly choice. Commercial soaps are often packaged in plastic containers that end up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. When you make your soap, you can use eco-friendly packaging such as glass jars or paper bags. You can also choose to use natural ingredients that are sustainable and don't harm the environment. For instance, you can use ingredients like beeswax, which is a renewable resource, and palm oil, which is sustainably harvested. By making your soap, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet. This is definitely one of the reasons I love making soap for my family!!
It Allows You to get Creative..
When you make your soap, you can customize it to suit your needs and preferences. You can choose the scent, color, and texture of the soap. You can also add natural ingredients such as honey, oatmeal, and essential oils to enhance the skin benefits of your soap. By customizing your soap, you can create a product that is unique to you and your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, you can choose ingredients that are moisturizing and hydrating. Alternatively, if you have oily skin, you can choose ingredients that are cleansing and detoxifying.
Once you start making soap, you'll find it hard to go back to the store-bought alternatives.
Its Healthier for you
In addition to being cost-effective, customizable, and eco-friendly, making your soap can also have health benefits. Commercial soaps often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and disrupt the body's natural balance. By making your soap, you can avoid these chemicals and create a product that is gentle and nourishing for the skin. For example, you can use ingredients like lavender essential oil, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, to soothe and calm the skin. By using natural ingredients, you can promote healthy skin and overall well-being. LOVE IT!!!
Its a Great Hobby!
Finally, making soap can be a fun and relaxing hobby that can be done in your own time. Not only can you experiment with different scents and colors, but you can also create unique and personalized gifts for your friends and family. Soap-making can also be a great way to bond with your children or friends.
To Sum It All Up..
Making soap can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Not only is it better for the environment, but it's also better for your skin and wallet. Using natural ingredients, you can create a product that is free of harmful chemicals and will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized. So why not give it a try? You might just discover a new passion and hobby that will benefit you and your family for years to come.