Maybe you've wondered how
soap works. We all know that using soap removes dirt, but how? If you have read
Making Handmade Soap, you
know that the chemical reaction between the fats and the lye is called saponification.
Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with a chemistry lesson at the molecular
level. Just realize that the cold process method of saponification results in
soap.
The soap molecule has some interesting properties. The oils will
prevent it mixing well with water, yet they attract dirt. Thus, the dirt is suspended
in the oils and can be washed away with water. Adding natural scents and oils
will not only clean your skin, but moisturize it as well. A byproduct of the saponification
process is glycerin. Glycerin helps moisturize your skin.
Handmade soaps using
the cold process method, produce a gentler bar of true soap. Unlike commercially
mass-produced soaps that are heated to force the saponification process, the handmade
cold-process method produces a high quality bar of soap. Mass-produced commercial
soaps are usually refined. This refining removes the naturally occurring glycerin
and therefore an important moisturizing component is lost. Commercial soap manufacturers
then use more chemicals to make the bar lather and maintain its shape as well
as flow through their machinery better. Many commercial soaps are not true soaps.
They are detergents that are harsh on your skin.

Kristen
Prinzing is the Lotion Lady, a full-time mother and entrepreneur with a complete
line of all-natural skin care products at LotionLady.com.
Discover the
difference of using handmade soap that was produced with all natural ingredients
and no animal products.
Kristen, The Lotion
Lady®
Handmade Soap, Lotion & More!