My family and I have always loved using handmade soaps. About five years ago, I started making cold processed soap and since then we have not looked back. We benefit from the wonderful properties handmade soaps have to offer.
I teach monthly soap making workshops and I am often asked; why I started making soap? I did not think it would be a “great way to save money.” The cost of materials can add up and quality essential oils can definitely add to the cost. I also did not think it would be 100% chemical free, but I prefer as many natural organic ingredients as possible.
Here are my six main reasons, in no particular order of importance:
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Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Limiting the use of harsh chemicals was a really strong motivator for me. My skin would always feel tight and dry after using store-bought soap and I would compensate with moisturizing lotions. After trying various soaps over the years to help deal with my persistent dry skin, I had a strong desire to find a soap that did not leave my skin feeling tight and dry. I also wanted to know and understand the ingredients that were part of my soap. Given that soap is such an important part of my skin care, I felt that it was important to know what was in the soap I was using. As a parent, it is also important to me that my children are using the best products possible on their skin.
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Matching Ingredients To Skin Care Needs
Creating soap recipes to nurture my skin and the skin care needs of my family was very appealing. I can select essential oils and other ingredients that moisturize and help maintain healthy skin. With handmade soap, I can also address specific skin care needs for each member of my family.
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Benefiting From Essential Oils
I wanted to find new ways of benefiting from essential oils in addition to aromatherapy. Creating unique blends of essential oils is an amazing opportunity to benefit from the various properties essential oils can provide. With so many oils to choose from, you can create your own unique blend for a therapeutic bath experience.
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Connecting With Nature
Growing up in the Caribbean, I saw the women around me use botanicals in their hair and skin care regime. Botanicals like aloe vera, rosemary, coconut and hibiscus were always staples in mother’s garden, which she used extensively for her hair and facials. This is when I learned that nature supplies us with everything we need, and making soaps with botanicals seemed like a natural progression. Since my childhood, I have also become more aware of using sustainable materials, and the idea of extending this philosophy into a different aspect of my life is appealing.
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The Art Of Hand Making
I really connect with the process of making something by hand. I love making my own clothing and decor for my home and I love learning how to make new things. It is also satisfying using things that I have made. Learning how to make soap was a process I was curious about and really wanted to learn.
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Giving A Unique Handmade Gift
Making handmade gifts has also been something I have done for as long as I can remember. This is my way of adding a personal touch to the gifts I give. I love giving handmade soap as gifts and they are always received well.
If you will like to learn how to make cold process soap, I invite you to join one of our Soap Making sessions. If you prefer learning independently, here are some resources:
Making Soap From Scratch: How to Make Handmade Soap – A Beginners Guide and Beyond
Soap Maker’s Workshop: The Art and Craft of Natural Homemade Soap
The Top 10 Essential Oils and Their Uses | Beauty Junkie
10 Toxic Beauty Ingredients to Avoid
Toxic Load: What’s in Your Personal Care Products?
Last updated: October 18, 2021