What Are the Benefits of Natural Soap vs Commercial Soap?
- doylers4
- Nov 1
- 3 min read
When it comes to caring for your skin, the humble bar of soap plays a bigger role than most people realise. But not all soaps are created equal. If you’ve ever stood in the supermarket aisle staring at rows of brightly coloured bars, you’ve probably noticed that commercial soaps are marketed as refreshing, anti-bacterial, or even “moisturising.” Yet, many of these products aren’t actually soap at all — they’re often synthetic detergent bars.
So what’s the difference between natural soap, commercial soap, and body wash — and why might you want to make the switch? Let’s break it down.
1. Ingredients That Truly Nourish Your Skin
Natural Soap: Made with plant-based oils and butters (like olive, coconut, rice bran, or sunflower oil), natural clays, and essential oils. These ingredients gently cleanse while keeping the skin’s natural moisture barrier intact.
Commercial Soap: Often packed with synthetic detergents, sulphates, and petroleum-based ingredients. Many have added synthetic fragrances and colourants that can irritate sensitive skin.
Bottom line: Natural soaps feed your skin with real goodness; commercial soaps strip it of its natural balance.
Curious to see some of these nourishing bars? Explore our handcrafted selections at Serendipity Soaps & Skincare.
2. Glycerine — Nature’s Humectant
Natural Soap: During the traditional soap-making process, glycerine is formed naturally. Glycerine is a powerhouse for hydration, helping to draw moisture to the skin.
Commercial Soap: Many manufacturers actually remove glycerine to sell separately in lotions and creams, leaving their soap bars drying on purpose.
Bottom line: With natural soap, you keep the built-in moisturiser.
3. Gentle and Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Natural Soap: Free from harsh detergents, natural soap is less likely to cause irritation, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin, eczema, or dryness.
Commercial Soap: Harsh surfactants and artificial fragrances can trigger reactions, leaving skin feeling tight, itchy, or uncomfortable.
4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Natural Soap: Biodegradable, palm-free options, and often made in small batches with minimal packaging. Essential oils and natural clays are kinder to the planet too.
Commercial Soap: Mass-produced with synthetic chemicals that may not break down easily, and often wrapped in layers of plastic.
Bottom line: Natural soap cares for both you and the Earth.
5. A Sensory Experience, Not Just a Wash
Natural Soap: Each bar has character — from creamy textures to botanical toppings and soothing essential oil scents. Washing becomes a little self-care ritual, not just a routine.
Commercial Soap: Uniform, mass-produced, and often overly perfumed. Functional, but not exactly special.
6. What About Body Wash?
Body washes are the liquid cousins of bar soaps, but they have some important differences:
Ingredients: Most body washes are liquid detergents mixed with water, thickeners, and synthetic fragrances. Some claim to “moisturise,” but many rely on silicones or synthetic emollients rather than nourishing oils.
Moisture Factor: Natural soap retains glycerine naturally, while body washes may only coat the skin with synthetic moisturisers.
Eco-Friendliness: Body washes usually come in single-use plastic bottles, whereas natural soaps are low-waste and biodegradable.
Skin Sensitivity: Sulphate-free body washes can be gentler than commercial soaps, but many mainstream body washes still contain harsh detergents and perfumes.
Bottom line: While body washes can be convenient, natural soap still wins for eco-friendliness, gentle cleansing, and real nourishment.
If you’re ready to make the switch, our small-batch natural soaps and blends are available to browse online at Serendipity Soaps & Skincare.
Final Thoughts
Switching to natural soap isn’t just about cleansing your skin — it’s about choosing better for your body, your wellbeing, and the environment. With its skin-loving ingredients, rich glycerine, and gentle cleansing properties, natural soap is a clear winner over commercial alternatives and even most body washes.
Next time you reach for a bar, ask yourself: do I want something mass-produced, or a little piece of handcrafted care?
Much Love
Marta 💚
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