Handmade vs. Store-Bought Soap
What’s the Difference?
When choosing a bar of soap, have you ever wondered what sets handmade soap apart from the mass-produced bars you find in stores? At Wild Roots Artisan Soaps, we believe the difference lies in the ingredients, process, and overall benefits. Let’s break it down so you can see why handmade soap is worth the switch!
1. Ingredients: Natural vs. Synthetic
Handmade Soap
✔ Made with high-quality natural oils and butters, such as olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and mango butter
✔ Uses pure essential oils for fragrance instead of synthetic scents
✔ Colored with natural clays, botanical powders, and plant-based ingredients
Store-Bought Soap
❌ Often contains detergents and synthetic foaming agents
❌ Uses artificial fragrances and dyes that can be harsh on the skin
❌ May contain preservatives and fillers that can strip natural moisture
2. Glycerin Content: Hydrating vs. Drying
Handmade Soap
✔ Naturally retains glycerin, a byproduct of the soapmaking process that helps keep skin soft and hydrated
Store-Bought Soap
❌ Many commercial soaps remove glycerin to use in lotions and creams, leading to a drying effect
3. Process: Small-Batch vs. Mass-Produced
Handmade Soap
✔ Made in small batches using traditional methods such as cold process or hot process soapmaking
✔ Carefully cured for 4-6 weeks to create a gentle, long-lasting bar
✔ Each bar is unique, with natural variations in color, shape, and texture
Store-Bought Soap
❌ Produced in large factories, where the focus is on quantity rather than quality
❌ Uses high heat and rapid production methods that may reduce the benefits of natural oils
❌ Uniform in shape, scent, and appearance but lacking the artisanal touch
4. Customization & Variety
Handmade Soap
✔ Offers unique ingredient blends, such as goat milk, coconut milk, aloe vera juice, or botanical infusions
✔ Customizable with different essential oil blends and natural colorants
✔ Can be gentle on sensitive skin due to the absence of harsh chemicals
Store-Bought Soap
❌ Limited variety, often with one-size-fits-all formulas
❌ Commonly contains harsh foaming agents that may not suit all skin types
5. Environmental Impact
Handmade Soap
✔ Uses biodegradable ingredients that break down naturally
✔ Often packaged in eco-friendly or minimal packaging
✔ Supports small businesses and ethical, sustainable practices
Store-Bought Soap
❌ Many contain petroleum-based ingredients that don’t break down easily
❌ Packaged in plastic wrappers or boxes, contributing to waste
❌ Large-scale manufacturing often leads to higher carbon footprints
Why Choose Handmade Soap?
If you’re looking for a soap that’s crafted with care, made from high-quality ingredients, and free from synthetic additives, handmade soap is the way to go. At Wild Roots Artisan Soaps, we take pride in making small-batch soaps using only pure oils, butters, essential oils, and natural colorants—never synthetic fragrances or harsh detergents.
Ready to experience the difference? Browse our collection and find your new favorite bar!
Comment below on your experiences with handmade vs. store-bought soap.
