How Does Herbal Soap Differ From Regular Soap?

Herbal Soap

Herbal soaps do not use animal by-products such as beef tallow, an animal fat. The oils used in herbal soaps are usually vegetable-based oils such as olive, coconut, palm or canola oil. Glycerin, a skin softener, is a natural by-product of soap making. Herbal soaps leave in the glycerin, whereas commercial soaps remove it. Herbal soaps use herbs and essential oil fragrances that not only give you an aromatherapy experience, but will help heal skin. Soaps made of tea tree oil are good for rashes and wounds. Apricot kernel soap is rich in essential fatty acids to help sooth skin. Tangerine soap is good for acne. Herbal soaps do not contain any chemicals to dry the skin. Even the coloring is water soluble or derived from spices. Most herbal soaps are handmade. Ingredients are measured and mixed by hand. The soap is hand cut and sealed by hand.

Regular Soap or Commercial Soap

Most commercial soaps contain sodium tallowate, which is lard and lye. Commercial soaps use animal fat because it's cheaper than vegetable oils. Animal fat or lard can clog your pores. Chemicals are also present in commercial soaps, which can irritate the skin. Some contain BHT, which is butylated hydroxytoluene, a preservative. DEA, diethanolomine, is a chemical found in most commercial soaps. The dyes and fragrances used in commercial soaps can irritate the skin. The natural by-product, glycerin, is often removed from commercial soaps to use in other products.

How to Purchase Herbal Soap

Herbal soaps can be purchased online or at health food stores and specialty shops. Look for products that contain no animal by-products and where glycerin is included and all ingredients are natural. Herbal soaps cost more than commercial soaps. The average bar of soap is $4.50 to $6.50. Look for companies that have a large variety of soaps for different skin conditions. Herbal soaps are healing soaps for dry skin, eczema, wounds, cuts and other abrasions. Also, look for fragrances that have an aromatherapy effect.

Resources

• Herbal Soaps