Crafting the Perfect Natural Soap: My Editorial Guide for Sensitive Skin And How To Choose The Right Soap

When I first decided to venture into the world of soap-making 4 years ago, I discovered that creating natural soap for sensitive skin is more than just an art; it’s a precise science. For those of us with skin that reacts to many commercial products, finding a gentle soap can be tough. But don't worry! In this guide, I’ll show you how and why it's important to choose natural soaps that are soft, soothing, and perfect for the skin.

Understanding Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can be complex. It may react to various triggers like harsh weather, allergies, medications, family history, or stress. After experiencing this in my own family, I know how crucial it is to select the right ingredients.

When choosing soap for sensitive skin, the focus should be on avoiding certain ingredients such as synthetic detergents. Steer clear of all harsh chemicals and artificial scents, and instead, opt for natural oils, goat milk, and botanicals that nourish the skin.

Did you know?

Dove products do not contain soap; they use synthetic detergents. Because of this, they are not able to label their products as soap. Instead, they call their products "beauty bar" or use the term "body wash" as a sneaky marketing tactic.

Essential Ingredients for Natural Soaps

• Base Oils: The right oils can transform your soap. In our soap, we use the perfect blend of coconut oil, safflower oil, and palm oil. While coconut and palm oil offer excellent hydration, safflower oil is known for being rich in oleic and linoleic acid, two essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce redness and irritation.

  
  

• Goat Milk: Incorporating goat milk adds moisture. It creates a rich, velvety lather that feels luxurious against the skin. Did you know goat milk contains vitamins A, B6, B12 and E? It also has triglycerides (natural fatty acids) that help to balance the skin's natural pH and prevent dry, flaky skin.

  
  

• Lye: In cold-process making, lye (sodium hydroxide) is crucial. While it might sound intimidating, it’s safe to use if handled correctly. Lye initiates a chemical reaction that turns oils into soap, ensuring a quality end product.

  
  

• Essential Oils: Replace synthetic fragrances with essential oils like lavender and Peppermint. Research shows that lavender essential oil not only smells great but can reduce skin redness and irritation.

  
  

• Natural Additives: Ingredients like oatmeal, honey, and natural exfoliants enhance your soap’s benefits. Here below, you can see the use of organic orange peel in the soap to exfoliate the skin naturally.

  
  

Orange Peel Goat Milk Soap

Final Thoughts

Making natural soaps for sensitive skin is a fulfilling process for us that invites creativity and exploration. By mastering the art of using the right ingredients and techniques, we produce soaps that cleanse, nourish, and boost your skin’s health without causing irritation.

As you embark on your sensitive skin journey, know that knowledge is power and it will lead you in making the correct, informative choice for your skin. In the end, your skin will thank you!

XOXO Joelle