Why Natural Soap Bars Are Better for Your Skin

I thought today I’d have a little chat with you about something that’s become a huge part of everyday life for so many of us again; good old fashioned soap bars! ☺️

Now, I might be biased of course, but I think this is fantastic. Over the last few years, more and more people seem to be making the switch back to natural soap, whether it’s for their skin, to reduce plastic, or simply because they enjoy using something a little more traditional.

But soap bars themselves are far from new. In fact, they’ve been around for thousands of years, long before plastic bottles lined supermarket shelves. One of the earliest known forms of soap dates back to ancient Babylon around 2800 BC, where records suggest people were making simple soap using fats, ashes and water. The Ancient Egyptians also used soap-like mixtures for washing and treating skin conditions, while the Romans later helped popularise it across Europe.

Of course, soap has changed a lot since then! Thankfully, modern soapmaking smells much nicer than boiling ashes and animal fat 😅 But the basic idea is still very similar; combining oils with an alkali to create a gentle cleanser.

At Bare, I still make soap in small batches using traditional cold process methods. Every bar starts with carefully selected oils and other natural ingredients I choose to gently cleanse while still caring for the skin.

So…how does it actually work?

Let’s get into some sciency stuff! When you wash with soap, one part of the molecule is attracted to water, while the other is attracted to oils, dirt, and grease on the skin. When you rinse, the soap lifts everything away with the water. That’s why bars are so effective at removing grime, excess oil, and germs from the skin. A good natural soap bar should leave your skin feeling clean, but not stripped or tight afterwards. That balance is really important.

Why natural soap bars feel different

Many people notice that natural bars feel creamier and more moisturising than some commercial soaps. That’s because traditional cold process soap naturally creates glycerin during the making process. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it helps attract moisture to the skin. In many mass-produced soaps, glycerin is removed and used in other skincare products. Handmade bars keep that lovely natural glycerin inside.

At Bare, my soaps are made with ingredients like:

• Coconut oil for cleansing and bubbly lather
• Shea butter to nourish and soften skin
• Sweet almond oil for a silky, conditioning feel
• Castor oil to boost creamy lather
• Certified sustainable palm oil for hardness and longevity
• Essential oils and clays for their natural properties and beautiful scents

Every ingredient has a purpose!

Do they lather properly?

Yes, absolutely! One of the biggest myths about natural soap is that it won’t lather well, but a properly formulated bar creates a rich, creamy lather that cleanses beautifully. The trick is balancing the oils correctly. Coconut oil helps create fluffy bubbles, while oils like castor and sweet almond help make the lather feel softer and creamier.

Why more people are switching back to soap bars

For many people, it starts with trying to reduce plastic waste. A single bar can replace multiple plastic bottles over time, especially when paired with other solid skincare products like shampoo and conditioner bars. But often, people continue using natural bars simply because their skin prefers it. Many customers tell me their skin feels calmer, softer, and less dry after making the switch.

A few tips

• Keep your bar dry between uses
• Use a draining soap dish if possible
• Work the bar into a lather with warm water
• Don’t hold the soap under running water

A well-cared-for soap bar will last much longer!

There’s something so lovely about going back to basics sometimes. I use simple ingredients made with traditional methods, and it results in bars of soap made with care. That’s exactly why I still love making them after all these years ☺️ If you’d like to learn more about my Bare Natural soap bars you can read this blog.

Be sure to follow Bare Natural on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on my latest creations and updates. Until next time! 🫧

Dinah x