Natural soap without chemicals? What lies behind the words

Without chemicals sounds reassuring at first. However, water, olive oil, and the scent of a lavender blossom also consist of chemical substances. This phrase is therefore of little help in choosing the right soap.

Soap is created through a reaction

Fats and lye react with each other during production. The result is not simply oil in solid form, but a new cleaning product. This saponification is also part of handmade natural soap. Craftsmanship and chemistry are not opposites here.

Natural does not automatically mean better tolerated

Plant-based fragrances can trigger allergies or irritate sensitive skin. Conversely, a synthetically produced ingredient is not problematic solely because of its origin. Quantity, processing, composition, and application all play a role. The classification into good nature and bad chemistry is therefore quickly misleading.

Better to ask a specific question

Are you looking for a specific scent? Should the cleanser be explicitly fragrance-free? Do you have a known intolerance? Such questions are more helpful when shopping than a general promise of purity. You can look up unknown INCI names or ask the provider.

An example from the shelf

The apricot honey soap carries ingredients in its name. This does not imply a medical effect or any special suitability for every skin type. Always check the complete product information. For dry skin, mild, fragrance-free cleansers are often the better guide.

Storage, on the other hand, can be improved quite simply: A beech wood soap dish allows water to drain away. We explain how to classify ingredient designations in the article on reading the INCI list.

For further reading: Tips from the American Academy of Dermatology for dry skin.