Handmade Soap
Handmade soap: why artisan is better for your skin
What is handmade soap? Handmade soap is soap made in small batches by hand from plant-based oils, without industrial processing or synthetic additives.
- Made from organic oils and natural ingredients
- Contains glycerine that disappears in industrial production
- No sulphates, parabens or synthetic fragrances
- Every bar unique thanks to the artisan process
More and more people are consciously choosing handmade soap as an alternative to shower gel from the supermarket. Once you know what is in the average plastic bottle and what is not in an artisan soap bar, you understand why.
What is handmade soap?
Handmade soap is made via the cold process: plant-based oils are combined with lye and saponification takes place. The result is soap and glycerine, a natural humectant that remains in the soap bar.
In industrial soap that glycerine is deliberately removed and sold separately. In handmade soap it stays in the bar and you can feel that. Every bar is hand-poured, cut and cured for a minimum of four weeks before it goes on sale.
At Nature Bar we make all our soap in our soap studio in De Hallen, Amsterdam. Every bar contains a circular ingredient, from rescued orange peel to coffee grounds from local cafes.
Why handmade soap is better for your skin
The difference lies in what is and is not in the soap. Industrial soap and shower gels almost always contain sulphates to create lather, synthetic fragrances for scent and preservatives for shelf life. These ingredients cleanse effectively but also disrupt the skin's natural protective layer.
Handmade soap cleanses more gently. The glycerine attracts moisture and retains it in the skin, while the plant-based oils, olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter, nourish and protect. After washing your skin feels cared for, not tight or dry.
Who is handmade soap suitable for?
Sensitive or irritated skin
Synthetic fragrances and sulphates are common triggers. Handmade soap without artificial additives gives your skin a chance to recover. See our Apple & Chamomile Baby-mild Soap, fragrance-free and extra gentle.
Dry skin
Thanks to the glycerine and nourishing oils, handmade soap does not dry out the skin. After showering you are less likely to need a body lotion.
People who want to stop using plastic
A soap bar replaces two to three plastic shower gel bottles. No hassle, no compromise on quality.
How do you recognise genuine handmade soap?
Short ingredient list
Genuine handmade soap contains a handful of recognisable ingredients: plant-based oils, lye and optionally essential oils or botanicals. More than ten ingredients, or names like Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Parfum without specification? Then it is not artisan soap.
Glycerine in the list
Glycerin or Glycerol listed? Good sign. It means the glycerine has not been removed.
Curing time
Artisan soap needs a minimum of four weeks to cure after pouring.
Handmade soap vs factory soap
| Handmade soap | Factory soap / shower gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Small batches, made by hand | Continuous industrial production |
| Glycerine | Present, moisture-retaining | Removed and sold separately |
| Ingredients | Plant-based oils, natural fragrances | Sulphates, synthetic fragrances, preservatives |
| Effect on skin | Cleanses and cares | Cleanses, can dry out |
| Packaging | Plastic-free | Plastic bottle |
Which handmade soap suits your skin?
Oily or blemish-prone skin — Charcoal & Aloe Vera Facial Soap. Charcoal draws out impurities, aloe vera soothes.
Dry or mature skin — Orange & Calendula Soap. Our bestseller, rich and nourishing.
Sensitive skin or babies — Apple & Chamomile Baby-mild Soap. Fragrance-free, extra gentle.
Gentle exfoliation — Coffee Scrub Soap. Coffee grounds as a circular ingredient.
Fresh forest scent — Conifer Forest Soap. Made from rescued Christmas trees.
Frequently asked questions
Is handmade soap better than regular soap?
For most skin types: yes. Handmade soap contains glycerine and plant-based oils that care for your skin while cleansing. Regular soap and shower gel often contain sulphates that strip the skin's natural protective layer.
How long does a handmade soap bar last?
A 100g soap bar lasts 4 to 6 weeks with daily use. Store it dry on a bamboo soap dish.
Is handmade soap suitable for the face?
Yes, provided you choose the right one. For the face we recommend a mild soap based on olive oil, or our Charcoal & Aloe Vera Facial Soap for a deeper cleanse.
All Nature Bar soap is handmade in our soap studio in De Hallen, Amsterdam. 100% natural, vegan, palm oil-free and every bar contains a circular ingredient.
