Natural Soap
Natural soap: what it is and why it is better for your skin
What is natural soap? Natural soap is soap made from plant-based oils without synthetic additives, gentle on the skin and better for the environment.
- No sulphates or parabens
- Contains natural glycerine
- Nourishes and cleanses at the same time
- Plastic-free alternative to shower gel
More and more people are switching to natural soap as an alternative to shower gel. And not without reason: what you put on your skin every day literally goes in. Yet most bathrooms are full of bottles with ingredients you cannot pronounce. Natural soap is the honest alternative: effective, transparent and demonstrably better for your skin.
What is natural soap?
Natural soap is made from plant-based oils and fats, without synthetic fragrances, preservatives or petroleum derivatives. The basic principle is centuries old: oils are combined with lye and through saponification soap is formed. What remains is glycerine, cleansing soap molecules and the nourishing properties of the oils used.
At Nature Bar we use organic olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil and shea butter as a base. Every soap also contains a circular ingredient, such as rescued orange peel, coffee grounds or ginkgo leaves. So you know exactly what is in it and why.
Why natural soap is better for your skin
Conventional soaps and shower gels often contain sulphates, synthetic fragrances and parabens. These cleanse effectively but also strip the skin's natural protective layer. The result: dry, sometimes irritated skin that needs additional moisturising products.
Natural soap works differently. The saponification process retains glycerine in the soap, one of the best humectants available. In industrial soap that glycerine is removed and sold separately. With artisan soap you get it as part of the bar.
Who is natural soap suitable for?
Sensitive or dry skin — synthetic ingredients are the most common cause of skin irritation in daily care. Switch to natural soap without fragrance and give your skin the chance to recover.
People who want to reduce plastic — a soap bar quickly replaces two to three plastic shower gel bottles.
Babies and children — our Apple & Chamomile Baby-mild Soap is fragrance-free and extra gentle.
How do you recognise genuine natural soap?
The term 'natural' is not protected. Any brand can put it on a bottle, even when it contains sulphates and synthetic fragrances. Watch out for these:
Ingredient list (INCI): Look for names such as Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil or Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter. Are there things like Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Parfum without further specification? Then it is not genuine natural soap.
Glycerine: Is Glycerin or Glycerol listed high in the list? Good sign, the soap is artisan-made and the glycerine has not been removed.
Natural soap vs regular soap
| Natural soap | Regular soap / shower gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Plant-based oils, botanicals, essential oils | Sulphates, synthetic fragrances, preservatives |
| Glycerine | Present, moisture-retaining | Removed in industrial production |
| Effect on skin | Cleanses and cares | Cleanses, can dry out |
| Packaging | Plastic-free | Plastic bottle |
| Environmental impact | Biodegradable | Often contains microplastics |
Which natural soap suits your skin?
Oily or blemish-prone skin — Charcoal & Aloe Vera Facial Soap. Active charcoal draws out impurities.
Dry or mature skin — Orange & Calendula Soap. Our bestseller, rich in nourishing oils.
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 natural soap better for your skin?
For most people: yes. Natural soap contains no sulphates or synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin. The glycerine it retains cleanses gently and helps maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Does natural soap dry out the skin?
No, provided it is genuinely artisan-made. Industrial soap dries out because the glycerine has been removed. With genuine cold process soap that glycerine is retained. Choose a soap based on olive oil and shea butter and your skin will feel cared for, not tight, after washing.
How long does natural soap last?
A 100g soap bar lasts 4 to 6 weeks with daily use. Store it on a soap dish so it stays dry between washes.
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.
