Handmade Soap Facts
Yvonne Takhtalian
How many people know what soap really is? Several of the cleansing bars that you buy at the store, for example, are detergents-and not soaps at all. They are called syndet bars, or synthetic detergent bars. They are made from synthesized chemicals and are usually much harsher than soap. Detergents contain petroleum distillates rather than oil. On the other hand, true soap is made from natural oils (such as olive, coconut and palm) and is a gentle cleansing product more appropriate for use on skin than is detergent. Soaps, unlike detergents, are made by combining sodium hydroxide or lye, oils and water in a process known as "Saponification". Some people may question the use of lye in handcrafted soap. The fact is that all soap is made with lye. What needs to be made clear is that once the process of saponification is complete, the lye and oil molecules have combined and chemically changed into soap and glycerin. There is no lye present in the finished bars of soap. The oils in our soaps are put there for a specific purpose. The coconut oil creates a wonderful lather. The olive oil is used for a high quality, long lasting bar. Canola and Palm oil carry nutrients to the skin, and the safflower oil make a creamy bar. Glycerin is a skin soothing emollient that adds to the goodness of handmade soap. In commercial soaps the glycerin is removed for sale to the cosmetic industry to sell separately, sometimes at a higher price than the soap itself! Glycerin is important to skin care because it is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air, which in turn moisturize your skin. A whole 1/5 of a bar of our soap is glycerin. Most soaps have artificial ingredients to scent or color. Some handcrafted soap is scented with fragrance oils. These are synthetic chemicals that are mixed together to imitate a particular scent. They have contributed in many cases to chemical sensitivity in some people. They also have no aromatherapy benefits. The scents in our soaps should come only from essential oils, which are steamed or pressed from plants. Essential oils are the fragrance emitting components of plants and are at the heart of aromatherapy. Not only do they smell good; they have many beneficial effects on the body, mind and spirit. The coloring in our soap should come from nature as well. The petals of Lavender and Rose can be used. Earth Pigments can also be used, which are simply finely ground rocks. This makes the colors rich and earthy, rather than artificial looking.
About the author: Yvonne Takhtalian, C.N.H.P, H.I. spent the past 10 years developing & improving Vita-Myr Natural Products helping thousands like you heal gum disease & gingivitis. She just released a new line of 100% Natural Vita-Myr Soaps to compliment her Vita-Myr Mouthwash & Toothpaste. Find out more http://www.vitamyr.com/ or email Yvonne mailto:vitamyr@mindspring.com Copyright © 2004 Vita-Myr® International Inc All rights reserved
The latest information and news on Aromatherapy:
Yahoo! News Search Results for aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can make scents for those getting well (Asbury Park Press)
Pam Samson discovered aromatherapy when her sister was battling cancer.
Where to start with aromatherapy (Asbury Park Press)
Aromatherapy is the use of scents to support good health. Aromatherapy relies on essential oils, which are derived from plants. These often are inhaled through the nostrils or applied topically.
Soup recipes for warm and hearty meals (Macon Telegraph)
The aromatherapy of a homemade soup simmering on the stove has embraced all who entered my home recently.
For stress reduction, just say ommm (CNN)
Managing the service department of an Atlanta, Georgia, car dealership is a stressful job, according to Debbie Peek.
Cost cutting: Salon schools offer budget alternative to high-priced hair serv...
Until recently, shelling out $100 or more at the hair salon seemed almost a necessity, especially in South Florida's culture of coif perfection.
Junior League donates Pediatric Distraction Station to St. Luke?s (The Woodla...
Special to The Villager St. Luke?s The Woodlands Hospital recently accepted a Distraction Station donated by the Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery counties.
Workplace Creativity Activated by Reflexology, Chair Massage (PRWeb)
During the current recession, small businesses turn to reflexology and aromatherapy, as part of chair massage treatments in the workplace, to help promote well-being and increase productivity. Scientific studies back the anecdotal evidence from stressful offices around the US. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/01/prweb1808344.htm
Simple touches pump up party (Rocky Mountain News)
Planning a Super Bowl party or another festive event? Here are tips to make it more fun: * Party bags are a favorite. You can never be too old for them! Think cute, simple and fun.
Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort Named One of World?s Top Places to Stay in C...
Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort has been recognized as one of the world?s best places to stay as part of Conde Nast Traveler?s 2009 Gold List. The luxury Riviera Maya property also received perfect scores for its rooms and service, leading to its inclusion in the Gold List?s ?Best by Rooms? and ?Best by Service? categories. The 2009 Gold List appears in the January issue of the magazine and is ...
Warming TREND (Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune)
Here are seven things you can do right now to cozy up your space and soothe your winter-weary soul. And remember: only 72 days until spring!