When choosing a natural soap, you should consider your skin type and condition, the ingredients in the soap, as well as its cost. If you want your natural soap to be organic, you may wish to check whether the ingredients used to make the soap are certified organic by a reputable certifying body. You may also want to consider the appearance and fragrance of the soap. Finally, you may want to think about whether you prefer a bar or liquid soap.
While the notion of using a personal care or cosmetic product that is natural has a great deal of appeal for many people, it is important to note that not all jurisdictions enforce any kind of standards for natural products. In the United States, for example, any manufacturer can use the term to describe its products without having to define what makes its product more natural than other similar products. If you are interested in using products that contain herbs or essential oils, you should read the ingredients label to determine a product’s formulation. In addition, while a natural soap may contain herbs or oils, there is no guarantee that these ingredients were harvested in a sustainable, ethical way. Ask the manufacturer about whether its ingredients are certified organic or fair trade if these issues are important to you.
Many people enjoy the convenience of bar soap, but some skin care experts warn that bar soap contains ingredients that can clog pores or irritate skin. For this reason, you may wish to choose a liquid soap or cleanser, as these soaps do not require potentially drying ingredients to help them hold their shape. Still, many people enjoy the appearance of bar soap, particularly if it is formed into interesting shapes and colors. If your skin isn’t sensitive to bar soap, you may wish to choose a natural soap that is visually appealing to you and that complements your bathroom décor.
Another consideration when choosing a natural soap is whether the soap is suitable for your skin. Some soaps can dry the skin, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may wish to choose a cleanser that has moisturizing properties. Another consideration is that some of the ingredients in a natural soap, such as essential oils, may actually be irritating to the skin or increase photo-sensitivity. If you are aware that your skin is sensitive, you may wish to choose a soap or cleanser that does not have any fragrances, essential oils, or herbs added to its formulation.
