Every shop is blasting holiday tunes, the air is getting crisper, and you find yourself hoping for at least a little bit of snow. It’s that time of year! But then the hustle and bustle creeps in and you're confronted with the yearly dilemmas:
What should I stuff our stockings with? What hostess gift should I bring to that holiday party?
Lucky for you, we’ve got the perfect answer for you this year: natural soaps!
What is Natural Soap?
Natural soap is made from simple, plant-based organic ingredients like natural, essential oils and butter. Soap is created through a process called saponification where fats or oils react to an alkaline substance, like lye.
These soaps are free from harsh chemicals, are biodegradable and cruelty-free, and can come in bar or liquid form.
Types of Natural Soap
Naturally, different ingredients are going to result in different types of soap. Here are two of the most common types of natural soap and what they are best used for.
Milk soaps
Milk soaps are made by incorporating milk—usually goat, cow, or even coconut—into the saponification process. Milk soaps are incredibly moisturizing and gentle because of the natural fats and proteins they contain.
The lactic acid in milk also acts as a natural exfoliant. Milk soaps are best for those with dry and sensitive skin.
Mud soaps
Mud soaps (yes, you read that right), are soaps that take mud from places like the Dead Sea or volcanic regions and mix them with oils and butters. The mud adds beneficial minerals that detoxify the skin, improve circulation, and even help with acne and eczema.
Mud soaps are great for exfoliating and detoxifying and are best used once or twice a week in addition to regular skincare treatments.
4 Best Natural Soaps for Stocking Stuffers
Search no further, your gift-giving list has been saved! These four incredible natural soaps are the perfect present to throw in a stocking, under the tree, or in your cart as a (much-deserved) purchase for your own self-care. Your loved ones, and your own skin, will thank you later.
#1: Amber and Tonka
This luxurious Amber and Tonka soap is the perfect gift for someone who enjoys the finer things in life. The warm scent of luxurious amber and the sweet notes of tonka bean invite calm and relaxation.
This soap is perfect for your sensitively-skinned friends. The high-quality oils in the formula gently cleanse, hydrate, and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and rejuvenated.
#2: Amyris and Incense
If you have a friend who can’t stop talking about feeling grounded you need to get them this soap. With rich, earthy fragrances, Amyris and Incense soap is the perfect mixture of smoky Amyris wood and deep incense.
It creates an exotic and grounding scent profile that calms the mind and soothes the soul. This soap combines all-natural ingredients to gently cleanse while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture. The smooth lather leaves the skin feeling silky and refreshed.
#3: Mandarin and Cassia
Get ready for a burst of citrus with this bold and scintillating natural soap! The zesty, invigorating scent of mandarin blends beautifully with the warm, spicy notes of cassia, creating an uplifting fragrance that’s perfect for brightening anyone’s day.
This soap gently cleanses and nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed, hydrated, and soft to the touch. It’s the perfect treat for someone who wants a burst of energy from their products.
#4: Vetiver and Musk
If you’ve been in search of a scent that smells like a warm hug, look no further! This soap has an earthy, smoky scent that’s grounded with a touch of sultry musk—perfect for someone who loves a deep, layered fragrance.
Not only does it smell incredible, but it also takes care of your skin. The nourishing oils in this bar gently cleanse and hydrate, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.
Benefits of Natural Soap
Gifting natural soap isn’t just a treat for your friends—it’s a step toward a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Here are the benefits of using natural soaps.
Environmentally Friendly
When you switch to natural soap, you’re protecting the planet. Traditional soaps contain harsh chemicals that pollute waterways. Natural soaps are made with biodegradable ingredients that won’t harm the environment. The production of natural soaps also requires less energy and creates less waste.
Good for Your Skin
Your skin deserves the best. Packed with gentle ingredients, these soaps are perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Natural soaps don’t strip away your skin’s natural oils like commercial soaps, leaving your skin soft, hydrated, and nourished.
Cruelty-Free
Natural soaps are cruelty-free and never tested on animals. Handcrafted with care, these soaps are created with ethical, sustainable practices that respect both your skin and the creatures we share the planet with.
Packed with Antioxidants
Nature knows best. Natural soaps are loaded with antioxidants, helping rejuvenate your skin and slow the aging process. These powerful ingredients protect your skin from environmental stressors, leaving you with a fresh, glowing complexion.
Natural Soap: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best natural soap to use?
The best natural soap depends on your skin type and personal preferences. Look for soaps made with high-quality, plant-based ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter, as these are gentle and nourishing. Additionally, consider soaps with natural essential oils for added benefits.
Is natural soap actually better?
Yes, natural soap is better for your skin compared to commercial soaps. It contains fewer chemicals and is more moisturizing. Natural soap preserves the skin's natural oils, reducing dryness and irritation.
What is considered natural soap?
Natural soap is made from plant-based oils, fats, and butters, like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. It is free from synthetic ingredients, harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances. And natural soap is typically made using the traditional cold-process method, which preserves the beneficial properties of the ingredients.
What plant produces natural soap?
One of the most common plants used in making natural soap is the Saponaria plant, also known as soapwort. This plant contains natural saponins, which are soap-like compounds that can be used as a natural cleanser. Other plants that contribute to natural soap production include olive trees, coconuts, and shea butter trees.
Get Your Natural Soap Stocking Stuffers from Kalamazoo
Gift your friends and family the best hand-made natural soap on the market this holiday season. Shop Kalamazoo’s all-natural, sustainably made body care line and rest easy knowing you’ve gifted beautiful, best-for-your-skin soap products to the ones you love. Shop now!
