What Constitutes a Good Soap?
A good soap has five qualities: Bubbly, Cleansing, Hardness, Conditioning, and Creaminess. It cleanses without stripping the skin of oils, produces thick, creamy lather, and nourishes the skin. Handmade triple-milled soap lasts the longest, and essential oils provide fragrance without irritation.
The Science Behind Soap
- Soap is a surfactant that reduces surface tension between molecules.
- Each soap molecule has a hydrophilic head that bonds with water and a hydrophobic tail that bonds with oil and fat.
- This structure allows soap to kill bacteria and viruses effectively.
Signs of a Good Soap
A good soap should:
- Provide a gentle, smooth touch on the skin.
- Not be mushy.
- Have the right pH balance.
- Leave the skin’s protective layer intact.
Soap Evaluation Factors
Factors to consider when evaluating a soap:
- Ingredients: Natural and organic ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, and shea butter.
- Appearance: Uniform color, pleasant scent.
- Lather: Rich and creamy lather, hydrating and moisturizing properties.
What Soaps Should NOT Feel Like Irritation
A soap shouldn’t cause burning or irritation on the skin. If a soap feels like it is burning, it is not suitable for use.
Summary Values of a Good Quality Handcrafted Natural Soap:
- Hardness: 29 to 54
- Cleansing: 12 to 22
- Conditioning: 44 to 69
- Bubbly Lather: 14 to 46
- Creamy Lather: 16 to 48