Handmade Soap vs. Commercial Soap: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to soap, most of us don’t think twice. We grab whatever’s on the shelf, lather up, and move on with our day. But not all soap is created equal. If you’ve ever wondered why handmade soap costs a little more or why your skin feels tight and dry after using store-bought soap, you’re about to find out.

At Nostalgic Skin Co., we believe in keeping things simple, natural, and good for your skin. Let’s break down the key differences between handmade soap vs. commercial soap, so you can make the best choice for your grooming routine.

1. Ingredients: What’s Really in Your Soap?

✅ Handmade Soap: Crafted with natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. These ingredients nourish, hydrate, and cleanse your skin without stripping away its natural moisture.

❌ Commercial Soap: Often filled with synthetic detergents, sulfates, and preservatives. These chemicals create lots of lather but can leave your skin feeling dry, itchy, or irritated.

🧼 Try This: Cedarwood Soap – Made with rich plant oils to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

2. Moisture Matters: Glycerin vs. Detergents

One major difference between handmade and commercial soap is glycerin.

✅ Handmade Soap: Retains natural glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture to your skin, keeping it soft and hydrated.

❌ Commercial Soap: Glycerin is often removed and used in lotions, leaving the soap itself drying—hence why you might feel the need to apply lotion after showering.

💧 Best for Dry Skin: Pine Tar Soap – Naturally hydrating and soothing, especially for sensitive skin.

3. Process: Small-Batch vs. Mass-Produced

✅ Handmade Soap: Each bar is carefully crafted in small batches and cured for weeks to create a long-lasting, high-quality soap.

❌ Commercial Soap: Mass-produced quickly, often with fillers and preservatives to extend shelf life, sacrificing quality in the process.

🔥 For the Best Lather: Bay Runner Soap – A slow-cured soap with a rich, foamy lather and bold scent.

4. Skin Benefits: Gentle vs. Harsh Cleansing

✅ Handmade Soap: Designed to cleanse without irritation, thanks to nourishing natural ingredients. Great for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or anyone looking for a chemical-free option.

❌ Commercial Soap: Often contains sulfates and artificial fragrances that can trigger breakouts, redness, or excessive dryness.

🌿 Sensitive Skin Favorite: Cypress Scrub Soap – Exfoliates gently while keeping your skin balanced and refreshed.

5. Environmental Impact: Sustainable vs. Wasteful

✅ Handmade Soap: Often uses biodegradable ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and sustainably sourced oils—better for your skin and the planet.

❌ Commercial Soap: Many brands use palm oil from unsustainable sources, excessive plastic packaging, and synthetic ingredients that can harm waterways.

♻️ Go Green: 8-Pack Soap Collection – A sustainable way to stock up on handcrafted, eco-friendly soaps.

Final Verdict: Which Soap Should You Choose?

If you want a soap that cleans without drying, nourishes instead of stripping, and smells amazing naturally, handmade soap is the clear winner.

At Nostalgic Skin Co., we create handmade soaps that respect your skin and the environment. No synthetic junk—just real, natural ingredients that get the job done.

🚿 Make the Switch Today: Shop Handmade Soaps