Understanding Product Labels: What to Look for in Truly Natural Soap

Understanding Product Labels: What to Look for in Truly Natural Soap

With the rise of clean beauty and a growing interest in natural products, discerning customers are becoming more conscious of what goes into the soaps they use daily. But reading soap labels can feel daunting, with unfamiliar ingredient names and marketing terms that don't always mean what they seem. As experienced artisan soap makers, we believe in empowering our customers to make informed choices. In this guide, we’ll share how to decode soap labels and what to look for in truly natural soap.

1. Why Understanding Soap Labels Matters

Soap isn't just about cleanliness; it’s about nourishing your skin while avoiding potential irritants. However, many commercial soap brands rely on synthetic detergents, artificial fragrances, and harsh preservatives that can strip the skin of its natural oils.

Knowing how to read an ingredient list allows you to differentiate between genuinely natural soaps and those masquerading as such. This is especially important for individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies. For example, some ingredients commonly found in “soap” bars aren’t soap at all but rather synthetic surfactants. Read more on the PMC review on syndet surfactants’ role in skin barrier damage.

2. Key Elements to Look for on a Soap Label

A. Ingredients Listed in INCI Format

The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) system ensures transparency by using standardised names for ingredients. For instance, “Shea Butter” appears as “Butyrospermum Parkii Butter.” While this can seem intimidating, it guarantees that the manufacturer is adhering to global labelling standards. Vermont Soap provides INCI guide for natural bases like Butyrospermum Parkii Butter.

Natural soap should contain oils or butters (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil), a lye solution (sodium hydroxide for solid soap, potassium hydroxide for liquid soap), and any additional botanicals or essential oils. If you spot ingredients like “sodium lauryl sulfate” or “parfum,” these point to synthetic additives rather than natural sources.

B. Certified Natural or Organic Ingredients

Look for third-party certifications such as Soil Association’s COSMOS Organic standards for soaps when buying soaps marketed as natural or organic. These standards ensure that the product meets strict criteria for sourcing and production. Keep in mind that not all small-batch soap makers can afford certifications, so it’s important to evaluate the ingredient list in context.

C. Avoiding Greenwashing

Terms like “pure,” “natural,” or “eco” aren’t regulated, which means they can be used loosely by brands. Always read the full list of ingredients instead of relying on marketing claims. For instance, while “natural fragrance” sounds appealing, it can still be a mix of undisclosed chemical compounds. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has issued warnings on “natural fragrance” as a hidden allergen blend.

3. Common Ingredients in Natural Soap

A. Base Oils and Butters

Quality natural soaps are made with nourishing base oils and butters. Popular choices include:

• Olive Oil: Packed with fatty acids and antioxidants.

• Coconut Oil: Offers excellent cleansing, though it can be drying if used in excess.

• Shea Butter: Rich and moisturising, ideal for dry and sensitive skin.

• Castor Oil: Adds a creamy lather to the soap.

Each oil plays a different role in the soap’s texture, lather, and moisturising properties. For example, in our handmade soap recipes, we carefully balance oils to optimise performance.

B. Natural Colourants

Natural soap often gets its hue from clays, botanical extracts, or even finely ground spices. French green clay lends an earthy green tone, while turmeric creates a soft golden glow. French green clay, in addition to being a natural colorant infuses its detoxifying and mineral-replenishing benefits in soaps

C. Essential Oils

Unlike synthetic fragrances, essential oils are derived from plants and offer therapeutic benefits. Lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils are common in natural soaps, not only for their lovely scents but also for their skin-calming properties. However, it’s worth noting that essential oils can still cause irritation in sensitive individuals, so always patch test new products.

4. Ingredients to Approach with Caution

Not all ingredients in soap are created equal. While natural doesn’t automatically mean safe, certain additives commonly found in non-natural soaps are worth avoiding:

• Synthetic Fragrances: These often contain phthalates, which are linked to endocrine disruption as researched in a 2025 PMC review on phthalates’ endocrine disruption in reproduction.

• Parabens: Controversial preservatives that may disrupt mhormones.

• Triclosan is an antibacterial agent banned in some countries for its potential environmental and health risks. The Environmental Working Group overview of triclosan’s FDA ban and health risks.

5. Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

Beyond ingredients, consider the environmental impact of your soap. Look for brands that use sustainably sourced ingredients and avoid palm oil where possible, as unsustainable palm oil production is a major driver of deforestation as detailed in the WWF’s guide to deforestation-free palm oil sourcing.

Packaging matters too. Opt for soap companies using minimal or biodegradable packaging to reduce waste.

6. How The Humble Shepherd Co. Upholds Transparency

At The Humble Shepherd Co., we believe in more than just crafting beautiful soaps; we’re committed to transparency and sustainability. Every bar in our handmade soap collection features a full, clear ingredient list, so you always know what you’re putting on your skin. We also use responsibly sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging to align with our values and yours.

Final Thoughts

Understanding soap labels is an essential skill for anyone embracing clean beauty. By familiarising yourself with ingredient names and certifications, you’ll be equipped to make choices that align with your skin's needs and ethical values. When in doubt, simplicity is often best, opt for soaps with short, recognisable ingredient lists and a commitment to transparency.

To explore the difference that truly natural soap can make, check out our handmade soap collection. Your skin deserves nothing but the best.

© 2023 The Humble Shepherd Co.