Exploring the Benefits of Handmade Soaps: A Comparison with Commercial Soaps
- The Humble Shepherd
- Feb 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2024

In a world dominated by mass-produced products, handmade soaps are making a significant comeback. From vibrant artisan bars to simple, nourishing formulas, handmade soaps stand out as a luxurious, eco-friendly, and skin-loving alternative to their commercial counterparts. But what makes handcrafted soap so special? Why should you swap your regular store-bought bar for a lovingly crafted handmade version? Let’s explore the incredible benefits of handmade soaps and why they deserve a spot in your daily skincare routine.
1. Natural Ingredients: Kind to Skin and the Planet
Handmade soaps are created using natural, high-quality ingredients such as plant-based oils, butters, and essential oils. Unlike commercial soaps, which often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, handmade soaps focus on nourishing your skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Key benefits of natural ingredients in handmade soap include:
Moisturising properties: Ingredients like shea butter, coconut, and olive oil hydrate the skin deeply.
No irritants: Free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, handmade soaps are suitable for sensitive skin.
Eco-conscious: Using biodegradable ingredients, handmade soaps reduce environmental impact.
2. Customisable to Your Needs
Handmade soaps cater to various skin types and concerns. Whether you have dry skin or acne-prone skin, there’s a handmade soap tailored to your needs. Whether you need a soap infused with lavender oil for relaxation, activated charcoal for detoxification, or calendula for soothing sensitive skin, there’s a handmade soap tailored to your unique needs.
Customisation also extends to:
Scents: Handmade soaps are often scented with pure essential oils, offering natural aromatherapy benefits.
Textures: Exfoliating soaps with ingredients like oatmeal or coffee grounds provide gentle scrubbing for smooth, glowing skin.
3. Glycerin-Rich for Superior Hydration
A standout feature of handmade soap is its naturally retained glycerin, a by-product of the soap-making process. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin, leaving it hydrated and soft.
Commercial soaps often remove glycerin to use in lotions and creams, which is why they can leave your skin feeling tight and dry. With handmade soap, you get a moisturising cleanser and a glowing complexion in one step.

4. Free from Harsh Chemicals
Many commercial soaps contain synthetic detergents, artificial preservatives, and petroleum-based chemicals that can irritate the skin. Handmade soaps, by contrast, avoid these harsh substances, offering a gentle cleanse that supports your skin’s natural balance.
5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Handmade soap makers are often committed to reducing their environmental impact. From sourcing sustainable ingredients to using eco-friendly packaging, these soaps align with a greener lifestyle.
For example:
Zero-waste packaging: Many handmade soaps are wrapped in recyclable or biodegradable materials.
No palm oil: Ethically made soaps avoid unsustainable palm oil, reducing harm to rainforests and wildlife.
6. Artisan Craftsmanship: A Touch of Luxury
Handmade soaps are crafted with care and creativity, making each bar unique. With artistic designs, vibrant colours, and luxurious scents, handmade soaps turn an everyday task into an indulgent experience.
7. Supporting Small Businesses
When you choose handmade soap, you’re supporting small businesses, artisans, and local communities. Every purchase contributes to sustainable livelihoods and ethical practices, making it a feel-good choice for your skin and conscience.
Why Choose The Humble Shepherd’s Handmade Soaps?
At The Humble Shepherd, we take pride in offering a selection of handmade soaps crafted with love, care, and sustainability in mind. Here’s why our soaps stand out:
100% natural: Our soaps are made with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and essential oils.
Eco-conscious: We prioritise biodegradable, plastic-free packaging to reduce waste.
Vegan and cruelty-free: Our soaps are never tested on animals and contain no animal-derived ingredients.
Artisan quality: Each soap is handcrafted to combine beauty, luxury, and functionality.
Explore our collection of handmade soaps and experience the difference for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Handmade soaps are more than just a cleanser—they’re a skincare upgrade, a sustainable choice, and a work of art. When you switch to handmade soaps, you will be treating your skin to natural nourishment, supporting ethical businesses, and reducing your environmental footprint.
So, the next time you lather up, choose a bar that’s as kind to your skin as it is to the planet. Explore our range at The Humble Shepherd and discover the joy of handmade soaps today.
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