I am a big fan of soap. I’m into the handmade variety (as I also make it) instead of the mass-produced stuff. If I had to choose one (and only one) reason alone for endorsing the use of real soap instead of body wash (aka detergent) I would rest my case on this simple fact: soap does not remove oil and dirt. Such a statement sounds surprising, sure, but it is true. The makers of various body washes would have us believe that soap strips and dries the skin while body washes are gentle and moisturizing. They aren’t telling you that they are referring to mass-produced bars of soap which use a host of strange ingredients including beef tallow (which is one of the more harmless additions, let me say).
Like I said, soap (the real stuff) does not remove oil and dirt; it dissolves it. For a body wash to work, it has to remove everything from the epidermis (including the natural good oils) and try to put some kind of moisture back in so your skin doesn’t feel stripped. Soap doesn’t have to strip your skin because is breaks down impurities and dissolves them. Your skin feels clean without feeling chapped and dry when you step out the shower.
Liquid Castile soap has become a staple in my home. It lathers beautifully, cleanses without stripping, and a little goes a long way. My favorite liquid Castile soap is Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castile soap. I particularly like the Lavender and the Rose liquid soaps. Dr. Bronner’s is made with organic ingredients and has been ever since the beginning. The soap was organic even before it was the ‘in’ thing to do. Recently, I started using Dr. Bronner’s soap to wash my hair instead of shampoo. I’ve been pleased with the results. My hair and scalp feel clean without the use of an SLS shampoo, and I get the lather I crave when washing my locks. There are loads of uses for this soap, as any one who has ever read reviews for the product can tell you. People use it in their dishwashers, to clean the house (it cleans the bath tub with incredible ease) and even as tooth paste, although I can’t say I’m interested in using it for that purpose.
The whole story behind the soap maker and the company (now run by his son) is an interesting read. A lot of people say Dr. Bronner brings his own particular brand of crazy to the world, but I’m more focused on the actual product, which is great. I will say this, it takes guts to stamp your life’s philosophy on the label of your product.
Conscious Beauty 