Friday, December 9, 2011

What Makes Good Soap?



What makes a good bar of soap?  Is it how well it cleans your skin?  Is it the fact that it helps with skin problems?  Is it how well it lathers?  Is it the look or smell?


Each person is different, so each may be true.  I know I thoroughly enjoy how real lye soap cleans my skin and doesn't leave an "icky" feeling after my shower.  I also love the fact that I can choose whichever soap my skin needs at the time (IE: itchy, rash, dry, pimples, etc...)

To help choose which soap will best fit your needs, here are some breakdowns of what each individual essential oil will do for you:

Tea Tree Oil- This is an amazing oil!  It's great for pimples and dandruff and everything in between.  I use this for my everyday soap.

Lavender- The health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems.  Lavender has the Latin name Lavare, which means “to wash”, due to its aroma that gives the feeling of a clean aroma.

French Green Clay- French Green clay originates from quarries in France. When used in soap making, it is added as a natural colorant. French Green clay has very high levels of absorbency. Its molecular structure allows it to absorb oil, dirt and toxins from the skin. It balances oily skin to normal pH levels. It can be used daily on local acne spots and in facial masks. 

Citronella- Citronella is commonly used as an insect repellent (mosquitoes and fleas) but also helps with excessive perspiration (when applied topically) and fatigue (when inhaled). Citronella has a lemon-like aroma with a bitter kicker. Citronella is most well known for its use in candles for use outside to discourage mosquitoes from biting. 

Nag Champa Fragrance-The wonderful aroma of incense; patchouli, sandalwood, and dragon's blood work together to create this wonderful blend. 



Kama Sutra: Aphrodisiac Amazingly complex and energizing, aphrodisiac begins with top notes of grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, and green tomato leaf; followed by middle notes of jasmine and dry base notes of eucalyptus and woods.

Buttercream and Snickerdoodle- This is a sweet and yummy fragrance that contains rich caramel and cream notes. What makes this fragrance stand out from other delicious-baked-good scents is the hint of Nutmeg and Praline which adds unique notes not normally found in a Snickerdoodle. Buttercream and all the goodness of the cookie is rounded out with rich base notes of Cocoa and Vanilla.

English Rose- This rose smells like an English rose garden. Not as deep as other roses, this is a true, light rose that smells divine in the bath.

Love Spell (type)It has fruity sweet notes of Italian Bergamot, White Lady Peach and Strawberry mixed with middle notes of Apple Blossom, African Tamarind and a touch of Damask Rose. The base is Tonka Bean, Coconut Milk and White Musk.

Carrot Cake- A buttery spice blend with hints of peach, coconut, carrots, cinnamon and warm vanilla.

Charcoal- Applying activated charcoal to your skin, it's claimed, will remove detritus from your skin's surface and can even extract toxins from beneath the skin. The antibacterial properties of charcoal can also help alleviate infections, or keep them from happening.