Soap Education

Not All Soaps Are the Same – Here’s How to Choose the Best One

Confused about which soap to use? Learn the difference between commercial soaps, glycerin soaps, and cold process handmade soaps. Discover the pros, cons, and what to look for before buying a soap that’s right for your skin.

Introduction

When you walk down the soap aisle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options—moisturizing, antibacterial, herbal, scented, beauty bars… But what do these labels really mean? More importantly, what’s actually inside the soap you use every day?

In this post, we break down the 3 most common types of soap: Noodle Soaps, Glycerin Soaps, and Cold Process Soaps. We’ll explore how each is made, what goes into them, and which one truly cares for your skin.

1. Noodle Soaps (Commercial Soap Bars)

These are the mass-produced soaps you find in most supermarkets. They’re made using soap noodles—a pre-manufactured soap base that companies melt, mix with additives, and mold into bars.

Common Ingredients:
Soap noodles (Often unknown oil/animal fat based)
Synthetic fragrance
Artificial colors
Preservatives
Surfactants like SLS, SLES etc.
Examples:
Lux
Lifebuoy
Santoor
Mysore Sandal
Dettol, Dove etc.
✅ Pros:
Inexpensive
Easy to mass-produce
Long shelf life
❌ Cons:
Mostly contain harsh chemical detergents like SLS/SLES that strip the skin of natural oils
Artificial fragrances can trigger allergies, headaches, or hormonal disruptions
Parabens and other preservatives may disrupt hormones and have been linked to health risks
Often lacks transparency in ingredient sourcing
Not environmentally friendly

2. Glycerin Soaps (Melt and Pour Soaps)

Made using a pre-made melt-and-pour base rich in glycerin, these soaps are commonly used in DIY projects and craft soaps. While gentler than commercial bars, their quality depends on the base used.

Common Ingredients:
Glycerin
Melt-and-pour soap base (Mostly contain propylene glycoldetergents, or alcohol)
Colorants
Fragrance or essential oils
Examples:
Pears
Fiama
Khadi Soaps
All the transparent soaps
✅ Pros:
Moisturizing due to glycerin
Easy to customize
Look beautiful due to its transparent/translucent nature
❌ Cons:
Many soap bases contain propylene glycol, a petroleum-derived solvent that may irritate sensitive skin
Often perceived as “natural” even when it’s not
Often alcohol is added to make the soap transparent/translucent
Synthetic fragrances can cause skin rashes, respiratory issues, and even hormone disruption
Artificial colorants (FD&C dyes) are often derived from coal tar and can be carcinogenic in long-term use

3. Cold Process Soaps

Cold process soaps are made from scratch using natural oils and sodium hydroxide (lye). The lye reacts with the oils in a process called saponification, creating soap and naturally forming glycerin. These soaps are cured for weeks for hardness and mildness.

Common Ingredients:
Natural oils: Coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, castor oil, sunflower oil, etc.
Sodium hydroxide (lye)
Herbal powders, clays, natural exfoliants
No synthetic preservatives or harsh additives
Examples:
TRiO soaps
Rustic art
Nat habit
✅ Pros:
Truly natural and free from synthetic chemicals
Contains natural glycerin—super moisturizing
Customizable for skin type, scent, and purpose
Biodegradable and eco-conscious
Safe for sensitive skin and babies (if formulated properly)
❌ Cons:
More expensive than commercial soaps
Shorter shelf life due to lack of preservatives (but still months!)

Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Type of Soap?

If you’re looking for a soap that nourishes, protects, and respects your skin, the clear winner is Cold Process Soap.

Commercial/Noodle soaps may be cheap and long-lasting but often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic additives that can harm your skin and health.
Glycerin soaps are better but still depend heavily on the base used—some are far from natural and highly toxic.
Cold process soaps offer the cleanest, most skin-friendly option, especially when made with thoughtful ingredients and no secrets.

Your skin deserves real care. Not just soap that looks and smells good—but soap that’s actually good for you.

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