Our Top 20 Additives in 2024 and what they can do for you

The Value of Natural Additives in Soap: Elevating Your Organic Skincare Routine

We do not claim to be dermatologists or aestheticians, and do not claim to be able to cure skin conditions. However, there is historical anecdotal evidence as well as many research papers that demonstrate the benefits of natural additives in skincare in relieving the symptoms of many common skin conditions. In fact they often preform better than commercial soaps because they retain many of the skin balancing and nourishing ingredients. Our custom blends also ensure that we use the amount of additives that are effective without causing skin sensitivity .Lets take a look at the additives we use in our soaps and what they can do for you.

A closer Our Natural Soap Additives

1. Colloidal Oatmeal

• • Benefits: Colloidal oatmeal is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. It creates a gentle, creamy lather that soothes itching and dryness, helping conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Colloidal oatmeal also acts as a natural moisturizer by forming a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture. Unless otherwise specified we try to include this in all our bars, also available in gluten free.

2. Turmeric

• • Benefits: Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Its active compound, curcumin, can help brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, and even skin tone. For those with acne-prone skin, turmeric can help reduce redness and fight bacteria. Turmeric soap can have many benefits for your skin, including: 
    Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. 
    Antibacterial: Turmeric can help fight acne and prevent future breakouts. 
    Wound healing: Turmeric’s antiseptic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties can help heal wounds and reduce the risk of infection. 
    Anti-aging: Turmeric can promote collagen production, which can help prevent wrinkles and sagging. 
    Brightens complexion: Turmeric can stimulate blood flow, which can help purify the skin and create a glowing complexion. 
    Evens out skin tone: Turmeric can help reduce dark spots and even out skin tone. 
    Manages skin conditions: Turmeric can help manage various skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

    Turmeric soap is generally safe for sensitive skin, but it’s best to check the ingredient list to be sure. Sensitive skin turmeric soap should not contain any synthetic fragrances, dyes, or other harsh chemicals. 

3. Burdock Root

• • Benefits: Known for its detoxifying properties, burdock root is excellent for purifying the skin. It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and aid in cleansing the skin of impurities. Burdock root is often used for oily or acne-prone skin due to its astringent properties. Burdock root can be a beneficial ingredient in soap making because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help with a variety of skin conditions, including: 

• • Acne: Burdock root can help with inflammatory types of acne. 

• • Eczema: Burdock root can help ease the symptoms of mild eczema. 

• • Psoriasis: Burdock root can help with psoriasis. 

• • Rosacea: Burdock root can help with rosacea. 

• • Dermatitis: Burdock root can help with dermatitis. 

• • Wrinkles: A 2008 study found that burdock root extract can significantly reduce wrinkles. 

• • Burdock root is also rich in fatty acids, which can stimulate blood flow and increase circulation. It has also been used to treat boils and fungal infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and yeast infections.

4. Moringa

• • Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and E, moringa is incredibly nourishing. It provides anti-aging benefits by reducing fine lines and hydrating the skin. Its high antioxidant content helps protect the skin from environmental damage, making it a popular choice for mature skin. Moringa powder can have many benefits for soap, including:

• • Anti-inflammatory Moringa powder can soothe skin irritations and redness. It can also help heal wounds and scars. 

• • Anti-aging Moringa powder contains antioxidants and nutrients that can help eliminate signs of aging. 

• • Moisturizing Moringa powder contains omega fatty acids that can help regulate the skin’s natural oil production and restore its barrier. 

• • Acne control Moringa powder contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds that can fight acne-causing bacteria and manage oil production. 

• • Deep cleansing  Moringa soap can remove dirt, excess oil, pollution, dead skin, and infectious microbes from pores. 

• • Nourishing Moringa soap contains natural ingredients that can hydrate the skin without clogging pores. 

• • Moringa powder is considered a “superfood” because of its scientifically proven healing properties. It contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene. 

5. Orris Root

• • Benefits: Orris root is often used in natural soaps for its gentle fragrance and skin-softening properties. It has a mild, pleasant floral aroma and is excellent for softening and conditioning the skin, leaving it feeling silky smooth.

6. Marshmallow Root

• • Benefits: Marshmallow root is a fantastic moisturizer due to its high mucilage content, which soothes and hydrates dry, sensitive skin. It’s especially beneficial for those with eczema or dermatitis, as it creates a protective layer over the skin. Marshmallow root powder can add skin-loving properties to soaps and cosmetics. Some benefits of marshmallow root powder in soap include: 

• • Anti-inflammatory Marshmallow root has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe redness and relieve inflammation. 

• • Hydrating Marshmallow root is high in mucilage, which helps retain moisture in the skin. 

• • Detangling Marshmallow root can be used as a natural detangler in hair care. The mucilage in marshmallow root binds to hair protein, making hair look thicker. 

• • Promotes healthy hair growth Marshmallow root is high in plant protein, which can promote healthy hair growth and shine. 

• • Soothes dry scalp Marshmallow root’s soothing and softening properties can help soothe a dry scalp. 

7. Hibiscus Flower

• • Benefits: Known as the “Botox plant,” hibiscus is high in antioxidants and provides gentle exfoliation. It enhances skin elasticity, improves texture, and can give the skin a radiant glow. Its natural acids help purify the skin and promote cell turnover, making it excellent for rejuvenating dull complexions.

8. Calendula

• • Benefits: Calendula is a powerhouse for healing and soothing the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it suitable for sensitive or damaged skin. Calendula is often used in soaps for people with eczema, cuts, or chafed skin, as it promotes healing without irritation. Calendula powder can add many benefits to soap, including: 

• • Soothing Calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe skin irritation and discomfort. This can be especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis. 

• • Hydrating Calendula can help promote collagen production, which can keep skin hydrated and glowing. 

• • Natural colorant Calendula flowers can be used as a natural soap colorant, giving soap a golden color or specks of color. 

• • Fighting bacteria and viruses Calendula contains phytochemicals that may help fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses. 

• • Treating skin conditions Calendula can help relieve symptoms of dry, itchy, or irritated skin, including eczema, dermatitis, and dandruff. It can also help banish dark spots, blemishes, and acne scars. 

• • Before using any product containing calendula, you should do a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic. To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the product to a sensitive area, like your inner wrist, and wait 24 hours. If you don’t experience any irritation, it should be safe to use on your skin. 

9. Rosehip Powder

• • Benefits: Rosehip powder is rich in vitamin C, known for its skin-brightening and anti-aging effects. It helps reduce dark spots, fine lines, and scars, making it ideal for mature or uneven skin. Its high antioxidant content protects against environmental stressors and promotes a healthy, radiant complexion. Rosehip powder can add many benefits to soap, including: 

• • Skincare: Rosehip powder can soothe and nourish skin, and help with:
    
    • • Reducing redness, inflammation, and itching 
    • • Restoring hydration 
    • • Calming inflammation 
    • • Protecting skin 
    • • Providing relief for dry skin and eczema 

• • Antioxidants: Rosehip powder contains antioxidants that are beneficial to healthy skin 

• • Vitamins: Rose hips contain vitamins A, C, D, and E 

• • Fatty acids: Rosehip oil contains essential fatty acids that have moisturizing and anti-aging properties 

• • Exfoliation: Rosehip powder can add exfoliation properties to soap 

• • Aromatherapy: The scent of rose soap can be used in aromatherapy to promote emotional well-being 

10. Kaolin Clay

• • Benefits: Kaolin clay is a gentle, mild clay suitable for sensitive skin. It absorbs excess oil without drying, making it ideal for balancing oily and combination skin. Kaolin is also a natural cleanser that detoxifies the skin, leaving it refreshed and smooth. Kaolin clay is a natural ingredient that can add many benefits to soap, including:
    Cleansing: Kaolin clay’s mild nature and pH level make it effective at removing dirt, excess oil, bacteria, and toxins from the skin. 
    Exfoliating: Kaolin clay’s slightly abrasive texture gently exfoliates the skin without causing irritation or redness. 
    Skin feel: Kaolin clay can give soap a smooth and silky feel. 
    Scent: Kaolin clay can help anchor fragrances in soap so they last longer. 
    Color: Kaolin clay comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and green. 
    Natural colorant: Kaolin clay can be used as a natural colorant in soap. 
    
    Kaolin clay is also biodegradable, making it a good choice for environmentally conscious consumers. 

11. Activated Charcoal

• • Benefits: Activated charcoal is celebrated for its deep-cleansing properties. It draws out impurities, dirt, and toxins from the skin, making it perfect for acne-prone and oily skin types. Charcoal’s ability to unclog pores without stripping the skin makes it a popular choice for those looking to achieve a clear, balanced complexion.Activated charcoal soap can have many benefits, including:

• • Deep cleansing: Activated charcoal’s absorbent nature helps remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from deep within pores. This can help prevent clogged pores and acne. 

• • Exfoliation: Activated charcoal’s slightly gritty texture removes dead skin cells, which can promote the growth of new, healthy skin. 

• • Detoxification: Activated charcoal traps and removes toxins from the body. 

• • Antibacterial properties: Activated charcoal can fight against inflammation and the appearance of acne. 

• • Balancing oil production: Activated charcoal can help balance the skin’s oil production, leading to a clearer, healthier complexion. 

• • Treating dandruff and dry scalp: Activated charcoal can be used as a shampoo to treat dandruff and dry scalp. 

• • Controlling body odor: Activated charcoal can help soak up smells. 

• • Activated charcoal soap is generally considered safe to use, but it can cause mild staining if not washed and rinsed thoroughly. Some people also find it to be too drying to use on the face. 

12. African Black Soap

• • Benefits: African black soap is a traditional African soap made from locally sourced plants and has natural healing properties. It’s beneficial for various skin types, helping to soothe acne, reduce scars, and fade dark spots. Its unique blend of ingredients—like shea butter, plantain skin, and cocoa pods—provides deep moisturization.African black soap has many potential benefits, including: 

• • Skin conditions: Can help with skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, and skin allergies 

• • Acne: Can help reduce acne and clear blemishes 

• • Razor bumps: Can help eliminate razor bumps 

• • Skin texture: Can improve skin texture and tone 

• • Dark spots: Can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation or age spots 

• • Makeup removal: Can be an effective makeup remover 

• • Inflammation: Can reduce inflammation 

• • Antibacterial: Has antibacterial properties that help remove bacteria from the skin 

• • Exfoliating: Has natural exfoliating properties 

• • Moisturizing: Has potential moisturizing effects 

• • Soothing: Has soothing effects 

• • African black soap is made from the ashes of plantain skin, cocoa pod, palm leaves, and palm oil. It’s generally safe for most skin types and doesn’t contain dyes, fragrances, or perfumes. 

• • Our formulation include blending African black soap into our glycerin base to reduce potential irritation while maintaining its excellent benefits.

13. Coffee

• • Benefits: Coffee is a natural exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells. It also improves circulation, helping to reduce cellulite and promote firmer skin. The caffeine content in coffee has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing puffiness and redness. Coffee soap has many benefits, including: 

• • Exfoliation: Coffee grounds can remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother, more radiant appearance. 

• • Anti-aging: Coffee can reduce dryness, dullness, and puffiness associated with aging. 

• • Anti-inflammatory: Coffee can soothe irritation and reduce redness. 

• • Antioxidants: Coffee contains antioxidants that can protect the skin from harmful bacteria. 

• • Deodorizing: Coffee grounds can neutralize odors. 

• • Circulation: Caffeine in coffee can stimulate blood circulation, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

• • Acne-fighting: Coffee’s antioxidants, stimulants, and chlorogenic acids can help fight acne. 

• • Dark circles: Coffee can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. 

• • Sun protection: Coffee beans have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect your skin from sunburn. 

• • Skin cancer prevention: A 2011 Rutgers University study found that caffeine can help prevent certain types of skin cancers by blocking damaging UV light. 

• • Skin health: A 2013 study suggests that the ferulic and caffeic acid found in coffee help to promote overall skin health. 

14. Lavender

• • Benefits: Lavender is beloved for its calming and soothing properties, both for the skin and the senses. Lavender essential oil helps reduce redness, heal minor cuts, and relax the mind, making it ideal for nighttime soaps and products designed for sensitive skin. Lavender soap has many benefits, including: 

• • Skin cleansing: Lavender’s natural antibacterial and antifungal properties can help cleanse the skin and prevent infections. 

• • Skin soothing: Lavender can soothe sunburns and reduce scarring. It can also help with acne, wrinkles, and psoriasis. 

• • Skin inflammation: Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin inflammation. 

• • Skin moisturizing: Lavender soap can moisturize the skin. 

• • Calming: Lavender soap can have a calming effect. 

• • Signs of aging: Lavender essential oil can help fight the signs of aging. 

• • Holistic beauty: Lavender’s relaxing, purifying, and healing values can be part of a holistic beauty movement. 

• • Environmental benefits: Bar soaps have a lower environmental impact than liquid soaps. 

• • Lavender can also be used to: Repel mosquitoes and Destroy lice eggs and nits. 

15. Goat Milk

• • Benefits: Goat milk is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the skin. It has a gentle exfoliating effect due to its lactic acid content, which removes dead skin cells and encourages softer, smoother skin. Goat milk is highly moisturizing and great for sensitive or dry skin.oat milk soap has many potential benefits for the skin, including: 

• • Moisturizing Goat milk contains fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the skin and provide long-lasting hydration. 

• • Exfoliating Goat milk contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that removes dead skin cells and surface impurities. 

• • Anti-aging Goat milk contains vitamins A, C, D, and B6, as well as antioxidants that help prevent premature aging. 

• • Balancing Goat milk has a pH similar to the skin, so it’s less irritating. 

• • Strengthening the skin barrier Goat milk’s natural fats and oils, combined with lactic acid, help strengthen the skin barrier and seal in moisture. 

• • Reducing inflammation Goat milk soap can help reduce inflammation caused by acne and other issues. 

• • Supporting a healthy skin microbiome Lactic acid in goat milk soap may help control or prevent acne. 

• • Improving dry skin Goat milk soap’s creaminess can help with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. 

16. Buttermilk

• • Benefits: Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid, making it a fantastic natural exfoliant. It softens and smooths the skin while providing hydration. Buttermilk’s ability to brighten the complexion and even out skin tone makes it popular in brightening soap blends. Buttermilk soap can have many benefits for your skin, including:

• • Skin health: Buttermilk soap can improve skin health, decrease acne symptoms, and treat age spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. 

• • Creamy lather: Buttermilk adds creaminess to the lather of soap. 

• • Silky feeling: The milk proteins in buttermilk leave your skin feeling silky. 

• • Natural exfoliant: Buttermilk’s lactic acid acts as a natural exfoliant to brighten and soften skin. 

• • Gentle on sensitive skin: Buttermilk soap can create a creamy lather that’s good for sensitive skin. 

• • Rich in nutrients: Buttermilk is high in potassium, vitamin B12, calcium, and riboflavin, and is a good source of phosphorus

17. Barberry Root

• • Benefits: Barberry root is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s beneficial for reducing acne, redness, and skin inflammation, and is commonly used in soaps for oily or acne-prone skin.

18. Glycerin

• • Benefits: Glycerin is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin. It’s gentle and deeply hydrating, making it a valuable addition to any soap, especially for dry or sensitive skin types. Glycerin also helps protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

19. Kelp

• • Benefits: Rich in minerals and vitamins, kelp nourishes and detoxifies the skin. Its antioxidants help fight signs of aging, while its natural iodine content can support collagen production, improving skin elasticity. Kelp is often used in revitalizing soaps aimed at mature or dull skin.
    

    Kelp powder can add many benefits to soap, including: 

     

     
    • Skincare: Kelp powder can hydrate, nourish, detoxify, and purify the skin. It can also help reduce redness and irritation, and protect the skin from pollution and UVA rays. Kelp’s high mineral content helps the skin retain moisture. 
      
       
       
    • Exfoliation: Kelp powder can act as a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. 
      
       
       
    • Natural green hue: Kelp powder can add a natural green color to soap. 
      
       
       
    • Nutrients: Kelp powder is rich in nutrients, including vitamins and amino acids. 
      
       
       
    • Antibacterial properties: Kelp powder can help detoxify and rejuvenate the skin with its antibacterial properties. 
      
       
       
     

Why Choose Artisanal and Organic Soaps?

Handmade, artisanal soaps offer a level of quality and customization that mass-produced soaps cannot match. By opting for handmade soaps crafted with these natural additives, you not only benefit from more effective, nourishing ingredients but also support ethical, eco-conscious practices. Artisanal soap makers typically avoid artificial preservatives and synthetic chemicals, creating a more sustainable and skin-friendly product that aligns with organic skincare values.

Making the Switch to Natural Soaps

To get started, consider your specific skin needs and let us know. If your condition requires research, we will do so and get back to you on our recommendations. You can then make an order. If you have a serious dermatological condition please discuss with your doctor and always do a patch test to determine if you have any sensitivity. Our handmade soap is  highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with various natural additives to find the perfect blend for your skin, even if you don’t have a skin condition. Whether you’re looking for deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, or a boost in skin elasticity, there’s a natural ingredient to enhance your organic skincare routine.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating natural additives into handmade soap is a wonderful way to elevate your skincare routine. By choosing soaps enriched with these natural, nourishing ingredients, you’re making a choice that’s better for your skin, your health, and the planet. Embrace the power of nature’s bounty and let these ingredients transform your daily skincare ritual into a luxurious, eco-conscious experience.