Some of the most harmful ingredients in soap making

In the past, soap recipes were passed down from generation to generation, which they kept carefully, since it was the most valuable inheritance they had. They were made by hand using natural oils and fats, an example in Spain is the Marseille soap, a very famous and extraordinary soap where its main ingredient was olive oil. At Olively we have a type Marseille soap, it is the oliva soap that is made with our own olive oil.

The development of science and the soap industry have made handmade soap relegated to a place that does not belong to it, since there are many benefits it offers to lead a sustainable and healthy life. And it is that, in my youth I was not aware of what I was putting on my skin and scalp, since I did not have any type of skin anomaly, it was not a problem for me, but it was not until I i started a cosmetics brand where i couldn't understand why there are companies that use ingredients that are harmful to our skin, the soaps that are normally mass produced are the ones that contain harsh chemicals, synthetic ingredients and cheap perfumes or fragrances that can cause skin irritation skin, and the question I immediately ask myself is why?

From my own research, I found that commercially manufactured soaps are often loaded with harsh chemicals. Basically these brands use detergent and not soap and the difference is quite obvious as detergents strip the skin of its natural oils which can leave skin feeling dry and tight after a shower whereas on the other hand, soaps are created with an excess of vegetable oils that balances the skin with its natural oils and moisture. Another way to differentiate natural soap from commercial soap is through its ingredients. Some of the most harmful ingredients are: SLS, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. This mass production can lead to waste and environmental degradation, as well as poor living conditions for thousands of people around the world. Most consumers are unaware of the working conditions and cleanliness of the factories where soap is made. These soaps are made by a mechanical way and use additional preservatives to extend the shelf life once the soap hits store shelves, while natural soaps are often produced locally or in smaller batches, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Natural soap production can economically benefit small communities and also has a minimal carbon footprint.

Unfortunately not all handmade soaps are created with high quality natural ingredients, some soap makers use a chemical additive to make their soaps look or smell better. But, a well-made bar of soap doesn't need any of that. Since soap is natural, it doesn't need to smell or be the color of heaven.

At Olively, ingredients are chosen for their natural healing benefits and abilities, which is why they are so good for your skin and scalp.