Why Handmade Soap Beats Store-Bought Soap, According to Dermatologists

When shopping for soap, most people choose the one with the nicest fragrance, attractive packaging, or the lowest price. While these factors may make a product appealing, they don't always indicate how well it will treat your skin. The wrong cleanser can strip away your skin's natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, tight, itchy, or irritated after every wash.

Dermatologists generally recommend looking beyond marketing claims and focusing on ingredients, formulation, and how a cleanser supports your skin barrier. A soap that cleans effectively without removing too much moisture is often a better choice than one packed with strong fragrances or harsh cleansing agents.

This is where handmade soap has gained attention. Many people believe it offers a gentler cleansing experience than a typical store-bought soap, thanks to its nourishing oils and naturally retained glycerin. However, not every handmade soap is automatically better, and not every commercial soap is harsh.

In this guide, we'll compare handmade and commercial soaps using dermatologist-backed skincare principles, helping you understand which type may be the better choice for your skin.

What Is Handmade Soap?

Handmade soap is typically produced in small batches using traditional soap-making methods, such as the cold-process or hot-process technique. Unlike mass-produced soaps, handmade varieties often emphasise carefully selected oils, butters, and botanical ingredients.

Common ingredients include:

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Cocoa butter
• Castor oil
• Natural clays
• Plant extracts

One of the biggest differences is that many handmade soaps naturally retain glycerin, a humectant formed during the soap-making process. Glycerin helps attract moisture to the skin, which may make handmade soap feel less drying after washing.

Many handmade soaps also contain fewer synthetic additives than heavily processed commercial products. However, it's important to remember that handmade doesn't always mean completely natural. Some handmade soaps still include fragrance oils, colourants, or preservatives, so reading the ingredient list remains essential.

Ultimately, the quality of a handmade soap depends on its formulation rather than simply how it is made.

What Is Store-Bought Soap?

Store-bought soap is manufactured on a much larger scale to ensure consistency, long shelf life, and affordability. Many commercial cleansing bars are formulated with synthetic detergents (often called syndets), preservatives, stabilisers, and fragrance compounds.

Depending on the product, commercial soaps may include:

• Synthetic cleansing agents
• Artificial fragrances
• Preservatives
• Colorants
• Foaming enhancers

These ingredients can make soaps last longer and produce a richer lather, but some formulations may also feel more drying for certain skin types.

That said, not every store-bought soap is bad. Many dermatologist-recommended cleansing bars are specifically formulated for sensitive or dry skin and contain gentle surfactants, moisturising ingredients, and minimal fragrance. Products designed for eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin are often excellent choices.

Rather than judging a soap by whether it's handmade or commercial, it's more useful to evaluate its ingredients and how it performs on your skin.

Why Dermatologists Often Recommend Gentle Cleansers

Protecting the Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier acts as the body's first line of defence, helping keep moisture in while protecting against bacteria, pollution, and irritants.

Healthy skin depends on:

• Natural oils
• Adequate moisture
• A balanced protective barrier

Harsh cleansers can remove too much oil from the skin, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. Dermatologists generally recommend cleansers that effectively remove dirt and excess oil without excessively stripping away moisture.

Less Dryness and Irritation

Many well-formulated handmade soaps use nourishing ingredients such as:

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Cocoa butter

These ingredients contribute to a richer, creamier lather and often leave the skin feeling softer after cleansing. For people with dry skin, this can make washing feel more comfortable.

However, ingredient quality matters more than the "handmade" label. A handmade soap with excessive fragrance or harsh additives may still irritate sensitive skin.

Why Glycerin Matters

Glycerin is one of skincare's most effective moisturising ingredients.

It works as a humectant, meaning it attracts water from the surrounding environment and helps retain moisture within the outer layer of the skin.

During traditional soap making, glycerin is naturally created as part of the saponification process. Many handmade soap makers leave this glycerin in the finished product.

In contrast, some large-scale soap manufacturers remove glycerin because it can be used in higher-value skincare products such as lotions and creams. While many modern commercial cleansing bars add moisturisers back into their formulas, naturally retained glycerin remains one reason many people prefer moisturising handmade soap.

Handmade Soap vs Store-Bought Soap

The biggest takeaway is that neither category is automatically superior. A thoughtfully formulated soap, whether handmade or commercial, is generally a better choice than one made with ingredients that don't suit your skin.

Which Skin Types Benefit Most from Handmade Soap?

Dry Skin

People with dry skin often appreciate handmade soaps containing olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, or other moisturising plant oils. These ingredients may help reduce the tightness some cleansers leave behind.

Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free or lightly scented handmade soaps with short ingredient lists. Simpler formulations may reduce the chance of irritation, although patch testing is always recommended.

Acne-Prone Skin

For oily or acne-prone skin, ingredients like tea tree oil and activated charcoal are popular choices. They may help remove excess oil and provide a refreshing cleanse.

However, no soap alone can cure acne, and a dermatologist should evaluate persistent breakouts.

Normal Skin

Normal skin generally tolerates a wider variety of cleansers. Choosing a moisturising handmade soap can help maintain healthy skin while providing an enjoyable cleansing experience.

Common Myths About Handmade Soap

Myth 1: Handmade Soap Is Chemical-Free

False.

Everything, including water and plant oils, is made of chemicals. A more accurate description is that many handmade soaps contain fewer synthetic ingredients.

Myth 2: Natural Means Allergy-Free

Not necessarily.

Essential oils, botanical extracts, and even natural ingredients can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Always check the ingredient list if you have known sensitivities.

Myth 3: Expensive Soap Is Always Better

Price alone doesn't determine quality.

A reasonably priced soap with skin-friendly oils, naturally retained glycerin, and minimal unnecessary additives may perform better than a luxury product filled with fragrance and colourants.

What to Look for When Buying Handmade Soap

Before purchasing a handmade soap, consider the following checklist:

✔ Read the full ingredient list.

✔ Choose a soap formulated for your skin type.

✔ Look for moisturising oils such as olive oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter.

✔ Avoid unnecessary dyes if your skin is easily irritated.

✔ Choose mild or fragrance-free options if you have sensitive skin.

✔ Buy from brands that are transparent about their ingredients and manufacturing process.

These simple steps can help you choose the best handmade soap that matches your skincare needs.

Why GoodSoaps Handmade Soap Is Different

At GoodSoaps, every handmade soap is crafted with carefully selected ingredients tailored to different skin types and skincare preferences. Instead of relying on heavy fragrances or unnecessary additives, the focus is on quality oils, nourishing butters, and thoughtfully balanced formulations.

The collection includes options such as:

• Charcoal Soap for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Orange & Turmeric Soap for a brighter-looking complexion.
• Oatmeal Soap for dry and delicate skin.
• Coffee Soap for an invigorating cleansing experience.
• Rice Milk Soap inspired by traditional skincare ingredients.

Rather than promising unrealistic results, GoodSoaps encourages customers to choose a soap based on their skin's unique needs. This ingredient-first approach aligns with the skincare principle that the right cleanser should support your skin barrier while providing an effective yet gentle cleanse.

Conclusion

Choosing between handmade soap and store-bought soap isn't about deciding which category is universally better; it's about selecting a product that works well for your skin.

Many well-formulated handmade soaps can provide a gentler cleansing experience because they often retain naturally formed glycerin and include nourishing plant oils that help reduce dryness. At the same time, many commercial cleansing bars are also excellent options, especially those developed for sensitive skin.

The most important factors are the ingredients, the formulation, and how your skin responds after regular use.

If you're looking for thoughtfully crafted handmade soaps made with skin-friendly oils and ingredients for different skin types, explore the GoodSoaps collection and find the one that best fits your daily skincare routine.

FAQs

Is handmade soap better than regular soap?

Not always. A well-formulated handmade soap may be more moisturising due to naturally retained glycerin and nourishing oils, but the ingredient list matters more than whether the soap is handmade.

Why do dermatologists recommend gentle soaps?

Gentle cleansers help remove dirt and oil without excessively stripping the skin's natural protective barrier, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation.

Does handmade soap contain glycerin?

Most traditional handmade soaps naturally retain glycerin produced during soap making, although formulations can vary.

Can handmade soap be used every day?

Yes. Most handmade soaps are suitable for daily use when chosen according to your skin type and used as directed.

Is handmade soap suitable for sensitive skin?

It can be. Fragrance-free or minimally scented handmade soaps with simple ingredient lists are often good options for sensitive skin, but patch testing is recommended before regular use.