So, you like the look of Handmade soap. They are tempting, all those different colours and fragrances, Essential Oils, Butters and Botanics to choose from. But which one to actually choose? There are many kinds- SLS-Free, Moisturising, Exfoliating, Glycerine, Cold Process. In fact, the choice can be staggering.

Handmade soaps really are special. They are as individual as the maker and lovingly crafted. To make sure you are getting the real deal, ask questions. When was the loaf made? Does it come with ingredient label attached? How is it made? Do you hold current EU Safety Certification? How is the soap tested (ie not on animals)? Is it Vegetarian/Vegan friendly?

At The Soapy Cauldron we make Glycerine soaps- so that's the soap we'll talk about here. Glycerine soap is a versatile, moisturising soap that lasts longer than you'd imagine. Glycerine is a humectant, meaning that it draws moisture from the surrounding air. This makes it almost absorbent, so first rule of Glycerine soap- allow to air-dry and store on a slotted soap dish wherever possible! If you leave it in a puddle of water it will turn into a gloopy mess...

Handmade Glycerine soap has a shelf-life of about a year from the date of manufacture. For this reason the Soapy Cauldron makes all items as freshly as possible. Of course, with a loaf of soap that makes slices the actual loaf can be made as much as 3 months before, but it is always sliced freshly. Any longer than 3 months and we start again.

Soap needs to cure once it's been made, this process allows the soap to 'dry' slightly. The same thing happens after you use a soap- it dries out. The scent of the soap becomes less apparent BUT it is still there, hiding just below the surface. Wet it down and you'll smell it again.

SLS Free Soap- what is SLS? SLS (or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) is a chemical degreaser- it is used in soap for a good foaming action and in Glycerine soap for clarity. There is no cosmetic benefit to using it in soap other than as a cheap way to make soap look more appealing. Many people react to strongly-scented soap- in fact it is often the case that the SLS is making their skin react! Other 'nasties' to watch out for in soap are SLSA (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate), SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate), MPG (Monopropylene Glycol), and Parabens (Such as Butylparaben). These are all items used either to enhance the appearance or the shelf-life of a product.

Butters and Oils- these are all beneficial in soap, however one side-effect is that they reduce the foaming action of a soap. This does not affect its ability to clean you! It just means it's moisturising you as it goes. Butters and oils used include Cocoa butter, Mango butter, Shea butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Coconut oil, Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil and many others. These can be particularly good for people that suffer with dry skin complaints, such as excema and psoriasis. Always check with your doctor or dermatologist if you have any queries.

Botanicals- These are a curse and a joy to the soap-maker. On one hand there are botanicals that will change the colour of soap naturally (like Redbush tea), there are some that add an exfoliating quality (like Blue Poppy Seeds), and then there are some that look pretty at first, and then turn a worrying shade of brown after a days curing (like Rose Petals!). Some petals such as Calendula can turn brown, but with the addition of a secret natural ingredient, they will graduate the soap colour to a pleasing sunshine yellow. It is only through the soap-makers experimentation and experience that extra special soaps are produced!

Above all else, Handmade soap adds a bit of fun to bath time. It breaks the monotony and in some cases (with essential oils) it can also have added benefits without spending out a fortune on creams and potions that promise the earth...

The Soapy Cauldron- Handmade Soaps Galore!