Why Is Natural Soap Better?

I get asked this question a lot—especially since I first started making and sourcing my own bars of soap for Linen & Sash. Friends will say, “But Noelle, soap is soap, right?” Well… not quite.

When you hold a bar of true, handmade natural soap in your hand, you’re holding a different experience than the brightly packaged stuff lined up at the grocery store. Here’s why:

1. It’s kinder to your skin

Commercial soaps are often “detergent bars.” They strip away your skin’s natural oils, which leaves you feeling tight and itchy. Natural soaps, made with nourishing oils and butters, actually work with your skin. They clean without being harsh, and many even add moisture back in. Check ingredients for *retained glycerin, that's a good sign! 

2. No mystery chemicals

Flip over a store-bought bar and you’ll find a mile-long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Natural soap keeps it simple: olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, essential oils… things you could actually recognize in your kitchen. And honestly, if I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting it on my little ones, I don’t want it on my body either.

3. Better for the planet

Most handmade soaps avoid synthetic detergents and microplastics that end up in our water systems. And because small makers (like me!) often choose sustainable ingredients and biodegradable packaging, it’s a gentle choice for the Earth too. Think of it as a little act of stewardship.

4. It feels like a treat

This one might be my favorite reason. Natural soap turns an everyday task—washing your hands or hopping in the shower—into something special. The scents are fresh and real, not artificial or overpowering. A good bar of Pink Himalayan Salt  or Olive & Clay soap can make washing up feel like a moment of self-care, not just a chore.

So, is natural soap better? For your skin, for your family, for the earth—absolutely yes. It’s one of those small switches that makes a big difference. Around here, our Linen & Sash soaps sit by every shower, and it makes me smile to see my kids choosing their favorite bar.

It’s such a simple way to bring a little goodness into the rhythms of everyday life.

✨ If you haven’t tried natural soap yet, I’d love for you to start with one of our favorites at www.linenandsash.com. Pick a bar that makes you smile, and see the difference for yourself.