The magic of cold saponification

Welcome to the captivating world of natural products, where the old becomes the new and respect for our skin goes hand in hand with respect for our environment. Ever heard of cold saponification? It's a traditional, artisanal soap-making method that highlights the quality and benefits of natural oils and butters. Let's immerse ourselves in this fascinating and somewhat retro world to discover why the soaps created using this technique are so exceptional.

The magic of cold saponification

Cold saponification can be seen as a form of chemical magic: the fatty acids contained in oils and butters meet an alkaline solution (soda), triggering a reaction that gives rise to soap and a large quantity of glycerine, the real secret of soft, well-moisturized skin. The incredible advantage of this technique is that it preserves the beneficial properties of the natural ingredients. So your skin benefits from the best that nature has to offer, without suffering the effects of synthetic products.

Incomparable benefits for the skin

Opting for a soap made in this way means choosing a genuine well-being treatment for your skin. The naturally-formed glycerine acts like a magnet for moisture, keeping your skin soft and hydrated. And it's a final farewell to the dubious ingredients in traditional shower gels: here, we say no to sulphates and other undesirable substances that can attack your skin.

Contrary to popular belief, cold-saponified natural soaps do not dry out the skin. This belief often stems from experience with industrial soaps, which can contain harsh detergents and strip the skin of its natural oils. In contrast, natural soaps, thanks to their cold saponification process, retain glycerine, a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin. What's more, they are enriched with plant oils and butters that deeply nourish and moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated, far from dry.

Deconstructing the myths surrounding solid soap

Hygiene and skin health

Solid soaps are often considered less hygienic than liquid soaps. In fact, they are easy to rinse off, leaving little room for bacteria to take hold. Cold saponification creates an environment that is unfavorable to bacterial growth, thanks to a high pH and the presence of glycerine. They cleanse by their mechanical action, helping to keep the skin clean and healthy without upsetting its natural microbiome.

pH

It's true that cold-saponified soaps have a naturally high pH, generally between 9 and 10, which raises concerns about their compatibility with the skin's naturally more acidic pH, around 4.7 to 5.75. However, this difference in pH does not necessarily mean that these soaps are harmful to the skin.

Here's why:

Rapid rebalancing of the skin's pH: The skin is a remarkably resilient organ, capable of quickly restoring its natural pH after being exposed to more alkaline substances, such as cold-saponified soap. This rebalancing process, known as 'buffering', helps to preserve the skin's barrier function and integrity.

Benefits of the ingredients : Cold-saponified soaps are formulated with a variety of natural oils and butters that provide essential nutrients and help maintain skin hydration. These ingredients more than compensate for the temporary effect of the alkaline pH by nourishing and moisturizing the skin, leaving it soft and healthy.

No harsh chemicals: Unlike synthetic cleansers, which can disrupt the skin's pH and lipid barrier with harsh ingredients, cold-saponified soaps are free from sulphates, parabens and other potentially irritating chemicals. This absence of stripping agents helps to maintain the skin's overall health, even with a slightly higher pH.

Personal experience: Using cold-saponified soaps is a very personal experience and can vary from person to person. Many people with sensitive or problem skin report improved skin conditions after making the transition to these natural soaps, suggesting that the benefits may outweigh pH concerns.

Durability and choice

Contrary to popular belief that solid soaps wear out quickly and offer less choice, they can last a very long time with proper drainage and drying. The diversity of cold-saponified soaps is immense, offering a wide range of fragrances, colors, textures and beneficial ingredients for all skin types.

Practical

Solid soaps require a soap dish and can leave a residue, which is perceived as less practical. However, this small adjustment in the skincare routine is a small price to pay for the environmental and skin benefits they bring.

A conscious choice for yourself and the environment

Choosing cold-saponified natural solid soaps means opting for an environmentally-friendly, healthy and skin-enriching solution, while dismantling preconceived ideas and rediscovering the simple but profound pleasures of cleansing. But these soaps do more than just cleanse; they are truly customizable treatments. Whether you're looking for natural fragrances to awaken your senses, clays for a detoxifying effect or plant extracts to soothe, you'll find what you're looking for to pamper your skin as it deserves.

By choosing cold-saponified soaps, you're also helping to challenge the plastic industry. Often packaged in recycled or biodegradable materials, they represent an ethical and sustainable choice. And although you might think otherwise, they are economical to use in the long term - a solid soap generally lasts longer than a bottle of shower gel.

Embracing cold process saponification means opting for a lifestyle that takes care of both you and our planet. Why not try it and find out for yourself? MAISON Tedis invites you to explore our collection of handmade soaps, crafted with passion and respect for what really matters.

And do not forget... By choosing this type of soap, you are supporting artisans who invest their heart and soul in creating authentic products. Every purchase is another step towards a conscious and respectful lifestyle.

If you're ready to take the plunge, why not start your journey into the world of cold saponification with us? At MAISON Tedis, we are proud to offer you a range of handmade soaps, made with love, respect and great passion by Myriam at La Savonnerie de la Cité in Geneva.