Welcome to Part 3 of our three-part series about soap and why ours is so dope! In this final installment, we'll explore what to look for in natural soap, what to avoid, and delve into little-known facts about soap and why the skin biome matters. We'll also share our best tips for enjoying natural handcrafted soap. Join us for an informative and engaging discussion on how to make the most of this essential product!

What to Look for in a Natural Soap/What to Avoid

False Claims in Soap

Don't be deceived by false claims about soap, even from seemingly 100% natural companies. According to the FDA, soap can only be claimed to clean your skin - nothing more. Any claims of miraculous benefits such as plumping or anti-aging are unfounded and indicate that the seller has not done their research.

Some sellers base these claims on the oils possess before they are converted into soap, but it's important to remember that oils and butters have different benefits for the skin compared to when they're transformed into soap.

While some additional ingredients may provide some degree of benefit when used with the cleansing properties of soap, it's unnecessary to add too many fancy ingredients as they can get lost in the saponification process. Although soap may offer calming, purifying, or moisturizing effects to a certain degree, its primary purpose is still to remove dirt and grime from your skin. At our company, we enhance our crafting method to provide extra benefit and enjoyment in each recipe.

Regarding "palm-free" soaps, palm oil is considered unsustainable due to farming practices that disrupt ecosystems and take advantage of farm workers. Claims of "sustainable palm" should be approached with caution. Furthermore, if someone claims their soap is "palm-free" but includes coconut or babassu oil, they are mistaken as both belong to the palm family.

Why We Don't Make a Pure Tallow Soap

You may be wondering why we don’t make pure tallow soap. We tried, but our very first pure tallow soaps turned pink, indicating rancidity. Our specific tallow has a high omega-3 content, making it prone to oxidation, so we found alternatives in our production.

Since then, we have perfected our process for making a pure tallow soap, but truthfully, we prefer the other recipes we have developed. For example, our very popular 'Carnivore's Soap' offers a blend of pure animal oils + raw honey, which creates a rustic, natural soap with loads of creamy lather.

Natural botanicals and animal oils are the perfect combination for a superior soap recipe. This blend combines the gentleness and traditional qualities of animal-based soap with the enhanced benefits of carefully selected plant oils, making it ideal for modern skincare needs.

We believe in avoiding industrial seed oils, such as canola, soybean, corn, and safflower, in our diets and skincare products. Our commitment to using natural and wholesome ingredients extends to avoiding potentially harmful substances like fragrances, dyes, harsh surfactants, and preservatives, and we encourage you to do the same.

We prioritize the health and well-being of our customers by providing them with safe and effective skincare options.

Little Known Facts About Soap

Soap has been a staple item for centuries, but some lesser-known facts about this everyday product may surprise you. For example, soap is the #1 thing requested by African refugees, as it is essential for preventing and treating illnesses caused by poor hygiene. Additionally, being freshly showered with soap is the best avenue for landing a hard-to-get job.

Soap also has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it a powerful tool in combatting germs and bacteria. So the term “antibacterial soap” is redundant.  Commercial "antibacterial" soaps are filled with toxic components which can harm skin's natural biome.

Furthermore, soap has become increasingly popular as a gift item for weddings, birthdays, housewarmings, and other special occasions.

From its traditional roots to the modern world, soap continues to be a valuable and essential part of our lives!

What Is Skin Biome and Why Does It Matter?

Skin biome refers to the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that reside on our skin – the body's largest organ. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health.

When protecting our skin biome, we must consider how our skincare routine may affect it. While all soap disrupts the natural balance of our skin biome to some extent during the cleansing process, this is only temporary. Our skin's microbiome typically returns to its normal healthy state within about 15 minutes unless we have stripped it excessively or compromised our health more severely.

Why does this matter? Our skin biome is important for many reasons, such as keeping our skin hydrated and healthy. It can also protect us from environmental pollutants, reduce inflammation, and even regulate our immune system. Using natural, skin-friendly soap helps us maintain the delicate balance of our skin biome, protecting our overall health.

Our Best Tips for Enjoying Natural Handcrafted Soap

For those looking to enjoy natural handcrafted soap, here are our best tips for getting the most out of your experience.

Go ahead and wash your face

The good news is that most natural, handcrafted soaps are suitable for washing your face. Simply dilute them with water as you usually would. A handmade natural soap will likely be more beneficial for your skin than any commercial "soap" found in grocery stores.

However, evaluating what works best for your skin type is essential. Soaps made with botanical and/or animal oils tend to be gentler and support the natural biome of our skin rather than disrupting it and causing irritation like many commercial "soaps."

Reap tallow balm's skincare benefits

Following skin washing with a tallow balm is an excellent choice for moisturizing and restoring dry, rough skin. However, it's crucial to use a true tallow balm rather than a tallow cream containing water, emulsifying wax, and preservatives.

A genuine tallow balm is concentrated with tallow for effective moisturization, making it the perfect solution for those looking to soothe and repair their skin.

Soap use recommendations

We have a few tips to help you get the most out of your natural handcrafted soap.

1. Consider taking your own soap with you to avoid the harsh chemicals found in public restroom dispensers.

2. A bar of soap can be easily stored in a travel container or Sissel soap bag for convenience.

3. Once you return home, it's essential to fully expose the soap to air to allow it to dry and harden completely.

4. Use a soap lift to extend the life of your handcrafted soap by allowing it to drain after use.

5. Lathering with your hands instead of a washcloth can also help prolong its lifespan - giving you more time to enjoy its natural benefits!

Final thoughts

Soap has been around for centuries, but it’s only recently that we have begun to understand its vital role in maintaining our skin health. Natural, handcrafted soaps contain beneficial oils and minerals that help protect our skin biome while cleansing and moisturizing. With these easy tips, you can get the most out of your natural handcrafted soaps and enjoy healthy, balanced skin.

At Buffalo Gal Grassfed Beauty, we specialize in artisan balms, butters, and soaps made from nutrient-rich grassfed tallow. Our products are designed to protect your skin, support its natural balance, and keep you looking and feeling your best.Try one of our handcrafted products today to see the difference for yourself!