Why Handcrafted Soap?

Here is a look at what makes these unique bars so special and why they are an investment in both your skin and your community.

Above the Clouds Artisan Soaps & Bath Products

4/3/20262 min read

The Art and Science of Clean: Why You Should Switch to Handcrafted Soap

Soap is one of those everyday items we often take for granted. But if you’ve ever used a bar of handcrafted soap, you know it’s a world apart from the mass-produced options at the grocery store. It is, quite literally, a blend of science and art that has been refined over the last 150 years.

Here is a look at what makes these unique bars so special and why they are an investment in both your skin and your community.

What Exactly is "Handcrafted" Soap?

Sometimes called "handmade" or "homemade," handcrafted soap is soap in its truest, most pure form. While there are several ways to create it, the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild (HSCG) recognizes three primary methods:

Cold Process
Hot Process
Melt & Pour (or using a pre-made soap base)

For a bar to be truly considered "handcrafted," at least 50% of the process must be done by hand.
The magic happens through a chemical reaction called saponification, which literally means "the making of soap". This occurs when vegetable or animal fats are combined with water and lye. When the process is complete, the lye is gone, leaving behind nothing but pure soap and natural glycerin.

The Secret Ingredient: Glycerin

One of the biggest differences between handcrafted and commercial soap is glycerin.

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture on your skin—think of it as a natural skin lotion built right into the bar.

In commercial manufacturing, glycerin is often removed and sold to other industries for use in pharmaceuticals or expensive cosmetics. Handcrafted soap keeps the glycerin exactly where it belongs: in the bar. This results in a mild, gentle soap that cleanses without being harsh, drying, or irritating.

What’s Inside the Bar?

Handcrafted soapmakers take immense pride in their signature recipes. Instead of the economical fillers often found in factory-made soap, they use high-quality, food-grade ingredients:

Natural Oils & Butters: Starting with vegetable oils like olive, coconut, or palm, makers often add specialized nut butters or seed extracts.
Amazing Scents: Soapmakers use plant-based essential oils or fragrance oils to create incredible aromas.
Color & Texture: Botanicals, herbs, spices, and cosmetic-grade pigments are used to create unique, beautiful designs.
Sensitive Options: For those with skin sensitivities, many makers offer plain soaps with no added scents or colors.

Support Local, Buy Handcrafted

Choosing handcrafted soap is about more than just better skincare; it’s about supporting your local economy.

Handcrafted soapmakers are small business owners in your own community. When you buy from them, you are getting a product made with personal oversight and a "personal touch" that you simply can't find in a large factory. Every bar is unique in its shape, scent, and artistry.

By switching to handcrafted soap, you aren't just buying a product—you're making a contribution to the strength of your community.

For more information on the benefits of handcrafted products, visit the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild