When you buy a bar of "soap" at the store, you probably expect something simple. Something that cleanses your skin—perhaps soft, pleasant-smelling, and lathers a bit.

But what if I told you that many of those products are n't technically soap ?

What can actually be called 'soap'?

In countries like the United States, the law stipulates that a product can only be called "soap" if it consists of saponified fats or oils. Classic soap, then: a simple reaction of fat + lye equals soap.

That's how people have been making soap for centuries. Artisanal, nourishing, and rich in natural glycerin.

Many modern "soap"-like products differ from this. They are made with synthetic cleansers (also called syndets: synthetic detergents), contain perfume, foaming agents, and smoothing agents—and are sold under names like "beauty bar," "moisturizing bar," or "cleansing bar."

Why companies do that

There are many reasons why manufacturers choose synthetic cleaners instead of real saponification:

- They are cheap to produce

- The shelf life is long

- They are easy to perfume and shape

- You can formulate them in such a way that they feel pleasant

Brands like Dove, Cetaphil, and Irish Spring use this approach. They claim their products are mild, gently cleansing, or extra moisturizing. And in a sense, that's true—they feel soft, smell fresh, and lather pleasantly.

But: it is usually not nutritious.

What's in a bar like this?

Let's take a quick look at what you'll often find in a synthetic "soap":

Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate – a synthetic foaming agent, often coconut or petroleum based

Perfume – fragrances, often without any indication of origin

Stearic Acid / Lauric Acid – fatty acids, usually industrially processed

Binders & preservatives – to make the product stable and durable

These ingredients cleanse, but they don't provide natural nourishment. They typically don't contain glycerin, fat-soluble vitamins (such as A, D, or E), or skin-restoring fatty acids.

But it feels soft, right?

Yes — and that's partly the point.

Many synthetic bars use silicone-like smoothers and fragrances to temporarily soften your skin. But that feeling comes from a film, not from actual hydration or repair.

Unlike artisanal soap, a Syndet bar doesn't contain natural skin oils or glycerin. It doesn't nourish your skin; it just coats it.

Why it matters

Your skin isn't just a surface that needs to be "clean." It's a living organ—with fatty acids, bacteria, a protective barrier, and its own cycle of renewal.

Products that simply cleanse without giving anything back can throw your skin off balance in the long run, especially if you use them daily.

A saponification process, like with traditional soap, does produce something: natural glycerine, fat-soluble vitamins and skin-specific fats.

How it can be different

Artisanal soap—made through cold-process saponification—consists of fat, lye, and water. No foaming agents. No silicones. No fragrance (unless essential oil-based).

For example, soaps based on tallow or rich vegetable oils. These contain everything your skin recognizes: saturated fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, and natural protection against dehydration.

Our own tallow soap is made exclusively with saponified tallow, coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil —each chosen for its unique properties, from gentle lather to skin-restoring properties.
Available in five varieties: unscented or scented with pure essential oils.

Instead of just cleaning, they support the skin barrier , actively nourish it, and contribute to the balance of your skin.