Choosing the right soap for your skin can be challenging. When you head to the store to buy soap, you're faced with various shelves of soap products. It's overwhelming but you have to decide which soap you want. Should you choose natural or liquid soap? It's a choice we all face at the store, and it's not always easy to know which soap is right for you, your skin, and the environment.

So, let's take a look at the world of natural and liquid soaps. We'll explore the pros and cons of natural soap and liquid soap to help you make an informed decision.

What is Natural Soap?

Natural soap is quite different from commercially produced soaps. Commercial soaps use synthetic detergents and other chemicals that can damage your skin and be hard on the environment. Organic natural soap, however, is made with natural ingredients.

The Growing Trend of Natural Soaps in 2025

We're 2025, and natural soap is becoming a huge trend. According to Fortune Business Insights , the global natural soap market size was about USD 2.4 billion in 2025. The market is predicted to grow to USD 2.54 billion in 2025 and to USD 4.17 billion by 2032!

Customers becoming more concerned about the impact chemicals and synthetic materials have on their skin and the environment. The shift to handmade natural soap is not just a fad or a trend. It's a long term change and is all about people making a conscious decision to live more naturally.

How is Natural Soap Made?

The natural ingredients in natural soap can vary depending on the producer; however, they usually include natural oils or fats (like olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter). The oils may be combined with lye (sodium hydroxide) in saponification (a process to make soap). The result is natural soap that includes glycerin, essential oils, natural fragrances, and natural colourants. Handmade natural soaps are usually biodegradable and packaged with minimal waste. They're natural ingredients are great for your skin and the environment.

It’s always a good idea to check with the soap brand to make sure it’s suitable for your skin.

Here is a Youtube video you can watch ' How to make homemade natural soap'.

Please note: If you are making your own natural soap at home, be sure to follow the correct safety precautions. Wear gloves, eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area.

Environmentally Friendly

Why is natural soap becoming more popular? It's popularity mainly comes from the soap's environmentally friendly ingredients. Natural soap is usually biodegradable and doesn't harm the environment. Handmade natural soap producers also use minimal packaging to reduce waste and preserve the environment. These may seem like small changes, but they make a significant difference to the environment.

Why Some People Do Not Buy Organic Natural Soap

Despite their many benefits, not everyone chooses natural soaps. But why not?

Here are a few reasons a person may choose another kind of soap.

1. Shorter Shelf Life Due to Lack of Preservatives

Handmade natural soaps are free of preservatives that are found in commercial soap products. While this is great for anyone who wants to avoid chemicals, it can mean the soap doesn't last as long.

2. Can Be More Expensive Than Commercial Liquid Soap

Natural soap can be more expensive than liquid soap. The higher price is usually due to the quality of the ingredients, production methods, and the smaller-scale manufacturing process.

However, some people prefer handmade natural soap despite the extra cost. They find the higher price worth the peace of mind, knowing they're using soap that is safe for their skin and the planet.

What is Liquid Soap?

Liquid soap is familiar to most of us! It's been around for years and is a convenient option in kitchens and bathrooms. Liquid soap is usually made with synthetic detergents and surfactants. It's usually found in dispensers that make it easy to use. It's designed for a long-shelf life as it contains preservatives.

There’s no wrong choice when it comes to natural soap or liquid soap—it all depends on the buyer and their intended use.

What Are the Common Ingredients Used?

Liquid soap contains a variety of ingredients that enhance its texture later and increase its shelf-life:

  • Water: The base of most liquid soap products.
  • Surfactants: These ingredients help the soap foam and remove dirt from the skin.
  • Preservatives: These chemicals increase the shelf-life of liquid soap and keep it
    from spoiling.
  • Synthetic fragrances: Add scent to the soap but may cause irritation for some people.
  • Colourants: Liquid soap may also use synthetic dyes to give the product a
    vibrant colour.

Shelf Life Compared to Natural Homemade Soaps

Liquid soap has a much longer shelf life compared to organic natural soap. This is due to the preservatives used to keep these products from spoiling. The chemicals keep mould or bacteria from developing in the soap, ensuring it's safe to use for longer periods. While this is convenient and improves the soap's safety, it means liquid soap often contains chemicals that some people may need to avoid.

Drawbacks of Liquid Soap

Liquid soap is very popular, but there are some drawbacks to consider, including:

1. Often Contains Synthetic Fragrances

Liquid soap products include synthetic fragrances to make them smell good. However, these fragrances are usually made from chemicals that can be harsh for sensitive skin. Artificial fragrances can be a major concern if you're prone to irritation or allergic reactions.

It's worth checking with a store member your concerns.

2. Packaged in Plastic

Another issue with liquid soaps is that they're usually packaged in plastic bottles. These contribute to the growing plastic waste problem around the world. Some brands are making changes to offer eco-friendly packaging, but liquid soap plastic containers are a
significant environmental problem.

Discover a Wide Range of Natural Soaps at L'SAUVE®

We carry several name-brand luxury organic natural soaps here at L'SAUVE®. Our soaps are perfect for those who prefer ethical and environmentally conscious choices. Our collection of brand soaps includes some of the finest natural ingredients designed to nourish and care for your skin while protecting the environment.

Owen Drew England Mauritius Luxury Soap

Owen Drew, based in Northwest England, produces luxury products like this soap. The company's products are all made by hand using traditional methods. Owen Drew England Mauritius Luxury Soap includes notes of Mauritian coconut, Madagascan vanilla, and cream almond to deliver a scent that reminds you of those tropical beach holidays.

Les Panacées Bouquet De Nature Luxury Soap

You'll also love Le Panacées Bouquet De Nature Luxury Soap. The soap is made with a saponified blend of olive coconut vegetable oils, French sunflower oil and vegetable glycerin. It features top notes of bergamot, lemon, eucalyptus, rose, lily, lily of the valley, violet, cedar, and musk. The company's products are all made in France from organic essential oils, are Vegan, and cruelty-free. 

Common FAQ's About Liquid Soap

Can Liquid Soap Expire?

Yes, liquid soap can expire, though it has a longer shelf life than organic natural soap. Over time, the preservative breaks down, which can cause the soap to lose its effectiveness or develop an unpleasant odour. It may also lose its fragrance, and the texture may change.

We recommend always checking the expiration date on the bottle before using liquid soap.

Is Liquid Soap More Hygienic?

Liquid soap is thought to be more hygienic than natural soap because its dispensed from a bottle. This can reduce the chances of transferring bacteria between users. However, both liquid soap and handmade natural soap can be hygienic when used correctly and by regular cleaning of dispensers and soap containers.

If you have any questions about the soaps we stock at L'SAUVE, contact us today > Soap Questions?