When we talk about “natural soap,” we usually mean soap made by reacting oils or fats with an alkali. This process is called saponification, and it produces the fatty acid salts that make up traditional soap.

Many cleansing bars and liquid cleansers on the market, however, are not technically soap. Instead, they may use synthetic surfactants, sometimes referred to as syndets.

So Which One Is Better?

The answer is not as simple as “natural is always better.”

Traditional soaps are generally alkaline, while some synthetic cleansers can be formulated at a pH closer to that of the skin. For some people, especially those with dry or sensitive skin, a harsh or highly alkaline cleanser may cause more dryness or irritation.

The quality of a soap also depends on much more than whether its ingredients are natural. The types of oils and fats, their proportions, the formulation, and the way the product is used all matter.

What Makes Nisha Soap Different?

At Nisha, the foundation of our soap formulas is made from plant-based oils and fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter.

These ingredients are not decorative additions placed at the end of an ingredient list. They are part of the actual structure of the soap.

Our approach is simple: choose purposeful ingredients, use them in carefully considered proportions, and keep the formula clear and intentional.

References: U.S. FDA — Frequently Asked Questions on Soap; Draelos et al. — Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets; American Academy of Dermatology — Dry Skin Care.