When you walk into a store, shelves are lined with soaps and handwashes claiming to be "moisturising", "gentle"' or "natural". But take a closer look at the ingredients, and you'll find a different story. Many commercial soaps and liquid handwashes contain harsh synthetic chemicals that not only strip your skin of its natural oils but also contribute to environmental pollution.
The Problem With Commercial Soaps
Most mass-produced soaps and body washes aren't actually soap at all. They're synthetic detergent, filled with chemical foaming agents, preservatives, and artificial fragrances. Here's what's inside:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These industrial detergents create a thick lather, but they strip your skin's natural oils, causing dryness, irritation, and even allergic reactions.
- Triclosan & Triclocarban: Found in antibacterial soaps, these chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption and contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
- Parabens & Phthalates: These synthetic preservatives and fragrance stabilisers also interfere with your endocrine system and have been associated with various skin sensitivities.
- Petroleum-Derived Ingredients: Common petroleum-derived ingredients found in soap include mineral oil, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), synthetic fragrances, parabens, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and certain types of sulfates, all of which are derived from crude oil and are used as moisturising agents or to enhance the texture. They provide no true nourishment for the skin.
These chemicals don't just harm your skin, they wash down the drain and into our waterways, polluting rivers and oceans.
The Solution: Pure Handmade Soap
At Medika Organics, I take a different approach. My handmade soaps are crafted using only natural plant-based oils, butters, clays, and essential oils - never synthetic detergents, foaming agents, or harsh preservatives or chemicals.
Why My Soaps Are Better for Your Skin
Rich in Natural Glycerin: Unlike commercial soaps that strip out glycerin (a natural humectant), my soaps retain it, helping to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Gentle Cleansing Without Stripping: The combination of organic coconut oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, shea butter and avocado oil creates a luxurious creamy lather without drying your skin.
Naturally Scented: I only use pure essential oils, not artificial fragrances, so you get beautiful aromas without the risk of synthetic irritants and headaches.
No Artificial Colours: I colour all of my soaps with natural clays, botanical extracts, and plant-based colorants rather than synthetic dyes.
Why My Soaps Are Better for the Environment
Biodegradable Ingredients: My soaps break down naturally, leaving no harmful residues in the water supply.
Sustainably Sourced Ingredients: I carefully select high-quality, responsibly sourced oils and butters to create skin-loving, environmentally friendly bars.
Switching to handmade soap isn't just about skincare, it's about making a conscious choice for your health and the planet. With Medika Organics, you get the best of both worlds: a truly natural, nourishing soap that cleanses your skin without compromise.
Ready to make the switch? Your skin (and the earth) will thank you!
