Handmade Natural Soap vs Factory-Made Soap: What’s Really in Them?

At Emunah Naturals, we believe in the power of going back to basics. With growing awareness around skin health, many in Singapore are now choosing handmade natural soaps over mass-produced factory bars. But what exactly is the difference? Here’s a clear, ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown to help you understand what you’re really putting on your skin — and why natural matters.

Component	Handmade Natural Soap	Factory-Made Soap
Main Cleansing Agents	Natural oils (olive, coconut, shea, etc.)	Synthetic detergents (SLS, SLES, betaine)
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)	Used for saponification; fully consumed in process	Often not used (syndet bars skip true soap process)
Water Content	10–20% (distilled water)	Higher in some bars or low in dehydrated form
Glycerin	Naturally retained, moisturizes skin	Usually removed and sold separately
Fragrances	Essential oils (1–3%)	Synthetic perfumes (1–3%)
Colorants	Natural (clays, herbs, charcoal) <1%	Synthetic dyes, often petroleum-based
Preservatives	Usually none	Common (BHT, parabens, EDTA) (0.5–2%)
Fillers/Binders	None or minimal	Common (stearic acid, talc, salt) (10–30%)
Moisturizers	Natural oils, retained glycerin	Added synthetics (petroleum jelly, esters)
Antibacterial Additives	Rare or none	Often added (triclosan, benzalkonium chloride)
Skin Sensitivity Risk	Low (gentle, pH ~8–10)	Higher (may cause dryness or irritation)

Made in the Mediterranean and now available in Singapore, Emunah Natural’s handmade natural soaps are crafted in small batches with clean, conscious ingredients — no parabens, no fillers, and no synthetic chemicals. Just pure, nourishing goodness for your skin.

Ready to make the switch to something truly natural? Explore our full range of handmade soaps at Emunah Naturals and feel the difference.