Most consumers today pick and choose skincare and beauty products from what they've seen advertised. The latest brands don their brightly colored and expertly picked marketing bottles, but do we really know what's lurking behind those enticing labels?

As more and more Americans develop skin sensitivities and health concerns, there's an uptick in the demand for clean, naturally sourced products. Did you know that the leading "soap" brands are filled with chemicals and added ingredients that are often found to be drying, irritating, and altogether unhealthy for most skin types?

So, let's dive into why you should choose handmade soaps over what's trending on product shelves these days.

Better Ingredients, Better Results

Commercial soaps often contain chemical ingredients like hardeners and detergents that are harsh on the skin. To produce a nice lather, synthetic lathering agents are added to the formulas to trick consumers into thinking the "soap" is working nicely. But what they're lacking is skin-loving ingredients that will enhance your skin's performance.

Handmade soaps are typically made with ingredients like skin softening oils, lye, liquids, and essential oils for added fragrance and performance. With these types of ingredients, it's no wonder your skin starts to feel refreshed and better nourished after making the switch!

Glycerin (a humectant) is another commonly found ingredient in handmade soap. Want to know what's so cool about glycerine? It attracts moisture in the air and brings it to the skin, and that collected moisture helps fight dry skin. Glycerine isn't always found in commercial soaps and is sometimes removed during the soap making process and sold in new formulas for lotions and other moisturizing products.

Oils Are Not the Same

To lather or not to lather? That is definitely a question. As mentioned earlier, most commercial soaps add lathering agents to create those suds that most people prefer. But, if you're someone who doesn't like all the bubbles, handmade soap gives you a variety of options. Choose from formulas featuring castor oil to give you that sudsy action, and choose soaps with a higher concentration of olive oil for a mild lather.

Handmade soaps use all types of oils to create a product that users will enjoy, but there's no right or wrong way. If you're making your own, try creating a few different options and discover what you love the most! If you're shopping, don't be afraid to ask questions. Local artisans love sharing their favorites and would no doubt enjoy telling you more about the process!

Customization Options Abound

Whether you make your own soap, purchase from a local supplier, or support an online store, the customization options you have at your disposal is a whole new experience that you just can't get from the drugstore shelves. From colors, to fragrances, to novelties, to exfoliants, and more, handmade soap allows you to create the soap of your dreams. Handmade soaps are often seen with the addition of milks and purees and other decadent ingredients that you just don't see in commercial brands.

Struggle with scent? Don't add any! Want a beautiful soap to give as a gift? Add a few dried flower petals and match the color to your gift. Need a little extra help with dry skin in the winter? Try adding an exfoliator that's both gentle and effective. Whatever you're wanting to try, it's likely possible with handmade soap, so start thinking outside the (soap)box!

Small Business Support

In today's economic environment, you're likely watching every dollar you spend and want to ensure you support causes you believe in. With handmade soap, you're given the opportunity to support local initiatives whether in the form of buying supplies for your own handmade soap or supporting local families who run their own business.

At Beautiful Bee, we try our best to stock other local businesses with our best selling soaps and beauty products. We want everyone to have access to good, quality items that will change their skin for the better. Every purchase supports our family and goes right back into the economy of our small town in West Virginia. We're all neighbors here, and we couldn't do it with your support.

If you're ready to try, head on over to our shop and pick out a few things to try. You won't be disappointed!