Handmade Soaps Archives - La Zouch Soaps

02/10/202502/10/2025

Clear Skin, Naturally: Why Teens Should Switch to Natural Soap

Teenage skin is constantly changing—hormones, stress, and environmental factors can lead to breakouts, oiliness, and sensitivity. While many teens reach for harsh cleansers packed with chemicals, there’s a gentler, more effective alternative: natural soap.

At La Zouch Soaps, we craft handmade, vegan soap in the heart of the National Forest using nourishing ingredients that support healthy, balanced skin. Here’s why our natural soap is a game-changer for teenage skincare.

handmade shea butter soap with pink grapefruit and may chang essential oils

At La Zouch Soaps, we believe skincare should be kind, clean, and crafted with care. Here’s why our handmade, vegan soaps are perfect for teenage skin:

Gentle on Sensitive, Changing Skin

Teen skin is still developing, which means it’s more prone to irritation. Natural soaps, especially those made with nourishing oils like shea butter and olive oil, cleanse without stripping the skin’s protective barrier. No harsh detergents, no artificial fragrances, just pure, plant-based goodness.

Fewer Breakouts, More Balance

Many commercial soaps contain synthetic ingredients that clog pores and disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Our soaps use essential oils like pink grapefruit and bergamot, known for their antibacterial and balancing properties. These help regulate oil production and reduce the risk of acne without drying out the skin.

Hydration Without the Heaviness

Teen skin needs moisture, but not the greasy kind. Natural soaps hydrate with ingredients like coconut oil and mango butter, which absorb easily and leave skin soft, not shiny. Plus, they help soothe inflammation and redness, common in acne-prone areas.

No Nasties, Just Nature

We believe skincare should be clean and ethical. That’s why our soaps are:

Vegan and cruelty-free
Free from parabens, sulfates, and palm oil
Handmade in small batches with food-grade ingredients

This means fewer irritants and more peace of mind for teens and their parents.

A Simple Routine That Works

Teenagers don’t need a 10-step skincare routine. A gentle cleanse with natural soap morning and night can make a big difference. Add a light moisturiser with SPF and you’ve got a routine that’s effective, affordable, and easy to stick to.

Final Thoughts

Teenage skin deserves kindness. By choosing natural soap, teens can enjoy clearer, calmer skin without compromising on ethics or quality. Whether it’s our exfoliating oatmeal bar or our active charcoal / citrus soaps for oily skin, La Zouch Soaps offers a range that’s perfect for every teen.

Ready to help your teen glow naturally? Explore our Teenage/Oily/Combination Skin collection here.

29/09/202529/09/2025

How Cold Process Soap Is Made: A Peek Behind the Bubbles

At La Zouch Soaps, every bar tells a story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and skin-loving ingredients. One of the most traditional and rewarding methods we use is the cold process technique. It’s a slow, deliberate art that transforms natural oils and butters into luxurious soap without the need for external heat. Curious how it all comes together? Let’s take you behind the scenes.

handmade shea butter soap with lavender essential oil

handmade shea butter soap with pink pepper, bergamot and pink grapefruit essential oils

handmade shea butter soap with rose geranium essential oil

What Is Cold Process Soap?

Cold process soap is made by combining oils or fats with a lye solution (sodium hydroxide mixed with water), triggering a chemical reaction called saponification. This method preserves the integrity of delicate ingredients like essential oils and plant-based butters, making it ideal for nourishing, vegan-friendly skincare.

Ingredients We Love

At La Zouch Soaps, we choose ingredients that are kind to your skin and the planet:

Olive oil, deeply moisturizing and gentle
Coconut oil, adds cleansing power and a rich lather
Shea butter, highly moisturising with skin-soothing properties
Essential oils, like pink grapefruit or bergamot for natural fragrance
Mica for colour

Tools of the Trade

Making cold process soap requires a few essentials:

Heat-resistant mixing bowls
Accurate digital scales
Hand blender
Silicone moulds
Safety gear: gloves, goggles, and long sleeves

Step-by-Step: The Cold Process Method

Here’s how we turn raw ingredients into beautiful bars:

Prepare the lye solution
Carefully mix sodium hydroxide with cold distilled water. Always add lye to water, not the other way around, to avoid a volcanic reaction. Let it cool to around 40°C.
Melt and blend the oils
Combine your chosen oils and butters, gently heating until fully melted. Allow them to cool to close to the lye temperature.
Combine and emulsify
Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils. Use a blender to mix until you reach “trace”, when the liquid begins to thicken, that means saponification has begun.
Add fragrance, colour and extras
Stir in essential oils, mica or exfoliants. This is where artistry meets chemistry.
Pour and insulate
Pour the mixture into moulds, tap to release air bubbles, and if the weather is cold then insulate with a towel to encourage gel phase (which enhances colour and texture) and avoid an “ashy top”.
Unmould and cure
After 48 hours unmould the soap and cut into bars. Then, the magic of patience: cure for 4 weeks to allow water to evaporate and the soap to harden.

Why We Love It

Cold process soap isn’t just a product, it’s magic. It allows us to:

Customise different batches for different skin types (sensitive, dry skin, oily skin)
Avoid synthetic detergents and preservatives
Celebrate the beauty of natural ingredients

Whether you’re a seasoned soap enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of artisan skincare, cold process soap offers a luxurious, eco-conscious alternative to commercial bars. And at La Zouch Soaps, every bar is made with intention, integrity, and a splash of creativity.

Want to learn more about our ingredients or explore our latest creations? Visit our shop or follow us on Instagram for more!

25/09/202525/09/2025

Why Handmade Soap Doesn’t Dry Your Skin: The Science Behind the Suds

If you’ve ever washed your hands or body with commercial soap and felt tight, itchy, or dry afterward, you’re not alone. That’s a common complaint, and one of the biggest reasons many people are making the switch to handmade soap. Unlike mass-produced bars, handmade soaps are often celebrated for being gentle, nourishing, and moisturising. But what actually makes handmade soap better for your skin? And why doesn’t it leave your skin feeling dry? We explain below.

handmade shea butter soap with lavender and bergamot essential oils

handmade shea butter soap with eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils

1. Glycerin: The Skin-Loving Ingredient That Stays

One of the key differences between handmade and commercial soap is glycerin. Glycerin is a natural byproduct of the soap-making process (saponification), where oils or fats react with lye to form soap. It’s a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air to your skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

In many commercial soaps, glycerin is removed and sold separately for use in more expensive lotions or creams. This leaves behind a bar of soap that can clean the skin but often strips it of moisture.

In contrast, handmade soap retains its natural glycerin, making it much gentler and more moisturizing. This is one of the biggest reasons handmade soap doesn’t dry out your skin. (BTW, La Zouch Soap contains so much glycerin it sets the security scanners off at airports!)

handmade shea butter soap with rosemary essential oil

handmade shea butter soap with palmarosa and sweet orange essential oils

handmade shea butter soap with lemon, lime and may chang essential oils

2. Better Ingredients: Oils That Nourish, Not Strip

Most handmade soaps are made with plant-based oils and butters like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, and more. These ingredients don’t just cleanse the skin, they also nourish it.

Each oil used in handmade soap has different skin benefits. For example:

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and has a mild, soothing effect.
Coconut oil offers cleansing power but is often balanced with more moisturising oils.
Shea butter is deeply moisturising and helps soothe dry or irritated skin.
Mango butter is loaded with rich fatty acids and is highly moisturising.

Because handmade soap recipes are carefully formulated, the oil-to-lye ratio is designed to leave a bit of extra oil in the final bar — a technique known as “superfatting.” This means there’s a slight excess of nourishing oils that remain after the saponification process, which helps moisturise and protect your skin.

3. No Harsh Detergents or Synthetic Additives

Many commercial soaps are technically not soaps at all — they’re classified as “syndet bars” (short for synthetic detergent bars). These bars often include harsh detergents, foaming agents (like SLS or SLES), preservatives, and artificial fragrances that can strip the skin’s natural oils and lead to dryness or irritation.

Handmade soaps typically avoid these harsh ingredients. They may include natural essential oils, botanicals, clays, and herbal infusions, offering a gentler, more skin-friendly cleansing experience. With fewer irritants and no synthetic detergents, handmade soap is much less likely to leave your skin feeling dry or stripped.

handmade shea butter soap with lemongrass and pine essential oils

4. Customisable for Skin Needs

Another benefit of handmade soap is that it can be tailored to different skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, there’s likely a handmade soap formula suited for you. Soap makers often create specialty bars with oatmeal for soothing, charcoal for detoxifying, or coconut milk for gentle exfoliation and added creaminess.

This level of customisation ensures that the soap not only cleans but also supports your skin’s specific needs, helping it stay hydrated and healthy.

5. Handmade Soap Supports Skin Barrier Health

Your skin’s natural barrier, the outermost layer that holds in moisture and keeps irritants out , can be disrupted by harsh soaps. Handmade soap, rich in natural fats and glycerin, supports this barrier rather than damaging it.

Over time, switching to handmade soap can actually improve your skin’s texture, hydration, and resilience, especially if you’ve been using drying commercial soaps for years.

kelp seaweed soap, unscented soap for sensitive skin

handmade shea butter soap with sweet orange and neroli soap essential oils

handmade shea butter soap with cedarwood and jumiper essential oils

Conclusion

Handmade soap isn’t just a luxury, it’s a return to how soap was originally intended to be: simple, natural, and beneficial for the skin. With nourishing oils, retained glycerin, and none of the harsh additives found in many commercial products, handmade soap helps cleanse without drying, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants to treat their skin more gently.

Whether you’re battling dryness or simply looking for a more natural skincare option, give handmade soap a try, your skin will thank you.

Take a look at our natural soaps here and start helping your skin today!

15/05/202515/05/2025

Why Handmade Soap Is Better for Your Skin Than Commercial Brands

When it comes to skincare, the products you choose can make all the difference. Soap is one of the most fundamental parts of any routine, yet many people unknowingly use commercial brands packed with synthetic ingredients that can strip and irritate the skin.

Handmade soap, on the other hand, offers a natural, nourishing alternative. Here’s why switching to handmade soap could be the best thing you do for your skin.

No Harsh Chemicals
Commercial soaps often contain detergents, sulfates, and artificial fragrances that can dry out and irritate your skin. Handmade soap, crafted with natural oils and butters, avoids these harmful additives, making it gentler and safer for all skin types.
Rich in Natural Moisturisers
Unlike mass-produced soaps that remove glycerin, which is a vital moisturising agent, handmade soaps retain this beneficial ingredient. Glycerin helps to keep skin hydrated, leaving it soft and supple rather than dry and tight.
Customisable for Different Skin Types
One of the best things about handmade soap is its versatility. Artisans often create formulas tailored to specific skin needs, whether you need extra hydration, acne-fighting ingredients, or calming botanicals for sensitive skin.
Essential Oils vs. Artificial Fragrances
Many commercial soaps use synthetic fragrances that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Handmade soap is typically scented with essential oils, which not only smell amazing but also provide therapeutic benefits for the skin and mind.
Environmentally Friendly
Handmade soap is often produced using sustainable methods and biodegradable ingredients, reducing the environmental footprint. Plus, many soap makers use minimal or plastic-free packaging, making it an eco-conscious choice.
Gentle and Effective Cleansing
While commercial soaps can be overly harsh, handmade soaps cleanse the skin effectively without stripping away natural oils. This balance keeps skin healthy, preventing irritation and promoting a radiant complexion.

Choosing handmade soap over commercial brands isn’t just a skincare upgrade, it’s an investment in your overall well-being. With natural ingredients, skin-loving benefits, and sustainable production, handmade soap provides everything your skin needs without the unnecessary additives.

Looking to make the switch? Treat your skin to the luxury of handmade soap, and experience the difference first hand with a bundle of our natural , handmade soaps.

09/02/202517/04/2025

Help Your Skin to Glow: The Benefits of Exfoliating Soaps

Keeping your skin glowing and healthy is something we all desire, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, our skin can look dull and tired. One simple way to reveal your skin’s beauty is through exfoliation. And the best way to do this is to use an exfoliating soap.

Forget harsh scrubs and complicated routines. An exfoliating soap is an easy way to buff away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and leave your skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth. Here are some reasons to use an exfoliating soap:

Improve your complexion:
– Because our skin is constantly renewing itself it sheds dead skin cells to make way for fresh, new ones. However, sometimes this process needs a little help. Exfoliating soaps gently remove these dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin underneath. So say goodbye to dullness and hello to a radiant glow!

– The gentle massage action of exfoliating while you cleanse can help to stimulate blood circulation to the skin’s surface. This increased blood flow brings vital nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells, promoting a healthy, youthful appearance.
Remove dead skin cells in order to:
– Unclog pores and prevent spots: pores can easily become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt and oil, which leads to spots and acne. Using an exfoliating soap helps to keep pores clear, reducing the likelihood of breakouts and leading to clearer, healthier skin.

– Develop smoother, softer skin: The build-up of dead skin cells can also lead to rough and bumpy skin. By using an exfoliating soap you can remove the dead cells to create a more even surface, leaving your skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth.

– Improve the absorbtion of skincare products: If your skin is covered in a layer of dead skin cells it’s harder for your moisturiser to sink in to your skin effectively. Using an exfoliating soap removes the dead-skin barrier, thereby allowing your skincare products to sink in and deliver the results you’re looking for.

Convenient and Time-Saving:
An exfoliating soap is a 2-4-1 option – there’s no need for a separate face scrub or daily treatment, which saves you time and money in your skincare routine.

How to choose the right exfoliating soap

Select an exfoliating soap dependant on your skin type and sensitivity. For example, common exfoliating options are oatmeal, poppy seeds, coffee grounds and powders. If you have sensitive skin choose a gentle scrub such as coffee grounds or a soap made with a natural powder. If your skin is dry then oatmeal is an emollient and excellent for improving dry skin texture.

Exfoliating soaps are a simple yet effective way to transform your skin. By incorporating them into your routine, you can unveil a brighter, smoother, and healthier complexion. So, ditch the dullness and embrace the glow!

If you’d like to explore our range of exfoliating soaps, then take a look at our exfoliating soap page.