If you have sensitive skin, finding the right skincare products can be a challenging quest. Harsh chemicals and artificial additives in regular soaps can often trigger skin irritation and discomfort. However, there is a gentle and natural alternative that could be the perfect solution for sensitive skin – cold process soap.

Chances are your great-grandmother made cold-process soap for the family in her kitchen. The cold process soap-making method involves mixing oils or fats with an alkali (such as lye, which originally comes from wood ash). If made correctly,  cold-process soap is wonderfully moisturising.

Cold-process soap dates back thousands of years and was very common up until the 1950s when Dove invented the “Syndet” soap bar.  Syndet stands for synthetic detergent.  Soap suddenly became less labour-intensive and much cheaper in ingredients to produce. This is why you can find it on most supermarket shelves for just a couple of dollars for five bars. But at what cost to your skin?

So, how can cold process soap help with sensitive skin?

No Harsh Chemicals

Commercial soaps often contain synthetic fragrances, colourants, and harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Cold process soap, on the other hand, relies on simple, natural ingredients like plant-based oils, butters, and essential oils. Without harmful additives, this soap gently cleanses without causing unnecessary irritation or dryness. Here at Yarra Naturals, we use a range of nourishing oils such as extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, and castor oil. We also like using cocoa butter to help harden our bars and in our shampoo bars to produce a rich, creamy lather that hydrates the scalp deeply.

Gentle and Moisturizing

One of the standout features of cold-process soap is its mildness on the skin. The lathering action is creamy and soft, creating a pampering experience that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. This gentle cleansing process, combined with the moisturising properties of natural oils, leaves sensitive skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated. Did you know castor oil in soap is not only moisturising but it also helps produce lather and bubbles? We use it in many of our soaps.

Customizable and Versatile

Cold-process soap-making allows for customization to suit individual needs. For sensitive skin, soap makers can select specific oils known for their calming and soothing properties, such as chamomile, lavender, or calendula such as our Dandelion & Honey soap. Additionally, by omitting potential allergens and irritants, like artificial fragrances and dyes, the soap can be tailored to cater to specific skin sensitivities. We also like to use goat milk which has a similar PH to our skin. It also makes the bars rich and creamy.

Environmentally Friendly

Being natural and biodegradable, cold-process soap is kind to the environment. It breaks down more easily in water systems, reducing the potential harm to aquatic life. For environmentally-conscious individuals with sensitive skin, this makes cold-process soap an eco-friendly and responsible choice.

For those with sensitive skin, cold process soap offers an alluring solution that combines gentle cleansing with nurturing skincare benefits. The absence of harsh chemicals, the preservation of natural properties, and the ability for us to customise according to specific needs make cold-process soap the ideal option for your delicate and sensitive skin. Your skin will thank you for the gentle touch.