The main difference between handmade soap and store-bought bars is the glycerin content. Industrial soaps remove glycerin to sell as expensive lotion, leaving behind harsh detergents that dry out your skin. Handmade soap keeps all the natural glycerin, providing a built-in moisturizer that repairs the skin barrier and prevents irritation.
I’ve spent 20 years in the skincare industry, and the biggest lie told to consumers is that "all soap is the same." It isn't. Most of what you find in big-box stores in the USA isn't even soap—it's a synthetic detergent bar. If you’ve ever felt "tight" or itchy after a shower, your soap is the culprit.
At Ami Soap, we treat soap as the first step in a handmade skincare routine. We don't just "clean" the skin; we feed it. For an artisan soap for beginners, understanding what goes into your bar is the key to ending the cycle of dry, flaky skin.
The Hidden Chemicals in Industrial Bars
Big brands prioritize shelf life and profit over your health. They use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) to create mountains of bubbles, but these chemicals strip away your natural oils. This leaves your skin vulnerable to bacteria and premature aging.
Handmade soap uses the cold-process or high-glycerin method. We use plant oils like coconut, olive, and shea butter. These oils go through a natural reaction called saponification, which creates soap and a massive amount of skin-loving glycerin.
Comparison: Industrial Bars vs. Ami Artisan Soap
| Feature | Ami Artisan Soap | Industrial Store-Bought |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Natural plant oils & goat milk | Synthetic detergents & petroleum |
| Glycerin | 100% retained (Hydrating) | Removed (Drying) |
| Scent | Essential oils & botanicals | Heavy synthetic fragrance |
| Eco-Impact | Biodegradable & plastic-free | Plastic waste & chemicals |
Which Ami Soap is Right for You?
One of the best benefits of natural soap is the ability to target specific skin goals. We’ve designed our collections to handle everything from dullness to extreme sensitivity.
For the Glow: Crystal/Transparent Soap
If you want that refreshed, glass-like finish, you need the best glycerin soap on the market. I highly recommend our Ami Crystal Amber Bar. The selling point here is the **ultra-high glycerin content**. It acts as a moisture magnet, pulling hydration from the air into your skin, making it perfect for those living in dry climates.
For Repair: Nourishing/Creamy Soap
For those with eczema, psoriasis, or very dry skin, you need something more substantial. Our Ami Silk & Goat Milk Bar is my top recommendation. Its main sellling point is the **rich fatty acid profile**. The fats from the goat milk repair the skin at a cellular level, providing a creamy lather that feels more like a lotion than a cleanser.
Simple Habits for Better Skin
- Water Temp: Wash with lukewarm water. Hot water kills your skin's natural moisture.
- Drainage: Always use a draining soap dish. Handmade soap is full of glycerin and will melt if it sits in a puddle.
- Storage: Keep unused bars in a cool, dry place. They will actually "cure" and last longer over time.
Final Advice
Your skin is your largest organ. Stop treating it with cheap detergents. When you choose a bar from Ami Soap, you are investing in your long-term health and a daily moment of luxury. Once you experience the difference of a high-glycerin bar, you’ll never go back to the grocery store aisle again.
