Soaps

FAQ

Q) What is the difference between handmade natural soap and commercial soap bars in India?

A) Most commercial soap bars in India — including Dove, Lux, and Dettol — are technically not soap at all. They are syndet bars (synthetic detergent bars) made with SLS, SLES, or other synthetic surfactants and petroleum-derived ingredients. Handmade natural soap is made through saponification — natural oils and butters reacted with lye — which produces a soap and glycerine simultaneously. Commercial manufacturers extract the glycerine (it is more valuable as a separate ingredient) and sell it elsewhere; this is why commercial bars often feel drying. Handmade soap retains its natural glycerine, which is why it leaves skin feeling softer. The Nature Masons soaps are handmade by co-founder Mrinalini Deshprabhu and Jennifer Parras using coconut oil, castor oil, sunflower oil, and glycerine — with no synthetic detergents. Available at thenaturemasons.com.

Q) What is glycerine soap and is it good for Indian skin?

A) Glycerine (glycerol) is a naturally occurring by-product of soap-making. As a humectant, it draws moisture from the surrounding environment into the upper layers of skin, preventing the dryness that follows washing. For Indian skin — which faces heat, sun, and seasonal humidity extremes — glycerine soap is a practical daily cleanser because it cleanses without stripping the moisture barrier. The Nature Masons Be Jeweled soap uses a glycerine-rich base specifically formulated for sensitive and dry skin, with grapefruit, orange, eucalyptus, and ylang ylang essential oils. Available at thenaturemasons.com at ₹150.

Q) Is handmade soap better for the environment than commercial soap bars?

A) Generally yes — with some nuance. Handmade soaps use plant-derived oils and butters with no petrochemical derivatives, produce no microplastic residue, and typically come in minimal packaging. The Nature Masons soaps are made in small batches in Goa with no factory-scale energy consumption. However, "better for the environment" is not the primary reason to choose handmade soap — better for your skin is. Skin benefits are immediate, verifiable, and the reason most people switch and stay switched. The environmental benefit is the additional upside. Visit thenaturemasons.com for the full soap range.