Our skin is our largest organ and protects us from unwanted bacteria, disease, and injuries. What makes a bar of soap unique is the combination of oils that contains minerals to promote the health of your skin.
Each oil contains different minerals and fatty acids that protects and provides for you. Dermatologists actually suggest showering with just water and no soap, but with the correct recipe of your soap, you may be doing less harm to your skin by knowing what's in it. Take a look below the content of some of plant-based oils I use for TF Naturals soaps.
Olive Oil
- Contains high values of oleic acid, a fatty acid that is absolutely wonderful for conditioning and hydrating the skin
- Holds zero cleansing properties
Grape seed Oil
- Great for conditioning and hydration because of its high linoleic acid content
- Absorbs easily on oily and sensitive skin, unclogs pores, and strengthens the skin barrier as it tends to be more lightweight to the skin
- Controls acne with those with acne-proned skin as they generally have lower levels of linoleic acid
- No cleansing properties
Avocado Oil
- Contains high levels of oleic acid so offers deep hydration
- Holds a low number of palmitic acid, which acts as emollient or moisturizer. This would not improve dry and flaky skin nor conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
Coconut Oil
- Contains an abundance of cleansing qualities which combats acne
- Carries about 50% lauric acid so it may be drying to the skin but forms high lather
Castor Oil
- Produces an abundance of fluffy and creamy lather but is still very hydrating
- No cleansing value which may not be ideal for skin with acne
Argan Oil
- The oleic and linoleic acids play the role of conditioning the skin barrier making it ideal for all skin types such as dry or oily skin
With the above mentioned plant-based oils, the right recipe can benefit you depending on your skin type. Toujours Fleurs Naturals is a safe place to try out different soaps for your skin as it varies in different benefits for all skin types. Natural Sea Moss Soap is great for sensitive skin while it is also a lovely touch for oily-based skin. If you are unsure where to start with your skin journey, be sure to do some research or speak to your dermatologist to select the right natural soaps for you.
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Sources:
Abbas, Sabrina. “Oil Cleansers Are the Secret to Clear Skin.” L'Officiel USA, L'Officiel, 27 Mar. 2021, https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/linoleic-acid-oil-cleanser-skincare-oily-skin-clogged-pores.
Byrne, Beth. “Oleic Acid in Soapmaking.” MakingSoapMag, 4 Nov. 2017, https://makingsoapmagazine.com/2017/11/04/oleic-acid-in-soapmaking/.
“Fatty Acids and Soap Making.” Complete Soap Making Supplies and Tutorial Resource, Soap Making Resource, 2017, http://www.soap-making-resource.com/fatty-acids-soap-making.html#:~:text=Oleic%20Acid%20will%20also%20add,and%20a%20creamy%2Fstable%20lather.
“How Oleic Acid Can Help Your Skin Type.” 100% PURE, 100% PURE, 11 Jan. 2022, https://www.100percentpure.com/blogs/feed/how-oleic-acid-can-help-your-skin-type.
Vitz, Ed, et al. Soap (Exemplar), LibreTexts Chemistry, 15 Mar. 2023, https://chem.libretexts.org/Ancillary_Materials/Exemplars_and_Case_Studies/Exemplars/Sports_Physiology_and_Health/Soap_(Exemplar)#:~:text=Soap%20is%20produced%20by%20a,convert%20it%20to%20the%20salt.