5 reasons to switch to a gentler, more natural soap

If soap is a regular part of your daily routine, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s actually in it.

Just as we think about the ingredients in the food we eat and the products we put into our bodies, it makes sense to consider the ingredients we use on our skin, too. After all, your skin is the largest organ in the human body.¹

Not all soaps and cleansers are made the same. Some contain synthetic fragrances, strong cleansing agents and preservatives that may cause irritation or, in the case of certain ingredients, have raised concerns about potential endocrine-disrupting effects.²³ These ingredients can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, or uncomfortable. Choosing a gentler soap with thoughtfully selected ingredients can be a simple way to make your everyday cleansing routine a little kinder to your skin and your overall wellbeing.

Is it time to rethink your soap? Here are five reasons to make the switch to a gentler, more natural alternative.

1. Natural soap can be a gentler option for sensitive skin

If your skin regularly feels dry, itchy, tight or easily irritated, your soap could be something to consider changing.

Sensitive skin doesn’t always need an elaborate ten-step skincare routine. Sometimes, simplifying your routine and choosing mild products can be a good place to start. Mild, fragrance-free cleansers are often recommended for sensitive skin, as well as products with fewer ingredients. Harsh soaps containing antibacterial agents and alcohol aren’t recommended for people experiencing skin irritation.⁴

This is where choosing your soap can really matter! For those who prefer to keep things simple, a fragrance-free bar can be a particularly good option. Remember, “unscented” and “fragrance-free” aren’t necessarily the same thing, an unscented product may still contain fragrance ingredients designed to mask other smells.⁵

If you have particularly sensitive or reactive skin, always check the full ingredient list before trying a new product.

2. A simpler ingredient list means fewer unnecessary extras

Take a look at the ingredients list on your bathroom products and you may find more ingredients than you expected.

Some soaps and personal care products contain preservatives such as parabens, as well as fragrances and other cosmetic ingredients. Parabens are permitted for use in cosmetics, although some types have attracted attention because of their potential endocrine-disrupting activity.⁶

Another ingredient worth being aware of is phthalates. These chemicals are used in a wide range of products, including some personal care products, and research has raised concerns about their potential effects on the endocrine, reproductive and developmental systems.⁷

Choosing a soap with a simpler ingredient list can therefore be a sensible way to reduce the number of potential irritants your skin is exposed to every day.

Of course, “natural” doesn’t automatically mean suitable for everyone. Natural ingredients can cause irritation or reactions too. Checking the full ingredient list and patch testing a new product is always a sensible idea. You can read more in our article 168 chemicals a day? The truth about toxic skincare

3. Support your skin barrier

Your skin has its own natural protective barrier, which helps keep moisture in and protect the skin from external irritants. Cleansing is important for removing dirt, sweat and excess oils, but some cleansing products can also remove lipids and other components of the outermost layer of skin.⁸

Research has found that harsher soaps and surfactants can disrupt the skin barrier, contributing to dryness, tightness and irritation. This is particularly relevant if you wash frequently or already have sensitive or compromised skin.⁹

Choosing a gentle soap can help you keep your skin clean while minimising unnecessary disruption to its natural protective barrier.

4. One soap can simplify your bathroom shelf

Let’s be honest: bathroom shelves have a habit of filling up.

One cleanser for your face. Another for your hands. A body wash for the shower. Perhaps another product for someone else in the family. But your cleansing routine doesn’t always need to be that complicated.

Choosing a versatile soap that can be used on your hands, face and body can help simplify your routine and reduce the number of products you need.

For example, our Probiotic Goat’s Milk Soaps are designed to be used across the face, hands and body, making them a simple, practical choice for everyday cleansing.

Less clutter, fewer bottles and one lovely bar of soap that can do it all!

5. Waste less

Bar soap can also feel like a more intentional alternative to constantly replacing plastic bottles of liquid hand wash or body wash. Switching from liquid soap to a bar can also be a simple way to cut down on packaging waste. Most natural soap bars are packaged in paper and don’t need a plastic pump bottle.

There’s also something satisfying about using almost every last bit of a bar! Unlike liquid products, where a little can easily be left behind in the bottle or dispenser, a bar of soap is right there in your hands until it’s finished. With a little care to keep it dry between uses, you can make the most of the whole bar – meaning less product left behind and less packaging to throw away.

Find your perfect natural soap!

Here at Chuckling Goat, every one of our Probiotic Goat’s Milk Soap bars starts with our signature goat’s milk and kefir base, with different natural ingredients added to create a range of soaps for different preferences:

Sensitive – Our essential oil-free option, made with oatmeal and honey for a simple, creamy cleanse.
Soothing – Made with rosemary essential oil and French facial clay for a fresh, herbaceous wash.
Break-Out – Our strongest formulation containing thyme, tea tree and French facial clay, designed for blemish-prone skin.
Calm-Down – A lavender bar designed to make your evening bath or shower feel a little more relaxing.
Brighten-Up – Our newest addition, a vibrant blend featuring sweet orange, rosemary, and turmeric.

Our soap bars are handmade on the farm in small batches, and are designed for everyday use on your face, hands and body. They’re also preservative-free and contain no synthetic fragrance.

If you’re looking for a natural soap that’s gentle enough for everyday use, switching from a conventional liquid cleanser to a thoughtfully formulated soap bar could be a simple change to your daily routine.

Explore the Chuckling Goat Probiotic Goat’s Milk Soap range and find the bar that’s right for you.

Read Why you should be using plain soap instead of antibacterial soaps next!

When trying new skincare products, we always recommend patch testing on an area of skin first.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.