Everyday I get a call from a customer who swears that they will never buy another bar of commercial soap. Why do natural soap customers become such ardent supporters of handmade soap? The proof is in the pudding, or in this case in the process. The cold processed hand making soap method takes wonderful, natural oils and incorporates into a product that is both luxurious and natural.
All of the wonderful properties that make handmade soap are kept in the recipe without the addition of irritating preservatives and chemicals. Commercial soap makers have developed processes to remove the very emollients that make natural soap so very good for your skin. Instead of producing a superior product that would keep customers coming back again and again they have purposely produced a product with the main criteria being shelf life and fragrance preservation. Can this criteria cannot be good for your skin? Beware of any soap that is way too fragrant, how do they make it this way? Are you suppose to have this much perfume exposed to your skin? I sure don't think so. This is a good case where less is more. A nice light fragrance with a creamy texture is what you should look for.
The balance between lathering and soothing properties should be examined also. If your lather is too effective it can dry your skin. So you are looking for a good lather, but not one that is prominent with a nice cleaning property that leaves you skin with a nice glow. Balance is the key. A good bar of handmade soap with moisturize as well as clean.