What's really in most store bought soaps?

Learning to Read Labels with Confidence

Walking down the soap aisle can feel overwhelming. Bars are labeled natural, clean, pure, gentle, or chemical-free, yet when you turn the package over, the ingredient list can look confusing or intimidating. At The Makers Table, we believe families deserve to understand what they are using on their skin, not just trust marketing claims.

Learning to read soap labels is an important step toward making informed, intentional choices for your home.

Soap vs. Detergent Bars

One of the first things to know is this: not all “soap” is actually soap.

True soap is made through a process called saponification, where oils and fats are combined with sodium hydroxide (lye). The lye is fully consumed during the process and does not remain in the finished bar.

Many store-bought bars labeled as “soap” are actually synthetic detergent bars. These often contain surfactants and preservatives designed for long shelf life and mass production. Detergent bars can be effective cleansers, but they are often more drying, especially for sensitive skin.

Look for words like:

• Sodium olivate (olive oil soap)

• Sodium cocoate (coconut oil soap)

• Saponified oils of…

These indicate true soap.

Understanding Common Ingredients

Here are a few ingredients you may see and what they mean:

Oils & Butters
Ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, tallow, shea butter, or castor oil form the base of soap. Each oil contributes different qualities—cleansing, hardness, creaminess, or conditioning.

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
Lye is required to make real soap. When properly formulated, it is completely transformed during saponification and is not present in the finished bar. A soap made without lye is not soap.

Fragrance or Essential Oils
Essential oils come from plants. Fragrance oils are blended for consistency and stability. Both can be used responsibly when properly diluted and IFRA-compliant.

Colorants & Botanicals
Clays, herbs, flowers, and micas are often used for color or gentle exfoliation. These should be clearly listed and not hidden behind vague terms.

Marketing Terms to Question

Words like "natural", "clean" clean, or "non-toxic" are not regulated terms. They sound reassuring, but don’t tell you what’s actually inside the bar. The ingredient list (not the front label) is where clarity lives.

Why This Matters

Your skin is your largest organ. What you use on it should be chosen with care, not fear. At The Makers Table, we believe in transparency, simplicity, and stewardship. Using ingredients with purpose and explaining them plainly.

Whether you choose our soaps or another maker’s, we encourage you to turn the bar over, read the label, and ask questions. Knowledge leads to confidence, plus your skin deserves the very best!

If you’d like to learn more, we share additional resources on soapmaking, ingredient education, and workshops, because understanding is always a good place to begin.

Kami B.