How Long Does A Handmade Soap Last? Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Soap Bars
If you’ve ever pondered the question, “how long does a handmade soap last?” you’re not alone. As more people transition to eco-friendly lifestyles, they often turn to handmade soaps, appreciating their natural ingredients and minimal environmental impact. However, understanding the longevity of such artisanal products can help maximize their benefits and ensure you’re making the most of your investment. Let’s delve into the factors affecting how long a handmade soap lasts and explore tips for prolonging its shelf life.
All About Handmade Soaps
Handmade soap is a popular choice for many people due to its use of natural ingredients, sustainability, and skin benefits. Understanding how long a handmade soap lasts is essential for users looking to get the most out of their purchase. In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the lifespan of soap bars and provide tips on how to extend their life.
When it comes to handmade soap, the quality of ingredients used plays a significant role in determining how long it will last. Factors such as the type of oils, additives, and curing process can all impact the longevity of a soap bar. By choosing high-quality ingredients and allowing the soap to cure properly, users can ensure that their soap lasts longer.
In addition to ingredient quality, proper storage is also crucial in extending the life of handmade soap. Keeping soap bars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture can help prevent them from melting or becoming soggy. Using a soap dish with good drainage can also help prolong the life of your soap.
By understanding the factors that affect soap longevity and following these tips for extending its life, users can enjoy their handmade soap for a longer period of time.
Handmade Soap vs. Commercial Soap
Before switching to a zero-waste lifestyle, people are usually excited about helping the environment and finally being conscious about their product consumption. Together with these feelings, however, there come also uncertainty and anxiety. "Will I be able to really do this?" Fairly speaking, that's a tough question, but an important one. We should manage expectations realistically, after all.
Once we start decluttering, especially reducing plastic in our households, we notice that the products we buy tend to stick around us for quite some time. For example, handmade shampoo bars are said to last as much as two bottles of regular-sized shampoo in plastic bottles. Crazy, right? Such a small product, yet so wallet-friendly.
So what is different between handmade soap, produced in small batches and the commercial soap that we buy at big chain stores? And how do we realistically measure the end product we get, at the price we paid in terms of money, and the wellbeing of our skin? Then we can have a calculated estimate toe precisely answer the question "how long does a handmade soap last?".
First of all, there's quality. Have you noticed how store-bought soaps have a list full of ingredients on the back that you don't really recognize? One reason is that cosmetics companies write out the latin names of their ingredients, which makes it a bit difficult to understand if you are not a Chemist or a Pharmacist.
The second reason, is that this list is really long, isn't it? Who has time to read through all that? Well, many people do, and in fact, they do understand what's behind those fancy names. And that's not good. Full of sulfates, parabens, artificial scents and colors - no wonder some of us get allergic to certain hand creams, face masks or lip balms. Large cosmetic corporations prefer to use cheaper or even toxic ingredients, in order to make big batches of the same product that supply the consumer demand. That is of course, at the expense of quality. Quality of ingredients, quality of production processes, quality of you guessed it - the end product.
Alternatively, handmade cosmetics (when done in line with cosmetic production guidelines and using high quality ingredients) focus on using only raw materials that do have value to the skin on their own. Soap bars, in particular, are made of two main things - lye solution and base oils (usually plant-based, but also animal by-products, such as tallow, for example).
Therefore, the only care we need to have regarding these materials, are the lye to oils ration, if we want to have a "safe" soap. And then again, we need to carefully choose ingredients that have long shelf life. Because there are no extra artificial ingredients added (in the case of simple handmade soap bars), you don't need to worry about being allergic to a certain chemical or a fragrance.
To sum up, store-bought soaps are mass-produced with a myriad of synthetic ingredients, often including sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. These additives can be harsh on the skin and have a longer shelf life due to preservatives. In contrast, handmade soaps are crafted in small batches with natural ingredients like plant-based oils and essential oils, which are gentler on the skin but may have a shorter shelf life.
What Affects the Longevity of Handmade Soaps?
When it comes to handmade soap, many factors can affect how long it lasts. The ingredients and formulation play a big role in determining the longevity of your soap bars. The oils and butters used in soapmaking can impact how well the soap holds up over time. Additionally, additives like exfoliants, milk, or honey can either reduce or enhance the durability of the soap.
The curing process is also crucial for extending the life of your soap. Curing time is important for handmade soaps as it affects the hardness and longevity of the bars. The frequency of use can also impact how long your soap lasts. Daily use versus occasional use can make a difference in the lifespan of your soap.
Proper storage conditions are key to preserving the quality of your handmade soap. Environmental factors like humidity and temperature can affect the soap's longevity. It's important to follow proper storage tips both before and after the first use to ensure your soap lasts as long as possible.
The shape and size of the soap bar can also influence its durability. The size and thickness of the bar can impact how long it lasts. By considering these factors and following proper care and storage techniques, you can extend the life of your handmade soap and enjoy it for longer.
When Does a Handmade Soap Expire?
That depends. On who produced it, what is the expiration date of the products, how was the soap stored, how often was it used, etc. Of course, answering "how long does a handmade soap last?" depends on the aforementioned variables, meaning the pre-purchase phase (which is the production of the soap), but also the "after-care", which depends solely on the user.
At Soapmate EU we write out an approximate best-to date on the back of the label. This date is exactly a year after the soap has cured. Usually, handmade soaps are good for usage within two years of curing, or until the soonest expiration date of any of the ingredients.
The oils we use have a long shelf life and we change them frequently, as we don't buy much of them in bulk and we create only small soap batches. So, we change the oils every 5-6 months, meaning the soaps we make are good for at least two years after being made. Still, we don't want people to keep them too long in their households, as at one point they will lose their properties.
Handmade soaps often come with a “best by” date, usually about a year from the curing date. However, this doesn’t mean the soap will go bad immediately after this date. It may lose some fragrance and color but can still be used effectively. When asking, “how long does a handmade soap last,” it’s useful to know that its effectiveness can extend beyond the suggested date if stored properly.
How to Store Handmade Soap In Order to Extend Its Life?
Proper storage is key. Make sure to keep your soap in a cool, dry place and opt for breathable packaging like paper or fabric wraps. Additionally, using a soap dish with proper drainage is crucial to keeping your soap dry between uses. Think wooden slatted dishes or ceramic dishes with holes - they're ideal for the job.
Another trick to make your soap last longer is to cut your bars into smaller pieces. By using one piece at a time, you can avoid excess water exposure and ensure your soap stays in tip-top shape. And speaking of water exposure, be mindful of how you use your soap during showers or handwashing. Try turning off the water while lathering to make the most of your soap.
Lastly, don't forget to rotate between bars. Allowing your soap bars to dry fully between uses and alternating between different soaps not only extends their longevity but also adds a bit of variety to your routine.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Handmade Soap?
That's something many people do not think about when buying handmade soaps or ordering customized ones.
The process of making the soap from start to finish takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the recipe, materials and speed you work at. However, building up and calculating the ingredients for recipe that is good to the skin, ordering and buying the ingredients, planting and then harvesting whatever decoration you want to put on top (for example, lavender, calendula petals, herbs, etc.) - these are all a part of the preparation activities, which together with packaging, shipping and delivery are a let's say a variable cost (in time units), as it depends mostly on the preparation and time management of the soapmaker.
However, soap needs to cure and that we cannot influence. Curing is the process when the oils connect with the lye, so that no NaOH is present at the end product, as well as the process of "dehydration" when excess water evaporates from the soap.
For soaps with an average amount of light oils, e.g. olive or sunflower (under 40%), curing takes 28 days. This is the time when we let go of watching and overprotecting the bars, and let the oils do their magic. After these four weeks, the soap is ready for use. If a soap contains a higher percentage of light oils, such as a Bastille soap or our You are Supherb! then the curing time extends to 42 days. Almost three months! Then we ask customers to wait patiently, as soap making is really not something you can rush or speed up just for the sake of it. It needs time, patience and peace. That's what we love about it!
How Long Does a Handmade Soap Last?
Typically, a handmade soap can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months with normal use. This is in stark contrast to commercial soaps, which tend to dissolve much quicker due to their harsh ingredients and lack of moisturizing properties.
The natural ingredients found in handmade soaps, such as oils and butters, can cause them to dissolve faster than their commercial counterparts. Additionally, handmade soaps often lack hardening agents that can extend the life of the bar. To extend the life of your handmade soap, consider storing it in a dry place between uses and using a soap dish that allows for proper drainage.
In conclusion, while handmade soaps may not last as long as commercial soaps, their natural ingredients and moisturizing properties make them well worth the investment. By taking proper care of your handmade soap, you can enjoy its luxurious lather and nourishing benefits for weeks to come.
The Environmental and Financial Benefits of Prolonging Soap Life
When it comes to handmade soap, many people wonder how long it will last and how they can make it last longer. By extending the life of your soap, you not only save money but also contribute to sustainable living by reducing waste.
One of the key benefits of prolonging the life of your soap is the positive impact it has on the environment and your finances. By using your soap more efficiently, you can reduce the amount of waste produced. This not only benefits the environment but also saves you money in the long run by making your soap bars last longer.
In addition to the environmental and financial benefits, extending the life of your soap also contributes to sustainable living. By being mindful of how you use your soap and taking steps to make it last longer, you are playing a part in reducing your carbon footprint and promoting a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Overall, by taking simple steps to extend the life of your handmade soap, you can enjoy the benefits of reduced waste, saved money, and a more sustainable way of living.
FAQ
Can handmade soap expire?
The answer is yes, but it typically has a longer shelf life compared to commercial soaps.
Does handmade soap lose quality over time if stored properly?
Over time, handmade soap can lose quality if not stored properly. To ensure your soap bars last as long as possible, it's important to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
What are the best practices for traveling with handmade soap?
To prevent your soap from getting damaged during travel, consider using a soap dish with a lid or a travel soap container. This will help protect your soap bars and keep them in good condition while you're on the move.
TL;DR
In conclusion, understanding "how long does a handmade soap last?" involves considering several factors, including ingredients, curing process, storage conditions, and usage frequency. By storing your soap properly and following best practices, you can extend its life and continue to enjoy its benefits for an extended period. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to handmade soaps, knowing how to care for them ensures you get the most out of these delightful, eco-friendly products.
Handmade soaps offer a unique, natural alternative to commercial soaps, with the added benefit of being gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly. By understanding and implementing the tips provided, you can confidently answer the question, “how long does a handmade soap last,” and enjoy your artisanal soaps for as long as possible.
So next time you purchase a beautifully crafted bar of handmade soap, remember these tips and appreciate the artistry and care that went into making it. Your skin, wallet, and the environment will thank you.
This post was all about answering the question "how long does a handmade soap last?".