In selecting a soap, the majority pays attention to smell, cost or looks seldom paying attention to how the soap was produced and what purpose it serves besides simple cleansing. The handmade and commercial soaps are not only a matter of aesthetics or market, but rather of the philosophy of formulation, the quality of ingredients, the scale of production, and the effects on the skin in the long run. The knowledge of these differences enables consumers to make informed choices in terms of the soaps that best suit their needs with regard to skin, lifestyle, and values.Handmade soaps are generally prepared in small batch with oils, butter and additives carefully chosen. Since they are made in small numbers, makers tend to emphasize on balance and not on mass appeal. The occurrence of naturally occurring glycerin is one of the key attributes of handmade soap. Glycerin This is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin and it is used to keep the skin hydrated after cleansing. Glycerin is extracted in most commercial processes to be used in other products, which makes the soap drier.

Commercial soaps are developed in terms of consistent quality, long shelf life and low cost. In order to do this they tend to use synthetic detergent and stabilizers and preservatives. The chemicals enable the soaps to retain a constant texture, color and aroma over long durations. This guarantees predictable performance but can also lead to rougher cleansing which causes more oils to be removed by the skin. This is observable in time among people who have sensitive or dry skin.

The other significant difference includes ingredient transparency. Home made soaps tend to have plain readable lists of ingredients that enable the user to know what he or she is applying on the skin. Commercial soaps can either apply more general chemical names or have proprietary blends that consumers can hardly make sense out of. Understanding of ingredient labeling will enable one to stay off materials which they know that their skin does not take easily.The formulation of fragrances also varies greatly. Fragrance blends are usually employed in regulated measures in making handmade soaps, whether they consist of essential oil or light fragrances. These perfumes are rather gentle and have a way of fading away. Commercial soaps are often based on synthetic fragrances that the company intends to last months or years.

Another area where differences are experienced is the skin feel after use. The soaps often have the soft touch of being conditioned and glycerin and moist oils are retained in handmade soaps. Commercial soaps can leave behind a squeaky-clean feel which a lot of individuals would consider as cleanliness. This feeling is however a sign that the natural oils have been stripped off excessively and the result may be the dryness when it is used time and again.Shelf life and storage are also included in the comparison. Handmade soaps are usually of low shelf life owing to low preservatives. This can not be considered as a weakness but as a feature of less complicated formulations. Commercial soaps are constructed to be longer lasting in shelves and during transportation which necessitates further stabilizing agents.

It is worth mentioning that handmade and commercial soaps do not necessarily specifically outshine each other. All of them have a purpose based on the type of skin, the way they are used and personal preference. Consideration enables the consumer to make a conscious choice and not an automatic one. Others might choose a simplicity and conditioning experience of handmade soaps, whereas others may be more concerned with the presence and reliability of the commercial alternatives.

Finally, the decision on using handmade or commercial soap must be made with informed knowledge and not a guess. Soap is a daily use item that has long term effects on comfort of the skin. The personal care routines become more helpful, harmonious and fulfilling, when the decision making is directed by the awareness rather than by the habits.