“Is Handmade Soap Really That Different?”
Hey friends! Stacie here from Momma Bears Creations.
When I tell people I make soap by hand in our Enola, PA home, I usually get one of two reactions:
Reaction 1: “Oh, that’s nice! Smells good!” walks away
Reaction 2: “Wait, is there actually a difference between handmade and what I buy at the store?”
The honest answer: YES. Big difference. But not always in the ways you’d expect.
I’m not here to tell you handmade soap will change your life or cure all your problems. But after making soap for Central PA families for years—and hearing what customers tell us at craft shows and our Carlisle Creative Vibes booth—I can tell you what people actually notice when they switch.
These aren’t marketing claims. These are the real benefits families tell us about.
Benefit #1: “My Skin Feels Soft, Not Tight”
What people tell us:
“I used to need lotion right after my shower. Now I don’t.”
“My skin used to feel tight and dry after washing. This just feels… comfortable.”
“My kids don’t complain that soap ‘stings’ anymore.”
Why this happens:
Remember learning about glycerin in chemistry class? Probably not, because it sounds boring. But here’s what matters:
When soap is made the traditional way (called “cold process”), a natural byproduct called glycerin is created. Glycerin is basically a moisture magnet—it pulls moisture from the air into your skin.
Here’s the catch: Most commercial soap companies remove the glycerin to sell separately (it’s more valuable on its own). That’s why drugstore “soap” leaves your skin feeling tight and stripped.
Handmade soap keeps all the natural glycerin. We don’t remove anything. Every bar we make here in Enola has 100% of the glycerin that formed naturally during soapmaking.
Translation: Your skin stays hydrated. You might not need lotion after showering. Especially important during brutal Central PA winters!
Benefit #2: “I Actually Know What’s in It”
What people tell us:
“I can pronounce every ingredient.”
“I feel better using this on my kids.”
“No mystery chemicals I have to Google.”
Why this matters:
Pick up a bar of commercial soap next time you’re at the store. Read the ingredients. You’ll probably see things like:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (harsh detergent)
- Synthetic fragrance (could be hundreds of unlisted chemicals)
- Parabens (preservatives)
- Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, etc.)
- Propylene Glycol (same ingredient in antifreeze)
Now look at a handmade soap label:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Essential oils
- That’s it.
I’m not saying commercial soap is “bad” or “dangerous.” But a lot of parents tell us they prefer knowing exactly what touches their family’s skin. Simple ingredients = peace of mind.
Especially for families with kids, sensitive skin, eczema, or just parents who want to reduce chemicals where they can.
Benefit #3: “It Lasts SO Much Longer”
What people tell us:
“One bar lasted me three months!”
“Store-bought soap dissolves in like two weeks. This actually lasts.”
“I thought it was expensive, but it’s cheaper per use than what I was buying.”
Why handmade soap lasts longer:
Commercial soap is often filled with water and cheap fillers to maximize profit. It dissolves quickly because… there’s not much actual soap in it.
Handmade soap is dense and solid. When we make a batch, it cures for 4-6 weeks before we sell it. That curing process removes excess water and makes the bar hard and long-lasting.
Real math from our Enola customers:
- Drugstore soap: $2-3 per bar, lasts 2-3 weeks = ~$10/month
- Handmade soap: $6-8 per bar, lasts 8-12 weeks = ~$6-8/month
You’re actually saving money. Plus, less waste, fewer trips to the store.
Pro tip: Use a soap dish with drainage. Let your bar dry between uses. It’ll last even longer!
Benefit #4: “My Skin Stopped Doing That Thing”
What people tell us:
“My winter eczema calmed down.”
“My teenager’s back acne improved.”
“I used to get red, itchy patches. They’re gone now.”
Why this happens:
Let me be super clear: I’m not making medical claims. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, work with your dermatologist. Handmade soap isn’t medicine.
But here’s what we’ve heard over and over:
When people switch from harsh, chemical-filled commercial soap to gentle, natural handmade soap, their skin calms down. Why?
- Fewer irritants - No synthetic fragrances, dyes, or harsh detergents that trigger reactions
- Natural moisture - The glycerin we talked about helps skin stay balanced
- Gentler cleansing - Clean without stripping your skin bare
Common “things” customers say improved:
- Winter dryness and flaking (huge in Central PA!)
- Mild eczema patches
- Itchy, irritated skin after showering
- Teenage breakouts from harsh body wash
- Sensitive skin reactions
Again: Not a cure. Not medicine. Just… gentler, simpler ingredients that let your skin do its thing without interference.
Benefit #5: “It Actually Smells Amazing (Without Being Overwhelming)”
What people tell us:
“The scent is there, but it’s not overpowering.”
“My husband won’t use ‘girly’ soap, but he loves the peppermint one.”
“I’m sensitive to fragrances, but essential oils don’t bother me.”
Natural vs. synthetic fragrance:
Synthetic fragrance (in commercial products): Can contain hundreds of unlabeled chemicals. Strong, artificial smell. Lingers on your skin. Often triggers allergies, headaches, or sensitivities.
Essential oils (in handmade soap): Pure plant extracts. Gentle, authentic scent. Fades naturally. Fewer sensitivity issues.
Real-world difference:
At craft shows, we have customers say, “I can’t use scented anything—I get migraines.” Then they smell our essential oil soaps and say, “Wait, this doesn’t bother me!”
Essential oils aren’t perfect for everyone—some people are still sensitive. But they’re worlds apart from synthetic fragrances in terms of purity and gentleness.
Plus: We offer unscented options! Our Honey Donkey soap (donkey milk, honey, no fragrance) is a bestseller among sensitive skin folks.
The “Hidden” Benefit No One Talks About: Supporting Real People
This isn’t about the soap itself, but it matters to a lot of families.
When you buy handmade soap from local makers like us, you’re not enriching a corporation. You’re supporting:
- A family (me, Maddi, and Scott) making products in our Enola home
- Our retail partner Carlisle Creative Vibes (a local small business)
- Central PA economy (we buy supplies locally when possible)
- Small-batch production (made in our home, no factory)
Does the soap work better because of this? No. But a lot of our customers tell us it feels good to know their money supports local families, not faceless corporations.
That’s the Central PA way. We take care of each other.
“But Is Handmade Soap Worth the Extra Money?”
Let’s be real: Handmade soap costs more upfront than a $1 bar from Walmart.
Here’s how I think about it:
You’re not just buying soap. You’re buying:
- Natural ingredients (not cheap fillers)
- Kept glycerin (moisture your skin needs)
- No synthetic chemicals
- Long-lasting bars (cheaper per use)
- Peace of mind about what touches your family’s skin
- Support for local makers and businesses
For our family? Totally worth it.
For your family? You decide. But at least try one bar and see if you notice a difference. Most people do.
“Which Handmade Soap Should I Try First?”
Great question! Here’s what we tell customers at our Carlisle Creative Vibes booth (152 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA):
If you have dry skin: Try Lavender or Honey Donkey - super moisturizing, gentle, won’t strip your skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin: Try Lovespell Charcoal (facial bar) - draws out impurities without over-drying
If you have sensitive skin: Try Honey Donkey (unscented) or Lavender - minimal ingredients, nothing harsh
If you just want something refreshing: Try Rosemary Mint Shampoo bar or Beach Bum - clean, energizing scents
If you’re not sure: Try honeysuckle or Lavender - bestsellers for good reason, work for most skin types
Pro tip: Start with one bar. Use it for a week. Notice how your skin feels. If you love it, come back and try different scents! Many customers end up with 3-4 different soaps for different moods.
The Bottom Line: What You’ll Actually Notice
Switching to handmade soap isn’t life-changing. It’s not a miracle cure. But here’s what most people tell us they notice:
✅ Softer, more comfortable skin ✅ Less need for lotion after showering ✅ Fewer mystery ingredients to worry about ✅ Bars that last way longer than expected ✅ Calmer, happier skin (especially for sensitive types) ✅ Pleasant, natural scents without overwhelming fragrance
Is it for everyone? Maybe not. But for families who want simple, natural skincare without harsh chemicals or marketing hype? Yeah, it’s worth trying.
Try Handmade Soap from Our Enola Family
We’d love for you to try our soap and see if you notice the difference Central PA families are telling us about.
Shop online: Momma Bears at Carlisle Creative Vibes - Full collection, we ship nationwide!
Visit in person: Carlisle Creative Vibes 152 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013 Come smell the soaps, ask questions, meet us or the CCV team!
Questions? Message us on Facebook or visit our Contact page. We’re real people who genuinely love helping families find soap that works for their skin.
See you at Pumpkinfest? East Pennsboro Pumpkinfest every fall is our favorite event! Come try our soaps in person and meet our Enola family.
— Stacie, Maddi & Scott Momma Bears Creations, Enola PA
P.S. - Still not convinced? That’s okay! Grab one bar, use it for a week, and see for yourself. Most people notice the difference by day 3. If you don’t love it, at least you tried something new. And if you DO love it… welcome to the handmade soap club. We’re glad you’re here. 💙
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