Consumption. Pay attention to the composition of solid soaps!

As with liquid soaps, the important thing is to choose a product that's kind to your skin. It's therefore essential to check the composition of a soap before purchasing it. While many shower gels can contain harsh chemicals—allergens, endocrine disruptors, and other texturizing additives—solid soaps can also contain controversial ingredients. Palm oils, which are natural but criticized for their impact on biodiversity, are notably present in most soap bars, identifiable in the list of ingredients under the names sodium palmate and sodium palm kernelate.

During hot saponification, fats and soda are heated for a long time. The result: a final detergent product that is not very respectful of the skin, as its moisturizing properties are lost during cooking. The artisanal soap on summer market stalls and the industrial soap sold in supermarkets are made using this manufacturing method. During cold saponification, fats and soda are quickly mixed, without cooking, then dried. This method uses less energy and preserves the benefits of the natural ingredients. The resulting soap guarantees good hydration and respects the skin's protective barrier.

Like all hygiene and cosmetic products, soaps have a best before date (BED). Until this date, indicated on the packaging and preceded by the words "Best before end" or the hourglass logo, the product will fulfill its function. This minimum shelf life is generally eighteen months for cold-process solid soap. However, if stored in good conditions, it can last longer.

In recent years, soap factories that pay particular attention to the quality of their production have spread across our territories. Made with passion, cold saponified, based on noble ingredients, with subtle fragrances: the products offered by these artisanal soap factories demonstrate the wealth of our local economy, both innovative and close to our needs. An offer that can be found in particular in the online directory Zigetzag.info - For responsible purchases in Alsace .

Consumer Chamber of Alsace and Grand Est. Website: consomme-aujourdhui.fr