Indian Earthy Naturals : Raw Himalayan Honey Vanilla Soap

For the longest time, I shunned from soap bars because they dehydrated my skin. Then I discovered the amazing benefits of handmade soaps. The very best reason to use handmade soap is the ingredients. Handmade soaps are typically made of vegetable oils and butters that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that are essential to healthy skin (1). Handmade soaps retain all of its natural glycerin glory and produces a rich and luxurious lather that is unparalleled to any other (1). Finally handmade soaps can be customized to personal preferences. 

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KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Olea europaea (Virgin Olive Oil): Full of linoleic acids, oleic acids, palmitic acids, and polyphenols, the acids in high quality olive oil work by trapping water into the skin, ensuring hydration (2). Polyphenols are antioxidants, which when absorbed into the skin, will combat the free radicals thus preventing premature ageing. Two other benefits of polyphenol is that is offers protection against ultraviolet rays and will also encourage new cell growth, so that new cells are made to replace any damaged skin cells (2). In soap making, it has moisturizing, disinfectant and anti-wrinkle properties and can be used to produce a mild soap (3).

• Butyrospermum parkii (Raw Shea Butter): A great emollient oil addition to soap, it makes a hard, shiny, conditioning bar with a stable lather and moisturizing properties. Naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production (4). The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin, and is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils (4). Due to its cinnamic acid content and other natural properties, shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties (5). One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations making it beneficial for people with acne (4). Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying and with long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction (4).

• Oryza sativa (Rice) Bran Oil: Rice Bran Oil is a natural source for the following antioxidants:  Tocopherols, Tocotrienols, Gamma Oryzanol, Phytosterols, Polyphenols and Squalene, that help fight free radicals and aid in slowing down the effects of aging (6). Hypoallergenic, it contains proanthrocyanidins which protect collagen and elastin which in turn maintain the suppleness of skin (6). Rich in fatty acids it is very beneficial for mature, delicate and sensitive skin types. Owing to a small molecule rice bran oil is easier to penetrate the skin without being greasy (6). When used in soap-making, the soaps are creamier and smoother (6).

• Cocos nucifera (Coconut Oil): The fatty acids along with the numerous minerals and nutrients in coconut will provide the skin with great benefits. The oil can also work to help remove dirt and dead cells from the skin. The aforementioned acids in coconut oil (lactic, capric, etc) can also have benefits when it comes to acne treatment: the antimicrobial properties of these fats can act to prevent or help reduce current acne breakouts (7).  The antioxidants prevent and help to reduce skin aging. Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection, reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis while supporting the natural chemical balance of the skin, softens the skin helping relieve dryness and flaking, prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots promoting healthy looking complexion (7). Essential to soap making, it is a natural cleanser and moisturizer and makes a hard, cleansing bar with creamy, bubbly lather.

• Ricinus communis (Castor Oil): Soothing oil that has been used medicinally for thousands of years and has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties (3). In soap it acts as an emollient, humectant and softener, adds and retains moisture and protects the skin. It is also used to treat dry lacerated and chapped skin, including psoriasis. It makes a soft, conditioning bar with bubbly, stable lather.

• Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil: High in lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids which will produce a hard, cleansing bar with a full lather when used in a soap making formula (8).Palm oil contains toctrienols, members of the vitamin E family which helps the skin to fight free radicals that damage the skin and cause fine lines and wrinkles (9). Found in soaps for its ability to remove oil and dirt from and also contains a refatting agent that helps restore the skin’s natural oils (9).

• Vanilla planifolia Bean Extract: It has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe and calm inflamed areas on the skin (10). Vanilla is a great source of natural antioxidants that can also help protect skin from environmental assaults that can accelerate aging (10). Helps reduce skin infections—another reason it helps encourage wound healing—and can reduce the bacteria that cause acne (10). Rich in B vitamins, including niacin, which is a key nutrient in the maintenance of healthy skin. Thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid are also found in this natural extract (10).

• Himalayan Raw Honey: Raw honey is a natural beauty solution for all skin types because of its healing skin benefits. It does wonders for a wide variety of skin ailments including acne and enlarged pores, rosacea, eczema, hyperpigmentation, sensitive, mature, and dull lifeless skin (11). With its natural pH level of 4.5, raw honey falls within skin’s naturally healthy pH range. Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make it great for healing cuts and burns by killing bacteria and fungus (11). Raw honey also contains gluconic acid, a mild alpha hydroxy acid that brightens the complexion, evens out skin tone, and lightens scars and age spots (11). Rich in nutrients and minerals such as vitamin B, iron, manganese, copper, potassium and calcium, it acts as a humectant drawing moisture to the skin and is perfect as a gentle cleansing solution for even very sensitive skin (11). When mixed with water, honey releases peroxide properties which helps heal acne and impede bacterial growth causing more acne (11).

• Sodium Hydroxide: Used in the saponifiation of the oils, none of which remain in the end product.

The raw himalayan honey vanilla soap comes in a 4 oz bar format, packaged in a cellophane wrap and a cute, reusable cotton burlap bag. Brown in color, the soap bar has a heavenly fragrance of pure organic vanillin which is extracted from vanilla beans.

To use, apply on moistened skin, use a loofah to work up a lather before rinsing off.

I was looking for a soap for my daughter who is prone to eczema. While discussing with Suman, she mentioned about how this soap was developed in house to help with her daughter's eczema. This variety is so popular that it is almost always back ordered and it isn't difficult to imagine why.

When I received this soap, I placed it in my closet and every time I would open the sweetest fragrance of honey and vanilla would waft out!!!

Made with 100% natural, skin loving & therapeutic ingredients, the soap lathers rather mildly when used without a loofah but leaves the skin super hydrated and well moisturized. My 3 year old seems to love the smell and  bath times have become less of an ordeal! The honey-vanilla fragrance does not linger long after the shower, though I secretly wish it had!

Since I switched to natural skincare products for my DD, her skin hasn't had a breakout. Though I am not sure if this product helped with her eczema, I can guarantee that once you've tried one of these treasures, you'll never again be satisfied with commercial soap bars. This right here is the REAL deal!