Indian Earthy Naturals : Kashmir Lavender Soap

There is something very satisfying about using handmade natural soaps and IEN has some of the best ones I have tried so far. They might not have the fancy swirls, colors, shapes or fragrances but they are simple bars of goodness that do not fail to deliver on the promises they make. I like to dub them as "butter" bars for the intense moisturization they provide. 


ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about IEN HERE!

 

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). Virgin olive oil also contains high levels of natural squalane that penetrates deeply to hold in moisture. 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).

• 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).

• Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Oil: An anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. It reduces inflammation thereby causing less skin redness and blotchiness making skin appear evenly colored (6). Enhances circulatory system by causing an increase in blood flow and subsequently an increase in nutrients to the skin along with much needed oxygen to the cells (6). This is essential to healthier cells, and benefits more frequent cell turnover.

• Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Buds: Lavender is well regarded for its skin healing properties. It’s beautiful scent and is thought to be very calming to the nerves. Lavender is credited with being anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, balancing, energising, soothing, healing, toning and stimulating (7). It works well on all skin types and is effective in treating oily skin as well as acne, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis and is thought to stimulate cellular growth and regeneration in the skin by helping the upper layer of skin rejuvenate itself (7).

• Sodium Hydroxide: Used in the saponifiation process to turn oil into soap, none of which remain in the end product.

The lavender soap comes in a 4 oz bar format wrapped in cellophane and packaged in a reusable/eco-friendly jute burlap bag. Purple in color, lavender buds are sprinkled on top of the soap and is mildly scented of lavender courtesy of the essential oil and dried lavender buds. 

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

The bar produces creamy lather and like other IEN soaps I used thus far (HERE & HERE), this soap bar is too functions like a lotion bar, resulting in intense hydration and has excellent moisturizing qualities that are ideal for those with dry skin. The natural fragrance of lavender essential oil provides a calming and soothing aromatherapy experience.  

Ideal for babies, toddles and adults, the bar lasts for well over a month when used twice a day, everyday, and retains its shape well (I leave it to air-dry after use).   

Scented with pure lavender oils to calm the mind and soothe the body, the bar is made from nurturing and conditioning oils & butters to produce a mild, skin-nourishing soap that leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and radiantly healthy.