Not all shampoo bars are the same. Shampoo bars are mainly classified in 2 groups, the Saponified Oils shampoo bars and the Natural Ingredients shampoo bars (a.k.a. all natural shampoo bar). You must read the ingredients list to identify which kind of shampoo bar you are looking at. Below are the main characteristics of each group and the effects they can have in your hair.
- Natural Shampoo Ingredients Bars (e.g. Organica’s)
Natural shampoo bars are made with natural ingredients like SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) and/or SCS (Sodium Coco Sulfate), which are solid anionic surfactants derived from whole coconut oil. We combine these ingredients with other hair loving natural nutrients like Panthenol, hydrolyzed silk protein, and other herbal additives, to create our All-Natural product, with a balanced pH in line with the natural pH of your hair and scalp. These shampoo bars are closer in composition to liquid shampoos, but in solid form.
What are the benefits of Natural Shampoo Bars:
– pH Balanced: Natural shampoo bars are formulated to have a pH that is closer to the natural pH of your hair and scalp, typically between 4.5 and 5.5, which helps maintain the hair’s natural moisture and reduces the risk of irritation or damage.
– Gentle Cleansing: These bars provide a gentle but effective cleanse without stripping the hair of its natural oils, making them suitable for a wider range of hair types, including color-treated, fine, and oily hair.
– Less Buildup: These bars typically do not leave behind a waxy residue, so there’s no need for an acidic rinse. They rinse out easily and leave hair feeling clean and soft.
– Economic: Although these bars may seem a bit expensive when bought, because they are made with concentrated natural ingredients, they last 2-3 times longer than liquid shampoo and saponified shampoo bars. For example, our single 85gr bar can last up to 3 months, with regular use (2-3 times/week) at a cost of about $12. Now, you do the math. - Saponified Shampoo Bars
These are traditional soap-based shampoo bars made through the saponification process, where oils (like coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil) are combined with an alkali (typically sodium hydroxide) to create soap.
How do I identify a Saponified shampoo bar? When looking at the list of ingredients, it will either say “Saponified oils of…” before the list of the oils, or include “Sodium Hydroxide” on that list. These shampoo bars are typically priced between $6 to $10 per bar because they don’t contain costly shampooing and conditioning ingredients.
Are there drawbacks to using Saponified shampoo bars?
Yes, there are. Although these shampoo bars are typically made natural oils, butters and herbal ingredients, the saponification process creates a soap product with elevated pH (alkaline), which brings the following issues:
– pH Balance: Saponified shampoo bars have a higher pH (around 9-10), which can disrupt the natural pH balance of your scalp (which is around 4.5-5.5). This can lead to dryness, frizz, or a waxy buildup on the hair.
– Not Ideal for All Hair Types: Those with color-treated, fine, or oily hair may find that saponified shampoo bars are too heavy or cause a waxy buildup over time.
– Need for Acidic Rinse: To restore the hair’s pH balance after using a saponified shampoo bar, you might need to use an acidic rinse (like apple cider vinegar), which can add an extra step to your routine.
At Organica Eco Soaps we hand make Natural Shampoo Bars that have been designed to match your hair type. We have All Natural shampoo bars for Oily Hair, Dry Hair, Normal Hair and also for those with Sensitive Scalp. After shampooing, we recommend using our All-Natural Conditioner Bars, which come in 2 formulas, a “Hydrating, Light” conditioner, and a “Deep Nourishing” conditioner. Both have been voted “Best in class” by our customers.
