clays, charcoal, and other natural additives
When I make soap, every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen. While the oils and butters create the foundation of the bar, natural additives customize it—they contribute to how the soap feels in your hands, how it lathers, and how your skin feels after you rinse.
Many of these ingredients have been used in traditional skincare for centuries. I don't add them simply for colour or appearance; I include them because they contribute something meaningful to the finished bar.
Here are some of the natural additives I love working with and why I choose to include them in my handmade soaps.
clays: nature's gentle skin enhancers
Kaolin is one of the gentlest clays available.
- creates a smooth, silky lather
- adds a luxurious slip to the soap
- cleanses gently without feeling harsh
- suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin
Kaolin doesn't dramatically change the colour of a bar, but it changes how the soap feels.
French green clay has been prized in skincare for generations.
- helps absorb excess oil and impurities
- creates a rich, creamy lather
- adds a beautiful natural green hue
- leaves skin feeling refreshed and clean
I often choose French green clay for soaps intended for oily or combination skin, or whenever I want a fresh, earthy feel.
Red clay is rich in naturally occurring minerals and adds warmth both in colour and character.
- provides gentle cleansing
- creates a creamy, luxurious lather
- adds beautiful earthy red and terracotta tones
- suitable for a wide range of skin types
Red clay brings both visual beauty and a wonderfully silky feel to handmade soap.
Caramel clay creates some of the warmest, most comforting colours found in natural soapmaking.
- produces rich caramel and tan tones
- contributes to a creamy, smooth lather
- adds a soft, luxurious feel to the finished bar
- pairs beautifully with rustic and traditional soap recipes
I love caramel clay for the warmth and richness it brings without relying on synthetic colourants.
activated charcoal: deep cleansing and silky lather
Activated charcoal has become one of the most popular natural soap additives, and it's easy to understand why.
- helps absorb excess oil and impurities
- creates a smooth, silky lather
- produces a rich, natural black colour
- leaves skin feeling deeply cleansed without feeling stripped
Charcoal soaps are especially popular for facial bars, shaving soaps, and anyone who enjoys that fresh, clean feeling.
colloidal oatmeal: comfort and calm
Colloidal oatmeal has a long history in traditional skincare and remains one of my favourite ingredients for gentle soaps.
- helps soothe dry and sensitive skin
- provides very mild exfoliation
- creates a creamy, comforting lather
- adds a soft, silky feel to the finished bar
It's a simple ingredient that can make a soap feel incredibly nurturing and comforting.
pumice: gentle exfoliation
Pumice is a natural volcanic rock that has been finely ground for use in skincare products.
- provides effective but gentle exfoliation
- helps remove dirt and rough, dry skin
- creates a refreshing, invigorating wash
- perfect for gardeners, mechanics, and hardworking hands
A little pumice goes a long way in creating a practical, hardworking soap bar.
crushed walnut shell: a natural scrub
Finely ground walnut shell offers a more textured exfoliation experience.
- provides natural physical exfoliation
- helps buff away dry, flaky skin
- adds texture and visual interest to the bar
- popular in kitchen, workshop, and gardener's soaps
When used in the right amount, crushed walnut shell creates an exfoliating soap that feels both effective and satisfying to use.
why I choose natural additives
Kaolin creates silkiness. French green clay offers freshness. Red and caramel clays bring warmth and richness. Charcoal adds a deep, clean feeling. Colloidal oatmeal provides comfort, while pumice and walnut shell offer gentle exfoliation when it's needed most.
For me, that's the beauty of handmade soap. Every ingredient serves a purpose, and every bar is crafted not just to cleanse, but to create a small moment of care in your day.