You might have noticed that handmade soap has been gaining popularity in Singapore – but what exactly is handmade soap, and how is it different from soap that we usually buy from retail stores?
More than just another DIY trend, handmade soap is actually scientifically proven to be a better alternative for the skin. Commercial soap is usually made with chemical detergents, hardeners, and synthetic lathering agents, which are bad for the skin. (Source: Soap Queen)
On the other hand, handmade soaps are made with natural ingredients that you choose to put in them. As a form of natural skincare, they are used as natural remedies for various skin conditions! The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of essential oils added in these soaps lend a soothing and cooling effect to the skin. This helps in treating common skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Source: Modern Soapmaking
Where can I buy handmade soap in Singapore?
1. The Soap Haven
Try: Oatmeal Honey Goat Milk Soap (SGD14.90)
Oatmeal Honey Goat Milk Soap
The Soap Haven is one such Singapore-based shop offering handmade soaps which target a range of skin concerns. Their best seller is the Oatmeal Honey Goat Milk Soap, which is touted as the #1 Best Seller for eczema treatment in Singapore. It is made from natural ingredients such as goat milk, oatmeal, and honey.
Many of their products have received glowing customer reviews, but a quick check on their website shows that stock is low for certain products, so order them as fast as you can! Check them out here.
2. SHEA
Try: Goat’s Milk & Lavender (SGD14)
SHEA is dedicated to producing pure skincare products that are great for those with hypersensitive skin. Vegan-friendly, handmade, the cold process soaps from SHEA are made with natural ingredients, wrapped in recyclable packaging.
Their famous goat’s milk soap is made with 100% pure goat’s milk (with no water added) and is said to be great with those with dry, itchy skin, and its chemical-free formula also makes it well-loved by mothers for their infants.
Check out SHEA Singapore here.
Where can I make my own soap?
Source: Sassy Singapore
If you are more of a hands-on person, you’ll be happy to know that companies such as Soap Ministry offer soap-making workshops in Singapore. Here’s a list of such workshops you can check out:
1. Soap Ministry
On top of shopping for handmade soaps from Soap Ministry (their best seller is the Goat’s Milk Soap Base, SGD30), you can also participate in their workshops that caters to different skill levels. The Basic Workshop (SGD48) allows you to make five to seven simple soaps from ingredients of your choice, while the Intermediate 3 Workshop (SGD182) covers more advanced techniques.
Children as young as 4 years old can join in as well, so why not bond with your children while making natural soap for your family?
2. Sugar & Spice
Besides offering a range of cold process soaps that cater to different concerns (check out their Sunshine Calendula Soap, SGD16!), Sugar & Spice also offers soap-making workshops.
Besides classes that teach you how to make soaps for body, face, and hair respectively, intermediate students can also upgrade their skills with soap design and soap art classes. New mothers may also be interested in their mother’s milk soap-milking classes to give their milk even more mileage.
Classes range from 1.5 hour to 2 hours in duration, and priced between SGD125 and SGD150. Check out the classes available here.
3. SoapLah
SoapLah offers affordable options for their handmade soaps, which includes the Black Charcoal with Tea Tree soap (SGD9.90) that’s great for those with acne-prone skin and back acne.
The retailer also offers two-hour soap-making workshops at SGD98 per session, where you’d learn the fundamentals of soap-making and bring home your own batch of soaps. Find out more here.
