Handmade Soap Companies in the UK – Which Ones Should Make Your List

With the rise of artisan soap makers there are now many handmade soap companies in the UK and it can be difficult to choose one that’s right for you.

In this article I’ll offer several companies that make natural soaps across the UK but first lets discuss what handmade soap is.

What You Should Know about Handmade Soap

Handmade soap is a type of soap that is made by hand

Usually this type of soap uses natural ingredients and is made by individual artisan soap makers.

This is in stark contrast to commercial soap companies that make huge batches of soap containing chemicals in large factories.

The process of making handmade soap starts with saponification, which is the chemical reaction between an oil or fat and lye (a strong alkali). The process of saponification creates glycerin and soap.

The ingredients used to make handmade soaps are typically oils, water, and fragrances.

Oils can be animal or vegetable oils like coconut oil, olive oil etc. and the water is usually distilled or boiled.

Who Makes Handmade Soaps

Natural handmade soap makers usually begin as hobbyists.

They usually start by learning the basics of soap making at home, such as how to melt and mix oils.

From there, they experiment with different combinations of oils, butters, fragrances, and colours to create their own unique products.

Due to the ease of selling online it’s very common now for hobbyists to take the brave step and become artisan soap makers setting up their own handmade soap companies.

Usually these individuals build companies that have sustainability as their core values and take real pride pride in their craftsmanship. This is why they take time to create unique shapes, colours, and designs for each bar of soap they produce.

What to Consider When Choosing Handmade Soap?

The first very important thing to consider when choosing between handmade soap companies is whether they use ingredients that are natural and/or organic.

The second important thing to look for when choosing handmade soaps is the quality of the ingredients.

After this you’ll need to understand which soap will work best with your skin type.

For example, if you have sensitive skin you should choose a handmade soap that has moisturizing oils like olive oil or shea butter in it.

Another thing to consider is if the soap you’re considering contains any essential oils which many do. These oils could prove irritating for some people so a more natural variety may be much better for you.

Whilst researching handmade soap companies I think it’s also worth checking their reviews. This will give you confidence that the company is responsible and trust worthy when placing your order.

All of these things should be considered when choosing a handmade soap company to buy from.

Handmade Soap Companies – Our Pick of the Best

Mamma TT Organics

Using organic, unrefined & raw cold pressed oils, butters, edible spices, botanicals and pure essential oils Mamma TT Organics make wholesome, delicate and most importantly, effective products.

Buy on greenerlyfe

Soap Daze

Soap Daze creates vegan soaps made with natural, nourishing essential oils and botanicals. Based in Devon, all their products are handmade, kind to the skin and eco-friendly. All soaps are plastic free and you can opt to receive unpackaged soaps. All orders are despatched with plastic free packaging.

Buy on greenerlyfe

Soap Folk

Using traditional, cold processed methods, Soap Folk make soaps that they are happy to use themselves, every day. The Soap Folk team know what goes in them and how they perform over time. They test them on their family and friends. They only make soaps we believe in.

Buy on Soap Folk

Mallini Soaps

All Natural | Handmade |Inspired by nature |Toxin free | Plant-based highest quality ingredients. With four different all-natural bar soaps to choose from, all of their skincare products are made by hand. Unlike typical soaps, their moisturizing soaps will not strip your skin of the oils it needs to stay healthy and hydrated.

Buy on Mallini Soaps

The Dartmoor Soap Co.

The team make artisan soap that is handmade on Dartmoor, in small batches, using only natural ingredients which, wherever possible, are sustainably sourced and harvested locally. All of their natural soaps and skincare products are free from chemical irritants such as sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, parabens & petrolatum, and they are all made without palm oil.

Buy on The Dartmoor Soap Co.

Conclusion

There are now many handmade soap companies across the UK selling their quality products in small boutique outlets as well as through online shops.

I’ve given you several companies that I think make outstanding organic soaps so it’s now up to you to go on your own journey of discovery.

Let me know what you think of the soap companies I’ve suggested in the comments below and if you do go ahead and purchase soaps give them a shout out – this really help small business grow.