Comments on: Why some soap bars are not bad for our skin

By: Jocelyn Yao

Jocelyn Yao — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:04:34 +0000

Handmade Soap may last for 1 or 2 years. They are made from normal oils, like coconut, olive, palm oil. When coconut oil turn rancid, it is very obvious and the same goes for the soap, you can smell it. Fungus will grow on them as well since they dont contain preservatives! I have seen jams with expiry date up to 10 years, imagine how much preservative must have gone into that. Soaps that have long expiry date normally have enough fragrances and preservatives to keep them looking fresh! Be extra careful with fresh additives like cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, they have to be used up within 3 months after curing! anything longer is really a bonus

By: flym

flym — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:04:57 +0000

I’m now a fan of bar soaps because they’re more environmentally friendly. I like Dr Bronner’s and Filthy Farmgirl’s soaps. Is Lush available in S’pore now? They used to be around.

flym: Arrggh no… I wish they are. I love their soaps for my hair. I guess they started out at the wrong time. If they come in again now, it would be a good timing.

By: Joey

Joey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:06:24 +0000

Are traditional soaps made from herbal extracts safe (eg: Likas papaya soap)? I bought a bar recently and there was an advert about a competition on the box...for 2006! I asked the lady at the store and she told me soaps can last for a very long time so it's okay. Joey: Hard to say. Depends on the formulation. But I understand that some soaps can last up to 5 years! You might want to try it on your skin first to see if there are any reactions before using it elsewhere. But if you can, get the freshest for the best effects.

By: parisb

parisb — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:16:23 +0000

This is useful info. As to how long it lasts, I have tried Lush soaps which is also handmade and they tend to "melt" after a while in our hot weather. So I'd say natural products (if truly natural) won't last very long in our tropical weather. paris: It really depends on the formulation. I can't recall if my Lush soaps lasted very long but Dr Bronner's Castille soap is quite something. It is longer lasting than most I have come across.

By: nicole

nicole — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:52:26 +0000

Do you know the organic soap has expiration? How long an organic product can last? Thank you. Nicole: That's a good question! I didn't think about this. But most natural and organic skincare products should list an expiration date especially since they do not have preservatives. Depending on the formulations, I know some handmade ones are best used within 6 months of purchase while others can last longer when stored in a cool dry place. Once come into contact with water, it should be used up quickly. But some of the formulations last a long time!