So what's the big deal about natural soaps. Aren't all soaps the same? There is a big difference between natural handmade soap and commercial mass produced bars. The ingredients used in commercial soaps are chemically derived and regarded as detergent, not soap. Imagine pouring some laundry detergent on your washcloth and using that to shower. Ok... that may be a little drastic, but the end result is the same... dry and irritated skin that requires added moisture from creams and lotions. Not so with handmade natural soaps.