The foam in the soap.

Foam in soaps is created by the action of surfactants, ingredients that reduce the surface tension of water, allowing bubbles to form. In handmade soaps, these surfactants are derived from the natural oils and fats used in their manufacture.



A common myth that has been used by marketing is that the more foam a soap makes, the more effective it is at cleaning and removing viruses, bacteria, and dirt from the skin. However, this is not necessarily true. Foam is not an indicator of a soap's cleansing ability. SHANTI handmade soaps are designed to clean without stripping the skin of its natural oils, regardless of the amount of foam they produce.



How toxic are surfactants?
Surfactants have low acute oral toxicity. In general, surfactants have an irritating effect on mucous membranes. Foaming is the predominant problem. Manifestations from accidental ingestion may include vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea.

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Bacteria, fungi and parasites cohabit the skin surface, which, under normal conditions, constitute a complex ecosystem in permanent interaction with the host. This ecosystem actively participates in the skin's dual protective function, as a physical and immunological barrier. Therefore, when the balance of the ecosystem is upset, negative consequences are generated that predispose and cause the appearance of diseases. For this reason, using soaps with aggressive or toxic chemicals is not recommended since they weaken the skin's natural protection. For more information, visit the following link:

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Body soaps are more moisturizing when they foam less, since they are gentler on the skin.

Soaps with natural ingredients and low foam are ideal for sensitive skin, since they have fewer ingredients that cause irritation.

They are also more environmentally friendly as they contain fewer synthetic surfactants.