Not All Soap Is Created Equal: Cold Process vs. Melt & Pour vs. Syndet Bars

Not All Soap Is Created Equal: Cold Process vs. Melt & Pour vs. Syndet Bars

When it comes to what you put on your skin every day, the word “soap” doesn’t always mean what you think it does. At Brody Brielle, we’re all about gentle, non-irritating skincare that’s as clean as possible—so let’s break down the real deal behind cold process soap, melt & pour bars, and syndet (synthetic detergent) bars.

This is the soapy truth you won’t find on a big box store label. 👇

✨ Traditional Cold Process Soap: The Real, Handmade Deal

Cold process soap is the most natural type of soap. It’s made from scratch using oils or butters and lye (sodium hydroxide), which go through a process called saponification to become actual true soap.

But here’s where it gets exciting: makers of cold process soap (like us!) don’t just follow a template. We formulate our own unique recipes based on the beneficial properties of each oil or fat we choose. That means we can create bars that are:

More conditioning or more cleansing

Softer, harder, or longer lasting

Extra soothing, creamy, or extra bubbly

It’s part skincare science, part creativity—and it means every bar is thoughtfully crafted for your skin’s own unique needs.

✅ Naturally glycerin-rich (hello, hydration!)

✅ No synthetic detergents or preservatives needed

✅ Fully customizable 

⚠️ Has a naturally higher pH, which can be drying—but with the right recipe (like ours!), it’s nourishing, gentle and conditioning.

 

Melt & Pour Soap: Pre-Made, Melted and Repackaged

Melt & pour soap is often marketed as “handmade,” but let’s be honest—it’s not made from scratch. The soap base is already fully manufactured before the maker receives it. They just melt it (usually in the microwave), add some scent and color, and pour it into molds. The result? A pretty bar, yes—but one that contains:

Synthetic ingredients to allow it to melt and re-solidify

Preservatives and chemicals that many natural skincare lovers prefer to avoid

Glycerin dew or soap that "sweats", often packaged in plastic to help avoid this

Bars that don't last very long

Less control over what actually goes on your skin

If clean ingredients are important to you (and we hope they are!), melt & pour might not be the best match.

⚠️ Pre-made with synthetic additives

⚠️ Limited customization

⚠️ Often labeled “handmade,” but not truly created entirely from scratch

 

Syndet Bars: Synthetic Detergents (That Might Not Be So Bad…)

Short for synthetic detergent, syndet bars (aka beauty bars) technically aren’t true soap at all. They’re made from surfactants—cleansing agents that lift dirt and oil from the skin.

Here’s where it gets tricky:

Some syndet bars are better than others. Some use harsh surfactants like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) that can be irritating or drying. Others use naturally-derived, gentle surfactants that cleanse without stripping your skin barrier.

✅ Lower pH (closer to skin’s natural pH)

✅ Can be formulated to be gentle, especially for sensitive skin

⚠️ “Synthetic” can mean anything from mild to mega-harsh—so read those labels carefully

🧾 Wait—What Labels?

Here’s something most people don’t know: soap isn’t always required to list ingredients on packaging. 😳 That means if there’s no ingredient list... You have no idea what you’re putting on your skin. 🚫

At Brody Brielle, we believe in full transparency—because your skin deserves better than mystery bars.

💛 The Bottom Line: Know Your Soap

Not all "soap" bars are created equal. If you’re looking for something truly natural, nourishing, gentle, and made with intention, cold process soap is your best bet—as long as it's thoughtfully formulated (like ours!).

✨ We craft our bars from scratch

✨ Choose each oil and butter for specific benefits

✨ Never use harsh detergents, SLS, or unnecessary fillers

✨ And yes—we always list every single ingredient

Your skin should feel clean, soft, and loved—not tight or irritated. That’s why Brody Brielle exists: to bring you skincare that’s simple, gentle, and honest.

💬 Got Questions About Soap?

We love geeking out over ingredients. Send us a message or check out our full collection of naturally-made cold process soaps here.