גְבִיָה: סבון בעבודת יד

The difference comes down to what's in the bar. Most commercial "soaps" are technically not even soap. They're synthetic detergents made with chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), parabens, artificial fragrances, and preservatives. These ingredients strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, tight, and sometimes irritated.

Handmade soap is made through a traditional process called saponification, where plant oils and lye combine to create actual soap. One of the biggest benefits is that handmade soap retains its natural glycerin, a moisturizing compound that commercial manufacturers often remove to sell separately in lotions and creams. So with mass-produced soap, you're essentially getting the cleaning power without the moisturizing component, then buying it back in another product.

DRUERA's handmade soaps are crafted with essential oils and plant oils, not synthetic detergents. Each 3.5 oz bar is made using traditional methods that preserve the natural glycerin and beneficial properties of the botanical ingredients. The result is soap that cleanses without stripping your skin, and you'll notice the difference after just a few uses. Your skin won't feel that tight, dry sensation you get from commercial bars. Many people who switch to handmade soap find that skin conditions like dryness, sensitivity, and irritation actually improve because they're no longer exposing their skin to harsh synthetic ingredients daily.

With 16 varieties, the collection might seem overwhelming, but it's actually organized around different skin needs and scent preferences. Here's a simple way to think about it:

For dry or sensitive skin: Start with Aloe Vera, Coconut, or Sandalwood. Aloe vera is cooling and hydrating, ideal if your skin is easily irritated or recovering from sun exposure. Coconut soap is deeply moisturizing with a gentle, creamy lather. Sandalwood offers a calming, earthy wash that's gentle on reactive skin.

For oily or acne-prone skin: Try Neem, Turmeric, or Citronella. Neem has traditional purifying properties and helps clarify skin. Turmeric is known for balancing and brightening. Citronella's fresh, citrus character works well for those who produce excess oil.

For an energizing morning shower: Cinnamon, Clove, Spearmint, Eucalyptus, or Lime are your best picks. These have invigorating scents that wake you up, perfect before a busy day.

For relaxing evening baths: Sandalwood, Jasmine, or Hibiscus create a calming atmosphere. Their softer, more subtle fragrances help you wind down.

For something unique: Weniwelgeta is based on traditional Sri Lankan herbal soap-making, while Rice Husk offers gentle natural exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and leave skin smoother.

All 16 soaps are priced the same at $9.00 per bar, so you can experiment without worrying about cost differences. Start with one that matches your primary skin concern, then try others based on mood or season.

Handmade soaps don't have the synthetic preservatives found in commercial bars, but with proper care, they last plenty long. Unopened bars stored in a cool, dry place will remain at peak quality for 12 to 24 months. Some soap makers report bars lasting even longer when stored well.

The key to longevity is keeping your soap dry between uses. Here's what works:

Before you start using a bar: Store it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and humidity. A linen closet, bedroom drawer, or pantry works great. Avoid the bathroom for long-term storage since the humidity from showers can affect unused bars. Bonus: storing soap in your drawers or closet makes everything smell wonderful.

Once you're using a bar: Use a soap dish with drainage or a rack that allows air to circulate around the bar. The soap should never sit in a puddle of water. If your soap dish collects water at the bottom, your bar will turn soft and dissolve faster than necessary. Keep the soap out of the direct shower stream when you're not actively using it.

Signs it's time for a new bar: If your soap develops an off smell (rancid, like old oil), feels sticky or slimy when dry, or shows orange spots, it's past its prime. These signs are rare if you store properly, and most people use up their bars well before any quality issues could develop. A bar typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks with daily use, depending on how many people share it and how well you keep it dry between washes.

DRUERA ships these soaps directly from Sri Lanka, so you're getting freshly made bars, not stock that's been sitting in a warehouse for months.