It all began the usual way. With a question: What DO men really expect in a soap? Surely not a blob of synthetic detergents sold under the guise of ‘soap’? At Tea-Licious Skincare we reject ingredients that are not purposeful, nutritious and safe for your skin and our environment. We believe that all natural ingredients are the key to effective natural skincare and that especially includes body soap since we use soap every day. That was our motive behind our range of all-natural men's soap bars, made with gentle natural ingredients like Rooibos tea, ginger tea, turmeric, activated charcoal, sandalwood, hemp, and aloe vera. Why are our all natural men’s soaps healthier for you and the environment?
They are biodegradable: We use only ingredients that break down and do not end up in our waterways. What does that mean? Mass-produced soap refers to soap that is manufactured on a large scale using automated processes. These soaps are often made with synthetic ingredients, harsh chemicals, and fragrances. They are typically produced by large companies and are widely available in supermarkets, drugstores, and other retail outlets.
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) prohibits manufacturers from using the word 'soap' on the packaging of certain products because these products do not meet the legal definition of soap. According to the FDA, soap is defined as a product made primarily of alkali salts of fatty acids (i.e., the result of combining fats or oils with an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide). Soap is specifically exempt from certain labeling requirements, as it is considered a cosmetic.
However, many mass-produced soaps contain synthetic detergents, known as surfactants, as their primary cleansing agents instead of actual soap. These synthetic detergents are made from petroleum-based ingredients and are often harsh on the skin. Since these products do not meet the legal definition of soap, they cannot be labeled as such.
Instead, mass-produced soap-like products are often labeled as "beauty bars," "cleansing bars," or similar terms. These terms are used to differentiate them from true soap products. The FDA regulates the labeling of cosmetic products, including those that are marketed as cleansers, to ensure accurate and clear information is provided to consumers.
The FDA's regulation regarding the use of the term "soap" on packaging helps to differentiate between true soap products and synthetic detergent-based products. It ensures that consumers are aware of the differences in formulation and can make informed choices when selecting cleansing products for their skin.
