When it comes to skincare, we all want the best for our skin—something that not only makes us look great but also feels great, protects our skin barrier, and supports long-term health. However, with so many skincare products on the market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by choices and all the verbiage.
We believe that your skin deserves nourishment. It deserves ingredients that you can trust and understand, and ingredients that nurture and protect. So, let’s take a closer look at why natural ingredients can be a game-changer for your skin compared to synthetic ones.
I made the switch to natural products in 2011. Just fourteen years ago, it was NOT mainstream to use natural products in your home as this was a fairly new concept that was just gaining momentum. I really had to search for products that fit this category, as I was trying to minimize synthetics in our home during my infertility journey. I even remember signing the petition in 2015 to get microplastics banned from skincare in Canada (which happened!).
When I started my business in 2019, I explained over and over about the importance of natural skin care as I truly believe the significance of it. My dry, itchy eczema patches on my skin on my body disappeared, and my dry peeling skin on my forehead finally cleared, and as for the reducing hormone disruptors in the home- well IVF finally worked for us. I'm sure the part natural skincare played in creating a natural home overall created a more healthy me. So in 2025, I am feeling the majority of people really are on the same page now. Oh, goosebumps, how I was part of cultural change.
So what's the problem with synthetic ingredients?
Synthetic ingredients are widely used in many mainstream skincare products, so we should be able to trust them right? Well, when I compare our regulations to those of the EU and UK, and when you read different studies, it really makes you question if these products are truly safe for us. Just because it's on a shelf, doesn't mean it's great for you.
It's debated how much chemicals our skin absorbs, depending on different factors, but I do feel better choosing natural ingredients.
These chemicals, often derived from petroleum or created in a laboratory, are designed to mimic natural ingredients or serve specific functions such as extending shelf life or enhancing scent. While they can deliver immediate effects, these ingredients often come with long-term risks.
Some of the common synthetic ingredients found in soaps, shampoos, and lotions include:
- Parabens: Preservatives used to prevent bacterial growth in skincare products. While effective at preserving the product, parabens have been linked to hormone disruption, which can affect reproductive health and even contribute to certain types of cancer. This is something I immediately removed from my home during my infertility struggles.
- Sulphates: Commonly found in your liquid body wash and liquid shampoo, this helps body wash lather and clean. However, sulfates can strip your skin and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and an imbalance in your skin’s natural moisture.
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Fragrances and Artificial Colours: Often made from a mix of chemicals, synthetic fragrances can trigger skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even contribute to respiratory issues. Artificial colours used to make products more visually appealing can also be harmful, causing skin sensitivities or even toxicity over time. Please consider eliminating these if your kid has eczema. These are all a hard no with Prairie Soap Shack products.
While synthetic products may seem like an affordable and effective solution in the short term, they often have unintended consequences on both the skin and the environment.
I have heard countless times from customers that they have dry, itchy skin that completely RESOLVES when switching to our products. Throw out that body wash!! (That probably is synthetically scented, made with sulphates and preserved with parabens). And switch to our naturally coloured + scented bar soap.
So... why choose natural products?
In contrast to synthetic ingredients, natural ingredients offer a wealth of benefits, not only for your skin but also for your general well-being. Let’s explore why natural ingredients are the better choice for those who want to truly care for their skin.
1. Gentle on the Skin
Natural ingredients are less likely to irritate or disrupt the skin’s delicate balance. For example, oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. These ingredients are also non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores, which helps prevent breakouts. Sometimes the traditional and ancient methods... are still the best ways.
2. Nutrient-Rich and Healing
The beauty of natural ingredients lies in their high concentrations of nutrients, many of which support the skin’s regenerative properties. For instance:
- Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil have been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin issues, from inflammation and dryness to acne and eczema.
- Botanical extracts that we use such as our homegrown calendula and chamomile, or wildcrafted wild rose hips that provide soothing and healing properties, helping to reduce redness and promote skin healing.
- Nourishing oils and fats like jojoba, sweet almond, and rosehip seed oil are packed with vitamins A, E, and C, which help brighten the skin and repair damaged tissues. Or sustainable tallow which is naturally anti-inflammatory.
3. Better for the Environment
Using natural skincare products isn’t just better for your skin; it's better for the planet, too. Synthetic chemicals can pollute the water system and harm local wildlife, especially when they’re washed off into drains and rivers. (Remember those now-banned microplastics?) Natural ingredients, on the other hand, tend to be biodegradable and more sustainable. Our soap is zero-waste, unlike the plastic bottle the body wash comes in.
4. Long-Term Benefits
Natural skincare products offer lasting, cumulative benefits. Over time, using products that are rich in nourishing, botanical ingredients will improve the health and appearance of your skin. Unlike synthetic products that may provide a temporary fix (such as instant lather or fragrance), natural ingredients support your skin’s integrity and resilience in the long run.
When you use our products, you’re not just treating your skin to luxury; you’re choosing a healthier, more eco-conscious alternative to commercial, synthetic skincare. Plus, you’re supporting a small business that values the well-being of both its customers and the planet.
Your skin deserves more than synthetic chemicals and quick fixes. By choosing natural skincare products, you’re opting for a healthier, more sustainable approach to self-care that nourishes your skin from the inside out. At Prairie Soap Shack, we’re passionate about creating high-quality, effective and beautiful products that offer your skin the love and attention it truly deserves.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our range of all-natural soaps here and discover the difference for yourself!
-Jess
