Many commercially made soaps are not soap at all. Often they contain sodium laurel sulfate (detergent), fragrance and chemical additives that dry out the skin. My soap retains its natural glycerin, which is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, it's made without detergents, parabens and dyes, so it's friendly to your skin and our environment. For more information check out my Handmade Soap Guide for nearly everything you need to know about handmade soap.