‘Awareness’ has become the defining essence of 2025. And if you are not aligned with this shift, you are already a step behind. This era is all about wellness in its truest form, where people are not just conscious of their health but also of the ecosystem, biodiversity, and the planet they live on.
This conscious evolution has beautifully transitioned the world from chemicals to charcoals, inspiring individuals to choose sustainability over synthetics. The herbal soap trend in India is one such remarkable reflection of this movement, with 3 out of 5 Indians now preferring herbal soaps over conventional ones.
Why this transformation? Let’s dive into the wellness wave that’s redefining India’s personal care segment!
Redefined consumer needs
The Indian herbal soap market is growing at over 8% CAGR, with a major shift from synthetic to plant-based formulations. The reason behind this is evidently the shift in consumer behaviour and mindset. Given below are the boons consumers get attracted to, making them choose the herbal alternatives every single time.
● Bio-ethical nature
Today, consumers are willing to use products that not just feel good to themselves but also do good to the environment. The all-natural ingredients, biologically safe testing, as well as the biodegradable packaging, all exist as testimonials to the products like herbal soaps.
● Ingredient transparency
As we already said that ‘Awareness’ now runs the world; people today Google too often. The synthetic charms, such as parabens, SLS, etc, are no longer a hidden secret, limited to the soap manufacturers. Instead, people are appreciating the brands that mention the ingredients in detail, disclose every drop in their formulation, essentially the ones that make wise use of the elements related to Mother Nature.
● Self-care ritual
After surviving the pandemic period, people have rewired their priorities, shifting them towards more self-care and wellness, appreciating the care that lies in nature’s raw essence. As a result, today soaps are not deemed as mere cleansers, rather they are chosen as a means for a self-care ritual that roots in the blissful Ayurveda.
Refrained chemical charm
For decades, the soap market was heavily powered by synthetic detergents, parabens, artificial colors, scents, and fragrances. Though these soaps were efficient in serving the cleaning purpose, they came with a hidden cost. With the awareness drive, people began to explore concealed harms and shift towards natural body care products.
● Allergen sensitivity
The synthetic soaps, despite their glamorous branding with alluring fragrances and appearances, lack the essentials that people today not just desire but require. Made from heavy chemicals such as phthalates, these soaps are found to trigger allergic reactions on the skin. Furthermore, according to dermatological reviews, nearly 30% of cosmetic allergies are attributed to fragrance compounds alone.
On the other hand, herbal soaps are crafted from plant-based essential oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, as well as natural colorants that are kind and compatible for all skin types.
● Skin complications
It has been found that the majority of conventional cleansing products, i.e., soaps, contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate). These are the harsh surfactants that are employed for the purpose of creating heavy foam. However, besides cleansing the skin, they also wash off the natural lipid (protective) layer of the skin. This can lead to skin complications such as microtears in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin).
As a result, the skin can even suffer irritation and dryness. Over time, this constant stripping weakens the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leaving it dull, flaky, and more prone to inflammation. For individuals with conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, chemical-based soaps can worsen sensitivity rather than soothe it.
Contrary to this, the herbal soaps contain plant-based ingredients that are mostly suitable for all skin types.
● Disturbed pH balance
For healthy, natural skin, the pH usually ranges between 4.5 and 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidic pH essentially acts as a protective shield or a barrier against harmful external agents such as bacteria and pollutants. Most of the chemical soaps, however, are alkaline in nature, with pH values as high as 9 or 10.
Using these soaps more frequently can potentially curb the acidic protection, allowing the bacteria or other harmful agents to enter and exploit the skin layers. This, in turn, makes the skin prone to breakouts, inflammation, and premature aging.
The herbal soaps, on the other hand, are formulated with all-natural ingredients, keeping the skin’s pH in consideration.
● Long-term Health Impact
Chemicals like parabens and phthalates are the most commonly and widely used ingredients in the manufacturing of synthetic soaps. Recent studies suggest that these chemicals, which were once considered safe preservatives, are now recognised as red flags for the body's system. Long-term use of these soaps may have a disruptive effect on the endocrine system, affecting metabolism, hormone production, etc.
The herbal soaps, especially those crafted by Soham Siddhatatvam, absolutely have nothing similar to contribute to the health but beauty, calm, and natural nourishment beyond imagination.
● Environmental threat
In addition to harming the skin, the synthetic soap culprits also affect the environment. Non-biodegradable surfactants and chemical residues enter water bodies, disturbing aquatic life and contributing to chemical pollution.
The herbal soaps possess a contradiction, as they are biodegradable and easy to dispose of. In fact, the residuals of these soaps merge in the ecosystem in a way that they were always part of it.
The Bottom Line
Looking at the soap market statistics, it is quite evident that the rise in herbal soap users is not a mere market trend; rather, it's a transforming movement towards sustainability and safety for both humans and the entire biodiversity.
This, in a way, shows that the shine of chemical soaps has faded, not because they stopped working, but because people finally started deeming how they work. Today’s consumers are not just chasing clean skin; they are seeking clean living.
And in that journey, the humble herbal soaps by Soham Siddhatatvam have emerged as a quiet revolution, soft on skin, kind to nature, and in harmony with how the body was designed to thrive. Crafted with Ayurvedic precision and enriched with pure botanicals, each variant, from Coffee and Goat Milk to Jasmine Aloe Vera and Sandalwood, celebrates the essence of nature in every lather.
Bring nature’s luxury to your daily routine with these soulful bars. Bring home the natural pamper your skin deserves. Shop Soham’s Handmade Herbal Soaps today!
FAQs
● How do herbal soaps differ from regular soaps?
Unlike regular soaps that rely on synthetic detergents, herbal soaps, particularly those by trusted brands like Soham Siddhatatvam, use natural oils, herbs, and other plant-based elements that nourish the skin while maintaining its natural pH balance.
● Why are more people switching to herbal soaps?
People are switching to herbal soaps because they are made with natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the skin and safe for the environment. They cleanse effectively without the harsh effects of chemicals.
● Do herbal soaps actually cleanse as effectively as regular soaps?
Absolutely. Herbal soaps cleanse deeply using natural surfactants and antibacterial herbs that remove dirt and excess oil without drying out the skin.