Why Botanical Soap is Better for Your Skin and the Planet (And How to Choose One)

More people are searching for ways to simplify their skincare while being kinder to the planet. When I speak to my customers I'm frequently asked “What’s the best eco-friendly soap for my skin?” & “Is natural soap better for sensitive skin?”

At Bohemia & Flower, I believe the answer starts with botanical soap.
Handmade, plant-based, and wrapped in plastic-free packaging, botanical soap is a simple switch with real benefits—for your skin and for the earth.

Here’s why botanical soap is better, and how to choose the right one for you.

What Is Botanical Soap?

True botanical soap is made from plants, flowers, herbs, clays, and essential oils, not synthetic detergents or harsh chemicals.

At Bohemia & Flower, all my soaps are:

Hand-poured using the traditional cold process method
Made with nourishing plant oils
Coloured naturally with clays, petals, and roots
Scented with real essential oils, not artificial fragrances or man made 'parfum'
Completely palm oil-free, to protect rainforests & orangutangs!
Packaged plastic-free with either a naked zero-waste bar or a home compostable illustrated box

Why Botanical Soap Is Better for Your Skin

If you’ve ever used supermarket soap and felt tight, dry skin afterward, you’re not alone.
Many commercial soaps are actually detergent bars, packed with sulphates and synthetic fillers that strip your skin’s natural oils.

Botanical soap is different:

It’s rich in natural glycerin, a humectant that helps skin stay soft and hydrated
It cleanses gently, leaving skin balanced—not squeaky
It’s scented with essential oils, which are kinder to sensitive skin than synthetic perfumes
It’s often suitable for those with eczema-prone or sensitive skin, especially if you choose calming botanicals

Try: Pure Lavender & Sweet Fennel Soap – a gentle, plant-based bar made with calming lavender, naturally dyed lilac with the root of the alkanes plant, it's a perfect match for sensitive skin.

Why Botanical Soap Is Better for the Planet

Most of us want to reduce waste and choose more ethical products.
Botanical soap is a simple, everyday switch that makes a real difference.

Here’s why:

Plastic-Free Packaging – no bottles or pumps
Palm Oil-Free – helps protect rainforests and wildlife habitats
Biodegradable and Non-Toxic – safe for greywater (water your garden with it) and waterways
Supports Small Batch Makers – handmade soaps support local, eco-conscious businesses just like Bohemia & Flower

How to Choose the Right Botanical Soap

Everyone’s skin and lifestyle is different. Here’s how to choose the best bar for you:

For Sensitive Skin

Choose unscented or gentle essential oil blends like lavender and fennel. Charcoal soap is also a great option for troubled or sensitive facial skin, check out the 5 Star reviews here

Try: Forest Soap - Activated Charcoal, Cedarwood & Rosemary

For Gardeners’ Hands

Pick soaps with natural exfoliants like ground pumice or poppy seeds to gently scrub away soil and stains

Try: Gardeners’ Soap - exfoliating rose geranium & nettle

For Morning Showers

Choose a natural UK made soap on a rope with uplifting essential oils like citrus or herbal scents like tea tree to wake you up naturally

Try: Grove Soap on a Rope – Uplifting Citrus & Calendula Shower Bar

For Gifting

Look for beautifully packaged soaps in compostable illustrated boxes.

Try: Self Care Soap Box – Handmade Natural Soap Gift Set– why not mix and match from our full range & add a handmade soap dish in too, or choose a Gift Soap Subscription for a thoughtful handmade soap gift that delivers each month?

Shop Handmade Botanical Soap in the UK

At Bohemia & Flower, I create a collection of UK-made botanical soaps inspired by the wild and natural world—from Forest to Meadow, Mountain to Coast.

All my soaps are:

Vegan and cruelty-free
Made using skin-loving plant oils and clays
Packaged in plastic-free options—choose either a naked bar or a home compostable illustrated box
Perfect for gifting, everyday use, or sensitive skin care

Ready to make the switch to botanical soap?

Browse the Bohemia & Flower Botanical Soap Collection →