What Makes Real Soap, Real?

Understanding Cold Process Soap & Why Coobee Does It Differently

In a world full of skincare options, most people don’t realise that what they’ve been calling “soap” might not be soap at all.

Walk down the supermarket aisle and you’ll see brightly wrapped bars and foaming bottles labelled as soap — but take a closer look at the ingredients, and you’ll often find synthetic detergents, artificial fragrances, and chemical foaming agents. These are not traditional soaps. They're syndet bars (short for synthetic detergent), made in factories using petroleum-based ingredients or lab-formulated surfactants that cleanse, but often at the cost of stripping the skin’s natural protective barrier.

Even some handmade soaps on the market aren't as natural as they appear. Many use synthetic colorants, preservatives, and fragrance oils, which can irritate sensitive skin. At Coobee, we’re committed to offering a different path — one rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and natural integrity.

What Is Cold Process Soap?

Cold process soap is the original way soap was made centuries ago — a beautiful blend of natural oils, butters, and a lye solution, brought together in perfect harmony to initiate a process called saponification. This method doesn’t rely on external heat, allowing each ingredient to retain its full botanical integrity. It’s soapmaking in its purest, most traditional form — and it shows in the quality of every bar.

During saponification, the sodium hydroxide (lye) is entirely consumed by the oils, transforming into soap and naturally occurring glycerin. No sodium hydroxide remains in the final bar — only pure, saponified oils that gently cleanse and care for the skin.

And because we believe in indulgent nourishment, all Coobee soaps are superfatted by over 5% and this percentage varies from one soap variety to another. This means a portion of our luxurious oils and butters are deliberately left unsaponified, leaving extra emollients in every bar to moisturise and protect the skin with each wash.

Why We Make It By Hand, in Small Batches

At Coobee, we don’t believe in shortcuts. We craft our soaps in small batches, giving us complete control over the ingredients and process. This allows us to ensure the highest quality while keeping each bar unique and full of character — just like the hands that made it.

By working in small batches, we can:

— Carefully choose natural, skin-friendly ingredients, prioritising Australian-sourced where possible
— Tailor formulations for sensitive skin, different climates, or specific needs like dry scalp or eczema
— Avoid preservatives, synthetic foaming agents, petroleum derivatives, and unnecessary fillers
— Infuse each bar with heart, wisdom, and traditional care, not factory repetition

This is skincare the way nature intended — without compromise.

Real Soap vs. Synthetic Detergents

So, what’s the difference between a Coobee bar and a commercial “soap”? The answer lies in the process and the purpose.

Real soap is made through saponification. It contains moisturising glycerin, natural cleansing agents, and nourishing oils. It doesn't strip the natural oils from your skin. 

Detergent bars, on the other hand, are manufactured using synthetic surfactants and often contain artificial fragrances, harsh preservatives, and binding agents that can dry and irritate the skin.

While both may cleanse, only true cold process soap offers a gentle, skin-loving experience that respects your body’s natural balance.

Why It Matters

Your skin is your largest organ. What you use on it every day should be just as carefully chosen as what you eat. With Coobee soaps, you can trust that every bar is made with:

— Natural plant oils and butters
— Essential oils for added benefits and scent, and not synthetic fragrance
— Botanicals and clays for colour and care
— Glycerin and superfats that moisturise and protect
— Zero compromise on integrity or sustainability

We believe your daily wash can be more than just cleansing — it can be a ritual of nourishment, self-respect, and joy.

Made for Skin. Made for Good.

From our hands to yours, every bar of Coobee soap is crafted to honour both your skin and the planet. Cured for a minimum of 8 weeks for a longer-lasting, milder bar, and always thoughtfully formulated — no gimmicks, no shortcuts.

Coobee soap is not just soap. It's a return to real.
Try it, and your skin will love it and feel the difference immediately.