Is it time to choose a gift for your loved one? Forget the stereotypical gifts and get a pack of natural and perfumed soaps. A craze as far as health and beauty products go, natural soaps are organic and have been popular for many years. For all you creative gift-hunters, lifestyle gurus have a bohemian suggestion for the wedding season – natural soaps made with strawberry and clove extracts, honey, rose, coconut or palm oil among other spices and fruits. Soaps have a rich history. Romans and other great civilizations used olive oil soaps, as they knew even back then, the many benefits of natural ingredients in enhancing beauty. Besides, Asian countries such as India have a heritage of herbal beauty therapies that date back to more than a few thousand years. But this trend of gifting natural soap is definitely new and novel, especially for its uniqueness! With an inclination for chemical-free, organic and purely natural beauty products that are good and safe for the skin, among the youngsters, the natural soap industry hasn’t have it this good in many years. Rapidly growing, the industry is coming up with innovative combination of spices, herbs, and other natural ingredients to make the most of this trend. Depending on the ingredients and purpose of these natural soaps, you can pay anywhere from $1 to $20 per bar. Naturally Skin Loving Because natural soaps are made from natural oils, plant extracts, herbs, spices, fruits etc. they are great for your skin. Not only do they re-hydrate your skin with care, but also help in making you look younger, more beautiful, and blemish free. A basic skin care item, natural soaps come in a variety of shapes, scents, colors, and textures. These handmade soaps contain only natural, chemical-free ingredients that not just clean your skin, but do so with loving care. Organic soaps are biodegradable and do not use animal testing nor contain animal-based products. They are completely free of harmful chemicals that spoil your skin over the years. Common Natural Ingredients Milk-based or vegetable oil based natural soaps are the commonest of all types. Some of the most popular natural ingredients contained in these soaps include: * Olive oil * Avocado oil * Coconut oil * Palm oil * Sunflower oil * Shea butter * Aloe Vera * Natural clays * Essential oils * Ground pumice With over a few dozens of natural combination available to help you achieve a glowing, healthy, and beautiful skin, natural soaps are also have medicinal advantages. Soaps that have green tree oil, olive oil, Shea butter extracts help in fighting common skin diseases such as acne etc. Natural soaps can be found in rectangular bar form at most drugstores. Nevertheless, the size and shapes vary, as they are usually hand cut. Other commonly available shapes are round bars, oval bars, square bars, soapstones, mini-bars, and special design soaps (these are molded in floral or other shapes or designs.) These natural soaps are available in different varieties ranging from rose, jasmine, honey, lavender, and oatmeal to turmeric, sandalwood, thyme, and neem. Special Skin Care Needs Since there are plenty of choices of natural soaps, you can easily get one that can meet your special skin care requirements. Most types of natural soaps are mild in nature, but you also get extra-gentle soaps that are created for babies or those with very sensitive skin. If you suffer from dry skin, then try Shea butter or olive oil based soaps that moisturize your skin the natural way. For those of you who are prone to pimples or oily skin, choosing natural soaps with ingredients such as Dead Sea minerals, sulfur, and peppermint can help treat and prevent your skin condition. Glycerin soaps are also good for those who suffer from oily skin. Adding to the popularity of this natural skin care items is the endorsement from cosmetologists who are also of the opinion that natural oil soaps are fantastic for the skin as they significantly improve the quality of skin. However, it may be advisable to consult a doctor before you begin using a hand-made, natural soap. This will ensure that you do not experience any adverse effects on your skin. Shopping for Natural Soaps Natural soaps are available in plenty at natural health and beauty shops, specialty stores, and with online retailers. Also, check with your local drugstore, as well as the health and beauty section of the local super market for these beauty items. If you are looking for a personalized gift for your loved one, then natural and hand-made soaps are the perfect choice. Not only are these soaps environment friendly, they also possess a mild and lingering natural fragrance, while being safe and completely chemical free keeping the skin glowing, clean, refreshed, and moisturized.