What is a natural soap?

When companies call their soap natural, they are talking about the omission of extra chemicals - like artificial fragrances or preservatives or other substances that make the soap lather better. So, if you want a pure soap - and that's a better name - look for a very short ingredient list. And be prepared for a soap that may not perform as well as you want.

Natural soap contains mild, sulfate-free surfactants (such as sodium cocoyl glutamate, caprylic acid or sodium lauroyl, from coconuts and amino acids, respectively), derived from the same natural sources as regular soap and synthetic detergents. Tom's of Maine Natural (Unscented) Moisturizing Body Bar uses soap from coconut and palm oils, and - like most natural soaps - includes no synthetic detergents, animal fats, artificial preservatives, or perfumes. The processing of these ingredients is presumably (but not necessarily) more environmentally sound and less chemical-based.