Looking for a new gift for the one you love? Forget the stereotypes and go pick one of the natural soaps. They are a craze now as far as beauty products go
For creative gift-hunters, lifestyle pundits have an unconventional suggestion this wedding season - soaps made of clove and strawberry extracts, honey, rose, coconut or palm oil and more!
Natural soaps are not new to the country because India has a rich heritage of herbal beauty therapies dating back to thousands of years. But gifting soaps on weddings is.
With growing beauty consciousness and awareness among youngsters - these are chemical-free and thus good for the skin as well as the environment - the natural soap industry is booming.
"Natural soaps are made of natural oils, plant extracts and herbs, which re-hydrate the skin and make it look younger," Ishween Anand, owner of natural soap brand Nyassa, told us.
Handmade and mostly asymmetrical in shape, these natural soaps are available at a cut-off price of Rs.38 in 40 different varieties ranging from rose, jasmine, honey and oatmeal to turmeric, sandalwood, tulsi and neem.
A customised marriage gift pack, cling-wrapped and decorated with golden threads, costs a minimum of Rs.400.
"The concept of soaps as wedding gifts is gradually gaining acceptance," said Manoj Sharma, sales and marketing head of Forest Essentials, another manufacturer of natural soaps.
The soaps, which have a glycerine base, possess natural fragrances and are available in the colours of its raw material - strawberry pink, rose red, translucent browns and beige.
Manufacturers say sales go up in the marriage season.
"We sell over 300 soaps every day and as the wedding season nears, sales go up by 20 percent," said Natthulal, assistant director of the Khadi Gram Udyog, a khadi products chain store in Connaught Place, the heart of the capital.
"We sell up to 10,000 bars a year. These magical bathing bars are a perfect gift for the bride who wants to look her best not only on the wedding day but all through her life," said Ishween Anand.
Cosmetologists believe that using natural oil soaps improves the quality of skin. But one must always consult the doctor.
"Prolonged use of natural oil soaps, instead of bathing bars containing large quantities of harsh chemicals, enhances the skin quality and the glow," said Nitin Verma, a skin specialist with the Kaya Skin Clinic.
"But one must consult a doctor before using them to avoid allergies or any other adverse side effects," warned Verma.
Sujata, a government employee, said: "When you present natural soaps, apart from gifting beauty and health to the newlyweds, you also prompt them to contribute to the cause of environment as these soaps are eco-friendly."
"It is definitely going to be a big hit in the coming years. The credit for it largely goes to increasing awareness among people about the damage chemicals can cause to the skin," said Jashwant Purohit, senior partner, product selection committee (PSC) organic food and body care, Fabindia.
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