The Truth About Lard in Soap: Old-Fashioned, Skin-Loving, and Making a Comeback
If you’ve ever noticed “lard” listed in one of our soap ingredients and raised an eyebrow — you’re not alone. Lard sometimes carries an old-fashioned reputation, and for some, even a bit of taboo. But here’s the truth: lard has been used in traditional soapmaking for hundreds of years, and there’s a very good reason it’s making a strong comeback in modern artisan soaps.
Let’s talk about it.
A Little History
Long before commercial detergents and synthetic ingredients existed, families made soap from simple, natural materials they had on hand — and lard was one of the most common. These soaps were known for being gentle, long-lasting, and wonderfully moisturizing. In fact, many people still remember their grandparents’ homemade lard soap as some of the best soap they ever used.
Sometimes the old ways really are the best ways.
So… Why Lard?
Lard creates a beautiful, balanced bar of soap that is:
Gentle and moisturizing – Lard produces a creamy, skin-loving lather that doesn’t strip your skin.
Hard and long-lasting – Bars made with lard hold up well in the shower and don’t melt away quickly.
Mild and conditioning – Perfect for sensitive or dry skin.
Rich and creamy lather – Less bubbly than coconut oil alone, but much more lotion-like and luxurious.
Simple and traditional – A wholesome ingredient used for generations.
In short, lard helps create a soap that feels like real soap should feel.
Let’s Talk About the “Taboo”
Some people hear “lard” and think it sounds unusual in skincare. But here’s something important: when soap is made, the oils and lye go through a process called saponification. This completely transforms the ingredients into soap and natural glycerin. The finished bar is clean, gentle, and nothing like raw fat — just beautiful, effective soap.
And fun fact? Many high-end artisan and traditional soap makers quietly use lard because of how incredible it performs.
Why We Use It
At Real McCoy Soaps, our goal has always been simple: make honest, high-quality, skin-loving soap using ingredients that truly work. Lard helps us create bars that are:
Creamy and luxurious
Gentle for everyday use
Long-lasting and economical
Rooted in traditional craftsmanship
It’s not about trends — it’s about what makes the best soap.
Old-Fashioned, But Never Outdated
Sometimes the best ingredients aren’t the newest or the trendiest — they’re the ones that have stood the test of time. Lard soap is a perfect example: simple, effective, comforting, and wonderfully nourishing.
So the next time you see lard in one of our ingredient lists, you’ll know — it’s there for a reason. And your skin will thank you.