Key Benefits of Lard Soap

I think it’s about time to dig deep into the many benefits of using soap made with lard - because there are plenty!

For me, choosing lard isn’t about “going back to basics.” It’s about reclaiming knowledge in soap making that has been largely lost since modern life got us used to shower gels and liquid soaps.

Using a cold-processed soap made from lard gave me the same wow moment that discovering sourdough did back in 2008. And did I ever go back to industrially produced bread? Not a chance.

So, why lard?

1. Deep Moisturization & Skin Conditioning

Lard is rich in monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, which help to lock in moisture and support skin softness. Soaps made with animal fats like lard tend to feel nourishing rather than stripping because the fatty acid profile is similar to human skin lipids. This can help maintain skin’s natural barrier during cleansing.

2. Creamy Lather and Gentle Cleansing

Lard soap produces a rich, creamy lather that feels luxurious and cleans effectively without harsh detergents. This is due to the fat’s composition and its reaction during saponification. The result is gentle cleansing that doesn’t overly dry the skin, which is especially appreciated by people with dry or sensitive skin.

3. Hard, Long-Lasting Bars

Traditional lard soaps tend to be firmer and longer-lasting than many plant-oil soap bars because of the saturation and structure of animal fats. This means better durability in the shower and less waste. More about bar soaps can be found here.

4. Retains Natural Glycerin

In handmade cold-process soap, glycerin - a natural humectant - stays in the bar, helping to draw moisture to the skin. Commercial soaps often remove glycerin for use in lotions. Handmade lard soap keeps this benefit intact, which supports hydration.

5. Good for Sensitive & Irritated Skin

Because it’s free from common synthetic irritants (like sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances) and mimics the skin’s lipid structure, many users find lard soap soothing and less irritating than commercial detergents, particularly for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.

6. Nutrient Content (Vitamins & Fatty Acids)

Animal fats naturally contain fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and nutrient profiles that can contribute to healthy, resilient skin - though the exact impact depends on the formulation and curing of the soap. In Pataholm, every soap is cured a minimal of 6 weeks - but often longer. The salt soaps (vegan) needs more, and we cure a minimum of 6 month to make it gentle on the skin. 

7. Sustainable & Ethical

Using locally sourced grass-fed lard supports regenerative farming practices and upcycles an animal byproduct that might otherwise be wasted. This approach reduces reliance on industrial vegetable oils like palm oil that are associated with deforestation and ecosystem harm.

Grass-Fed Makes the Difference

When lard comes from grass-fed animals, the fat often has a healthier fatty acid profile with more beneficial monounsaturated fats and some fat-soluble nutrients compared with conventional grain-fed sources. This can subtly influence how the soap feels on skin and its cleansing balance. I source lard from farms I know. Most of my lard comes from the farm Voxtorpgården, south of Kalmar in Småland. I also source Lard from Mangalica pigs from a farm south of Berlin.

The soap in the picture is a Coffee soap with goatmilk and cardamon.

So, to sum it up for you: Lard soap is a traditional, natural alternative to synthetic or highly processed soaps. Its moisturizing, gentle cleansing, long-lasting nature and closer match to human skin lipids make it a good option for many skin types - especially sensitive or dry skin - and its use supports local, ethical production.

In Pataholm we make 2 different types of body soaps: Traditional Lard soap and Salt Soap. If you are unsure what type is right for you, this article might help you.