Growing up, Hannah Hwong understood how it felt to have skin allergies because she had them herself. She tried several medications, lotions, and other treatments, but the results were never satisfactory. After two decades of living with sensitive skin, she made the decision to make her own soap over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
that’s safe for skinSoap and planet
At the age of 10, Hannah Hwong developed sensitive skin. It was her first encounter with such a problem, and she felt insecure about it.
“It started off as rough, dry skin, and then pimples began to appear on top of it. My skin gets more red than usual when the weather is hot.”
Diagnosed with Keratosis pilaris, also known as chicken skin, Hwong is thankful that it isn’t itchy or painful.
“However, it isn’t pretty. I wouldn’t dare to wear short sleeves because of that.”
She did not like how others were staring at the looks of her skin, therefore she would only wear long sleeves.
“When I was younger, it had an impact on me and affected my confidence,” added the 33-year-old.
Despite the several visits to skin care professionals, nothing worked.
“I’ve tried treatments from Western doctors, Chinese doctors, and many others. I used a variety of supplements, lotions, bath soaps, and medications, but the results disappointed me,” shared Hwong.
As a result of the disappointing visits and alternatives, Hwong ended up relying only on natural and organic products to avoid further damaging her skin.
Hwong revealed that she is still having skin sensitivity after two decades.
She has nonetheless come to terms with the fact that it is a part of her and is eager to offer help to people facing similar problems.
“I now only use my own handmade soaps. I at least have a thorough understanding of the ingredients I use.”
Soap made for sensitive skin
Understanding skin sensitivity, Hwong chose to make her own soaps to treat her derma condition.
But her soaps don’t come in typical square or rectangular shape. They come in the shape of desserts, fruits, and succulents. There are even those with images of seascapes or landscapes.
Making exterior more appealing may encourage people to take notice of the advantages and benefits of her handmade soaps.
“People will be drawn to them if you form them into a dessert or pastry. My soaps are also environmentally friendly. Those who use it will notice the benefit in the long run.”
Hwong makes each bar of soap with love and care in the hopes that others may benefit from it as much as she did.
“I want to bring life into my soap making. Every soap has blessings for others. I enjoy shopping for gifts and celebrating every stage of life with the people around me. Thus, I hope those who receive my soap can feel the thoughtfulness of it,” she explained further.
Branded under the name ‘Day Dreamer Soap’, Hwong makes sure that every soap is of the finest quality.
Hwong’s aesthetic-looking soap is made with only natural plant oils and natural essential oils.
“Since I use my own soap too, I’ll make sure that over time it won’t trigger allergies or harm the skin.”
She revealed that she does not use any colouring on her soaps.
“I only use natural mineral powder as a colouring foundation in my soap. It is safe and kind to the environment. Because of the natural nature, each batch of soap will be slightly different in colour,” Hwong added.
Making soap using the cold process
Using the ‘Cold process soap’ method to handmade her soap, Hwong considered the benefits, despite the fact that the process could take a long time.
This method has several benefits, including the fact that it is better for the environment, healthier for the skin, and incredibly moisturising.
Cold process soaps are saponified at room temperature without warming or rinsing.
After the mixture has been put into the mould, the soap will go through a saponification process to allow it to dry.
“We make the soap using ice to preserve the nutrients of the oils while without affecting the nutrients of the other added ingredients. A soap takes two hours to make. Depending on the ingredient, the saponification process lasts between 30 and 90 days,” said the entrepreneur.
Hwong, an environmental enthusiast, wants to preserve the natural world in more ways than just the soap she makes.
She says she also pays much attention to the packaging she chooses to guarantee the soap maintains its top-notch quality.
“Instead of covering it with plastic, I use packaging that lets the handmade soap naturally ‘breathe’. A proper airflow is necessary for handmade soap, thus packaging is crucial.”
As she updates her Instagram feed regularly, showering her posts with the latest cute release, Hwong and ‘Daydreamer Soap’ will continue to make skin-friendly soaps.
