FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Soap

Many folks aren't familiar with how soap is made or what goes into the soap they use every day. This section can hopefully answer some questions about the hand crafted soap we make.

How is soap made?

Soap is made from mixing lye with oils - when blended they 'saponify' and after setting and curing - make soap. Mostly commonly you will add lye to water and then mix a blend of oils and butters. For instance: lye, water, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter and castor oil. 

Next, people often add scents and colors to their soap to create visual and aromatic fun &/or therapeutic effect.

Once all the ingredients are mixed and allowed to set in a mold for a few days, they are then cut and left to 'cure'. Curing soap allows water to evaporate and creates a harder bar and a harder bar will last longer. If you use the soap earlier when it's soft, it will dissolve through use more quickly.

What kinds of oils/butters are used in soap? You will find a great number of combinations available. Most commonly animal lard or tallow (mine are vegan - I don't use these), nut derivatives such as almond oil, coconut and shea butter, a bean derivative like castor oil or fruit oil like an avocado.

What about 100% olive oil soap?

100% olive oil soap, also known as Castile soap, is the same process as above but there is no mix of oils. So it is lye, water and olive oil. It is especially suitable for individuals with sensitive skin but has a very long curing process.

What is superfatting?

Supperfatting is adding in more oils than needed for saponification (the soap making process). Nearly all of my soap has a 3% superfat level - so I added 3% more oils into the batter so that the end bar has additional therapeutic and nourishing properties - essentially it won't dry your skin out as much and feels creamy when lathered.

What makes your handmade nourishing soaps unique?

Not only are they made from high quality ingredients but my favorite characteristic is the scents. I try to use fun unique and highly popular scents that people enjoy smelling in the bath/shower.

Are your products vegan?

Yes

Are your products cruelty-free?

Absolutely. We are committed to cruelty-free practices and no aspect is tested on animals.

What about palm oil?

Some of my soaps do use palm oil which is a very nourishing oil. I'm careful to source it from an RSPO certified vendor so as not to contribute to challenges related to deforestation. There are many sustainable farmers in the world, supporting ecologically sound practices. If you prefer to select one of my palm-free bars - the lemongrass and lavender soap bars are palm free.

How long do your handmade soaps last?

The lifespan of our handmade soaps depends on usage, for instance how many folks are in your home using it? On average, a single bar can last about 4 weeks. Keep it in a well-drained soap dish to extend its life.

Do you offer customized or personalized soaps for special occasions?

Yes, we do! Contact us for personalized orders and special requests. We love creating unique, handmade soaps for weddings, birthdays, realty / housewarming gifts and other special events.

Are your packaging materials eco-friendly?

We are committed to sustainability. Our packaging materials are environmentally friendly, and we strive to minimize our ecological footprint wherever possible.

How can I place an order?

Ordering is easy! Simply browse our online shop, add your desired items to the cart, and follow the checkout process. If you need assistance, are looking to make a bulk order or need wholesale rates, please contact us.

Do you offer wholesale?

Yes, please contact us for specific rates and offers for buying soap wholesale.

Do you ship internationally?

Only to Canada and the US today as it is difficult to manage/follow every country's regulations.

Are you compliant with Health Canada and IFRA guidelines?

Yes. We are very precise in each measurement including scent percentages as outlined by the IFRA.

 

If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you for choosing our handmade nourishing soaps!