Ingredients & Process

What goes into our soap

We believe you should know what you're putting on your skin. Here's what we use and why.

Our base ingredients

Olive oil: A gentle, moisturizing oil that's been used in soap making for centuries. It creates a mild lather and is suitable for most skin types.

Coconut oil: Adds cleansing power and helps create bubbles. We use it in moderation because too much can be drying.

Shea butter: A natural fat that adds creaminess to the bar and helps moisturize skin.

Castor oil: Helps create a stable lather and adds a silky feel to the soap.

Additional ingredients

Depending on the soap, we add:

  • Lavender essential oil: For a calming, natural scent
  • Colloidal oatmeal: Finely ground oats that some people find soothing
  • Neem oil: A traditional ingredient known for its cleansing properties
  • Turmeric powder: Gives a natural golden color and has been used in skincare for generations

That's it. No synthetic fragrances, no artificial colors, no preservatives (cold-process soap doesn't need them).

The cold-process method

Here's how we make our soap:

1. Mixing: We carefully measure oils and lye solution, then mix them by hand until they reach "trace"—a pudding-like consistency.

2. Adding extras: If we're making a scented or textured soap, we add essential oils or other ingredients at this stage.

3. Pouring: We pour the mixture into molds and let it sit for 24-48 hours to harden.

4. Cutting: Once firm, we cut the soap into bars. Each bar is slightly different because they're hand-cut.

5. Curing: The bars cure for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dry place. This allows excess water to evaporate and makes the soap harder and longer-lasting.

6. Testing: We test each batch ourselves before selling it. If something's off, we don't sell it.

Why this matters

Cold-process soap making preserves the natural glycerin that forms during saponification. Many commercial soaps remove this glycerin to sell separately, but we leave it in because it's good for your skin.

The slow curing process also creates a milder, gentler bar that lasts longer.

What we don't use

  • Synthetic fragrances or dyes
  • Palm oil (due to environmental concerns)
  • Animal fats
  • Harsh detergents
  • Preservatives (not needed in properly made cold-process soap)

A note on skin sensitivity

While we use gentle ingredients, everyone's skin is different. If you have very sensitive skin or allergies, check the ingredient list for each soap before purchasing. We're happy to answer questions about specific ingredients.

Our soaps are not tested on animals, and we don't make medical claims about them. They're just good, honest soap.