Frequently Asked Questions

📦 Shipping & Processing

At Desert Sol Soapery, every order is thoughtfully packed by hand to help ensure it arrives safely and beautifully.

Processing Time  
Orders typically ship within 3–5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). During busy seasons, launches, or market weeks, processing times may be slightly longer — thank you for your patience while we prepare your order with care.

Shipping Rates (U.S.)  
We offer simple, weight-based flat rate shipping to keep costs fair and predictable:

• 0–1 lb → $8
• 1–3 lb → $11 
• 3–6 lb → $15 
• 6–10 lb → $18 
• 10–20 lb → $25  

Free U.S. shipping on orders $75 and up — no code needed.

Shipping rates are based on the packed weight of your order, including protective packaging.

Shipping Method & Tracking  
Orders ship via USPS. Tracking information is provided as soon as your order ships.

USPS Transit Times  
Once a package has been handed off to USPS, delivery times are outside of our control. However, we’re always happy to assist with tracking or locating delayed packages whenever possible.

Packaging Care  
All items are packaged with care to help ensure they arrive in excellent condition. Please note that extreme temperatures during transit may affect handmade products.

Shipping Insurance & Address Issues

Packages are insured for loss or damage during transit.

Losses caused by an incorrect or incomplete shipping address provided by the customer are not covered.

If an order is returned to Desert Sol Soapery due to an address issue, it may be reshipped once additional shipping costs are paid.

Please double-check your shipping address before placing your order. The most common cause of returned or lost packages is an incorrect or incomplete address.

Local Pickup

Local pickup may be available at select markets or pop-up events, depending on the season.

Please contact us before placing your order to see if arrangements can be made.

Returns, Exchanges & Order Issues

Due to the personal nature of soaps and bath & body products, returns and exchanges are not accepted.

If your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days of delivery and we’ll work with you to make it right.

Handcrafted Product Disclaimer

Our products are handcrafted in small batches. Natural variations in color, texture, and appearance may occur.

Each item will be recognizably similar, but no two are exactly alike.

If you ever have concerns about your order, please reach out — we’re always happy to help.

Why is Desert Sol Signature Mist not available for shipping?

Some of our home fragrance products are offered for local pickup only due to packaging that is not well suited for shipping. This decision helps ensure product quality and prevents damage in transit.

Why does my soap look darker than expected?

Soaps scented with vanilla or vanillin naturally darken over time. This is a normal and expected reaction caused by the vanillin content in the fragrance.

As these bars age, you may notice the color deepen gradually, ranging from light tan to darker brown tones. Because this process continues after the soap is made, the bar you receive may appear darker than what’s shown in product photos.

This natural color change does not affect the quality, scent, or performance of the soap — it’s simply part of how vanilla-based fragrances behave over time.

Why does my Desert Sol Signature Lip Balm look or feel slightly grainy?

Our Desert Sol Signature Lip Balms are handcrafted using natural butters, oils, and waxes. When products containing butters experience temperature changes—such as warming and cooling during shipping—the butters can sometimes re-solidify unevenly, creating a slightly grainy appearance or texture.

This is completely normal for natural formulations and does not affect the quality, effectiveness, or safety of the lip balm.

In most cases, the texture smooths out almost immediately once applied, as the natural warmth of your lips helps the balm melt and glide on smoothly.

If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re always happy to help—just reach out!

Why do some soaps contain exfoliating ingredients like coffee, colloidal oats, walnut shell powder, turmeric powder, or poppy seeds?

Some of our soaps include natural exfoliating ingredients such as coffee grounds, colloidal oats, walnut shell powder, turmeric powder, or poppy seeds.

These additions help gently buff away dry, dull skin, leaving it feeling smoother and refreshed. Each exfoliant offers a different level of exfoliation—from very mild and soothing to more invigorating.

Because everyone’s skin is different, some customers may find certain exfoliating soaps to feel a bit too intense for daily use or for more sensitive areas. This doesn’t mean the soap is too harsh—just that your skin may prefer a softer exfoliating experience.

If you find an exfoliating soap feels stronger than you’d like, there are easy ways to adjust how it’s used:
• Place the soap in a soap saver cloth bag to soften the exfoliation while still enjoying the benefits  
• Rub the soap onto a washcloth or loofah first, then apply the lather to your skin  

These methods help control the level of exfoliation while still delivering a rich, cleansing lather and the beautiful scent of the soap.

As always, we recommend listening to your skin and choosing the exfoliation level that feels best for you.

🌿 What Is Mica?

Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that is finely ground and treated to create shimmering, vibrant colorants commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. In soapmaking, mica is used purely for color and visual artistry—it does not provide fragrance or affect cleansing performance.

At Desert Sol Soapery, we use cosmetic-grade mica colorants that are specifically approved for use on skin.

🧼 How Mica Is Used in Soap

Mica is blended into soap batter during the crafting process to create everything from soft desert pastels to bold, earthy swirls inspired by the red rocks and natural landscapes of the Southwest. Once the soap is cured, the mica becomes fully suspended in the bar and rinses away during use.

You may occasionally notice slight color in the lather—this is normal and temporary. Deeply pigmented soaps, especially dark red and black bars, are more likely to tint the lather and may leave some color on white or light-colored washcloths. Any color transfer should wash out with normal laundering. To avoid discoloration, we recommend using darker washcloths with richly colored soaps.

✨ Is Mica Safe for Skin?

Yes. We use cosmetic-grade mica colorants that are:
• Skin-safe  
• Non-toxic  
• Approved for cosmetic and bath use  

These colorants are widely used in soaps, makeup, lotions, and body care products. We never use industrial or craft-grade pigments.

🌵 Our Commitment to Quality

Every colorant used in our soaps is carefully selected to align with our values of small-batch craftsmanship, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and safe, skin-friendly formulations. Because our soaps are handcrafted, color variations may naturally occur—each bar is uniquely beautiful, just like the desert landscapes that inspire them.

Lotion Bars, Lotions, Whipped Emulsified Body Butter, Whipped Anhydrous Body Butters & Balms...

Which One Is Right for Me?

Lotion Bars
Solid and water-free, lotion bars melt on contact with body heat to deliver concentrated moisture with a smooth, protective feel. They glide easily over the skin and are perfect for mess-free application.

Best for:
• Hands, arms, and legs  
• On-the-go use  
• Travel-friendly moisturizing  
• Those who prefer solid skincare  

Lotions
Lightweight and quick-absorbing, lotions provide comfortable, all-over moisture without a heavy or greasy feel. Because they contain water, they sink into the skin easily and are ideal for everyday use.

Best for:
• Daily moisturizing  
• Normal to dry skin  
• Warmer weather  
• Those who prefer a lighter, fast-absorbing finish  

Whipped Emulsified Body Butter
Whipped emulsified body butters are made by blending water and nourishing oils together to create a rich, creamy texture that feels more substantial than a lotion but absorbs more easily than an anhydrous butter. The added water allows moisture to penetrate the skin, while oils and butters help seal it in for longer-lasting hydration without a heavy or waxy finish.

Best for:
• Dry to normal skin  
• Those who want rich moisture without greasiness  
• Daily all-over use  
• A soft, creamy texture that absorbs smoothly  

Whipped Anhydrous Body Butters & Balms
Rich, concentrated, and completely water-free, anhydrous body butters and balms are designed to deeply nourish and protect the skin. A small amount goes a long way, creating a comforting, occlusive barrier that helps lock in moisture.

Best for:
• Very dry or stressed skin  
• Cold or dry climates  
• Overnight use  
• Targeted areas like hands, feet, elbows, and cuticles  

Clean vs. Conventional Ingredients

What “Clean” Means to Us: Thoughtfully chosen ingredients, clear honest labeling, no unnecessary fillers, and formulas designed for everyday use.

Why We Use Some Conventional Ingredients: We prioritize the use of natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients whenever possible, thoughtfully selecting materials that are gentle, effective, and kind to the skin. In some formulations, we also incorporate a small number of carefully chosen conventional ingredients that are widely studied, proven safe, and highly effective. These ingredients help refine texture and absorption, enhance stability and shelf life, and ensure consistent performance across a variety of climates - so that every product performs beautifully from first use to last.

What We Don’t Do: No “chemical-free” claims, no fear-based ingredient marketing, and no hidden ingredients or vague wording.

Allergy & Safety Information

Allergy & Sensitivity Notice: Our products contain ingredients that may cause sensitivities for some individuals. Please review ingredient lists carefully before use. If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately. Those with known sensitivities should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Fragrances & Essential Oils: All fragrances oils and essential oils are sourced from trusted suppliers committed to providing high-quality materials that are phthalate-free and paraben-free, and designed for safe use in personal care. Each fragrance used follow International Fragrance Association (IFRA) guidelines and remains within established safety limits.

Mica: Any mica used for color is ethically sourced, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, selected to meet cosmetic-grade standards while aligning with our commitment to responsible sourcing.

Biodegradable Glitter: When used, our glitter is biodegradable and non-toxic, designed to safely dissolve in water and provide a touch of shimmer without unnecessary environmental impact. 

General Product Warnings: For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Those with known skin conditions should consult a dermatologist before use.