Soap FAQ

Cold Process Soap

Cold process soap is made by combining oils and sodium hydroxide (lye), which creates a chemical reaction called saponification. During this process, the oils and lye are transformed into soap and glycerin.

Unlike many commercial cleansing bars, cold process soap retains its naturally produced glycerin, which contributes to a rich, creamy lather.

Does Handmade Soap Contain Lye?

Yes. All real soap is made using lye (sodium hydroxide).

During soapmaking, the lye reacts with oils in a process called saponification. When the process is complete and the soap has properly cured, no lye remains in the finished bar. The result is gentle cleansing soap made from transformed oils and fats.

Why Does Handmade Soap Feel Different?

Handmade soap is different from many commercial cleansing bars because it is formulated with skin-loving oils and naturally produced glycerin. Different recipes create different qualities, from bubbly lather to creamy conditioning lather, which is why no two handmade soaps feel exactly alike.

Why Does Handmade Soap Cost More?

Handmade soap is made in small batches using carefully selected oils, butters, clays, botanicals, and fragrance or essential oils. Each bar is mixed, poured, cut, cured, labeled, and packaged by hand, resulting in a product that reflects both craftsmanship and quality ingredients.

Where Can I Find Ingredients?

Because recipes vary between products, complete ingredient lists are provided on each individual product page. This ensures you always have the most accurate information for the specific item you are purchasing.

Cold Process Soap Care Instructions

To extend the life of your soap and enjoy the best experience:
 • Keep bars dry between uses
 • Use a well-draining soap dish
 • Keep soap out of direct water spray

For storage:
 • Store unused bars in a cool, dry place
 • Shelf life is approximately 1–2 years, though scents may naturally fade over time

Common Soap Ingredients

Goat Milk: Naturally contains sugars and fatty acids that contribute to a creamy lather and a smooth, gentle feel in soap.

Olive Oil: Rich in fatty acids. Contributes to a mild, conditioning bar with a stable, creamy lather.

Coconut Oil: Contributes cleansing properties and creates a rich, bubbly lather in soap.

Palm Oil: Helps create a firm, long-lasting bar with a stable, creamy lather. Responsibly sourced.

Tallow: A traditional soapmaking ingredient that contributes to a hard, long-lasting bar with a rich, creamy lather.

Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids. Contributes to hardness and a creamy, conditioning feel in soap.

Mango Butter: A lightweight plant butter that helps add hardness, creaminess, and a smooth conditioning feel to soap.

Cocoa Butter: Contributes to a firm, long-lasting bar with a stable, creamy lather and conditioning feel.

Sweet Almond Oil: A lightweight oil that contributes to a conditioning feel and helps support a stable lather.

Kaolin Clay: A gentle clay that improves slip and contributes to a smooth, silky feel in soap.

Castor Oil: Enhances lather and helps create a stable, creamy foam.

Fragrance & Essential Oils: Used to scent the soap. All fragrance oils are high-quality, skin-safe, and phthalate-free. Essential oils are used within recommended guidelines.

Micas: Used to add color. All mica colorants used are cruelty-free, ethically sourced, and vegan.

Exfoliating Ingredients

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, try placing the soap in a soap saver cloth bag or rub the soap onto a washcloth or loofah. These methods help control the level of exfoliation while still delivering a rich, cleansing lather and the beautiful scent of the soap.

Vanillin Content

Soaps containing vanilla or vanillin naturally darken over time, so your bar may appear deeper in color than shown in product photos.

Fragrances & Essential Oils

All fragrance 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 follows International Fragrance Association (IFRA) guidelines and remains within established safety limits.

Ethically Sourced 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. Some bars—especially black or dark red—might tint lather or lightly color washcloths, but it rinses off skin and washes out in laundry. 

Biodegradable Glitter

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