ARE ALL HANDCRAFTED SKINCARE PRODUCTS MADE WITH 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS? TOP
After researching nearly 100 handcrafted soap companies and skincare product lines, our observation is that products generally group into two categories: “all natural” and “nearly natural.”
We use the term "all natural" to refer to products to which no synthetic ingredients are added, such as synthetic color or fragrance. Those that are “nearly natural” typically begin with a base of natural oils, butters, etc. to which either synthetic fragrance and/or synthetic color are added.
Scent is the most common handcrafted skincare synthetic additive that we see. The majority of scented products offered at Soaps by Nature are formulated with natural plant-based essential oils. Those made with synthetic fragrance oils occur in cases where a popular scent cannot be extracted from actual plant material. Examples are (non-citrus) fruit and berry scents; "dessert" scents such as chocolate and caramel or popular perfume scents. Read more here about fragrance oils vs. essential oils in handmade natural soap and other skincare products.
We believe there is a place for synthetic additives for scent or color, when done to achieve an artisan's particular goal for product design - providing the basic product formula consists primarily of natural ingredients. In fact, some of these products are among our customers' favorites!
However, we recognize there are individuals with sensitive skin issues and/or allergies to synthetics and so need to avoid such products. For this reason, we will not add a product to Soaps by Nature that does not include full disclosure of the ingredients from the crafter. We encourage all to carefully read the product descriptions and ingredients offered at Soaps by Nature, to make the best possible choices.
WHICH SOAPS ARE BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? TOP
The answer to that varies widely, depending upon the reason for the skin sensitivity. Allergies to synthetic ingredients are common, so in many cases we suggest looking at the all natural soaps. However, even plant-based essential oils can cause an allergic reaction.
We have a special category at Soaps by Nature for Dry and Sensitive Skin, and suggest starting there. Be sure to read all information and ingredients carefully; if you’d like to know more about a product, just email us and we’ll consult with the soap maker.
Each person's skin is unique. If you are concerned about a potential sensitivity to a product, we suggest starting with patch test. A patch test involves application of the product on a small section (patch) of skin and then waiting 24 hours. If a skin reaction occurs, such as redness or irritation, please immediately discontinue use and contact your health care provider.
ARE HANDMADE NATURAL SOAPS HELPFUL FOR ECZEMA, PSORIASIS AND DERMATITIS? TOP
We do not describe handmade natural soaps - or any products at Soaps by Nature - as therapeutic or medicinal. Such products are not authorized to make these claims.
However, most of the ingredients in handmade natural soaps are used because of their historical and traditional success in helping various skin conditions. Many soap crafters start their companies because they or family members struggle with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. When they're not able to locate a commercial product that helps, they start to make their own, and a business is born.
Handmade natural soaps retain natural glycerin, which is moisturizing and can be very soothing to irritated skin. Many handmade natural soaps contain no synthetic ingredients, reducing for many, the risk of allergic reaction.
Start Slowly - Try a Patch Test
The products offered at Soaps by Nature include natural ingredients that do not commonly cause allergic reactions. However, each person's skin is unique. If you are concerned about a potential sensitivity to a product, we suggest starting with a patch test. A patch test involves application of the product on a small section (patch) of skin and then waiting 24 hours. If a skin reaction occurs, such as redness or irritation, please immediately discontinue use and contact your health care provider.
DO YOU HAVE VEGAN SOAP? TOP
Yes! Our vegan soap and skin care collection offers several options. We endeavor to provide complete and detailed ingredients lists so you can make sure the soap is right for you.
WHICH SOAP IS BEST FOR WASHING MY HAIR? TOP
We use most of our soaps from head to toe! However, we do have SLS free shampoo bars specifically forumulated for hair care. The major difference is in the mix of the natural oils used in the products. It’s common to experience an adjustment period if you use natural soap products for shampooing your hair.
Here is a Soaps by Nature blog post with tips for using natural-ingredient sls-free shampoo.
WHAT KINDS OF OILS ARE USED IN HANDCRAFTED SOAPS? TOP
Most of today’s handcrafted soaps have a vegetable oil base such as olive, coconut, palm, sunflower or soybean. We do not offer soaps made with animal fats or tallow (typically listed in commercial soaps as sodium tallowate). Vegetable oils are more readily absorbed by the skin while animal oils are known to clog pores and aggravate certain skin conditions.
Here is a Soaps by Nature Blog Post on the Basics of Handmade Natural Soap.
DO HANDCRAFTED SOAPS CONTAIN LYE? TOP
Without lye, there is no handmade natural soap! Making bar soap requires a chemical reaction called "saponification," which occurs when oils are mixed with caustic lye (sodium hydroxide). Freshly-made, uncured handcrafted soap is caustic and not suitable for use. A properly-made batch of handcrafted soap has no lye remaining in it after it cures (typically about 4 weeks).
Here is a Soaps by Nature Blog Post on the Basics of Handmade Natural Soap.
HOW LONG WILL MY SOAP LAST? TOP
Handcrafted soaps typically store well for 6 months to a year or more, depending upon storage conditions. We suggest storing in a cool, dry location and in a container that has both protection and breathe-ability. For example, we do not recommend a plastic, airtight container. Instead, we suggest a cardboard box, such as a shoebox.
The lifespan of a handcrafted soap while in use depends on many factors, e.g. whether you apply the soap directly to the skin or use it with a washcloth or pouf and how the soap bar is stored between uses. For best results we suggest a soap dish that allows the water to drain away from the soap; if left in standing water, the soap bar will dissolve more quickly. Don’t throw away your soap slivers! Use every morsel of your soap with a Soap Saver Pouch.
Handcrafted soaps do not contain synthetic chemicals intended to lengthen shelf life - and we consider that an advantage! Check out our recent blog post: Top 5 Tips for Using and Storing Handcrafted Soap
WHY DOES HANDCRAFTED SOAP COST MORE THAN GROCERY STORE SOAP? TOP
There are two main reasons for the cost difference: high-quality ingredients and production in small, soap maker-supervised batches vs. in large volume by machine. However, handcrafted soap retains the natural glycerin while commercial soap producers remove it (and then sell it as a separate product).
One of the biggest differences between commercial soap and handmade soap is glycerin. Glycerin is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air and is important to moisturizing the skin. Because glycerin is a valuable by-product in the soap making process, commercial producers typcially extract the glycerin and sell it separately in higher priced lotions and skin creams.
Since natural glycerin is not removed from handcrafted soaps, our customers tell us they use far fewer lotions and moisturizers, and thus save money in the long run.
WHAT'S THE WHITE FILM ON THE TOP OF MY SOAP? TOP
This film is called "soda ash" by soap makers (though it isn't ash at all). It sometimes occurs with handmade natural soaps as they react to the oxygen in the air. It’s cosmetic only and not harmful. The film can be removed by lightly sponging the bar with water - or will disappear when used.
WHY DOES THE SOAP I RECEIVED LOOK DIFFERENT THAN THE PHOTO AT THE WEBSITE? TOP
Handcrafted skincare products are made in small batches and by definition, are not "machine perfect." It's common to have variances, even with the best quality controls in place. We believe this is part of the unique quality and charm of these products! As a result, the product you receive may vary slightly in appearance from the photos provided at our website.
WHAT IF I'M NOT HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE? TOP
All orders come with a 30-day money back guarantee. If you purchase does not meet your expectations, return the merchandise with the original invoice, and a note stating your reason for return. We'll gladly refund your purchase price. Shipping & handling charges are not refundable. Please Contact Us for return authorization and shipping address.
