- What is the difference between commercial soaps and handmade cold process soaps?
There are two processes for making soap. Commercial soap (Irish Spring, Dove, Body Shop soap) is manufactured by using a hot process method. During the hot process, oils and alkali are boiled together for a period of time to create saponification (the process where the oils and the alkali bind). During the boiling, the soap product and glycerin separate. Usually the glycerin is separated out and sold and the remaining soap mixture is then formed into bars. Since the soap mixture is boiled for such a long time, the oils in the hot soap process can tend to go rancid. So to counter rancidity, chemicals are added to the soap to keep it fresher for a long shelf life.
Handcrafted soap manufacturers use a cold process method of production where oils are heated just to the melting temperature and mixed with an alkali to create saponification. It is then poured into molds, cooled down, and then cut and cured for approximately 4-5 weeks.
Because cold process soaps retain their naturally-occuring glycerin, and the oils are not boiled, they do not need added chemical preservatives.
- Why don't larger companies make cold processed soap?
The shelf life of handmade soap is shorter and the price is higher due to the glycerin content, essential oils and higher-priced natural organic ingredients.
- Is there glycerin in this soap?
Yes! Our cold processed soap retains its naturally-occuring glycerin created by the saponification process.
- What is saponified oil?
Saponification is the chemical process where oils and alkali (sodium hydroxide) bind to create soap. The saponification process creates 3 parts soap and 1 part glycerin. Our soap retains the glycerin.
- What is shea butter? And why do you use it in your soaps and massage bars?
Shea butter is obtained from the nut of the shea tree in Central Africa. It has been used extensively in African countries to heal irritated skin and soothe stretch marks. Unique to shea butter is it's high content of non-saponifiable fats, which means much of the shea butter does not turn into soap and is available as a moisturizing element in the soap.
- Does your soap contain lye?
Yes, all soaps are a mixture of an alkali and oil. Lye is a mixture of sodium hydroxide and water. For anything to have cleaning and lathering qualities it has to have some sort of alkali. When an alkali is added to oils, saponification (a chemical reaction) occurs and produces soap. Detergents use petroleum products whereas soaps are made with organic oils.
- Do you animal test?
No, all of our products are used and tested by friends and family.
- Why don't you make bulk soap that can be cut by the customers?
Well-made soap starts hardening and curing soon after it is cut. Extra water needs to be added to create a soap that can be cut for a longer period of time, resulting in a soap that will wear away quickly.
- Can your soap be used for sensitive skin?
Many people who are sensitive to chemical fragrances, preservatives and chemical colors find our soaps easier to use.
- How do you use a sugar scrubs?
Sugar scrubs are used in the shower by rubbing about a tablespoon of the scrub over the skin, such as legs,
feet and elbows until the sugar is dissolved and then it is rinsed off .
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