How it's made

Now when I say natural, I mean as natural as is possible while creating a quality product. I make soaps using the traditional cold process method, which involves mixing oils with lye. Many people will ask if there is lye (sodium hydroxide) in the soap, since lye is a chemical. Yes, lye is a chemical, however, “no lye, no soap – no lie!” (a little soap making humour). It is actually not possible to truly make soap without lye, however it does not exist in the final product. Let me explain. Once lye is mixed with the fats (oils and natural butters), a chemical reaction called ‘saponification’ takes place. During saponification, both fats and lye are consumed and the final result of this reaction is soap! Pretty cool, right? To summarize, there is no remaining lye in the soap you purchase, which is why it is not listed as an ingredient.

Is it cheaper to buy soap from a big box store? Absolutely, but do you know what you are putting on your skin? Glycerin, a natural humectant (draws moisture in to keep your skin hydrated), is a naturally occurring by-product of saponification, but mass produced soaps usually have this ingredient removed to use in other products, which is why your skin will often feel dry and tight after using them. They may be cleansing, but they are basically detergents that are stripping your skin of its natural oils.