Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Handmade and commercial soap?
Commercial soap is made in massive quantities in a mechanised process, all the Glycerine is removed and fillers and other synthetic detergents are then added. Most companies that produce soap buy the base product, then add their own ingredients (many of which are synthetic). Where as Handmade soap is made in very small batches the glycerine (which is naturally occurring) is retained giving the soap a moisturising quality. No fillers or synthetic detergents are added.
Are all Handmade soaps natural?
No, just because it is handmade does not mean its natural, many soap makers add artificial colours and scents to their soaps. If in doubt always ask the manufacturer.
What ingredients do you use in your soaps?
We only use 100% natural ingredients, this includes the butters, oils and the pigments we use to colour our soaps.
Do you use palm oil?
No, although you can buy sustainable palm oil, there is very little on the market. Instead all of our soaps contain either shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter or a combination of these.
Why do the colours of your soap vary from bar to bar?
Each batch of soap is made in very small quantities. Because we only use natural pigments to colour our soaps, a colour may not always be consistent, this doesn’t detract from the soaps qualities. Instead we feel that it gives it a more personalised look. The same can be said for the way a bar of soap looks, they are all different as they are cut by hand.
How do you make your soap?
Not an easy question to answer without going into the chemistry! Our soap is made by the traditional cold process method. Put basically this is a method of making soap using very little heat. Instead you let the heat generated by the chemistry drive the process.
Do you make melt and pour soaps?
No we do not make or sell a compromise soap known as "melt and pour" which is a commercially produced soap base (chemically formulated). Even though most "melt and pour" soaps can be classed as handmade soap if over 50% of the entire process from recipe formulation to packaging is done by hand. They still do not contain the same properties as soap made by the cold process method.
Are your soaps suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
All our soaps are suitable for vegetarians, but not all are suitable for vegans please check each item description to be sure. Some of our soaps do contain beeswax, honey and goats milk but this is written in the product information. However we DO NOT use tallow (beef fat) in any of our soaps. Although this is quite a common ingredient in commercial soap.
Do your soaps comply with current UK and European Legislation?
Yes, all soap manufacturers have to comply with cosmetic legislation, in order to be able to sell their product.
Have your soaps been tested on animals?
No, only on ourselves, relatives, friends and our kids.