Products
Updates and Information
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To help you find out more about my soapmaking and why it is different from what you buy in the shops I have put together some answers to questions that I often get asked
Does your soap contain Lye, I’ve heard that this is toxic?
Lye (Sodium Hydrixide) is used in the soap making process, it creates the chemical reaction called ‘Saponification’ when added to fats. This reaction produces soap and glycerine. During this irreversible process the Lye breaks apart into Sodium irons which become part of the soap molecules and Hydroxide ions which become part of the glycerine. This means that there is NO active Lye left in any of my soaps.
Are all handmade soaps the same?
No, definitely not. Some soaps sold as handmade are only commercial base soaps called 'Melt-and-Pour'. I do use this sometimes as a way of decorating my soaps, especially the Gourmet Range, these bases give a very stable and predictable result. I also use this base soap when creating some of my smaller, fun soaps such as Christmas pudding soap and Mince pies. The base is melted down, usually in the microwave, coloured and fragrances and poured into moulds. While there is no doubt some amazing things can be done with M&P soap it is not the same as pure, naturally made soap which is handmade from scratch using raw ingredients. Always check the labels if you are not sure that the soap you are looking at is handmade from scratch. look for preservatives such as SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulphate), be wary of very bright colours and really intensive smells.
Can your soaps be used in the shower?
Of course they can!! All my soaps are fantastic for showering, bathing, washing hands, hair and even dogs.
Does handmade soap last as long as shop bought soap?
Yes it can do. It can stay good for years, in fact the older my soap gets the harder it gets and therefore the longer it lasts. Time will affect the intensity of any fragrance in the soap though. For the best fragrance I recommend that my soaps should be used within 6 months. I dont use preservatives in my soap so protect them from humidity and extreme heat or cold. If you need to store your soap, put it in a dark place like a linen closet or drawer, your towels and undies will thank you! Like all soaps mine will go soggy quickly if they are left in the bottom of the bath or in a puddle of water. To help make my soaps last longer, keep the bar in a well draining dish and allow to dry out naturally.
Why is handmade soap more expensive?
Because it is made using natural (sometimes expensive) ingredients in their whole form. I design the recipies, choose the ingredients (in some cases grown them!) make, cut, wrap and send all my soaps myself and, although this is time consuming, I don’t plan to change this approach. All my label illustrations are done by myself too. In fact, my soaps are not that expensive, compare my prices to fancy factory made soaps with designer labels and you will see that I don’t charge a premium for what I believe is a fantastic product.
Are your soaps suitable for people with sensitive skin and children to use?
Definitely, I produce a totally natural, non-scented soap called Baby Lolas Bar, named for my first Grandchild. Its beautifully creamy and leaves your skin feeling clean and moisturised. Because it has no added fragrance there is no scent to cause an allergic reaction. If you are still unsure just ask me for a sample and test a small area on the inside of your upper arm. No soapmaker is allowed to promote their soaps as having curative or medicinal properties unless they are treated as and tested and certified as medicines. Therefore I cannot state, for example, that "my soap is good for your eczema" but regular customers who have problem skins have stated that my natural soaps have helped. They certainty wont hurt you. Other soaps in my range to try are the Goats Milk, Honey and oatmeal and the Goats Milk and Ylang Ylang.
Do you send out samples to try before I commit to buying your soap?
We can offer small samples that you can try, please see the sample page of this website, just choose which ones you are interested in. Samples are small pieces that are lage enough to use in the shower or wash your hands with a few times.
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