Creative Ideas for a Handcrafted Valentine’s Day

 Handcrafted News, Uncategorized  Comments Off
Feb 072012
 

Still looking for the perfect gift for your Valentine?  Whip up some heartfelt, handcrafted treats!

The Grapesed Company
Chocolate Valentine Scrub
Delightfully decadent, with easy to find organic ingredients. Brown sugar, yogurt, vanilla, cocoa powder and vanilla essential oil. Yum!

LearningHerbs.com
Herbal Dark Chocolate Truffles
Includes the recipe – and a terrific overview of the history and health benefits of chocolate and cocoa.

Sustainablog
Sweetheart Love Stringed Garland
Lovely, festive garland made from fabric scraps, felt and paper.  Make the world more beautiful by upcycling disregarded materials.

Life as Mom Blog
Heart-Shaped Maple Scones
What’s not to love about delicious, just-like-Grandma-used-to-make scones. Oatmeal, maple and a little sugar on top!

Do you have a favorite DIY Valentine’s Day gift idea? Share it here!

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 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 8:49 PM  Tagged with: , ,

Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils in Skincare: Part Two

 Ingredients, Uncategorized  Comments Off
Jan 312012
 

Scented skincare products are very common – as are sensitivities to substances used to create those scents. Skin reactions can occur with products containing synthetic fragrance oils – and also with products scented with natural essential oils. What we put on our skin affects our health – whether personally or related to products we purchase for family members. Information is a significant asset for us as consumers – it’s the foundation of good choices.

This post is Part Two of a series exploring the use of Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils in skincare:

Essential Oils Overview
An essential oil is any of a class of volatile oils obtained from plants, possessing the odor and other characteristic properties of the plant. Essential oils uses include perfumes, flavors and pharmaceuticals.1

Reasons Why Essential Oils are Used2

  • Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely.
  • Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs offer both psychological and physical benefits. Not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but when inhaled into the lungs, the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) can supply therapeutic benefit.
  • Essential oils used for skin care can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The constituents of essential oils can aid in health, beauty and hygiene conditions. (See caution below about direct application of essential oils on the skin.)
  • In addition to therapeutic benefit at the emotional and physical level, essential oils are helpful in other applications. Essential oils can be used in household and laundry cleaners. Some oils act as a natural insect repellent and pesticide.

Issues/Concerns About Essential Oils2

  • Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully.
  • Essential oils should be used with strong caution when applying directly to the skin. When used for this purpose, be sure to consult a knowledgeable aromatherapist.
  • Essential oils should be used with strong caution if taken internally. When used for this purpose, be sure to consult a knowledgeable aromatherapist.
  • Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals.
  • Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.
  • Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Some contain toxic ingredients. Wormood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.
  • Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use.
  • Essential oils are flammable.

Suggestions for Selecting Products

  • Read this summary and other resources, to achieve a basic understanding of the issues. This is especially important if you’re dealing with skin reaction or allergy.
  • Read product labels: synthetic fragrances will usually be listed as “fragrance” or “fragrance oil.” Essential oils will be (should be) listed separately. If that isn’t the case, don’t buy the product.

1Wikipedia accessed at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragrance_oil on January 20, 2011.
2Aromaweb: http://www.aromaweb.com accessed on January 20, 2011.
3Aromaweb: http://www.aromaweb.com accessed on January 20, 2011.

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 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 8:31 PM  Tagged with: , , , ,

Artisan Inteview: Introducing Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps

 Soap Artisan Interviews, Uncategorized  3 Responses »
Jan 212012
 
Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps

Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps

We’re delighted to welcome Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps to our website! Owner and artisan soap maker, Michele Lang, kindly agreed to answer a few questions for us.

Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps

Lavender Rustica Handmade Soap

What was your inspiration to start making handcrafted soap and skincare products?
My journey with making handcrafted soap came quite out of the blue honestly, I never saw it coming. I’ve always loved and appreciated handmade soap and thought of it as a “luxury” I would afford myself only on occasion. Making my own really hadn’t dawned on me until my husband suggested I make my own. Frankly, my first batch was anything but successful however, it piqued my curiosity and I began the voracious journey into learning all I could about making cold process soap in particular. I am strictly a self taught soapmaker as many are. I learned everything I know from books, the internet and lots of “learning” experiences.

Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps - Natural Shaving Soaps

Round Shaving Soaps

What is your company’s “signature,” or what sets your products apart?
Tierra Verde means “green earth” and you will find the philosophy of those two words in every detail of my products from ingredients to eco-friendly recycled or reusable packaging.

Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps - Natural Honey Lotion Bar

Honey Lotion Bars

Please tell us in general, about your decisions to include specific types of ingredients when formulating your products?
It is my goal to utilize ingredients for their harmony together. With the reading I have done, I feel totally confident that every ingredient I utilize brings something positive to the formula as a whole. We know that many natural ingredients have healing and curative properties, but I feel it’s also important that they aren’t thrown together for the purpose of label appeal. I want them to relate to each other in a purposeful way. I want all the details of form, color, scent, and additives to have a purpose in the end product.

Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps - Fresh Lemon Soap

Fresh Lemon Soap

Which is your favorite soap and why?
My favorite is Orange Honey Drizzle with Oats-it’s sort of a take on Oatmeal, Milk and Honey. I wanted to have an Oatmeal, Milk and Honey soap but everyone has one-they are everywhere. One day while shopping, I picked up some Citrus Honey and knew it would be a fabulous soaping ingredient and Orange Honey Drizzle was born. Orange Honey Drizzle not only smells fabulous but, it’s also great for delicate or winter skin. Honey is hygroscopic meaning it attracts moisture to your skin, while the oats soothe and gently exfoliate.

Which soap is most popular with your customers?
I sell lots of Orange Honey Drizzle , Lavender Rustica and Vanilla Patchouli and all three are my very favorites as well.

What advice do you give those considering a natural skincare product?
First off, I would say that make sure you read the ingredients. There are those out there that will tout soap as natural and upon closer inspection you may realize they are not. It is also important to read ingredients as some natural soaps use animal fat, and some do not. Neither is wrong but, if you are opposed to animal fat you need to read ingredients.

Secondly, try different formulations do decide what you like best. Handmade soaps are not all created equal. There are as many formulas out there as there are food recipes so, try different formulas from different soap makers to see what you like.

Even though a product is natural you may still be sensitive to an ingredient. Try all new products one at a time-this will help you discern which product is the culprit should a sensitivity rear its ugly head. Discontinue the use of a problem product immediately.

And last but not least enjoy your natural handmade product and know that you are doing something good for yourself and the environment. Natural products are in general much more earth friendly than anything synthetic.

Thank you, Michele – and a warm welcome to Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps!

 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 2:03 PM  Tagged with: ,

Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils in Skincare: Part One

 Ingredients, Uncategorized  1 Response »
Dec 312011
 

Scented skincare products are very common – as are sensitivities to substances used to create those scents. Skin reactions can occur with products containing synthetic fragrance oils – and also with products scented with natural essential oils. What we put on our skin affects our health – whether personally or related to products we purchase for family members. Information is a significant asset for us as consumers – it’s the foundation of good choices.

This post is Part One of a series exploring the use of Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils in skincare:

Introduction
The debate about the use of fragrance oils vs. plant-based essential oils in skincare products has been going on since 1868, when the first synthetic fragrance was produced. As with all debates – especially those involving personal care and health – there are very strong opinions on both sides of the issue.Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils

The majority of scented products offered at Soaps by Nature are formulated with natural essential oils. Some products are formulated with synthetic fragrance oils, especially in those 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.

Other factors come into play as well: sandalwood essential oil is a very popular scent and has historically been used in skin care as a natural plant-extracted ingredient. However, natural sandalwood essential oil is less available now and very expensive due to commercial overharvesting of sandalwood trees. As a result, we’re seeing more natural products companies switch to sandalwood fragrance oil.

Fragrance Oils vs. Essential OilsFragrance Oils Overview
Fragrance oil(s), also known as aroma oils, aromatic oils, and flavor oils, are blended synthetic aroma compounds or natural essential oils that are diluted with a carrier like propylene glycol, vegetable oil, or mineral oil. Aromatic oils are used in perfumery, cosmetics, flavoring of food, and in aromatherapy.1

  • Although generally considered save by regulatory authorities, fragrance oils may contain ingredients such as petroleum or coal tar, within limits established by the FDA. These ingredients can be harmful to humans and animals, e.g. allergic skin reactions.
  • Synthetic fragrances mean fewer and in some cases scarce, natural raw materials are consumed (see above note on sandalwood essential oil).
  • Sythetics provide for more consistency in quality and formulation than do naturally-grown materials.
  • Synthetics provide for fragrances not available in natural form.
  • Synthetics provide an affordable alternative for popular scents.

Issues/Concerns About Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils have the sole purpose of making a product smell good; they do not have the beneficial properties of natural essential oils. Other issues include:

  • Fragrance oils may include some plant-based essential oils, however the FDA does not require full disclosure of all ingredients in a fragrance oil. Synthetic fragrance ingredients are considered trade secrets and on a product label, are typically identified only as “fragrance.”
  • Fragrance oil ingredients may cause respiratory or allergic skin reactions and/or have other harmful impact on humans and animals.

COMING UP NEXT
Part Two: Essential Oils Overview and Suggestions for Selecting Products

1Dictionary.com accessed December 2011.

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 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 12:03 AM  Tagged with: , , , ,

Gluten Free Skincare: An Overview and Summary

 Ingredients, Uncategorized  1 Response »
Nov 292011
 

Those diagnosed with gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease (CD) are very accustomed to careful label reading when it comes to food products. But what about skincare products? Is there a concern about absorption of gluten through the skin? How do we know what to look for when evaluating skincare products for ingredients containing gluten? Following is an overview and summary of information recently compiled on this topic:

What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease is not a food allergy – it is an autoimmune disease. Food allergies, including wheat allergy, are conditions that people can sometimes grow out of. This is not the case with Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease (CD) is unique in that a specific food component, gluten, has been identified as the trigger. When individuals with CD eat gluten, the villi (tiny hair-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food) are damaged. This is due to an autoimmune reaction to gluten. Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is the skin manifestation of celiac disease characterized by blistering, intensely itchy skin.  DH patients can have intestinal damage without obvious gastrointestinal symptoms.1

Can gluten be absorbed into the body through the skin?
Mayo Clinics states that gluten is absorbed by the digestive tract and cannot be absorbed by the skin, so those following a gluten-free diet do not need to be concerned about using gluten-free skincare.  However, their article cautions that products containing gluten should not be applied to the lips or about the mouth as they might be accidentally consumed.2

Since many skincare products are applied to the facial area and/or are deposited there by touching the face, we suggest that it is indeed possible to inadvertently ingest gluten via skincare products.

Do skincare labels tell us what we need to know?
Not necessarily.

Science Daily recently reported on a study from George Washington University: Information About Cosmetic Ingredients is Difficult to Obtain: A Potential Hazard for Celiac Patients. The study focused on the top 10 cosmetic companies in the United States in order to evaluate the availability of information about cosmetic ingredients and the accessibility of gluten-free products.

“While information on the ingredients of food products has become increasingly available, recent reports have revealed that the use of some cosmetics, including products used on the lips and face, can result in unexpected exposure to gluten,” said researchers Marie L. Borum, MD, EdD, MPH and Pia Prakash, MD, of George Washington University. “The findings are alarming because gluten-containing cosmetics can be inadvertently obtained by the consumer and use of these products can result in an exacerbation of celiac disease,” said Dr. Prakash. “This study revealed that information about the ingredients, including the potential gluten content, in cosmetics is not readily available.”3

What about natural soaps?
In general, we suggest a conservative approach:

  • If a product does not provide a complete list of ingredients, don’t use it.
  • Look for products with a short list of recognizable ingredients.
  • Avoid wheat germ oil, spices, colorants and synthetic ingredients.
  • Oats should also be avoided; though oats don’t contain gluten, they are often processed in facilities that also process gluten-containing products.
  • Tocopheral (vitamin E) is used as a natural preservative in some products. This ingredient is most often derived from vegetable oil, such as soybean oil, however it can also come from wheat germ oil.
  • If you’re not sure about a product choice, check with your healthcare provider.
  • If you experience an adverse reaction from a skincare product, discontinue use immediately and check with your healthcare provider.

Is there a certification for gluten free skincare?
We have not been able to identify one governing body through with skincare products as certified as gluten free.  Dr. Hauschka Skin Care states that 120 of their products have been certified as gluten free by the German Celiac Society4, and Hugo Naturals is listed as having received the Celiac Sprue Association Recognition Seal.5

The products are offered at Soaps by Nature are not considered certified gluten free. However, we do include complete listings of ingredients to assist our customers to make appropriate choices.  Most of the handcrafted soap companies we work with offer options which, to the best of their knowledge, do not include ingredients containing gluten.

Here is a partial list of their suggestions:

If you have a question about the gluten-free status of any product at Soaps by Nature, just let us know. We’ll gladly check with the soap company and advise.

Sources
1Celiac.org accessed at http://www.celiac.org
2Mayoclinic.com accessed at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/AN01623
3Sciencedaily.com accessed at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114941.htm on 11/28/2011
4Dr. Hauschka Skin Care accessed at http://www.drhauschka.com/natural-skin-care-and-remedies/ingredients/gluten-free_products.aspx
5Celiac Sprue Association accessed at http://www.csaceliacs.info/csa_recognition_seal.jsp

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 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 8:08 PM  Tagged with: , ,

Interview with Artisan Company Heirloom Soapworks

 Soap Artisan Interviews, Uncategorized  Comments Off
Oct 112011
 
Heirloom Soapworks Handmade Natural Artisan Soaps

Heirloom Soapworks Handmade Natural Artisan Soaps

We’re delighted to feature the high-quality artisan soaps made by Heirloom Soapworks! Becky Rippelmeyer, Heirloom Soapworks owner and artisan soap maker, kindly agreed to answer a few questions for us.

Becky Rippelmeyer, Heirloom Soapworks

Becky Rippelmeyer Heirloom Soapworks

What was your inspiration to start making handcrafted soap and skincare products?
My Grandma, Mabel Frillman, told me stories of making homemade “lye soap” when I was a little girl. I thought that was interesting, but it wasn’t until I bought a bar of handmade soap in 2001 that irritated my skin, that I decided to try making my own soap. I was a new mother, staying at home with our baby, so I bought a couple books & gave it a try.

Heirloom Soapworks Vanilla Mountain Handmade Natural Soap

Vanilla Mountain Natural Soap

What is your company’s “signature,” or what sets your products apart?
I believe it’s the ultra-creaminess of our lather, as well as our 100% commitment to soap that is truly all-natural. From the essential oils that fragrance our soap to the natural clays and herbs that color the bars -you won’t find any synthetics at Heirloom Soapworks. This really makes a difference to our customers who have eczema, dry skin and other conditions that seem to be aggravated by synthetics.

Heirloom Soapworks Pooh Bar SLS Free Natural Shampoo Bar

Pooh Bar
Natural Shampoo Bar

Please tell us in general, about your decisions to include specific types of ingredients when formulating your products?
I typically choose ingredients after researching a certian skin “issue” (dry skin, oily skin, eczema, etc.) From the superfatting oils/butters, skin-specific botanicals to the EOs -they’re chosen for function first & foremost. In my regular “Natural Bath Soap” I stick with my tried & true base recipe & superfatting butters…I then just vary the natural colorants and EOs to arrive at a soap that’s moisturizing, conditioning, fragrant and beautiful.

Which soap is your favorite, and why?
Today? LOL! My “favorite” tends to change pretty often! At the moment it’s a toss-up: Buttercream Mint w/goats milk (makes me want to chew gum) or Rosemary-Lime w/goats milk (reminds me of a margarita!)

Which soap is most popular with your customers?
Again, Buttercream Mint has become a bestseller almost overnight. It’s a scent that everyone seems to love, combined with my bestselling Goats Milk-Honey recipe which had always been a bestseller. This time my “tweaking” tendancies paid off! :)

Heirloom Soapworks Mr. Romance Vanilla Sandalwood Handmade Natural Soap

Mr. Romance
Natural Soap

What advice do you give those considering a natural skincare product?
Three things:

  1. Read ingredients. ( Not all of the “natural products” out there are truly natural)
  2. Look for a satisfaction guarantee -any manufacturer worth their salt will want to make SURE you’re satisfied.
  3. Go for it! Chances are if you follow numbers 1 & 2 above you’ll be absolutely thrilled with your new natural goodies (plus you’ll feel good knowing you’re making a healthier choice for yourself & your family!)

Thank you, Becky! Meet Heirloom Soapworks at Soaps by Nature

 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 6:20 PM  Tagged with: , , , ,

Artisan Interview: Introducing SV Soaps

 Soap Artisan Interviews, Uncategorized  Comments Off
Aug 222011
 
SV Soaps Indulgence Handmade Natural Artisan Soaps

SV Soaps Indulgence Handmade Natural Artisan Soaps

We’re delighted to welcome Indulgence by SV Soaps to our website! Silvia Victory,  SV Soaps owner and artisan soap maker, kindly agreed to answer a few questions for us.

SV Soaps Indulgence Citrus Bliss Handmade Vegan Soap

Citrus Bliss Handmade Vegan Soap

What was your inspiration to start making handcrafted soap and skincare products?
I started making soap in 1997. I found that my skin was becoming sensitive to commercial soaps. My skin was dry and itchy all the time and no matter what I used to moisturize my skin, nothing seemed to help. One evening my mom and I were watching the news and they were doing a piece on the effects of commercial soap on your skin and were inspired to start making natural soaps ourselves. We bought every book we could find on natural soap making and started experimenting. From that point on I was hooked.

SV Soaps Indulgence Vanilla Spice Handmade Vegan Soap

Vanilla Spice Handmade Vegan Soap

My inspiration, when I create soaps or body products, is definitely desserts and nature. I love baking and I find that I get inspired by looking through cookbooks and looking at desert recipes online. I am not huge on following trends. I tend to go with the seasons, my customers’ feedback and whatever sounds good to me at the time.

What is your company’s “signature,” or what sets your products apart?
I think my company signature is my soap designs. They are always colorful, fun, unique, and different from the rest. I try to always find new designs, scents, and recipes, that set me apart and makes me stand out from everyone else.

SV Soaps Indulgence Vegan Lip Balm

Ginger Peach Vegan Lip Balm

Please tell us in general, about your decisions to include specific types of ingredients when formulating your products?
I like to use a lot of different things to color my soaps. I enjoy infusing herbs, micas, clays, ultramarines, and oxides to get a fabulous array of colors.

Which soap is your favorite, and why?
That is a really hard question. I have so many favorites I am not sure I can pick just one. My top three at the moment are Citrus Bliss, Tutti Fruiti, and Island Nectar. They are all uplifting and just happy. When I wash with them it always puts me in a good mood.

Which soap is most popular with your customers?
My all time best seller has been Tutti Fruiti. I think customers just love the scent combination along with the vibrant colors.

SV Soaps Indulgence Chocolate Coconut Handmade Vegan Soap

Chocolate Coconut Handmade Vegan Soap

What advice do you give those considering a natural skincare product?
I think everyone should try handmade skincare products. If you are nervous about trying something new start with a small jar or sample size bar of soap. This way you can try the products without having to commit to a full size product. Even with sample sizes it will give you a good idea of how the products affect your skin. I know that it can be scary if are you are unfamiliar with certain products but I think they will be pleasantly surprised how nice it will leave your skin as opposed to commercial soaps which are mostly chemicals and detergents.

Thank you, Silvia – and a warm welcome to SV Soaps! Meet SV Soaps at Soaps by Nature

 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 2:30 PM

What’s in your handmade natural soap? Learn about color and nutrients.

 Events, Handmade Natural Soap Basics, Ingredients, Uncategorized  Comments Off
Jul 192011
 

The artisan soap maker has both natural and synthetic choices for adding color and nutrients to soap. As with all ingredient choices, there are considerations that affect the appearance, quality and skincare properties of the finished soap bar.

Colorants
Until the 1850′s, product coloring came primarily from vegetable, plant and animal dyes and mineral pigments. The first synthetic dye was produced in 1856, and since then, synthetics have become the norm rather than the exception. Ground spices and herbs are a natural color option that also add scent, texture and beneficial skincare properties.

Ground spices and herbs are a natural color option that also add scent, texture and beneficial skincare properties.

Ground spices and herbs are a natural color option.

Examples include powdered cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Herbal infusions (powered or chopped leaves or flowers combined with mineral water) create a muted color and interesting effects. Inorganic minerals such as mica, ochres, titanium dioxide, iron oxides and ultramarine are used by many soap makers to add color. Plant oils, extracts and vegetable compounds can add beautiful and natural coloring to soap. Examples include annatto extract, grapeskin extract and beet root extract. Options for vegetable compounds include chlorophyll and hydrated tomato.

Nutrients
Nutrients are added to soap for their unique skincare properties. Some nutrients are emollient, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and shea butter. Others provide skin-conditioning properties, such as aloe vera, carrot seed oil and calendula oil.

Honey is added to soap as a humectant, which is the ability to attract moisture to the skin.

Honey is added to soap as a humectant, which is the ability to attract moisture to the skin.

Honey is added to soap as a humectant, which is the ability to attract moisture to the skin. Oatmeal benefits for skin have been known throughout history – especially to soothe dry, itchy and irritated skin conditions. The properties of the oat make it an excellent moisture-binding agent, helping skin to stay hydrated and offering a gentle exfoliating scrub.

What’s in your handmade natural soap? How do the ingredients help your skin?

SOURCE
Information for this post was summarized from:
Cavitch, Susan Miller (1995). The Natural Soap Book, Massachusettes: Storey Publishing

 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 8:06 PM  Tagged with: , , , ,

Artisan Interview: Introducing The Bubble Bakery

 Soap Artisan Interviews, Uncategorized  Comments Off
Jul 052011
 
The Bubble Bakery Handmade Natural Artisan Soaps

The Bubble Bakery Handmade Natural Artisan Soaps

We’re delighted to welcome The Bubble Bakery to our website! Mary Tiez, The Bubble Bakery artisan soap maker, kindly agreed to answer a few questions for us.

What was your inspiration to start making handcrafted soap and skincare products?
The inspiration for making handcrafted soaps and skincare products, came from the exploration of ways to provide the positive health benefits of natural botanicals in a useful way. This is also the best way to insure good quality all natural soap and skin care products. Korean and Lithuanian heritage also inspired The Bubble Bakery handmade soap and skincare product line.

Mary Tiez, The Bubble Bakery

Mary Tiez, The Bubble Bakery

What is your company’s “signature,” or what sets your products apart?
I feel our “signature” is our application of natural botanicals, such as dill weed in our Peppermint Soap or apricot kernel powder in our Tea Tree Witch Hazel Lemon Verbena Soap. We have very unique combinations of essential oils and dried herbs, and I feel this sets our products apart.

Please tell us in general, about your decisions to include specific types of ingredients when formulating your products?
When making decisions to include specific types of ingredients in our product formulations, we initially check that it is natural. We also look at the ingredient’s healing and cleansing properties. We look for ingredients that will be most beneficial to the skin , taking into consideration which essential oils are complementary to which solid botanicals.

The Bubble Bakery Handmade Natural Goatmilk Honey Almond Soap

The Bubble Bakery Natural Goatmilk Honey Almond Soap

What advice do you give those considering a natural skincare product?
Natural is all ways the best way to go. Un-natural skincare products are full of synthetics and harsh additives; they are like junk food for your skin. However, just because a product is natural doesn’t mean it is the best for your skin. It is important to research which natural ingredients will work best with your skin type. For example, Goatmilk Honey Almond is a wonderful soap – I love the scrubbiness and smell however the properties of it cause it to be very moisturizing. However, since my skin type is oily, so this wouldn’t work well for me. Soaps by Nature is a great starting point for learning about natural skincare products and ingredients.

Where does your inspiration come from when creating new designs and recipes?
When creating new designs and recipes our inspiration comes from many places:
1. From nature and the ingredients: looking at what the plants of the botanicals actually look like – and a recipe’s ingredients might inspire us to use certain colors or add additional complementary botanicals.
2. From experimentation: I might be making a batch of two different recipes and think about combining them into one recipe. How will that turn out? Or I’ll look at all of the dry ingredients or essential oils and think of new designs and recipes that way. I can find inspiration in the most random places and things!

Which soap is most popular with your customers?
Oh gosh, another tough question to answer! It is very interesting to see some soaps more popular in one region vs. another, when doing craft shows and markets around the country. However it seems like no matter what market or show we might be in, the Goatmilk Honey Almond Soap is the most popular.

The Bubble Bakery Handmade Natural Grapefruit Soap

The Bubble Bakery Natural Grapefruit Soap

Which soap is your favorite and why?
That is hard question, but my favorite would have to be our Grapefruit Soap, for a couple of reasons. It is well suited for my skin type; Grapefruit essential oil is great for oily skin, due to its antiseptic properties. It’s also full of anti-oxidants,and I like our use of safflower threads. In large quantities, safflower threads have a really strong overpowering smell, but they are a nice addition to the notes of the grapefruit essential oil. I do use other soaps but always seem to make my way back to Grapefruit.

Thank you, Mary and a warm welcome to The Bubble Bakery!
Meet The Bubble Bakery at Soaps by Nature

 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 9:54 PM  Tagged with: , ,

Top 5 Tips for Using and Storing Handmade Natural Soap

 Handmade Natural Soap Basics, Uncategorized  2 Responses »
Jun 282011
 

Cardboard Shoe Box

Cardboard Shoe Box

Congratulations on your purchase or gift of handmade natural soap!

If not properly used and stored, your wonderful new soap could quickly dissolve in the shower or slowly deteriorate on the shelf. Here are our Top 5 Tips to enjoy your soap to the very last bubble:

1. Store soaps not in use in a covered container that allows air circulation, and in a cool, dry location. Shoe boxes work great for this. If you prefer to store your soaps in plastic, be sure to add ventilation to the container to allow the soaps to breathe. Handmade natural soaps are high in natural glycerin and vegetable oils; non-ventilated storage may result in a “weepy” or rancid soap bar. Keep your stored soaps out of direct sunlight, as natural ingredient colors may fade. Storage life varies, depending upon the formulation of the soap. In general, assuming proper storage, your handcrafted soap should last from 6 to 12 months.

Suction Cup Soap Saver

Suction Cup Soap Saver


2. If storing several soaps, it’s best to store similar scents together. Sample categories include: lavender, citrus, mint, spice, tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus, fruit and floral. The essential oils in handcrafted soaps vary in dominance and mellow over time at different rates. Storing a peppermint (dominant) scent with a citrus (mild) scent may result in the citrus scent taking on a peppermint aroma. Even under the best conditions, citrus scents tend to mellow more quickly than other scents.

3. Cut the soap bar in half and use half at a time, storing the unused portion as noted above. Create a “buffet” of half-bar soaps and enjoy a variety of scents during the week!

Pine Slotted Soap Dish

Pine Slotted Soap Dish

4. Use a soap dish that offers drainage (e.g. slotted) so the soap can dry between uses. Slotted soap dishes come in many different sizes, shapes and materials. A Google search will offer options such as wooden, ceramic and plastic. Another option is a flexible plastic suction cup soap saver – they’re inexpensive and work well both in the shower and at the sink. Wooden soap dishes can be used in the shower, if there is a high shelf available out of direct contact with water – and if there is adequate ventilation to allow drying between uses. We do not recommend using a ceramic soap dish in the shower, as it may fall and break.

Hand Knit Cotton Soap Saver Pouch

Hand Knit Cotton Soap Saver Pouch


5. Use a soap saver pouch. Place your bar of soap in the pouch and pull the drawstring closed. Wet the soap and pouch and lather up. When done hang up the pouch, soap and all, to allow it and your soap to dry between uses. Soap saver pouches come in several different materials, such as cotton yarn, ramie and plastic mesh. In addition to lengthening the life of your soap, a soap saver pouch will add a gentle exfoliating scrub. Soap savers are great for using up soap slivers – gather slivers together in the pouch and use until gone.

For those who wish to make their own Soap Saver, here’s a link to a great pattern for knitters:
Arly Design Spa Soap Saver Sack. This pattern costs $5.00 and we feel it’s well worth it!

With proper storage and in-use care, you’ll get the most of your handmade natural soap!

 Posted by Soaps by Nature at 9:25 PM  Tagged with: , , ,
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