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Why Own a Soap Company?

I am frequently asked what it's like to own a soap company. Apparently, it isn't a common profession. The interest always surprises me because doing something like this seems natural.

I have always been creative. I was a mixed media artist for about twenty-five years after an early career as a paramedic. Unfortunately, a back injury ended my stint as a paramedic. I followed my heart and became an artist, a career I thoroughly enjoyed. I still get into my art supplies every chance I get. There is just something about getting paint and ink all over your hands that is so satisfying. Although I miss doing it all the time, I found a new passion - beauty products.

Creating soaps, lotions, scrubs, bath bombs, and lip balm seems so natural to me. Coming up with recipes, directing the creative process, and deciding on colors and fragrances are just so fun. I love doing it, and it's important to me that I do it well. As much as I love really digging into my art supplies, I am a perfectionist at heart. I pour myself into my creations 110%. Carefully weighing and meticulously measuring is my life. It's all about creating an end product that will make my customer feel like it was created especially for them - because it is. I try to hit on all the aspects I want in a product and then make them even better.

Creating soap is very similar to cooking. Adding ingredients, mixing at the right time, using common kitchen tools...it's all so similar. It is ironic because I dislike cooking. A lot. In fact, I don't cook. Never have. The idea makes my skin crawl. I envy those who can spend the time and attention creating some delectable dish. I really wish I could. I have just never been able to do it. The thought of spending all that time and energy making something and then having it consumed in a matter of minutes is disheartening to me. I don't know why, but I've always felt that way. I didn't cook the entire time my children were growing up and I don't cook for my grandchildren now. (Ramen noodles, spaghetti noodles, and frozen dinners/pizza don't count.) I'm not sure why I despise cooking but adore making soap - the activities are so similar.

The only thing rivaling my dislike of cooking is my desire to make a good product. That's incredibly important to me. I want to create things that make the user feel soft and cared for. I want my products to make the customer feel special. You know what I mean. Pampered. Like our products have nourished the soul. I will stop at nothing to create products that touch the depths of your heart and seep into your soul. Knowing I have done that makes my heart happy and allows me to sleep peacefully at night.

First published on Etsy.

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What Are The Differences Between Butters, Creams, And Lotions?

The market is flooded with great skin care products and spa products, and many shoppers spend years trying them out. However, not many people recognize the differences between body butter, skin lotion, and skin cream. Our customers often ask: what is the difference between Body Butter, Lotion and Cream?

Body Butter

Among the three, body butter has the thickest consistency, similar to the butter we eat. Its scent is stronger and lasts longer than that of both lotion and creme. Products containing body butters are typically made using carrier oils and essential butters, and they do not usually contain water. Carriers oils are used to deliver essential ingredients to the skin. Each butter is unique in its texture, stiffness, and absorption because it is made from natural fats and minerals (palm, shea, cocoa, mango, etc.).

The purpose of body butters is to moisturize, lubricate, and nourish the skin. Body butter may be used on lips, hands, elbows, legs, and feet, according to some spas and dermatologists. Depending on the skin type and formulation, some absorb quickly into the skin while others leave a slight oily film.

Skin Cream

A cream's consistency is thinner than that of a body butter, and it is normally whipped. Creams typically contain the same basic ingredients as butters, plus water and sometimes an herbal infusion or aloe. The manufacturers sometimes use beeswax as well as mild thickeners like xanthan gum or emulsifiers like borax to add thickness to their products.

Body Lotion

Unlike creams, lotions are lighter (because they contain more water) and apply thinly. Most lotions are made using a water-based formula, making them very light. The moisturizer may not last as long or moisturize as much as a cream or butter. Usually lotions are applied to the arms, stomach and thighs.

Which Should You Choose?

This really depends on your skin issues. Creams and lotions may be more effective if your skin is particularly dehydrated because they contain more water. Lotions are your best bet if your skin is oily, while creams are your best bet if your skin is dry.

Since body butters are thicker, they may stay on top of the skin longer, which can help reduce moisture loss, but they will not directly moisturize the skin. To use body butter in this situation, dampen your skin first.

All formulations contain unique scents as well as additional vitamins and minerals that have benefits for any additional concerns you may have. When you have chosen your butter, cream, or lotion, search our store to find the right solution for your skin care!

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How To Care For Your New Handmade Soap

Do you know how to properly care for your handmade soap or why that's important? If you use handmade soap, you probably know how wonderful it is for you and your skin, but how do you properly maintain it?

Natural soaps contain a high percentage of glycerin. Unlike water, Glycerin absorbs water, so it isn't ideal for long-lasting soap bars. Water hydrates soap, making it mushier, which means that glycerin will degrade faster and also wash your soap away faster. So, how do we solve this issue?

It’s important to store soap in a way that allows air to circulate throughout all of its areas. It’s not a good idea to allow soaps to sit in shower caddies because more often than not they allow water to pool around them. You can guarantee that your soap will melt if that happens. The presence of any metal can also degrade soap and cause it to sour. So, stay away from metal caddies.

Use a Soap Dish

Any item that elevates the soap and allows the soap to drain can be used as a soap dish. Wooden, ceramic, plastic, or almost any other non-metal material can be used for them.

Use Smaller Bars

People who make handmade soap make them in a variety of different sizes and shapes. Using smaller bars of soap, however, means less soap will be exposed to water. It might be a good idea then to cut a large bar of soap in half and store the unused portion.

Store Safely

Handmade soap bars should be kept in a dark and dry place when not in use. You can also scent your fabrics with the soap by putting them in the linen closet or sock drawer.

In general, soap continues to soften and mature with age, and the older they are, the milder they are to use. You may find you’ve forgotten about that bar of soap in your drawer. Luckily it’s still good to use as long as it doesn't smell sour. Chances are, however, if you keep it stored away even under safe room temperatures for a year or more, it may not retain its original scent.

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