Handcrafted Soap is the result of a chemical reaction (saponification) between oils and a caustic solution, such as Sodium Hydroxide (AKA Lye). 

 Real Soap CAN NOT be made without the use of LYE!

It is believed the first crude soap was discovered by women washing clothes in a  stream below Mount Sapo.  Rainwater had filtered down to the stream through melted fats and ashes from a sacrificial altar higher up the mountain.  The resulting white residue clung to the rocks below.  The women realized that clothes would clean easier when this residue was in abundance on the rocks.

The Art of Soap Making has improved dramatically with the invention of standardized ingredients and accurate scales.  To make a Top Quality product, it takes knowledge of ingredient properties and strict attention to measurements.

We create our soaps in small batches using the Cold-Process method.  This method insures that the naturally occurring glycerin remains in the product to smooth and moisturize your skin.  Only Food Quality Ingredients are used.

Olive Oil:  Castile, reputed to be the mildest soap for sensitive skin, is historically made with a high percentage of olive oil.  This oil is included in the majority of our products.

Palm Oil: This tropical oils lends conditioning qualities and hardness to the finished bar.

Castor oil:  Obtained from the castor bean.  This oil is very conditioning and clean rinsing.  Creates a thick, shaving crème-like lather. This is a major oil in our shampoo bars.

Palm kernel oil:  A tropical oil that adds hardness and abundant fluffy lather.

Coconut oil: Added for its deep cleansing properties as well as the big, frothy bubbles.

 Shea Butter:  A true Luxury Oil.  Obtained from the African Karite tree, this oil is high in Vitamins A&E.  Reputed to be beneficial for seriously dry skin conditions, such as Eczema and Psoriasis.  A personal favorite for my "experienced" skin.

Cocoa butter:   Another skin-loving oil.  Adds hardness and sheen to the finished bar.  Also prized for it's moisturizing qualities.

Jojoba: Actually a liquid plant based wax.  Very conditioning and a wonderful addition to shampoo bars.  This is the vegetable equivalent to our skin oil.

Rice Bran Oil: A new oil to the soap making world.  RBO contains Vitamins A & E and possesses some of the same qualities as Olive oil.  Provides a rich creamy lather.  This oil is added for it's natural anti-oxidant qualities.

Sweet Almond Oil:  from the Almond nut.  This oil is used in high end cosmetics.  Very soothing with moisturizing properties.  Another good oil for "experienced skin".

Avocado oil:  Another luxury oil. High in Vitamins A & E.  A superior oil for sensitive skin preparations.

Safflower Oil:  A very conditioning oil with properties similar to olive oil.  Used in sensitive skin products.

Lard:  Good Old-fashioned rendered hog fat.  This oil was the basis for the very first soaps created.  Very conditioning, makes a nice hard bar. I prefer to use lard obtained from humanely-raised,  locally produced animals. Support my Farm Family.  A note to Vegans:  All our soaps have the ingredients listed so you may choose accordingly.

Tallow:  Obtained from rendered beef or sheep fat.  Produces a very mild, snowy white, long lasting bar.  Again, We try to use locally produced tallow.

Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca):  used medicinally for its germicidal qualities.  Reputed to be beneficial for skin conditions such as acne or rashes.

Comfrey:  Contains Allantoin,  a known soothing and healing agent.

Calendula:  An herb valued for softening and soothing dry, chapped skin.

Red Moroccan Clay:  Contains  some astringent characteristics as well as a beautiful brick red color.  Added as a natural colorant and to give texture to the soap.

Fuller's Earth:  also known as Bentonite clay.  Astringent and cleansing.  Best for persons with normal to oily complexions.

Kaolin clay:  a light, less drying type of clay.  Used in shaving bars for its "razor glide" properties, and in facial bars for the "drawing" benefits.

Beeswax:  Added for hardness and scent in the finished product.

Oatmeal & Oat Flour:   adds a mild exfoliating texture and scent to the soap.  Historically used for soothing dry, itchy skin.

Milk:   imparts a creamy, moisturizing lather.  Lends a warm caramel color to the bar.  Goat milk soaps are my first recommendation for persons with sensitive skin.

Chamomile Flowers:   believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.  Used in shampoo to brighten blonde or light colored hair.

Essential oils:  Pure natural plant extracts, usually obtained by the distillation process.  Huge amounts of plant material must be processed to obtain minute amounts of EO's.  This results in a much higher priced oil.  I use Essential oils whenever economically feasible to scent my products.

Fragrance Oils:  Synthetic version of skin-safe oils.  These oils make it possible to scent products with fragrances not normally found in nature. All our fragrance oils are FDA approved for cosmetics use.

Comments or Suggestions?

Contact us @  lathermaker@prairieinet.net