Frequently Asked Questions

What Process Do You Use To Make Soap?

We use the cold process method of soap making, which means that we use the combination of oils and sodium hydroxide, without any added or external heat source, to create soap.

Everything is made from scratch- none of our products are from a base.

What Is Your Soap Made Out Of?

Our handmade soap is made up of Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Distilled Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Hemp Seed Oil, Castor Oil, Kaolin Clay, Sodium Lactate, Mica. Some Soaps contain Charcoal and/or natural botanicals. We use both fragrance oils and natural essential oils, which will be specified on the ingredient list of each individual item. 

Are Handmade Soaps The Same As Store-Bought?

It depends. While some bar soap found in stores may be real, most commercially produced “soaps” are not actually soap at all, but synthetic detergents. This is why many store-bought “soaps” are labeled as beauty bars, body bars, etc, because they cannot legally call themselves soap. Handmade soaps generally contain more skin-loving ingredients and fewer chemicals.

Are Your Products Vegan?

While our soaps contain no animal products, our lip balm, scrubs and solid lotion bars do contain Beeswax. We are not certified Vegan but we do try to avoid animal products and use sustainable and cruelty-free ingredients when possible.

How Can I Make My Bar Soap Last Longer? 

You can make your soap last much longer by keeping them dry between uses and avoiding direct streams of water when not in use. Many customers say that a well-draining soap dish or ladder helps with the bar’s longevity. 

How Long Does a Bar of Soap Last?

This greatly depends on how the bar is used and how often. Anywhere between 3 weeks and 3 months is typical. 

How Big are the Bars of Soap?

Due to the handmade nature of our products, each bar will vary slightly in size. All of the bar soaps are about 1 inch thick and typically weigh around 4oz.

Why are Your Soaps Palm Oil Free?

Accounting to the World Wildlife Fund, “Palm oil has been and continues to be a major driver of deforestation of some of the world’s most biodiverse forests, destroying the habitat of already endangered species like the Orangutan, pygmy elephant, and Sumatran rhino. This forest loss coupled with the conversion of carbon-rich peat soils are throwing out millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. There also remains some exploitation of workers and child labor.” While some companies do sell “sustainably sourced” palm oil and we respect soap makers that use it, it is not always verifiable and we find it best to avoid it altogether.  

What Is The Difference Between a Fragrance Oil and an Essential Oil? 

Fragrance oils are man-made and essential oils are all-natural. Each type of oil has its benefits and drawbacks. All of our fragrance oils are specifically made for bath and body products, which means they are skin-safe. We only use phthalate free fragrance. Essential oils can have medicinal and aromatherapy uses, which we love. They are much more expensive and labor-intensive than fragrance oils. Fragrance oils last longer and stronger in soaps, and can create scents not found in nature. (Think cotton candy). We love to use both! The possibilities are endless. The ingredient list for your specific product will tell you whether it contains fragrance or essential oils. 

Why Does The Soap Take So Long to be Ready?

Soaps need at least 4-6 weeks to cure for best results. The water needs to evaporate over time to create a long-lasting and high-quality bar. The only type of soap that does not need to cure is melt-and-pour soap, which is a soap base that has already been made and melted down to a different shape. We don’t use this method here. 

FUN FACT: Some soaps, such as pure olive oil soap, take an entire year to cure! This soap is called Castile. 

What is the White Powder that Sometimes Forms on the Soap?

This is called “soda ash.” It is harmless and can occur during the curing process as the water evaporates and the soap reacts to the air. It typically comes off with the first use and is completely safe to use. 

Can I use Bar Soap to Wash my Hair?

While using natural bar soap on your hair may be safe, it is not recommended. The pH of your hair and your skin is different, and only shampoo bars that are made for hair will produce good results. Plus, you risk getting the soap in your eyes which does not feel good at all.

Can You Make Soap Without Lye?

You cannot make soap without lye, AKA sodium hydroxide. It is important to note that once saponification occurs, there is no lye left in the finished product. Saponification is the reaction between sodium hydroxide and fatty acids that creates soap. 

Do Soaps Contain Any Allergens?

Our soap contains coconut oil and fragrance oil. People allergic to coconut should not use these products.

How is my Order Shipped and When?

Orders are sent out ASAP using USPS. Most orders are shipped within 24-48 hours.

My Order was Damaged in Shipping or Incorrect. What Should I do?

Contact us ASAP and we will see how we can make it right. 

Do you Sell Your Soap Wholesale?

Yes! Send us an email. 

Can you Make Favors for Weddings, Bridal, Baby Showers?

Yes! We just need plenty of time in advance for the soap to cure properly. Send us an email. 

I don't see my question answered here?

Email us at sweetescapessoapery@gmail.com or reach out on social media, we would be happy to answer any of your questions!