Base Oils

Avocado Oil - Avocado oil is known for its moisturizing properties, and is rich in vitamin A, B, D and E. In soap, it provides medium lather and mild cleansing properties.

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Castor Oil - Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant. It is used in foods and as a coating and lubricant in various industries. It acts similar to glycerin, drawing moisture to the skin. Castor oil contributes to creamy lather and thick, large bubbles in soap, and is known for its cleansing properties.

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Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is harvested from the seeds of the coconut tree (cocos nucifera) and is primarily cultivated from Southeast Asia and the Philippines. The unique fatty acid composition of coconut oil gives it fantastic cleansing properties, and produces large, copious bubbles in soap.

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Kukui Nut Oil - Kukui oil comes from the Aleurites moluccana tree, also known as the kukui or candlenut tree (the state tree of Hawaii). The oil that is cold pressed from the kukui nuts is prized for its ability to leave the skin and hair feeling smooth and silky. It makes soap softer and more moisturizing.

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Olive Oil - Olive oil creates a gentle, mild lather, and gives a rich feel in soap.

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Palm Oil - Palm oil is grown on vast plantations in Malaysia, Indonesia, and many other South Asian and African countries. It is used in soap as a secondary lathering agent and also contributes to a hard bar. If you are concerned about the use of Palm Oil in our soaps, please read our FAQs page.

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Rice Bran Oil - Rice Bran oil is extracted from the hulls of brown rice, and is rich in Vitamin E and anti-oxidants.  This oil has long been used in Japan as a base for soap and skin moisturizer. It adds creamy and moisturizing properties to soap. 

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Sweet Almond Oil - Sweet Almond Oil is produced by pressing the kernels of almond trees, and is known for its rich concentration of essential fatty acids. It is produced from the same type of almonds you consume, and is full of vitamin A, E and B2. Sweet Almond Oil is great for a variety of skin types due to its lightweight texture and excellent moisturizing properties.

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Butters

Cocoa Butter - Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat obtained from cocoa beans, and is one of the most stable fats available. It contains natural antioxidants, and is thought to reduce skin dryness and improve elasticity.

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Mango Butter - Mango butter is extracted from the fruit kernels of the Mango tree. Our butter is carefully refined and deodorized. Mango Butter is thought to exhibit excellent moisturizing properties while countering the drying effects of bar soaps and cleansers.

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Shea Butter - our shea butter is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the karite tree (and is then refined). It is physically decolorized using organic clays (diatomaceous earth, aka "bleaching clays") to remove color and impurities. The odor is removed via injection of steam to "blow-off" the volatile oils which contribute to Shea butter's sharp, objectionable odor. There are no chemicals used to process our Shea butter; it is all natural. Shea Butter is high in vitamin and mineral content, and is known to benefit dry skin (skin-softening).

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Additives

Activated Charcoal - our activated charcoal powder comes from various hard woods (a renewable resource). It is produced by a high temperature steam activation process and is used in pharmaceutical and food industries. We use it as a natural colorant and exfoliant. It is also thought to be a detox agent.

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Buttermilk - we occasionally add buttermilk powder to our artisan soaps, which helps to produce a creamy lather.

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Jojoba Beads - Jojoba beads are made from natural jojoba esters, so they are biodegradable. They are a great alternative to microbeads, which are made of plastic and can cause particle water pollution. They provide mild exfoliation in soap.

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Oatmeal - Colloidal oatmeal is a micro-fine, ground oatmeal that is not rough or abrasive. The hydrated granules of oatmeal adhere to the surface of the skin and provide a film attracting humidity and reducing friction. It is great for sensitive or irritated skin, and provides moisturizing and soothing properties to our soaps.

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Orange Peel Powder - this powder adds extra color and a touch of exfoliation to soap.

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Poppy Seeds - we occasionally use these seeds to decorate the tops of our soap. When they are incorporated into the soap, they provide mild exfoliation and add fun color variation.

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Pumpkin Seeds (ground) - acts as a natural exfoliant

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Sodium Lactate - sodium lactate is a liquid salt that is derived from the natural fermentation of sugars found in corn and beets. It helps to produce a harder and smoother bar of soap that lasts longer in the shower. Because Sodium Lactate is a salt, it is a natural humectant, providing moisture.

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Turmeric Powder - Turmeric powder is a rich yellow spice that adds mild exfoliation, stunning color, and contains antioxidant properties. Turmeric is thought to be fantastic for the skin.

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Tussah Silk Fibers - Tussah silk is produced from caterpillar-like insects called silk worms. The silk making process starts once the silkworm begins to construct its cocoon. Silkworm have glands on the mouth part of their body that produce a clear, proteinaceous fluid called fibroin. This fluid becomes hard once exposed to air. Once the cocoon is complete, the silk can be harvested. Our Silk is cruelty free (the fibers are collected from the cocoons after the silk worms have emerged). The fibers give our soaps more shine, more lather, and a luxurious "silky" feel.

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Walnut Shells (ground) - these finely ground shells provide gentle exfoliation. When used in higher concentrations, the exfoliation is a bit more rough.

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Colorants 

Activated Charcoal - see above

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Micas/Pigments/Oxides - some micas are a natural mineral, and some are synthetic (listed as "fluorphlogopite" on our labels). They have reflective properties, allowing for a beautiful shimmery effect in soaps. 

Pigments and Oxides are considered “nature identical” meaning they are the exact same chemical structure as the platelet minerals found in the earth, but they are created in a lab to ensure purity. Oxides and pigments are the same product that mineral make up lines use to achieve lovely natural hues. Manufacturing nature identical products keeps the bad stuff (like lead and arsenic, for example), out of the colorants. They do not have a shimmer like Micas do.

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Titanium Dioxide - a natural pigment that creates an "angel white" color in soap.

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Turmeric Powder - see above

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Clays

Brazilian - Brazilian clays are a type of kaolin clay, and come in a wide variety of vibrant hues (we use Natural, Pink, Purple, Yellow, and Red). They are naturally colored and do not contain any dyes or pigments. The various shades are achieved by variations in the minerals found in the soil in the different regions of Brazil. These clays have an “average” amount of absorption, making them suitable for a wide variety of skin types.

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French Green - this clay comes from France and is known for its terrific oil absorbing properties. The light green color comes from decomposed plant matter and iron oxides. It is thought to be best suited for oily skin types.

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Kaolin - Kaolin clay is a very fine powdered, gentle clay, with less liquid absorbing abilities than most. It is thought to be more suitable for sensitive and dry skin. 

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Rhassoul - Rhassoul clay (aka Moroccan Lava clay) is known for its absorbing properties and silky texture. Not only that, but it has a higher percentage of silica, magnesium, potassium, and calcium than other clays. It is thought to be detoxifiying to the skin due to the naturally high levels of minerals found in the clay. Despite the powerful absorbing properties, rhassoul also works for dry and sensitive skin.

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Rose - Rose clay is considered a type of kaolin clay. It has a fine texture like kaolin, and is thought to be most suitable for dry skin. The clay is a light to medium pink shade, which comes from a naturally occurring iron oxide. Rose clay has gentle oil absorbing properties.

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Sea - Sea clay originates from mud laid under the sea millions of years ago. It has a dark green, grayish color. It is thought to be most suitable for normal to oily skin types.