FAQ
1) What is Soap and what is Shampoo?
- Soap is a specific result of mixing fats (Oil/hard fat) and Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) together. The process is called Saponification, and this process continues inside the soap even after cutting and initial cure time.
My shampoo however is not made of the same process at all, and is a mixture of gentle surfactants made from coconut, like Cocomidopropyl Betaine, and Sodium Coco Sulfate. Despite the sulfate name, this cleaner is extremely gentle. Most liquid soaps are actually a type of detergent, and not a soap. Only soap made from lye and oil is a proper soap. Because of this, shampoo and detergent does not leave any soap scum when cleaning due to a lack of oil to bond with heavy metals in hard water.
2) How old are the soaps in the shop?
- Soap technically has no shelf life, as saponification process continues to eat up any access water and leftover fats in the soap, but do note that all soaps MUST cure for at least 4 weeks after pouring them in the molds and cutting them. Soap is a very delayed process, and all soaps are at least 4 weeks old therefore, and some up to half a year old. After that, they're put on clearance, and taken off the shop.
3) What is the shelf life of the soap?
- Soap technically has no shelf life, as once again, the saponification process preserves it. However, oils can age and decrease the quality and look of soap overtime, however this is not harmful and the soap is still usable. Most of the time, old soap loses it's scent, but it still cleans. Soap shelf life highly depends on the types of oils used in the soap, and how well it is stored. Typically 1-2 years is the shelf life of most home-made soaps, but this can be increased or decreased depending on how well it is stored and other enviornmental factors like heat and moisture. 1-2 years when properly stored is also the shelf life of my shampoo and conditioner. However please note, I do not use preservatives, so please actually use my products, and don't let them sit around for best quality. I am continuously working to extend the shelf life of my soaps over time, and the search to find suppliers that give me good oils and fats is always on. If you have any suggestions please email me in the contact section!
4) My soap smells rancid, and/or has orange spots/orange color is this normal?
- Ah yes, the DOS (Dreaded Orange Spots) is a popular term coined by soap makers when a soap gains a rusty orange color. This happens due to oxidation in the soap during its curing process. This soap simply means it is old, and some of the oils are indeed going rancid. The soap is still usable, and won't hurt you at all unless slimy or clearly growing mold. If you get soaps with DOS or rancid oils, it may have been a soap on clearance/discount price. If it is not a soap for a discount price, email me and I will either give a refund, or replace your products with more recent products for free.
5) I prefer liquid conditioner, how can I make my conditioner bar a liquid conditioner?
- Prepare a double boiler, and melt your conditioner bar in it. Once melted, take hot distilled water and a CLEAN blender, and blend them both together till smooth. Start with a cup of hot water and increase till your desired consistency. Now beware, now that it has liquid in it, it will have a shorter shelf life, and it's best to use within a month or so. Cleaning your blender well and using distilled water will help decrease it's spoil rate. You can also additionally add a preservative if you have one. Likewise, you can do this with the Lotion bars/Body Salves. Do mind the spoil rate as well however.
6) Soap often causes me irritation what could cause it?
- If soap causes you irritation please do not use it, regardless if it was from me or another brand. Many things in a soap can cause irritation, from an allergy to the oils (If you have a nut allergy, check your ingredients for nut oils! This includes Argan and Kernel Oils!) and essential oil sensitivity or allergy. Preservatives in other brands can also give irritation.
7) Help my bathbomb stained my tub!
- First of all I am so sorry that this happened, but solutions first. Usually a magic eraser (Melamine Sponge) and some alcohol should do the trick. You can try your other clearners (Just be careful what you're mixing!) and compare results. I am currently working on how to make the micas in my bath bombs stain less, and it's been a process. Feel free to email me if you want a refund, or another product instead.