The Base Ingredients

Hello! I thought I’d pull together a brief breakdown of the base oils in my soaps, and their individual properties. 

The recipe for my soaps took 2 years to perfect. It was important to me to take the time on getting the quantities and combinations correct, to ensure my customers can feel the quality and benefits of each ingredient:

Olive oil: contains vitamins A, D, E and K, vitamin E and is especially good for the skin. It has antioxidant properties and is a fabulous natural moisturiser and is gentle and soothing for irritated skin. 

Sweet almond oil: rich in vitamins A & E. Helps the balance of moisture absorption. It has great antibacterial properties and is gentle and soothing for irritated skin. 

Coconut oil: contains vitamin E, which allows your skin to retain moisture by forming a barrier. It has antibacterial properties and is packed with antioxidants. 

Mango butter: contains vitamins A, C and E. It’s great for softening and soothing skin. 

Cocoa butter: contains vitamins K & E. It is rich in antioxidants and helps to lock in moisture. Great for irritated skin. 

Castor oil: contains vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids. Ultra-hydrating when mixed with olive and coconut oil. It is packed with antioxidants and promotes healing in irritated skin. 

The finished product also contains glycerine, which is created when the above oils are mixed with lye, and go through saponification.  Manufacturers remove the glycerine from their soap bars, it’s a valuable product and they use it in other cosmetic products. Handmade soap makers leave this in their bars, this is why handmade bars feel so much more luxurious than shop-bought bars. 

Addition of essential oils and clays are added to the above to create different varieties of soap.