What is the cold process method of handmade soapmaking?

Cold process soapmaking is a combination of craft and science. What we know as soap is the result of mixing an acid with a caustic alkali until they saponify and form soap which contains natural glycerine.

What does saponify mean?

When the alkali (sodium hydroxide) is diluted with water and added to the acid (the oils and butters) a chemical reaction called “saponification” occurs. Once this happens the alkali is on its way to being neutralized and after curing the handmade soap for several weeks it is no longer in evidence in the finished bars. All soap is therefore made with sodium hydroxide but does not contain it.

Is handmade soap safe to use?

Yes. The whole saponification process takes several weeks to fully complete leaving a gentle bar of handmade soap that is tested throughout the curing period to ensure the finished bars reach a safe PH for your use. Rest assured that in accordance with EU and UK legislation enforced for your safety, all our formulas have passed a Safety Assessment conducted by a qualified Cosmetic Scientist.

Do you use tallow (animal fat) in your handmade soap?

No. We do not use any animal products in our handmade soap, they are therefore suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Tallow can been found in most commercial soaps and is usually listed as sodium tallowate.

What’s the difference between your handmade soap and mass produced soap?

Natural ingredients are rarely used in commercially manufactured soap. If used at all, it is sparingly.

We do not use ready-made bases or soap pellets to make our handmade soap. We make our handmade soap from scratch using the finest food-grade oils including African shea butter & cocoa butter, coconut, olive, & palm oils from around the world. We are aware of the environmental issues surrounding the production of palm oil and have checked with our suppliers that they supply us with sustainably produced palm oil. We add scent with pure essential oils and high quality fragrance oils. We add colour with botanicals spices and flowers.

Did you know that many mass produced bars often contain cheaper animal fat oils, foaming agents, surfactants, detergents, chelating agents and fillers and all the natural and nourishing glycerine is often removed and sold on to be added to other cosmetics and toiletries?

Our raw materials are costly but we refuse to jeopardize the quality of our finished product with cheaper alternatives or to add harsh chemicals to mimic the actions of foaming, cleansing etc.

Our entire manufacturing process is created by hand and we produce up to only 50 bars per batch in contrast to up to 30,000 identical machine-made bars. One of the best advantages of using natural and handmade soap bars is that the quality is consistent as a result of the smaller batch sizes.

What is glycerine?

Glycerine is one of the best natural humectants (attracts moisture to the skin). It is produced during the saponification process but is often extracted during the process of manufacturing commercially made soap, then sold on as a valuable by-product and added to other toiletries and cosmetics.

Do you use artificial preservatives in your handmade soap?

No. The pure essential oils used in our handmade soaps double up as preservatives and they contain natural antioxidants. In addition we use natural Vitamin E oil as a preservative.

What are INCI standards?

According to EU regulations all cosmetic products must be identified by their common names as listed in the EU INCI list. All our labels follow this guideline.

Can I bathe my baby with your handmade soap?

Yes. Our moisturising cocoa butter handmade soap is especially mild for sensitive skins but it does not contain the chemicals which are added to produce a “no more tears” lather. So please be careful not to get soap in your own or your baby’s eyes.

How long will my handmade soap last?

In general natural soap has a very long shelf life (Years). Many of our customers have commented on how well Calabash Handmade soap keeps its shape in use, and is long-lasting. Depending on your bathing habits, and the size of the bar, you can expect your bar to last several weeks, but please remember to place your handmade soap in a dish that drains to extend its longetivity.

I have eczema can I use your handmade soap?

Many of our customers with eczema swear by our handmade soap particularly the Gentle Moisturising Cocoa Butter Soap for sensitive skin.