HOW ARE PURE ESSENSE HAND MADE SOAPS MADE ?
We make our soaps using the time honoured traditional method called “saponification”, otherwise, known as the cold pure process. The term saponification is the name given to the chemical reaction when a vegetable oil or fat is mixed with a strong alkali. The resulting reaction is that soap and glycerin is formed. The name saponification literally means “soap making”. The word “sapo” is Latin for soap and in Italian, it is “sapone”. Soap making can be traced back to the times of ancient Babylon around the 2500- 2800 BC.
Our master craftsman only uses vegetable oil in our soap making which includes palm oil, olive oil, coconut oil and almond oil. We make them in small batches and allow 4-5 weeks to cure. Each batch is quality checked and PH tested for mildness. Unlike commercial soap making, we leave in the naturally occurring glycerin in our soaps. Why? Because it is the glycerin that makes the soap moisturising and gentle on the skin. Glycerin is a humectant which is a category of substances that attract and retain water, therefore, skin stays hydrated. In commercial soap making, they remove the glycerin as it is sold at a premium price for cosmetic uses. This is one of the main causes for commercial soap to dry out skin.
ARE ALL HAND MADE SOAPS THE SAME ?
Like anything else in life, not all hand made soaps are the same. Some use cheaper ingredients or perfume (Parfum) substitutes instead of pure essential oils. Even essential oils have different qualities. Pure essense hand made soaps use only the purest ingredients from around the world. Some ingredients you will recognise while others are more exotic and exclusive and have only been used by the privilege few.
There is also hybrid form of soap making called “melt and pour”. This is a commercially made soap base which is chemically formulated to be able to be melted and then poured without changing its consistency. This means that the soap maker only need to add their own touches such as adding fragrances, colour etc. This is often sold as hand made soap even though the base was commercially produced and not nearly the same quality.
WHY IS HAND MADE SOAP BETTER THAN COMMERCIAL SOAP ?
Commercially available soap is produced from tallow and other fats with the addition of a variety of synthetic compounds, fillers, preservatives, and cheaper perfumes. These are then brought to high temperatures to achieve saponification process. Glycerin, being the bi-product is carefully removed and sold at a much higher price for cosmetic uses. As a result, without glycerin, (which is a natural moisturiser), commercial soaps tends to dry out the skin.
Even many well established brands that charge high prices for their soap are just commercially made soap with added moisturisers and emoluments. If you look at their ingredients, there are many synthetic chemicals such as sulphates.
Many people would debate whether these compounds are harmful to the body? Some dermatologists have concluded that these compounds are deemed safe due to the minute quantities in the soaps and that they just rinse off in water. However, others have sought to look at the effects from long term exposure to these chemicals and other derived from other sources, eg food additives etc and how that may impact on our health.
WHAT IS THE PH VALUE OF OUR SOAP
The PH value of our soaps range from 7 to 7.5
I NORMALLY DON’T USE SOAP AS I FIND “SOAP FREE” PRODUCTS ARE BETTER FOR MY SKIN. IS THAT TRUE?
The answer is that it “depends”. Some people are reactive to soap because they have only used commercial soap in the past. As a result, they have a misconception that soap is unsuitable for them when in reality; they have only used soaps with little therapeutical value.
Most soap free products, i.e. body gels and washes are really just detergents with added moisturisers. Again, the long term effect from the build up of these compounds in the body is debateable.
CAN I USE THESE SOAPS ON MY FACE ?
We know how sensitive and delicate skin tissue is around the face so we have developed a range of facial bars specifically to cater for your needs.
Black Diamond – Deep cleansing facial bar
This unique soap contains carbon powder that draws out impurities deep within the pores and has anti-bacterial properties to leave the skin refreshingly clean. It also contains rosemary to protect and sandalwood to cool and calm the face. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Pearl Belle – Glamour facial bar
Contain a unique blend of fresh water pearls and precious herbs. Pearl powder has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to help brighten skin and to clear blemishes, discolorations and uneven pigmentation. It also helps to renew cells and to improve skin elasticity and texture. Use on face and neck areas. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Antidote – Replenish facial bar
Created for sensitive skin, Soya bean and jojoba oil are natural moisturisers with regenerative effect on cell renewal. The vitamin C in orange juice leaves the skin brighter and softer.
Vivid Spring – Regenerate facial bar
This exotic blend of floral essential oils helps boast blood circulation and metabolism. It also promotes cell regeneration and prevents premature ageing by hydrating the dermis. Apple extracts helps to shed away dead skin. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Luminessense – Detox facial bar
Rescue your skin with our active green clay, tamanu oil, carrot seed , juniper berry and lemon myrtle. this will help detoxify and refine your pores, soothe irritation and promoting a brighter clearer complexion.d metabolism. Especially suited for oily, blemished or acne skin.
Do Not Use if Allergic to NUTS
CAN I GET AN ALLERGIC REACTION WHEN USING THESE SOAPS ?
All our soaps have been dermatologically tested for mildness. However, there is a small chance that an allergic reaction can occur. Sometimes, a break out may occur when the body is ridding itself of toxins through the skin. This is a good sign as it means that the beneficial ingredients in our soaps are doing their job. If you persist for two weeks, the skin will settle down and you will be rewarded with newer, brighter and more vibrant skin. If you find that you are having a burning sensation or discomfort, then we suggest that you stop using the product. You can also trial the product again on a small part of the body.
CLEAR SOAP V’s OPAQUE. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO.
Commonly, transparent soaps are milder than opaque soap. When transparent soaps are made, extra glycerin is added which increases its humectant properties. Sucrose, being the natural preservatives is used to prolong the moisturising benefits in the base oils. This creates a softer soap which explains why it has a shorter life span. It also rinses off the skin easier than opaque soap and is therefore, the preferred choice for sensitive skin.
WHY DO SOME SOAPS LATHER BETTER THAN OTHERS ?
As you would expect, we do NOT use any foaming agents in our soaps, such as Sodium Laurel Sulphate. This agent can be an irritant on sensitive skin. Our lathering occurs naturally from the oils in the product. Generally, transparent soaps have less lather than opaque soap. It is a misconception that we have been a custom to where the more foam we see, the more soap we feel we have on our body. So when we don’t see enough foam, we don’t feel that we are getting cleaned properly. Commercial soaps tend to lather well because of the foaming agents. The amount of lather / foam has no bearing on the function of the soap. If you prefer to wash with a lot of lather, may we suggest that you use a loofah or sponge.
I LIKE TO FEEL MORE LATHER WITH MY SOAP. WHAT DO I DO ?
If you are a custom to a lot of lather or bubbles with your soap, may we suggest that you use a loofah or sponge when soaping up.
HOW DO I GET MY SOAP TO LAST LONGER ?
For the 120gm bars, we suggest to cut them in half and use only half at a time. Using a loofah or sponge will greatly increase its life. When you have finish, pat dry and store away from water. Transparent soap is softer, so special care must be taken not to leave them in moist areas after use.
HOW LONG CAN WE KEEP THE SOAPS FOR ?
If your store them in cool conditions, the soap will keep up to 2 years. We suggest using it within one year of purchase as we always make it fresh and we believe that is the best way to enjoy them!
