General Information
Our products are handcrafted in small batches using only the highest quality and, where possible, locally sourced ingredients. Everything we make is free from palm oil, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colours. We use a signature blend of nourishing oils and butters to create rich, moisturising soap and body butter bars. Yes, we could make a far cheaper, inferior product and make a higher margin, but we choose not to.
We only use pure essential oils in all our products which are extracted from plants through a distillation or cold pressed method. It is important to note that many natural plant materials, including butters and essential oils, can contain allergens or be a stimulant. While we use the recommended and safe dosage percentage of essential oils in all our products and have taken great care in designing our products to be highly effective without the potential harm, you should still be aware of the ingredients we use and how they can affect you.
Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Please consult a healthcare professional before use if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Ingredients
Beef tallow is a natural ingredient in all our products, and while it makes excellent soap and has fantastic skin benefits, it is a very controversial topic where many believe it to be inhumane to use it in skincare products. The reality, however, is that animal fat is a byproduct of the meat industry, and it would end up in landfill if not used in other ways. Soap made with tallow is not only good for your skin and our planet, but it also reduces unnecessary waste.
Yes and no.
Lye, or sodium hydroxide, is an essential component in the soap making process. In its raw form, lye is a caustic substance that transforms into soap when combined with fats and oils through a carefully controlled process known as saponification. While lye is used during the initial stages of soap creation, the end product does not contain lye.
The chemical reaction between lye and oils results in the formation of soap and glycerin, leaving no lye residue in the final product. We take great care to ensure that our soaps are properly cured, allowing the saponification process to complete, resulting in a safe and gentle soap that is free from harsh chemicals.
Soap that claims to not have lye in the ingredients are either actually detergents or have been made using a premade base, which was made using lye.
Absolutely! Our soap and body butter bars are formulated for both facial and body use, providing a gentle, effective cleansing, and moisturising experience. However, we recommend predominantly using The Soother bar for your facial skincare as this has been specifically designed to reduce redness, alleviate irritation, and soothe outbreaks.
Our products are crafted to be generally suitable for various skin types. However, individual sensitivities may vary. If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, we recommend performing a patch test or consulting with a dermatologist before regular use.
While our soaps are primarily designed for the skin, some customers find them suitable for use on short hair. However, results may vary, and we encourage individuals to be mindful of the potential impact on the pH balance and recommend using a dedicated shampoo bar for optimal hair care.
Soap bars are formulated to be slightly alkaline, and while this is suitable for cleansing the skin, the hair structure is different. Hair cuticles, the outermost protective layer of each strand, lie flat when the pH is slightly acidic. When exposed to an alkaline environment, such as that created by traditional soap, the cuticles may raise, leading to potential issues like frizz, dryness, and a lack of shine.
Arrowroot
(Maranta Arudinacea)
Starch: Gluten-free, soothes and treats skin irritations including rashes, sunburns, and acne.
Beef Tallow
(Adeps Bovis)
Fat: High in vitamin A, B, D, E, and K, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory, nourishing, moisturising, supports skin repair.
Beeswax
(Cera Alba)
Wax: Anti-inflammatory, emollient, locks in moisture, forms a protective barrier, soothes dry or itchy skin, supports wound healing.
Benzoin
(Styrax Benzoin)
Essential Oil: Calming and grounding, alleviates stress and anxiety, antidepressant, antiseptic, improves skin texture and tone. Potential skin irritant or stimulant, avoid during pregnancy.
Bergamot FCF
(Citrus Bergamia)
Essential Oil: Uplifting, alleviates stress and anxiety, antibacterial, antifungal, promotes even skin tone, reduces acne, supports wound healing. Bergapten free and not phototoxic.
Black Pepper
(Piper Nigrum)
Essential Oil: Warming and stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, enhances circulation, relieves muscle aches and pains, and symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. Potential skin irritant or stimulant, avoid during pregnancy.
Chamomile
(Chamaemelum Nobile)
Essential Oil: Calming and soothing, supports relaxation and sleep, anti-inflammatory, treats skin irritations and redness.
Cocoa
(Theobroma Cacoa)
Butter: High in vitamins E and K, rich in antioxidants, nourishing, moisturising, improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and scars, protects skin against sun damage.
Cotton
(Gossypium Herbaceum)
Yarn: 100% Cotton crocheted soap saver bags, natural fibre, hypoallergenic, durable, gentle exfoliator, lint free, eco-friendly, biodegradable.
Ginger
(Zingiber Officinale)
Essential Oil: Warming and stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, enhances circulation, relieves muscle aches and pains, and symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. Potential skin irritant or stimulant, avoid during pregnancy.
Jojoba
(Simmondsia Chinenisis)
Oil: High in vitamins A, D, and E, similar to skin’s natural sebum, soothes dry or flaky skin, improves skin elasticity, treats common skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema.
Lavender
(Lavandula Angustifolia)
Essential Oil: Calming and relaxing, fights stress and promotes sleep, antiseptic, antibacterial, supports wound healing, treats skin conditions including acne, scars, dermatitis, and athlete’s foot.
Magnesium
(Magnesium Chloride)
Salt: Essential mineral, supports skin health, helps soothe and relax muscular aches and pains, fights stress and promotes sleep.
Mango
(Mangifera Indica)
Butter: High in vitamins A, C, and E, rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, antioxidant, encourages collagen production, reduces wrinkles and scars, reduces signs of sun damage.
Marjoram
(Origanum Majorana)
Essential Oil: Calming and soothing, alleviates stress and anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, relieves muscle aches and pains. Potential skin irritant or stimulant, avoid during pregnancy.
May Chang
(Litsea Cubeba)
Essential Oil: Uplifting and refreshing, antibacterial, antifungal, balances oily skin, treats acne and reduces skin outbreaks. Potential skin irritant or stimulant, avoid during pregnancy.
Shea
(Butyrospermum Parkii)
Butter: High in vitamins A, E, and F, anti-inflammatory, emollient, moisturising, soothes dry and damaged skin, protects skin against sun damage, supports skin elasticity and repair.
Sunflower Seed
(Helianthus Annuus)
Vitamin E Oil: GMO and gluten free, rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, nourishing, hydrating, supports skin repair.
Tea Tree
(Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Essential Oil: Refreshing and cleansing, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, soothes skin irritations including rashes, cuts, scrapes, insect bites, supports wound healing.
Vetiver
(Vetiveria Zizanioides)
Essential Oil: Grounding and calming, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, relieves muscle aches and pains, and symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. Potential skin irritant or stimulant, avoid during pregnancy.
Water
(Aqua)
Distilled: Hydrates and refreshes skin, essential for the formulation of various skincare products, base ingredient when making soap. Not present in our body butters.
Product Care
Caring for your handmade soap and body butter bars is crucial for maintaining their quality to ensure you get the most out of your skincare experience.
While our soap and body butter bars don’t have a strict expiration date, they are best used within one to two years of purchase for optimal freshness and effectiveness. The scent and appearance may change over time, but if stored properly, they will remain safe to use.
To extend the life of your soap, store it in a cool, dry place before use. Using a soap dish or soap saver can help the soap dry between uses, preventing it from becoming soft and prolonging its lifespan.
Our body butter bars are highly concentrated and are anhydrous products, meaning they do not contain any water and therefore do not require preservatives. To extend the life of your body butter bars, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or excessive heat, and use it sparingly, a little really goes a long way!
As with any soap and lotions, the lifespan of our soap and body butter bars depends on frequency of use and proper storage. On average, a well-maintained bar can last anywhere from several weeks to months.
The small white spots are not mould. They result from the varying fatty acid compositions present in the different plant butters we incorporate into our products. When butters cool, they can develop these distinctive white spots. It’s a natural occurrence and doesn’t impact the quality or effectiveness of the product. As you continue to use and apply the product, these spots will melt and blend seamlessly into your skin.
Eco-Friendly
From our carefully sourced ingredients to our eco-friendly practices, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
Here at The Soap Farmer, sustainability is a core value. We believe in minimising our environmental impact, from sourcing ingredients locally, to eco-friendly packaging. This reflects our commitment to reducing waste, promoting recyclability, and contributing to a healthier planet.
We use paper for labels, coffee filters and tins as wraps and containers, and hinged lid cardboard boxes with shredded paper as packaging, ensuring a secure and sustainable journey from us to you.
No, we are proud to be completely plastic free. Our commitment to sustainability extends to eliminating plastic from our packaging materials. We’ve chosen eco-friendly alternatives to contribute to a plastic free environment.
While we can’t control the materials used by carrier or courier services, we make a conscious effort to use only satchels made in New Zealand and that are recyclable.
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