Quick Facts About

Additives and Process

  • Hand holding a small brown bottle over a bowl filled with colorful flowers.

    Essential Oils

    Essential oils are different than fragrance oils. They are plant-derived through steam distillation. Essential oils are powerful and not all are recommended for pregnant women.

  • Close-up of a bee on honeycomb held in fingers.

    Honey

    Breaks down the soap to nourish the skin in a way few other ingredients can. It is antimicrobial and a humectant that will absorb moisture from the air for your skin.

  • Top view of various spices and herbs, including black seeds, crushed red pepper, curry powder, turmeric, salt, cumin, and chili, arranged on spoons with fresh cilantro, bay leaf, lemongrass, and mint leaves.

    Natural Colorants

    Herbs, flowers, and beneficial clays provide an abundant source of inspiration and ingredients. Even everyday weeds offer some beneficial herbal constitution.

  • Handmade bars of soap with a brown color displayed on a checkered cloth, surrounded by dried rose petals.

    What is Cold Process?

    A traditional method in which oils and fats are carefully combined with lye (sodium hydroxide) at room temperature. This process initiates a chemical reaction known as saponification, which naturally produces soap along with water and glycerin, all without requiring any external heat sources. After the mixture is prepared, it undergoes a curing period that typically lasts between four to six weeks to ensure the soap hardens and matures properly.
  • Two pink handcrafted soaps labeled "Rustic Rose" by Charlene's All Natural, wrapped in plastic, are placed on a purple cloth with two white rose flowers beside them.

    What is Hot Process?

    Hot process soap often has a more rustic and textured appearance compared to cold process soap, which many soap-makers find particularly appealing for its charming, handcrafted look. This method allows the chemical reaction known as saponification to complete immediately during the cooking phase. By cooking the soap for an extended period, the ingredients fully saponify, resulting in a soap that is typically ready for use anywhere from immediately up to 24 hours after the process is finished.
  • Glass bottle of olive oil with cork stopper, olives and leaves on a dark surface.

    All Oils are Different and Bring Different Properties

    Each oil imparts different qualities to the final product. Oils high in fats have good leathering properties; oils high in unsaturated fats help with moisture and conditioning.

  • Hand holding a small amber glass bottle above a bowl containing colorful flowers.

    Superfats and pH

    There are many different oils and they each have their properties…

  • Hand holding a cluster of soap bubbles

    Reading Your Ingredients

    It’s important to understand your ingredients. more to come…

Sara Williams

“Through my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. ”

Unknown/Self Journal

“Change the Changeable,

Accept the Unchangeable,

and Remove Yourself

from the

Unacceptable .”