Bar Soap Collection - Ingredient Guide
Bar Soap Collection - Ingredient Education FAQ
Discover the natural ingredients and traditional soap-making methods that make REIMI handcrafted bar soaps special. From cold process techniques to botanical infusions, learn what goes into every bar.
What makes cold process soap different from commercial soap?
Cold process soap is a traditional soap-making method that preserves the natural glycerin produced during saponification (the chemical process that turns oils into soap). Unlike many commercial soaps that remove glycerin and add synthetic detergents, cold process soap retains this natural humectant that helps attract moisture to skin.
Our cold process soaps are crafted with 100% organic plant-based oils and butters, creating a gentle cleansing bar that doesn't strip skin of its natural oils. The slow curing process (typically 4-6 weeks) allows the soap to fully saponify and develop a mild, skin-friendly pH.
What is Goat Milk and why is it beneficial in soap?
Goat Milk is a nutrient-rich ingredient that has been used in skincare for centuries. What makes it special for soap:
- pH Similar to Human Skin - Goat milk has a pH of around 6.4-6.7, very close to human skin's natural pH of 5.5, making it exceptionally gentle
- Rich in Fats - Natural fats help moisturize and condition skin during cleansing
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - Contains lactic acid, a gentle AHA that helps remove dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing
- Vitamins & Minerals - Includes vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E, plus minerals like selenium, calcium, and potassium that nourish skin
- Creamy Lather - Creates a luxurious, moisturizing lather
Our Goat Milk soaps are perfect for sensitive skin because they cleanse gently while providing natural moisturization.
What is Turmeric and what does it do in soap?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a golden-yellow root from the ginger family that has been used in traditional skincare for thousands of years, particularly in Ayurvedic practices.
Benefits in soap:
- Rich in Antioxidants - Contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors
- Helps Even Skin Tone - Traditionally used to help brighten and even the appearance of skin
- Natural Color - Provides a beautiful golden hue to soap
- Gentle on Skin - When used in soap formulations, it's diluted and gentle enough for regular use
In our TLC (Turmeric + Lemongrass + Calendula) soap, turmeric works synergistically with calendula and lemongrass to create a nourishing, skin-conditioning bar.
What is Calendula and why is it in soap?
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a bright orange flower that has been treasured in natural skincare for centuries.
Benefits in soap:
- Traditionally Soothing - Calendula has been used for generations to soothe and calm skin
- Rich in Flavonoids - Natural plant compounds that act as antioxidants
- Gentle & Conditioning - Helps soften and condition skin during cleansing
- Beautiful Color - Adds natural golden-orange flecks to soap
We infuse organic calendula flowers in our soap oils to extract their beneficial properties, creating a gentle, skin-nourishing cleansing experience.
What is Activated Charcoal and how does it work in soap?
Activated Charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed to create millions of tiny pores, giving it a highly porous structure. We use activated charcoal derived from coconut shells.
Benefits in soap:
- Absorbs Excess Oils - The porous structure helps absorb excess sebum and impurities from skin's surface
- Deep Cleansing - Provides a thorough cleanse without harsh detergents
- Gentle Exfoliation - Fine charcoal particles provide very gentle physical exfoliation
- Natural Black Color - Creates a striking visual appearance
In our Sea Salt + Charcoal soap, activated charcoal works with mineral-rich sea salt to create a deeply cleansing yet gentle bar.
What are Sea Salts and why are they in soap?
Sea Salt is harvested from evaporated seawater and contains a rich spectrum of minerals beyond just sodium chloride.
Pacific Northwest Sea Salt contains:
- Trace Minerals - Including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc
- Natural Exfoliants - Fine salt crystals provide gentle physical exfoliation
- Mineral Nourishment - Minerals help condition and soften skin
Benefits in soap:
- Gently exfoliates to smooth skin texture
- Helps draw out impurities from pores
- Creates a unique, creamy-yet-scrubby lather
- Provides mineral-rich cleansing
Our Salt Bar soaps have a higher percentage of salt than regular soaps, creating a harder, longer-lasting bar with exceptional cleansing properties.
What is Babassu Oil and what does it do?
Babassu Oil comes from the seeds of the babassu palm tree native to Brazil. It's similar to coconut oil but with some unique properties.
Benefits in soap:
- Rich, Creamy Lather - Creates abundant, luxurious bubbles
- Gentle Cleansing - Cleanses effectively without stripping skin
- Lightweight Feel - Absorbs quickly, doesn't leave a heavy residue
- Lauric Acid - Contains this beneficial fatty acid that helps create a mild, conditioning soap
- Sustainable Alternative - A more sustainable option than some other tropical oils
In our TLC soap, babassu oil creates that buttery rich lather you'll love.
What is Castor Oil and why is it in almost all your soaps?
Castor Oil (Ricinus communis) is a thick, viscous oil pressed from castor beans. It's a soap-maker's secret weapon for creating luxurious lather.
Benefits in soap:
- Boosts Lather - Creates rich, stable, creamy bubbles
- Moisturizing - Helps draw moisture to skin (humectant properties)
- Conditioning - Leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned
- Improves Texture - Makes soap feel more luxurious and creamy
We typically use 5-10% castor oil in our soap recipes to create that perfect, bubbly lather while keeping the bar gentle and moisturizing.
What are Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils?
Essential Oils:
- Concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold-pressing
- 100% natural, derived from flowers, leaves, roots, bark, or fruit peels
- Provide aromatherapy benefits through their natural scents
- We use only organic essential oils in our botanical soaps
- Examples: Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Rose Geranium
Fragrance Oils (when we use them):
- Synthetic or blended scent compounds
- Allow for more complex scent profiles that can't be achieved with essential oils alone
- We ONLY use phthalate-free and paraben-free fragrance oils
- Used in select soaps like Night Bloom, White Tea, and Sandal + Sweet Amber
- Clearly labeled on product descriptions
Our Commitment:
- All fragrance oils meet IFRA (International Fragrance Association) safety standards
- Used within safe dermal limits
- Many of our soaps are 100% essential oil scented or fragrance-free
What is Kaolin Clay and what does it do in soap?
Kaolin Clay (also called China Clay or White Clay) is a gentle, mineral-rich clay that has been used in skincare for centuries.
Benefits in soap:
- Gentle Exfoliation - Fine clay particles gently buff away dead skin cells
- Draws Out Impurities - Helps absorb excess oils and impurities from skin
- Silky Texture - Creates a smooth, luxurious feel in soap
- Mild & Gentle - The gentlest of all clays, suitable for sensitive skin
- Natural White Color - Helps create lighter colored soaps
In our Coco Lavender Fennel soap, kaolin clay works with fennel seeds and lavender flowers to create a gentle exfoliating experience.
What is the difference between your Botanical Soaps and Goat Milk Soaps?
Botanical Soaps:
- 100% vegan (no animal products)
- Made with plant-based oils and butters only
- Often include herbs, flowers, clays, and botanical infusions
- Scented with essential oils or phthalate-free fragrance oils
- Examples: TLC, Coco Lavender Fennel, Earth, Relax, Balance
Goat Milk Soaps:
- Contain pure goat's milk (not vegan)
- Exceptionally gentle and moisturizing
- pH closer to human skin
- Rich, creamy lather
- Perfect for sensitive or dry skin
- Examples: Goat Milk Oatmeal, Goat Milk Coffee + Cream, Goat Milk Wild Rose + Hibiscus
Both types:
- Cold process method
- Made with organic oils and butters
- Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates
- Gentle, non-stripping cleansing
- Handcrafted in small batches
Choose based on your preference for vegan products or the extra gentleness of goat milk!
What does "Palm-Free" mean and why does it matter?
Palm oil is a common soap-making ingredient, but its production has significant environmental concerns, including deforestation and habitat destruction for endangered species like orangutans.
Our Palm-Free Commitment:
Most of our soaps are completely palm-free, using alternative oils like:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Sweet almond oil
- Babassu oil
When we do use palm:
In a few select soaps (like Coconut Mocha Latte and Cocoa Jewel Mini), we use RSPO Certified Palm Oil (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil), which ensures:
- No deforestation
- Protection of wildlife habitats
- Fair treatment of workers
- Sustainable farming practices
We clearly label all products so you can make informed choices aligned with your values.
Why do some soaps have coffee or chocolate in them?
Coffee in Soap:
- Organic Coffee Grounds - Provide gentle exfoliation to smooth skin texture
- Rich in Antioxidants - Coffee contains antioxidants that help protect skin
- Natural Deodorizer - Coffee is known for its ability to neutralize odors
- Beautiful Speckled Appearance - Creates visual interest
- Natural Scent - Provides a subtle coffee aroma (in fragrance-free versions)
Used in: Coco Coffee, Goat Milk Coffee + Cream, Coconut Mocha Latte
Chocolate/Cocoa in Soap:
- Cocoa Butter - Rich, moisturizing butter that softens and conditions skin
- Antioxidants - Contains flavonoids that help protect skin
- Luxurious Feel - Creates a creamy, conditioning lather
- Natural Chocolate Scent - Provides a sweet, comforting aroma
Used in: Cocoa Jewel Mini, and as cocoa butter in most of our soap recipes
What does "Sulfate-Free" mean?
Sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS) are synthetic detergents commonly found in commercial soaps and cleansers. They create lots of foam but can be harsh and stripping on skin.
Our soaps are naturally sulfate-free because:
- We use traditional cold process soap-making
- Lather comes from natural saponified oils (coconut, castor, babassu)
- No synthetic detergents added
- Gentle cleansing without stripping skin's natural oils
The result? A soap that cleanses effectively while being kind to your skin's natural moisture barrier.
How should I store my bar soap to make it last longer?
Proper storage helps your handcrafted soap last longer and maintain its quality:
Best Practices:
- Use a draining soap dish - Allows water to drain away so soap dries between uses
- Keep dry between uses - Don't leave soap sitting in water
- Store unused bars in a cool, dry place - Away from direct sunlight and humidity
- Allow to cure - If you buy multiple bars, let them continue to air-dry in a cool, dry spot
- Cut large bars in half - Use one half while the other stays dry
Our Recommendations:
- Check out our Olive Wood Soap Dish for beautiful, functional storage
- Rotate between two bars to allow each to dry completely between uses
- Salt bars are especially hard and long-lasting when kept dry
With proper care, a 6 oz bar can last 4-6 weeks or longer!
Are your soaps suitable for sensitive skin?
Many of our soaps are formulated with sensitive skin in mind! Here are our gentlest options:
Best for Sensitive Skin:
- Goat Milk Oatmeal - Fragrance-free, pH-balanced, with soothing oatmeal
- Goat Milk Coffee + Cream - Fragrance-free, gentle exfoliation
- Coco Milk Oatmeal - Vegan, fragrance-free, with soothing oats
- Coco Coffee - Vegan, fragrance-free, gentle
- Relax - Gentle lavender and chamomile
What makes them gentle:
- Fragrance-free or lightly scented with gentle essential oils
- Goat milk's pH matches human skin
- Colloidal oats soothe and calm
- No harsh synthetic ingredients
- Cold process method preserves natural glycerin
Patch Test Recommendation:
Even with gentle soaps, we recommend patch testing on a small area first if you have very reactive or sensitive skin.
What's the difference between your Salt Bars and regular bar soaps?
Salt Bars (Sea Salt + Charcoal, Sea Salt + Mint):
- Higher salt content - 50-100% salt by weight of oils
- Harder, longer-lasting - Salt creates an extremely hard bar
- Unique lather - Creamy but less bubbly than regular soap
- Gentle exfoliation - Fine salt crystals buff skin
- Mineral-rich - Pacific Northwest sea salt provides trace minerals
- Needs longer cure time - We cure salt bars for 6-8 weeks minimum
Regular Bar Soaps:
- Traditional oil ratios - Balanced blend of oils and butters
- Rich, bubbly lather - Lots of creamy bubbles
- Softer texture - More typical soap feel
- Standard cure time - 4-6 weeks
Both types:
- Cold process method
- Gentle, non-stripping cleansing
- Made with organic ingredients
- Free from harsh chemicals
Try a salt bar if you love a spa-like, mineral-rich cleansing experience!
Have more questions about our soap ingredients? Contact us - we're here to help!
