FAQ

Does soap contain lye?

I hear this question so often that I want to get it cleared up first. The answer: No.

Let me repeat: Properly made soap does NOT contain lye. Lye, also known as Sodium Hydroxide, is a chemical used to transform a fat into a salt. If you use a lye calculator to determine how much lye to use with the fats you plan to transform, it is easy to ensure that you are only using enough lye to complete the chemical process and that no lye will remain in the final product.

Althaea Soaps, for example, are pure olive oil soaps. We make our soap in six pound batches, typically. First, we weigh out exactly six pounds of olive oil. Then we consult a saponification chart to determine how much lye (sodium hydroxide) and distilled water are needed to transform six pounds of olive oil into six pounds of Sodium Olivate (the chemical name for Olive Oil Soap). We weigh out the distilled water and Sodium Hydroxide needed for the reaction on a digital gram scale, accurate to 1/100th of a gram.

At this point, we know that we have just enough lye to transform the olive oil into soap, and nothing more. But that's just the first step. Althaea Soaps are then superfatted to 20%. This means that, once we have determined how much lye we need to saponify (transform into soap) the six pounds of olive oil, we then add 20% more olive oil to the formula, beyond what is needed. This superfatting not only ensures that absolutely every trace of lye will be used up in the chemical reaction, it also provides a significant amount of pure, unaltered olive oil in the finished soap. This extra olive oil makes the soap milder, since the natural acids in olive oil raise the Ph of the soap to a level that is very gentle to the skin. It also acts as a skin moisturizer, soother and humectant, so that you soothe and soften your body while you cleanse it.

20% superfatting is a very high proportion, much higher than virtually any other natural soap product on the market today. In addition, Althaea Soaps is the only company we have encountered which attempts such a high percentage with pure olive oil. There are very practical reasons why we are the only ones doing it this way. From a manufacturing standpoint, creating a soap from pure olive oil is an impractical, expensive and time-consuming process. Of the most common base oils for soapmaking, olive oil takes the longest to harden into a lasting bar of soap. Althaea Soaps accepts this compromise in manufacturing efficiency because we feel that the mildness and skin-healing properties of the finished product are worth the considerable extra effort.
How should I store the soaps?

Unused bars should keep quite well in their own wrappers or unwrapped, in any environment that is out of direct sunlight and not warmer than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold weather/freezing doesn't seem to harm the soaps we have tested, and in fact, it seems to make them harder and longer-lasting. Heat and UV light will, over time, leach out the fragrance and fade any natural colors, although the soap itself will still be very good to your skin.

Once you unwrap a bar of soap and begin using it, you will prolong the life of your bar by storing it in a place where there is excellent drainage (a good, slotted soap dish, for example) and in a place where the humidity is low enough to allow the soap to completely re-dry between uses.

A dry bar of soap will not be affected by ambient humidity, however. This is not a glycerine soap, although it contains a lot of natural glycerine, so it will not "melt" or "weep" if left unwrapped in the open air.
What makes shampoo different from soap?

Hair reacts to certain oils quite differently than does the skin. Therefore, the fats used to create a gentle-but-cleansing shampoo are very different from what is needed to create a gentle-but-cleansing skin formula. The most striking difference is the proportion of coconut oil.

In a skin formulation, you don't want to use too much coconut oil. A little bit is moisturizing, and makes a hard bar of soap with a fluffy lather. Too much coconut oil can be very drying to the skin, however. This isn't true for hair formulas. The coconut oil provides a strong lather that can lift the hair shaft and remove trapped oils from the scalp, and it rinses without the sticky, "waxy" feeling that would be caused by softer oils, such as olive oil.

Castor oil is not often used in significant quantity in a skin formula, because it creates a soft bar of soap that can leave a sticky after-feel on the skin. In a hair formula, it cleanses, moisturizes, provides shine and gives a "bouncy" quality to the hair.

In general, soap formulas can be used on the hair and shampoo formulas will work for the body. However, there will be differences in your results. A soap formula used on the hair may leave a bit of a waxy film, and a shampoo formula used on the body may be drying.
What options for placing an order and making payment do I have if the Paypal-provided cart and checkout don't work for me?

I am aware of two problems that occur with Paypal.

First, users who prefer a Mozilla browser tend to have problems getting through the checkout system. If you switch to IE or Netscape, the problem disappears. It seems to be something in the Mozilla software that causes the problem.

The second thing applies to the visually impaired. The security feature in Paypal that requires you to list the number/letter combo in the little box can be difficult to get through. If this is the case, you can still mail a check or money order with your order to the address provided on this website's "Contact Info" page. Return customers can email their order to althaea@althaea.biz and we will initiate shipping without waiting for checks to arrive or clear the bank.
Are your soaps vegan?

All of our soaps, except for the Honeyed Amber formula, are vegan-safe from beginning to end. This includes all fragrance oils that are used in the soaps. Any colorant in Althaea Soaps will come from natural herbs and is therefore vegan-safe. Look for the Vegan-safe symbol next to our soap products to be sure.
Are they safe?

They are at least as safe as, and almost certainly safer than, whatever body cleanser you are currently using. Our soaps are mild, super-moisturizing, and of an amazingly skin-gentle Ph level of 7. Olive oil, the base oil for the soaps, is among the least common sensitizers of all plant oils. We do not use any synthetic chemicals in our products, and we use the fewest ingredients possible in order to reduce the risk of sensitivity.

Our products do often contain natural herbs and essential oils, and there is always a risk than certain individuals may be sensitive to these. There is an ingredients list available for every product so that you can protect yourself against known sensitivities.

We further recommend that you do not use scented products on your face, to prevent reactions on that especially fragile part of yourself. Our "Just Soap" formulation contains no fragrance at all, and is the preferred product for facial cleansing.
Which ones irritate least or would you recommend for infants?

For now, the "Just Soap" formulation is the best choice for babies. Please note that it is not a tear-free formula. The chemical additives necessary to create a tear-free product are too potentially irritating in their own right to be worth consideration.

Because small children have such tender skin and often their allergies are not yet know, the unscented "Just Soap" formula is the safest bet.

In the future, we will be creating a Baby Bar which will not only be unscented, it will also be free of all herbal ingredients to further reduce the risk of sensitivity. It will be nothing but pure Olive Oil Soap, superfatted to 20% for gentleness.
Why are artisanal soaps so much more expensive than the soap I can buy at the supermarket (or the soap I grew up using)?

Althaea Soaps are handmade, one bar at a time, by human hands. No factories. Althaea Soaps are created from the best, purest and most natural ingredients, organic whenever possible. No cheap chemical surfactants; no shortcuts. Althaea Soaps are about skin care and skin health. The most inexpensive manufacturing processes and purchases are not consistent with the focus of this company.

You pay for what you get. Buy cheap soap and you will get cheap, harsh chemicals that strip your skin and can cause sensitivities and dryness. Buy natural soaps, and you know that the health of your skin is the paramount concern. Have doubts? Try it. You will feel the difference.
What is the Ph of your soaps?

Our soaps test consistently with a Ph level of 7. Nice and mild.
Any plans for a bacon-flavored soap?

Currently, demand for bacon- or other meat-flavored soaps has been underwhelming. Should public outcry increase, however, we are sure that some arrangements could be made. ;)
How long should it take to receive my order?

As of November, 2005, I have left my job with the US Forest Service and am now devoting full-time to Althaea Soaps. Your orders will ship in a much more timely manner now. Orders are typically going out within 3 business days, via US Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation in the US. Overseas orders may take a bit longer, but all packages now have tracking information which helps move the process along a bit. I extend my deepest gratitude to my many faithful customers who have been so patient and understanding as Althaea Soaps has gone through it's growing pains over the past year.
Do you have any soaps or other products with Shea Butter?

Sorry, no. There will never be any Althaea Soaps products which contain shea nut butter. The simple reason for this is that I have to come into skin contact with the products that I produce. Shea Butter contains natural traces of latex. I am allergic to latex. Shea Butter feels wonderful to me when I glide the raw butter onto my skin, but it results in a rapid descent into dryness, scaly skin and eventually, cracks and bleeding. Anyone with a latex allergy should be careful with Shea Butter for this reason. If you notice that your skin is not responding to a moisture treatment, or that your dryness seems to be increasing between uses, check the ingredients. One of the first signs of mild irritation is often dryness.
What is the Oil Cleansing Method, and why do you recommend it for faces?

The Oil Cleansing Method helps to clear the skin of blemishes as well as moisturize while washing. Our Skin Oil/Body Oil is made from a mixture of "drawing" oils and oils high in anti-oxidants. The drawing oils act as solvents in the pores, melting dried sebum that traps the dirt and oil from the pores. Softening these secretions and removing them helps to prevent breakouts due to clogs becoming inflamed. The other oils in our formula are designed to provide good skin-slip for massage and for cleansing the face without undue stretching of the skin, and some oils are high in anti-oxidants to help keep the skin in very good condition. The high-antioxidant oils are also known for their anti-aging properties. The end result is a very gentle cleanser that removes facial and eye makeup very effectively. Even though it is made from oils, it washes off very easily with a warm washcloth - you will be surprised at how easily the oils are removed with simple warm water and a facial cloth. At the same time it replaces dried sebum secretions with oils high in anti-oxidants so that the face never dries out. Supple moist skin is the best way to prevent lines and creases forming.

It will feel different at first. The cleanser is an oil, after all. But the results are sensational. You will notice almost immediately that your skin is calmer and more radiant. For some, there may be an initial period where deep-skin inflammations are coming to the surface and clearing out, however your skin should overall appear to be in better condition very quickly. If this is not the case for you, try following the Oil Cleansing Method with a quick, gentle wash with natural soap and cool water and see if this is enough to calm the skin. Overall, watch your body's own cues. Everyone is different and there is no single solution that works for all. You are the best expert on your own body.

Directions

I recommend that the Oil Cleansing Method be used in the evenings, and in the mornings a light wash with a natural soap and cool water should be used to prime the face for makeup application or the application of a sunscreen.

To cleanse the face in the evenings, massage a small amount of Skin Oil into dry skin. Then place a warm, wet cloth over the face for a moment to soften the oils and allow better penetration of the pores. Use the warm cloth to remove the oil from the face, along with dirt and makeup. The face should feel very clean and refreshed. It might even feel a little bit dry afterwards, indicating that your face has been thoroughly cleansed of old oils. If this happens, dampen the face with a bit of cool water and gently pat a drop or two of Skin Oil over the face and neck to make skin feel supple and moisturized without a hint of greasiness.
The Strawberry Smoothie (Orange Spice, Vanilla Bean, Honeyed Amber, etc...) doesn't smell like Strawberries to me!

The sense of smell is an amazing thing. The more I study this sense and the wide range of fragrance molecules that exist in our world, the more I realize that it is a very subjective sense as well. Ten people can smell a spritz of perfume and come away with ten different impressions, sometimes dramatically different. The scent descriptions that accompany my products are based upon my own personal scent impressions. After all, I cannot smell things from any other perspective! :)
What's the "No 'Poo" Hair Washing Method, and how do I do it?

An excellent primer on the No Shampoo Method can be found Here, but I will try to make a short capsule version. Basically, you use a solution of baking soda made into a paste with water as a cleanser for the hair and scalp. This is a very, very mild surfactant - just enough to remove dirt and oil from the scalp and hair without overdrying. Since the "ingredients list" is so short and so natural, the hair and scalp are spared all of the usual irritants and it's a great way to heal from scalp conditions and various hair annoyances. It may seem odd to think of baking soda as a cleanser, but consider for a moment that true soap is a form of salt. rub a little baking soda between your fingers, and add a bit of water. Notice the slippery sensation. This is the surfactant property of the soda water, the characteristic that cleanses. In order to condition the hair after a No 'Poo shampoo, an ounce of apple cider vinegar is added to a liter of water and poured through the hair, which restores the ph balance of the hair and scalp and leaves it feeling quite nice and soft. For some, this isn't quite conditioning enough and these folks can use a bit of oil on the ends of their hair *before* shampooing in order to have a better moisturized end result later on.

I have used the No Poo method myself, and it worked just fine for me. I started by making a paste of baking soda and water, which I kept in a jar next to the shower. When I wished to wash my hair, I simply wet it as usual, then grabbed out a large dollop of baking soda paste and plopped it on top of my head, working it into the scalp and then rinsing out. I had very long hair at the time, and I found it difficult to get through the layers of hair to the scalp without lots of pulling and general roughness, so I started using a commercial-style squeeze ketchup bottle, adding a dollop of baking soda paste to the bottle at the beginning of each shower and then filling the bottle with water so that I could squirt the baking soda water directly onto my scalp more easily. This worked really well, and my hair was quite happy with it. I never had to use oil on my hair ends, the apple cider vinegar rinse was plenty to leave my hair feeling soft and conditioned, and combing through my long, moderately curly hair was no problem. The main reasons that I stopped using this method were that I craved the yummy fragrance of my favorite shampoo (cheap old VO5 Balsam & Protein) and because my husband complained bitterly about the *very faint* odor of apple cider vinegar present in my hair while it was still damp. Once dry, this vinegar odor was gone, but my husband is more sensitive than most to vinegar odors, so this bothered him. Most other people never seemed to smell it at all, even when I was fresh out of the shower and my hair was still quite wet.

At any rate, I think the No 'Poo method is an excellent way to give your hair a rest from chemicals and long ingredient lists that might be wreaking havoc. If you're having problems it's a great way to get things under control, and a good way to get to "baseline" while you are trying to figure out via process of elimination what is not agreeing with your scalp. If you find that your hair needs more moisture than the apple cider vinegar rinse is providing, using a bit of my Skin Oil on the ends of hair before your wash seems to work just fine. Use it sparingly, though! And don't use it on the scalp, it will be too oily for the baking soda to remove properly.
Are your perfumes 100% natural?

Simple answer? No. We use as much as we can from the natural world, however when it comes down to it our philosophy is that perfumes should be elegant, long-lasting, have decent projection without attacking an entire room, should not destroy endangered natural resources and should be safe for most individuals without specific sensitivities. Natural does not always mean safe, and Synthetic does not always mean dangerous. We try to use compounds that occur in nature, even when they are simply laboratory isolates of a molecule that would normally be found in, say, a hunk of cheddar cheese or the fifth leaf down from the top of a rosebud on a full moon every other sunday in a small village on the outskirts of Burkina Faso. We understand the beauty of naturals and we respect them, but we do not always find that they are the best option for reaching the goal we are pursuing. We try to consider all angles when making a decision about whether to use a natural substance or a synthetic substance, and we try not to let emotional biases interfere with that decision. Our sandalwood is Australian, but augmented with a touch of synthetics to give it the Mysore-like edge that Australian oil is clearly missing. Our oakmoss is a mixture of natural and synthetic, protecting customers by lessening their exposure to the potential carcinogen while still giving some of the full-bodied beauty of the original. Our bergamot and citruses are natural, but are chemically altered to remove bergaptene and other sun-sensitizing substances. I apologize for the complicated answer, but it is a difficult issue and there is a lot of deliberation involved. I simply do not believe that there is any 100% right or wrong answer to the Natural versus Synthetic discussion, if you tear away all the dogma and emotion. And now, for all of this being said, we are still on a continual quest to find ways of creating scents that utilize naturals as often as possible. When were are 137 years old and have learned half of what we need to know, we will pass it all on to you. :)

Please Send Your Questions Or Comments To althaea@althaea.biz

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