FAQs

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Why Choose Handmade Soap Over Store Bought Soap?

Ever wondered why handmade soap is a better choice compared to the mass-produced alternatives? Most commercially available soaps from big brands contain detergents and may not even be classified as true soap. When you watch soap commercials, take note if they refer to it as soap or as something else. Authentic soap is a blend of oils and salt, while many commercial soaps either syndets (synthetic detergents) or have had glycerin, a by-product of soap making, removed and sold, leaving the bar with minimal moisturizing properties. At Sheaxeen Soapery, we believe in preserving soap's natural moisturizing benefits, resulting in a truly nourishing experience for your skin.

What's the Lifespan of Handmade Soap?

Our handmade soap bars last longer than you might expect! Crafted with ingredients that create a firm, moisture-rich bar, each of our bars is cured for a full 4-6 weeks. This ensures you receive 100% pure soap. On average, you can expect each bar to last about a month with daily use. To maximize its longevity, we recommend using a draining soap dish to prevent soap from sitting in water and becoming soggy.

Allergies and Sensitivities

If you have allergies, please thoroughly review our ingredients list. Many of our products feature vegan-friendly ingredients like oat, rice, or coconut milk, as well as essential oils. While we aim to cater to various skin types, individual sensitivities vary. If you have uncertainties, feel free to reach out to us for clarification. If any irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.

Essential Oil vs. Fragrance Oil

The distinction between essential oils and fragrance oils is significant. Essential oils are naturally extracted and offer therapeutic benefits, while fragrance oils are synthetically created for scent. Fragrance oils, however, are safe for use on the skin. If your skin is sensitive to fragrances, consider opting for unscented or essential oil-based products. For those with sensitive skin, consulting a doctor is always advisable.

Appreciating Imperfections

Our handcrafted soap is precisely that—handcrafted. This means no two bars are exactly alike. Color variations may occur due to temperature differences in batches. Air pockets or "soda ash", a harmless powder-like substance that forms when soap meets air, or "fat bloom",  a white coating that could appear on soaps high in butter content, might be present. These minor variances don't impact the soap's quality or performance.

Ingredients in Our Handmade Soaps

Our soap recipes consist of thoughtfully selected ingredients, including our much loved and moisturizing shea butter, sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil, rice bran, sustainable palm oil, cocoa butter, castor oil, etc. with added beauties like kaolin clay, milk varieties, whipping cream, salt, sugar, and skin-safe colorants and fragrances. For specific details, refer to the description of each product listing. For a full list of all the ingredients we use in our products please check out the OUR INGREDIENTS tab at the bottom of this page.

Understanding Lye in Handmade Soap

Lye is a sodium compound used as a binding agent in skincare and food products. Although the term might sound intimidating, rest assured it completely utilized during the saponification. By then, it has played its role in transforming oils into soap and is NOT present in the soap.

Variations from Our Website Photos

When you order from our website, the soap you receive may differ slightly from the product featured in the photos. Handmade items are inherently unique, and duplicating exact appearances is challenging. We make every effort to provide you with a product that aligns with our photos, even if there are variations in color, swirls, design, weight, or cut.

Understanding "Cold Process" Soap

"Cold process" soap making involves mixing sodium hydroxide (lye) with water, blending it with fatty oils, and adding essential or fragrance oils and colorants (natural or synthetic), clays, or pigments. The mixture is then poured into molds and takes around 24 hours to solidify into soap.

Placing an Order

You can conveniently place orders through our website at any time or visit us in person at the various festivals we attend. If you have questions or special requests, don't hesitate to reach out via email or our contact form.

Our Location

You can find us in Burtonsville MD, U.S.A.

Shipping Lead Time

Individual customer orders typically ship within 2-3 business days of receiving your payment. For wholesale or custom orders, kindly allow 4-6 weeks. During the holiday season or for larger orders, delivery may take longer. Reach out to us for specific inquiries or requests about your order, and we'll be glad to assist you.

Estimated Shipment Arrival

DOMESTIC ORDERS:

• We ship via USPS Ground Advantage or Priority Mail, or via UPS based on weight, size of package and zip code, usually within 2 - 3 business days.

• You can expect your domestic order to arrive within a week, along with a tracking number.

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS:

We DO NOT offer international shipping at this time.

Treating Conditions and Claims

Our products make no claims regarding treatment capabilities. The products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We encourage you to read the ingredients list for informed skincare decisions. All ingredients are transparently listed.

At Sheaxeen Soapery, we're committed to providing you with exceptional handmade products that nurture your skin and well-being. Your satisfaction and understanding of our products matter to us. If you have further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.