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FAQ

How is handmade soap made?
Handmade soap uses a completely different method to the mass-produced soap.
Founded on the centuries old craft improved with recent research, our soap is made by cold-processing natural oils with sodium hydroxide and botanical combinations. Before packing, the soap is stored for 3 to 4 weeks to allow the saponification process to complete in a natural way, removing excess water and achieving a long lasting, glycerine-rich bar of soap. In our cold-processed soaps, essential oils, herbs and herbal teas, spices, grains, honey, beeswax, milks and butters are used for their skin beneficial properties and as scenting, scrubbing and texturising agents. As no preservatives are used, we recommend that our natural handmade soaps are protected from direct sunlight and, when not in use, kept in a dry cool place.

What is the difference between handmade and commercial soap?
Lots!!! Commercial soaps are mainly made out of cheap tallow, which is another word for beef fat and a multitude of chemicals. Most commercial vegtable oil soaps are nearly 100% palm oil which is great for hard soap but drying to the skin. In the commercial process, natural fats and oils are split into "pure" fatty acids and glycerine, by means of hot water and pressure in the presence of a catalyst, zinc soap. Glycerine is withdrawn, purified and concentrated as the fatty acid is being produced, and subsequently packaged for separate sale. Finishing steps of the industrial soap manufacturing process involve treating with synthetic perfumes and colours.  After vacuum drying, cooling and solidifying, the soap mass is milled or crushed in stages and, with the addition of synthetic lubricants, extruded into bars and pressed into its final shape. Have a look on the side of a pack of soap (yes even soap with ¼ moisturising cream) and look at the list of chemicals!!!! At Far North Soaps we believe if you can’t pronounce it or it’s not in your kitchen cupboard it shouldn’t be on your skin.

Why is our soap so good for your skin?
Skin is the largest organ of our bodies. It provides protection and receives sensory stimuli from the external environment. Its outermost layer, the epidermis, contains the primary protective structure and provides a filter against attack by chemicals, radiation, and microbes. Our skin is like a sponge, absorbing most chemicals it comes in contact with - including substances that may be dangerous for our bodies. Soap, personal cleansers and cosmetic products in general, all interact with our skin. Some components of the most common commercial soaps (as well as shampoos, bubble baths, skin lotions and other toiletries) might easily damage our skin.  In some cases, they get absorbed into our blood stream, producing disastrous effects or even causing chronic problems for some people. Among the widely accepted side effects are, for instance, rashes and itchiness. Our soaps contain none of these synthetic agents and so are mild and gentle on the skin. Far North Soaps are ideal for sensitive skins.