Why use handcrafted soap? Isn’t the stuff from the grocery store just as good?

The "soap" from the grocery store usually isn't soap at all, but rather a detergent.  It contains processed chemicals, alcohol, synthetic preservatives and quite often, petroleum-based ingredients.  Besides these, the component that is the very best for your skin - glycerin - is removed.  However, handcrafted soaps retain glycerin, which occurs naturally in the soapmaking process.  We are extremely selective about what goes into our soap, so only the highest quality oils are used. Many people find that they no longer need lotions or moisturizers after using handcrafted soap.  Try a bar today to feel the difference for yourself.

Is your soap really handcrafted?

Yes, it is.  It is made using recipes that I have created.  I make it myself in very small batches, by hand, from start to finish.  That's why all of our bars are unique, too. No shortcuts, no rushing the batches and no compromising. For me, soapmaking is a passion.   

What are the ingredients?

My soaps are made with our own, time-tested, skin-loving base recipe.  The recipe uses olive, coconut,  palm kernel and castor oils.  We also add shea butter.  Some soaps include organic oats, clays, mineral colorants, herbs or other oils depending on the specific bar.  Soaps are scented with either pure essential oils or the best quality fragrance oils. We specifically select and combine oils for the benefits the oils bring to the finished soap.  All soaps are vegan, and neither the soap nor the ingredients are tested on animals.  While I will not give out the scent blends that I have created (no matter how many times or how nicely I'm asked!) I'll be happy to tell you the rest of the ingredients in a soap if you email me for more information!

How do I care for my soap?

Many people enjoy using the bars as room fresheners or to add fragrance to a drawer.  If you have various scents, it is best to expose them to air rather than storing them tightly against each other.  This will allow the scents to maintain their individuality as well as let the bars harden even more.

Then, when you are ready to bathe with a bar:

Use a draining soap dish or a wooden soap deck.  If the soap sits in a puddle, it will dissolve more quickly. Keep your bar out of the direct stream of the showerhead.  Use two different bars. If you alternate between using them, it will let them dry out completely between uses.  And variety is fun!  Don’t use the bar to scrub.  Live it up - use a bath mitt or washcloth.

May I use it on my kids? My baby?

Yes, you sure can.  The soap is very gentle and  mild.  But if you are in doubt, it's always a wise idea to do a skin test.  We suggest washing the inside of your arm with the soap, then waiting 24 hours.  Our soap is milder (and doesn't have all those hard-to-say chemical ingredients that store-bought soap contains), so it's not likely that you or your kids will have any problems with it.

May I use it on my face?  My hair?

Yes, you may use our soaps to wash from head to toe.  Please try to avoid actually getting lather in your eyes as it may sting.  Some people prefer the Ultimate Shampoo Bar for hair, but we use either.

What do you mean by ‘superfatting’? 

During the soapmaking process, the oils and the alkali combine which is what creates soap.  When the soapmaker intentionally adds extra oils (which will not molecularly combine with the alkali), it is called ‘superfatting’.  The result is a more luxurious feeling bar.  All of Tami’s Soaps are superfatted.

If I buy a bunch of soap, how long will it last?

It's best if the soap is left exposed to air, that is why we ship in the little bags we do - so it can still get air.  You may keep the soap in the bags, or place it in a drawer as a soap sachet, or in a basket.  It should retain the scent for at least a year with the scent growing stronger when it gets wet.

This sounds good.... but I still want to know...

We encourage you to email us at any time with any questions you might have! It's a pleasure to talk about soap -- and the best informed customers are usually the happiest customers! Every soapmaker is different so try as many of us as you can. It's the best way to find what you prefer in soap!

OK, I want to try it! How long will it take to get my order?

Once you place your order (click here to get some!), your soap will be shipped via priority mail within 2 days.  If there are any complications or soaps that aren't available, we'll email you right away to resolve it.