We Know You Have Questions...

The fact that you are reading this tells me that you are interested in exploring more natural, less toxic body care products.  As consumers, we are responsible for understanding what we put in and on our bodies.  Remember, what we put on our bodies is ultimately going to end up in our bodies.  So first read the label and then ask questions. 

You are sure to be asking yourself questions like: 

• What benefits do OutsideIn Soaps offer me?
• How are they better than the commercial bars I buy at the store for less money?
• Why are they so expensive?
• Is it worth the extra cost?

It’s not just what we put in, it’s also what we leave out… 

We don’t add Parabens; artificial ingredients widely used in as preservatives in commercial products.  Because the chemical structure of these compounds resembles that of estrogen, they can attach to estrogen receptors and interfere with the production and functioning of hormones in the body. While a causal relationship has not yet been established, there is enough evidence of correlation between these substances and certain forms of cancer that a cautious attitude is not unwarranted. The pH level of Cold Process soap prevents mold and bacteria growth without the use of preservatives.

We don’t add sulfates. Sulfates are detergents. If you have sensitive skin, they can irritate it. They can also be a little too efficient in washing away dirt and oil resulting in skin that feels dry. 

What we do put in are quality vegetable oils and custom blends of natural essential oils. The only other additions are naturally occurring colorants; mainly micas and iron oxides. Our recipes are crafted to produce a product that cleans, conditions, and moisturizes deeply.

We do not add artificial chemical fragrances. Our soap is scented with only naturally processed essential oils; plant extracts made from steam distilling or cold-pressing flowers, bark, stems, leaves, peel, roots, seeds, resins, or other parts of a plant. As a result, the soaps smell great. Really Great! Many of the essential oils also have skin soothing benefits and aromatherapy effects. 

Commercial products are produced with inexpensive oils and chemicals and usually have the most beneficial byproduct of saponification, glycerin, removed so that it can be sold separately.  We leave the glycerin in! Glycerin is a natural humectant; a substance that draws moisture in relieving dryness and easing fine lines and wrinkles.

Why do they cost more? 

No one who is truly making small batch cold process soap is getting rich. Quality oils, such as shea butter, sweet almond and a good olive oil, are not inexpensive. Real essential oils are also pricey. 

When you buy a bar of commercial soaps, you are getting a product made with lower grade oils. A product that is made by machine in a factory under unknown conditions. A product that most likely has the glycerin, removed and chemical preservatives and fragrances added. 

When you buy a bar of OutsideIn Soaps, you are purchasing a handcrafted item. The soaps are produced from only quality oils in my Hartland Vermont kitchen. Each bar is clearly labeled with all ingredients so you know what you are getting and where you are getting it from. 

In addition to the cost of ingredients, creating Cold Process Soaps takes hours and weeks. You are getting a product that is crafted with personal attention and love. (See our Blog Can I Make My Own Cold Process Soap)
 

How Long Does a Bar of Soap Last you… 

The length of time your bar of soap will last you will vary based on a number of factors. How often do you use it? Are you using it in the shower or at the sink? How many people are using it? 

If you get two weeks out of a $7.00 bar of soap, that’s 50 cents a day. You may get longer than that, you probably won’t get less. 

So here are the questions to ask yourself: 

• Am I honestly interested in eliminating unnecessary chemicals from my life?
• Do I have any skin sensitivities that might be aggravated by harsh detergents?
• Can my skin use more moisture?
• Do I prefer a “farm to shower” type of approach to my skin care or is that not important to me?
• Can I afford to spend 50 cents a day for better skin care?
   

If you’ve answered yes to one or more of the questions above, maybe it’s time to give OutsideIn Soaps a try. The commercial stuff will always be there if you decide you prefer it. 

If you still have questions we haven’t addressed, please add them to the comments or use the contact form @ OutsideInSoaps.com and I will be glad to try to help!