Ask the Soapman
Dear Soapman, I recently purchased the Arnica Salve for my achy parts. Works quite well – thank you. I started to get a headache yesterday and instead of taking a pill I rubbed the arnica on the back of my neck. Worked great! Better than I ever expected. So my question is; “How come your Old Fashioned Arnica Salve is not categorized as a drug by the FDA? ” – Quizzical Dear Quizzical, A drug is defined by its intent of use. Non-prescription items can claim to soothe, moisturize, ease, calm, relieve tension; but not much more. Pain for example,…
Does the quality of Castile liquid soaps vary that much between companies? How is your product different to others on the market? Castile liquid soap is a nod to the coconut and olive liquid soap that is still made in the La Castilla La Mancha region, part of the ancient Kingdom of Castille in Spain. This was the soap and detergent of the wealthiest citizens of Europe for nearly two hundred years. Over time, the term Castile Soap has come to mean any soap product containing any amount of olive oil. This is important because the main ingredient; coconut oil-turning-into-liquid…
Do your soaps contain sodium hydroxide? Bar Soap is in fact a mass of crystals grown from the merging of oils and sodium hydroxide. No detectable sodium hydroxide is left in the final product when it is done the way we do it. In other words, sodium hydroxide is a processing aid that turns oils which make you greasy into soap which makes you clean. We do not use melt and pour processes here. So called “Glycerin Soaps” are primarily radiator anti-freeze mixed with glycerin and usually triethanolalamine. If you need a super mild soap for sensitive skin I recommend…
Love your liquid castile soap, however, my wife wants a clear (no color) liquid to put in bathroom/kitchen dispensers. Is this available ? Our liquid soap soap is a natural clear amber liquid. Adding scent will darken it somewhat. Unscented Liquid Sunshine would be the clearest product we have. Remember to rinse your container 3x in hot water between refills to keep your organic soap fresh!
How many ounces are in each bar that comes in the 120 bar set? Ahh…. the bar weight question again! When we make our handmade bar soaps they weigh more or less 4.5oz/128g. We cure the bars on custom made drying racks for a minimum of 28 days. This lowers their water content to 12.5% or about 3.75oz/106g per bar. That is the approximate weight of a fresh bar of our soap. But let’s say that a particular bar should sit unpackaged in that crate display for a worst case scenario of 14 months. The average weight then would be…
Dear Mr. Soapman, I love your Vermont Castile Soap! Thank you so much for making a difference! Can I make soap bars from your Vermont Castile Soap? I am a beginner, and I have been looking for melt and pour base natural, chemical free through other companies. Both companies I had in mind, they carry melt and pour soap base, but do carry bad chemicals in them. So can I use your castile soap in a cold process recipe? I learned that cold process involves oils, butters and Lye. But have no idea where to begin. But desire to make…
Question: It says on the website that you can use the Castile and the Sunshine products on your carpets but it doesn’t say how much. I know it’s very concentrated and I don’t want to add too much. Answer: Use like the detergent concentrates you are used to using. They should measure out the same. Question: I have my own carpet cleaner that I bought and I want to double check and make sure it won’t hurt the cleaner. I don’t see how it could but I’m just double checking. Answer: The only issue is that soap and…
Hello Soapman. My wife has banned any soaps or gels that leave a film in the shower. That includes some current Castile soaps. I love peppermint soaps. Does the Vermont Peppermint Castile Soap or Vermont Peppermint Shower Gel leave a film residue in the shower or tub? Thanks, Gary I love this question! Soap interacts with minerals in your water to leave a film, affectionately known as “Soap scum”. Wreaks havoc on a hot tub. Here are your options: Remove soap scum with vinegar, or in more extreme cases vinegar and baking soda OR Use Bon Ami on your porcelain…
My husband likes a shaving cream that foams up. I would like for him to stop using the synthetic shaving creams with toxic chemicals. We would like to find a natural product that foams and lathers up when he shaves. Which of your products do you recommend that would be a good shaving cream? Thank you. Buy your man a nice shaving brush and he can lather up with organic Vermont Soap. I recommend the Butter Bar. No scent and it softens your beard while soothing your skin. All the Best, Soapman
Is Patchouli Hemp the same as Patchouli Rose? I love the Patchouli Hemp and I am down to my last bar! Patchouli Rose is a new flavor. It is light and fresh and less earthy patchouli blend with a rosey heart note. Patchouli Hemp is the terrific patchouli blend you have loved for years. Thanks for asking!
