Explore the intricate process behind crafting Shropshire Soap. From ancient traditions to our unique touches, discover what makes our soaps special.Store
A Legacy of Lather: The History of Soap Making
The history of soap making stretches back millennia, with evidence of soap-like substances appearing as early as 2800 BC in ancient Babylon. Initially, soap-making involved combining fats and ashes, primarily for cleaning textiles rather than personal hygiene. Over time, techniques evolved, with civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans using soap for both cleaning and medicinal purposes. Medieval Europe saw soap-making become a regulated trade, particularly in areas with access to olive oil and barilla ashes. The industrial revolution brought about mass production, making soap more accessible than ever. Store
Nature's Goodness in Every Bar
Shropshire Soap uses natural ingredients like Botanical essential oils, honey, sea salt, Goats milk, Shea Butter, Coconut butter, dried flower petals such as Lavender and Chamomile focusing on general wellbeing. By adding essential oils can enhance both the scent and skin benefits of your soap. Using specific ingredients and fragrances (essential oil) can have therapeutic benefits to the skin and mindfulness. Store
Our commitment to quality ingredients is what makes Shropshire Soap special
At Shropshire Soap, we believe that the secret to exceptional soap lies in the quality of our ingredients. We carefully select each component to ensure our soaps are not only effective but also gentle and nourishing for your skin. Discover the unique blend that sets our soaps apart.
Shropshire Soap uses traditional ingredients for the making soaps these ingredients are:
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Avocado Oil
Sunflower Oil
Caster Oil
Beeswax
Water
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
Shea Butter
Honey
Goats Milk
Pure Essential Oils
Shropshire Soap focuses on sourcing the purest, most natural ingredients available. This commitment ensures that our soaps are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and unnecessary additives, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skinStore
The shropshire soap difference
Sustainability is at the heart of our ingredient selection process. We prioritise suppliers who share our commitment to ethical practices and environmental stewardship. This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and minimal environmental impact.
The art of patience: curing for quality
At Shropshire Soap, we understand that time is a crucial ingredient in crafting the perfect soap. Our soaps typically cure for four to six weeks, depending on the solid fats and essential oils used. This essential period allows water to evaporate, hardening the soap and significantly extending its lifespan.
Hardening and harmonizing: the curing process explained
During the curing process, the soap hardens, ensuring a longer-lasting bar. More importantly, it allows the essential oils to disperse evenly throughout, guaranteeing that the delightful scent remains until the very last lather. This meticulous process ensures you get the most out of every Shropshire Soap product.
Encountering soft soap or a fading scent? These are common curing mistakes. Proper curing avoids these issues. We ensure our soaps are perfectly cured for optimal hardness and long-lasting fragrance.
Sodium Hydroxide Information
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly known as lye, is essential in all soap making. It is the alkaline component that undergoes saponification, a chemical reaction with fats and oils to produce soap.
Safety measures are needed whilst handling the raw product, along with allowing the correct curing process to take place. Whilst Lye is corrosive in its natural form, once the soap has been cured it's no longer present in the soap. Soap can't be produced without this crucial ingredient.
Sustainable and Ethical Manufacturing
Shropshire Soap is committed to environmentally friendly and eco-friendly practices. Manufacturing processes focus on minimising waste, responsible water usage, and using organic ingredients. Ensuring the soaps contain no palm oil and strive to reduce transportation impacts. By choosing Shropshire Soap, you are supporting a business that values the planet.
At Shropshire Soap, we take pride in our small-batch, handmade soap-making process. Each bar is carefully crafted, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Our unique approach is enhanced by my beauty therapy degree, allowing me to create soaps that are not only cleansing but also beneficial for your skin. I am dedicated to using locally sourced products whenever possible, supporting our community and reducing our environmental impact.