Frequently Asked Questions

There are many beautiful handmade soaps available, and prices can vary significantly. It usually comes down to the quality of the ingredients used and the time involved in making them. Some makers use more affordable oils and fragrances, while others choose premium ingredients. One thing I've always stayed true to is using the highest-quality ingredients I can source.

My beef tallow comes from grass-fed cows, I use pure olive oil rather than lower-cost pomace oil and I use pure coconut oil that has been refined here in NZ. I carefully select premium essential oils instead of cheaper alternatives. These choices come at a higher cost, but I believe in quality ingredients.

What many people don't see is the time and care that goes into every bar. From formulating and making, to cutting, curing, packaging, and boxing, each step is done by hand. Every bar has passed through my hands multiple times and has been crafted with love, intention, and dedication.

When you purchase one of my soaps, you're not just buying a bar of soap – you're supporting small-batch craftsmanship and a commitment to quality that I am incredibly proud of.

Absolutely. The difference between essential oils of varying quality lies in their purity, sourcing, extraction methods, and overall effectiveness. High-quality essential oils are typically derived from carefully selected plants, extracted using methods that preserve their natural compounds, and tested for purity to ensure they are free from contaminants or synthetic additives.

Lower-quality oils may be diluted, contain artificial ingredients, or be produced from inferior plant materials, which can reduce their aroma, therapeutic benefits, and safety.

Choosing reputable brands that provide transparency about sourcing and testing can help ensure you are purchasing high-quality essential oils.

For me, the decision is never about cost; it is always about quality.

If you are new to shampoo and conditioner bars, there can be a short adjustment period as you learn the best way to use them.

Start by thoroughly wetting your hair and the bar. For shampoo bars, either rub the bar gently between your hands to create a lather or glide it directly over your scalp a few times, then massage the lather through your hair before rinsing well.

For conditioner bars, apply the bar directly onto your scalp working it down towards the ends of your hair, focusing on areas that need extra moisture. Leave it on for a minute or two (as the steam helps to soften and bind the ingredients to your hair) before rinsing.

To help your bars last longer, allow them to dry completely between uses by storing them on a well-drained soap dish away from standing water.

With a little practice, shampoo and conditioner bars can become an easy, effective, and environmentally friendly part of your hair care routine. 

Store bars on a well-draining soap dish or rack that allows water to drain away and air to circulate around the bar. 

Avoid leaving bars sitting in puddles of water, as this can cause them to soften and dissolve more quickly.

Keep bars away from direct streams of water when not in use. If possible, store shampoo and conditioner bars separately so they can dry thoroughly between uses.

With proper storage and care, your bars will stay firmer, last longer, and continue performing at their best.

I will be adding some storage solutions soon.

Yes, many people can use cold process soap on their face, particularly when it is formulated with nourishing oils and butters. However, facial skin is often more delicate and sensitive than the skin on the rest of the body, so results can vary from person to person.

Our cold process soaps are made with carefully selected ingredients designed to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

If you have particularly sensitive, dry, or reactive skin, we recommend patch testing first and choosing a gentle softer soap like Aloe Vera, green clay, pink clay or yellow clay, ones that don’t exfoliate. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Absolutely. Because all of my products are handmade, I am happy to create custom-made items to suit your needs.

Whether you are looking for smaller sizes for wedding favours, gifts, or Airbnb guests, I would love to work with you to bring your vision to life. Simply get in touch with your ideas, and together we can create something special.

Handcrafted soap can't be rushed! From pouring to curing, the process takes around 4–6 weeks. This time allows the bars to fully harden and develop into the beautiful, long-lasting soap you receive.

If one of your favourites is out of stock, there's a good chance more is already curing and will be available again the following week. I make several batches a week to keep up with demand.

Most traditional soaps require sodium hydroxide to combine hard and soft oils into soap and to create a firm, long-lasting bar. During the soap-making process, the sodium hydroxide reacts with the oils in a process called saponification and is consumed in the reaction. By the time the soap has cured (generally 48 hours) no sodium hydroxide remains in the finished bar. What’s left is a beautiful bar of soap made from nourishing skin-loving ingredients.