Here at Archdale Soap, we're firm believers that less is more. In short, if an ingredient doesn't contribute to the cleansing, moisturizing, or safe-scenting of the skin, we don't include it in our products.
Many widely available skincare products contain ingredients which most people's skin need regularly such as sodium chloride (salt), sodium cocoate, or glycerin. However, many of the same popular products are imbedded with cheaper alternatives when compared to other skin-friendly options. Below are a few examples of ingredients we exclude from all our handcrafted soaps along with the *alternatives we use in their place.
- Alumina: The extraction of aluminium metal which takes place in three main stages: (1) mining of bauxite ore, (2) refining the ore to recover of alumina, (3) smelting alumina to produce aluminium. Alumina is often used in products such as sandpaper, refractories, cements and abrasives/exfoliants in cosmetics and other skincare products.
- At Archdale Soap, we use exfoliants such as coffee grounds or fresh-cut flowers in our Coffee Cake, 4-Lavender, and 4-Hibiscus body bars. To accomplish safe hardening/combining properties, we include calculated amounts of Castor Oil in our non-Goat Milk product line and Sodium Lactate in our luxurious Goat Milk soaps.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): A synthetic soap and surfactant that's used in many personal care products and household cleaners. SLES has been implicated in several health concerns including skin and eye irritation, but the main problem with this chemical is the fact that it's frequently contaminated by 1,4 dioxane, a known carcinogen that is a common by-product of the manufacturing process.
- Our precisely calculated mixture of base oils (Coconut Oil, RSPO Certified Palm Oil, Olive Oil, etc.), when combined with our equally calculated amount of Sodium hydroxide (Lye), form a foaming sensation which hydrates your skin without stripping or damaging the outer layer.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB): A synthetic surfactant found in many personal care and household products that helps water bind to dirt and oil so it can be rinsed away. Some people may experience skin discomfort, redness, tightness or other side effects after using products that contain CAPB. If this kind of reaction is severe, users may experience blisters or sores where the product came into contact with their skin.
- We include a healthy amount of Coconut Oil in most of our products. Coconut Oil is known for its cleansing properties as well as its ability to cling to oil and dirt until rinsed away. Some people suffer from a Coconut or Coconut Oil allergy, so it’s important that users understand their personal skin needs before using a product containing Coconut Oil. With rare exception, Coconut Oil is generally safe for most people when used on the skin.
*The comments in this article and at ArchdaleSoap.com are the opinion(s) of of Archdale Soap. Archdale Soap does not make claims of healing or medicinal properties in any of its products. Individuals should conduct their own research before forming personal opinions of any product, service, industry, person, organization, etc.