Made with love and care for you, by us, from…

Folks often ask what goes into the products we create.  Many of you know that the drive to create these products evolved from our eldest child’s allergies to all the products we tried.  The day she developed a rash from baby oil, I knew it was time for chemistry and the kitchen!    

Since we began this process, we have found that the chemical additives and preservatives, as well as the quality of the oils and butters used, seem to be a greater issue for us, in terms of reactions caused, than the particular type of oil itself.  We have met many other people along this journey, however, with allergies to certain oils, from coconut oil to peanut oil, and others.  For them, we have learned to reformulate the recipes further.  In soaps, we can reformulate a batch for as little as 5 pounds of soap, in lotions and scrubs for as few as three large containers.  Sometimes the substitutions cost more in terms of ingredients, but not always.  We don’t charge more for the work of reformulating; only charging more when the ingredients require it.  This is about good healthy products for our families; we are all in this together!

That said, what’s in it?

Soaps

Soaps contain a variety of oils.  Sometimes, we formulate using Shea butter, as some folks really like it.  But not everyone does.  Unless requested otherwise, most soap offerings contain a mix o oils, including coconut oil.  Often times there may be a combination using sunflower oil, avocado oil, almond oil, macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, palm oil, apricot kernel oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, castor oil, palm stearic, hazelnut oil, hemp seed oil, goats milk, a combination of essential oils, and sometimes organic add ins like lavender buds, coffee, citrus rinds, or the like.  Is there something you cannot have?  Just ask!  We can steer you to the riht recipe, or make another batch without.

While we are on the topic of soaps, I usually like to use soap molds.  There are those who figure we are using melt and pour methods, as most cold-process soap makers use loaf molds.  But despite the extra timing and effort involved, I really think the shapes are worth it.  Sure, when we use mix ins like rinds and the like, the slices make a beautiful presentation, but when using a single style, the shapes add something special, and we are worth it!

Lotions

Lotions have a basic nut or vegetable oil base, usually almond or apricot kernel oil.  Fractionated coconut oil helps the lotion soak into your skin rather than sit on top of it, emulsifying wax, glycerin and natrasorb help turn the oils and vitamins into a lovely lotion soft texture , silk protein and vitamins help your skin repair and rejuvenate.   Phenonip allows the lotion to remain on your shelf for a year or more, with no parabens involved.

Lip Glosses

Glycerin, light nut or vegetable oils, vitamins, flavor oils and a little color.  Pretty simple.  And really fun!  The flavor oils we use are the same ones you may have used in candy making, though the highest food grade available.

Lip Balms

We happen to be non coffee drinkers at Patriot’s Dream Farm.  That makes it particularly funny that our favorite lip balm has a coffee butter base, but we love it anyway.  Just the lovely aroma and flavor of coffee, without the coffee breath!  Mixed in with apricot kernel oil, carnauba wax, flavor oils (usually caramel or chocolate) and vitamins and we are in heaven!