Vermont Soap Organics solid soaps are made using a modern version of a 300-year-old method.
Certified organic oils of palm, coconut, olive, and palm kernel oil are blended at precise temperatures with an alkaline solution*.
The palm oil is, of course, sourced from small sustainable farms where the families harvesting it are paid fairly.
*To make soap, you need an oil (which is an acid), an alkaline base, and water. Saponification is a reaction between these ingredients that results in the creation of soap.
The oil and alkali undergo a structural change to form solid or liquid soap.
For the alkaline base, it is traditional to use potassium hydroxide to make liquid soap and sodium hydroxide to make solid soap.
Perfect science
The oils used in their organic, handmade soaps are carefully selected by Vermont Soap for the character they give to the final soap.
Vermont Soap uses the highest quality organic oil from sustainable sources.
- Coconut oil creates batches of glycerin, produces good lather, and is very stable.
- Olive oil has natural antioxidants and makes the soap creamier.
Many other oils can be used, each for a specific reason. The important thing is that oil and alkali must be in perfect balance to make the perfect soap.
For example, adding too much coconut oil will not produce good results.
This is a science that takes a long time to learn, and after many years of countless trials, Vermont Soap Organics found the perfect recipe.
Maturation process
At Vermont Soap, the soap batch is then mixed for hours so that it thickens slowly.
When ready, botanical and organic herbs, spices, and grains are added. The batch is then poured into wooden molds and kept warm for about three days.
As the soap solidifies, alkali salts begin to rise to the top like cream.
Around the fourth day, the soap, now solid, is removed in block form from the molds, skimmed of all alkali salts, and cut into individual bars.
The soaps are then placed on custom drying racks made of oak and stainless steel where they cure for about three weeks.
Mild natural soap without additives
This process produces the mildest and finest soap available.
These soaps last about twice as long as conventional ones and are very moisturizing and soothing for the skin.
No measurable free alkali, meaning no sodium hydroxide residue remains when the soap is finished. This is part of why their soap is so mild.
Conventional soap
Many modern conventional soaps are made in a mass-produced industrial way.
They may, for example, use nut or beef tallow instead of oils. Many synthetic additives are added to conventional soaps, for example, to make the soap lather more.
Glycerin is often separated out to be sold elsewhere, whereas in natural soap it is stirred back in during soap production.
Problems in mass-produced soap manufacturing can include low-quality base ingredients, alcohol, synthetic colors and fragrances, and preservatives.
The soap then lacks moisture fundamentally and tends to have alkali residues that will irritate the skin.
Problems arise when alkali and oil are not chemically combined. This leaves alkali salts in the product. Excess alkali makes the soap too strong and dries out the skin.
People with sensitive skin are especially prone to irritation from these types of soaps. Why do soap producers do this? The answer is that it is cheaper and much faster.
Choose eco soap
We believe it is better to buy an organic soap that may cost more but lasts longer and is good for the skin, environment, and animals.
The amazing thing about these soaps, besides being organic and vegan-friendly, is that they can be used in many ways.
Some of them are made to combat sweat and odor and are designed for a specific area of the body.
The mildest soaps can be used on the face, body, and as shampoo soap. We like that!
