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Quality is critical. There are many different types of oils from which soap can be made. Each oil brings different properties to the finished soap. As with most products, quality ingredients generally cost more than inferior ingredients. Even handmade soapmakers are tempted to include cheaper substitutes and commercial
soaps contain either synthetic detergents or cheap beef fat (tallow), Ancient Elements' soaps are made only of the highest quality all natural vegetable oils.
Olive Oil is included to provide mildness in the finished bar. For centuries Castille soap has been made using 100% olive oil. Soaps made with olive oil are generally mild and tend to help skin retain moisture by coating it with a thin moisture barrier to prevent excessive drying. Other similarly mild and moisturizing oils added to some soaps include Hemp, Safflower, Macadamia, Jojoba, Avocado, and Apricot Kernel oils.
Coconut Oil is included to provide a quick and frothy lather. Coconut is considered by many almost a magical soapmaking oil as it works to both harden the finished bar and to provide lather. In fact, the more coconut oil a bar contains, the more lather it will produce. The only drawback is that too much coconut oil tends to be drying. Balance then is the key. Each bar of Ancient Elements soap contains just enough coconut oil to produce a full lather, but not too much as to avoid drying.
Palm Oil is included to produce a firm yet mild bar. Like coconut, palm oil also functions to produce a firm bar. Unlike coconut, palm oil is non-drying.
Cocoa Butter is included to both moisturize and to make the bar long lasting. Though expensive, cocoa butter serves as a rich emollient. Its inclusion turns each bar into a luxurious moisturizer. Furthermore, cocoa butter helps each bar last much longer than soaps made entirely of lesser oils.
Castor Oil (aka Palm Christi Oil) is included to both enrich the lather and to help anchor the essential oils and other fragrances. Castor oil helps to stabilize and thicken the lather. While coconut produces quick fluffy bubbles, castor oil creates a thick persistent lather similar to a shampoo or shaving cream. The combination of the two gives the best of both types of lather. Additionally, inclusion of castor helps to hold the scent in the soap longer. The chemical make-up of castor works to lock in the volatile scent oils in much the same way as alcohol does in perfume and cologne.
Vitamin E is included to both nourish the skin and to work as an anti-oxidant. Considered nature's anti-oxidant, Vitamin E works to keep each bar fresh. Some studies also suggest that Vitamin E applied to the skin can help fight the effects of aging. While the amount of Vitamin E in our soap is probably too small and not in contact with the skin long enough to make a difference, it can't hurt.
Essential Oils are used to create wonderful scents. Most Ancient Elements soaps are scented entirely with all natural essential oils. Essential oils are derived entirely from flowers, herbs, and other plants. Each is a concentrated form of the essence of that plant. Used extensively in Aromatherapy, essential oils are thought to provide various mental and physical benefits in addition to their alluring aromas. In a few cases, where a particular scent is not available as an essential oil or where the cost of the essential oil is prohibitively expensive, synthetic fragrance oils that mimic the natural oils may be used. Each soap clearly lists whether essential oils or fragrance oils have been used.
Cosmetic Grade Pigments or other natural substances are used to create attractive colors. Colorants vary from soap to soap. Many Ancient Elements soaps are presented au naturel without coloring. In other cases, common kitchen spices such as cinnamon or chocolate are used. In a few soaps, cosmetic grade pigments approved for prolonged skin contact are included. In every case, we only use the safest colorants, even if more attractive alternatives exist.
Botanical Additives are used to provide exfoliation and heightened visual appeal. Shredded leaves, flower petals, and other natural materials like oatmeal are often added to provide a gentle exfoliating scrub. Removal of spent skin cells leaves the remaining skin softer and with a natural glow. Other natural ingredients like honey and goat's milk are added to some soaps to enhance the finished product.
As is clearly demonstrated by the above, each ingredient has a purpose and plays a key role in making the finished bar perform to perfection.
