All our soap is all hand made from 100% natural Australian products.

What is soap?

Not many people even know what soap really is. Several of the cleansing bars that you buy at the store, for example, are detergents, and not soaps at all. They are called syndet bars, or synthetic detergent bars. They are made from synthesized chemicals and are usually much harsher than soap. Detergents contain petroleum distillates rather than oil. On the other hand, true soap is made from natural oils and is a gentle cleansing product more appropriate for use on skin than detergent and much more mild than detergents.

Is there lye in the soaps that I buy from Sydney Soap Boutiques?

Some people may question the use of lye in handmade soap. The fact is that all soap is made with lye. What needs to be made clear is that once the process of saponification is complete, the lye and oil molecules have combined and chemically changed into soap and glycerin. ALL bar soaps are made with lye, however, when made correctly, there is NO LYE remaining in the final bar of soap. Whether your soap is manufactured by large corporations, or smaller handcrafted soap makers, the above rings true, regardless. Lye must be used to make the soap, but there should never be any remaining lye in the final bar to hurt the skin.

How is soap made?

Soap is made by adding water, oil and butters together, along with something to form them into soap (an alkali). That ingredient is Sodium Hydroxide which is lye. For liquid soaps, it is Potassium Hydroxide. The chemical reaction is called saponification. The soap maker must calculate the correct amount of lye for the specific oils used in each recipe. If too much lye is used, the bar may be hard and crumbly. If too little, the bar becomes soft and will become rancid faster, due to the natural oils & butters that are used in handmade soap.

What is saponification?

Saponification is a chemical reaction that takes place when oil is mixed with an alkali solution, such as sodium hydroxide (lye), water & oils or butters. In other words, the oil and lye combine to make soap. When the proper amounts are used at the proper temperatures, all of the lye and oil are consumed by the reaction and only the soap remains. Generally, slightly more oil is used resulting in a soap that is more moisturizing for the skin and ensuring that all of the lye is used up in the curing process.

Why does handmade soap need to cure, and how long does that take?

Handmade soap needs to slowly cure over time to harden. As the bars harden, they become more mild. Like a fine wine, the longer the handmade soap cures, the better it is. We utilize the discounted water cold process method of soapmaking which allows us to cure our soaps for 2 weeks before they are ready for sale. i.e. Saponification has been completed and all traces of lye is used up and not remaining in the finished bars. Optimally, handmade soap should cure for 4-6 weeks. Remember, the longer, the better. The completely cured bar will be much harder due to all the moisture being evaporated out, which makes the bar less soluble (it will last longer)

What are the benefits of using handmade soap?

Evidence abounds of the healing properties of a handmade bar of soap. Those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as people that have sensitive skin or are hypoallergenic often find immediate relief by switching to handmade soap. Compared to store bought soap, handmade soap is very mild. They are often made from vegetable-based oils, such as olive, coconut, and palm and do not contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in conventional bar soap. One of the biggest differences between commercial soap and handmade soap is glycerin. Glycerin is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air and is a key factor in keeping skin soft and healthy.

How should I take care of my handmade soap to make it last?

Handmade soap is a special product. Because it contains glycerin, it can retain more moisture than other soaps. To extend the life of your handcrafted soap, place it in a well-draining soap dish. (see our massage, salon & spa page to purchase proper soap dishes) Keep unused bars in a cool, dry place out of direct contact with water. A good soap is like a good wine, the longer it cures, the better and more mild it becomes. Our soaps will last approximately 3 weeks for single use.

What is your turn around time from order placement to delivery?

On handmade soap ONLY, we ship all orders within 2 business days, unless the item is out of stock. We keep a small supply of all our handcrafted soap on hand and replenish as they are ordered so that they arrive to the consumer at the peak of freshness. Please note that our normal ship time on all orders is 4-5 business days (7-10 business days during the busy holiday seasons).

Why do the bars vary in size?

All of our soaps are made in small batches by hand from start to finish. Making them all unique. We hand cut each and every batch and individual bar and wrapped each bar in plastic providing better presentation and longevity, The weight of each bar is 100 grams.