Some years ago my sister, Karen, bought me a book on how to make soap and after my first attempt I was hooked. At first I made small batches without colour or scent and then Karen took me to Lush in London and I have never looked back. The possiblities are endless.

 

All Riverlea Soaps products have been tested extensively by family Guinea-pigs and friendly lab rats (poor dears). They contain vegetable oils only - no animal products and are minus any meanies (PRESERVATIVE FREE.)

Synthetic soaps have a pH of about 6-7, close to the neutral pH of water. This makes them microbe-friendly, thus needing preservatives. True homemade soap does not suffer from this problem as it possesses a pH hostile to bacterial growth, between 8 and 10. 

Essential Oils - We use essential oils for both their beautiful aromas and their therapeutic properties.

Fragrance Oils -There are many aromas that are not available from natural sources. There are some natural fragrances that are prohibitively expensive. Some naturals are ecologically unsound choices, making a synthetic version a better choice. We use fragrance oils that are suitable for cold-process soap making. 

Soap Formula - We make our soap using a method known as "Cold Process." Oils and fats are heated then mixed with Sodium Hydroxide and water to saponify (neutralise) the oils, and turn them into soap. The finished product contains no Sodium Hydroxide /lye, just molecules of soap and glycerin. To ensure mildness, the formula does not completely saponify the oils, leaving a little oil as a skin conditioner. We use many vegetable oils including olive, coconut, shea butter, palm, sunflower and canola. We add other ingredients like clay, orris root and beeswax depending on the purpose of the soap. Each soap description lists the ingredients. 

Using Our Soaps - Store your extra soap in a ventilated, dry place. Your lingerie drawer is perfect, and the soap will act like a 'smelly' sachet. When you use your soap, be sure to keep it out of water between uses - it will dissolve if left in a puddle. To prolong the life of the soap, keep it out of sunlight which will cause the oils to break down and spoil the soap. I always wondered why the soap in my sunny kitchen window smelled horrible - this is why. To get the longest life from your soap, cut the bar in half - use one half and store the other. The longer a soap cures and dries, the harder it will become as the remaining water evaporates. The second half will last longer than the first. Just be sure to use your soap within six months to 1 year for optimum freshness.  

Common Sense - The soaps are wonderful to see, smell and use. I make no medical claims regarding them or their ingredients. Essential oils are commonly believed to have medicinal properties. If a soap causes irritation, discontinue use. Do not eat the soap or get it in your eyes.