How do you make soap?
Our soap is made in the European tradition of the craft, taking our cues from the true masters of soap making…Italy, France and Greece. The processes we use have pretty much remained the same over time, with the exception of our ability to precisely measure our ingredients, and access a wider variety of ingredients from around the globe. Our soap is made in small 25 lb. batches and are hand-poured into oak molds and allowed to set for 48 hours. These large slabs are then hand cut into individual bars, cured for an additional 7 days, hand stamped, then cured for the remaining 30 days to insure mildness and a long-lasting. Each bar is then carefully hand wrapped
Do you use lye in your soap?
Yes we do. As a matter of interest, soap cannot be made without lye (sodium hydroxide)…no lye, no soap. In a process called saponification, the lye molecules “pair up” with the fatty acids found in our food grade oils and the end result is soap…with the bonus of a 25% glycerin content. At the Tub, we typically superfat our soap formulas, leaving a fat excess of 7% for a more moisturizing, soothing bar of soap.
What kind of ingredients are in your soaps…are they natural?
We use a combination of organic, food grade nutritive oils and soothing nut butters sourced from around the world. Olive oil from Cicily, Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana & organic virgin coconut oil from French Polynesia, to name a few. We avoid the use of petrochemicals, mineral oils, sulfites & sulfates. Our philosophy is less is more. Products fragranced with essential oils are nearly 100% natural. Our “nearly natural” fragranced items are typically 93-98% pure. Whenever feasible, we choose organic ingredients and support fair trade practices which empower and promote sustainability in developing countries.
Do you test on animals?
No, just willing family and friends.
What types of preservatives do you use?
That depends on the application. For our soap, we use a natural, plant-based antioxidant (rosemary oleoresin) to inhibit oxidation of the vegetable oils and nut butters. In our aqueous products (lotions) we use a paraben and formaldehyde free preservative system, which provides optimized protection against the microbial growth of bacteria and yeast. We have also started employing black willow bark, a natural component which has been shown to possess potent antimicrobial properties when added to cosmetic formulations.
What is the shelf life of your products?
Lotions should be used within a year, bath products 3 months after opening and soaps from 1 to 2 years depending on the formula.
Are your products vegan?
Yes, with the exception of our buttermilk bath, and a few soaps containing goat’s milk.
Do you send free samples?
We love to send free samples in all online orders!
Why should I become a VIP?
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Are your products organic?
All of our products contain an organic component. For example, our Signature Soaps use organic palm and sunflower seed oils. Our Body Polishers use a combination of organic coconut oil, sunflower seed oil and unprocessed jojoba (unbleached), and organic shea butter.
Do you ship to Alaska and Hawaii?
Yes we do. However, since our shopping cart currently supports only one shipping carrier (UPS), we ask that you please email us at (sales@thetemptingtub.com) with your order. Please provide contact information (phone number/best time to call and email address) so we can contact you for order verification and payment information. We appologize for the inconvenience.