A beekeeper who makes soap, perhaps remarkable. In this blog post we will explain to you the why, how and what.
For starters, why soap? Well, as strange as this sounds, this started about five years ago with a printed list of red E numbers on the fridge. This is where our awareness of today's constant exposure to chemicals developed. Not only in food and drinks, but in all kinds of products we use. Shortly afterwards we started making our own laundry detergent and then our own soap as well. And we now offer different varieties of this soap through our webshop.
Is it harmful that we are exposed to chemicals like that? The answer to this question varies based on who you ask this question. This is also the reason why we write this article as nuanced as possible. We are not making any claims, but we want to encourage you to do research. There is a lack of long-term studies, independent studies that aren’t financed by large industries and the interaction between the different chemicals you put on, eat and drink every day.
We offer soap without unnecessary chemicals. Our soap consists almost entirely of oils and a small amount of beeswax and honey. The only product which is an inorganic compound in our soap is Sodium Hydroxide, also known as E524. However, it is also the only ingredient necessary during the production of the soap. This is because it causes the chemical process to start, which binds all oils in the soap. After this bonding process, also called the saponification process, and 5 weeks of drying, our soap is ready and safe to use. So, we don't use any other chemicals in our soap. No chemicals that could influence the drying speed of the soap, the shelf life, colour, scent and how foamy the soap is.
Take a look at the products at home. Do you see any of the following substances in your skin care products? Parabens, Sulfates, Borates, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds, Petroleum Distillates, Siloxanes, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. You might consider consulting the internet, do research and ask yourself if you still want to use these products on your body. The big differences of opinion are evident. We see this everywhere with chemicals, be it in soap or for crop "protection". Feel free to check the ingredients of our soap via INCI*.
We produce, store and package our soap with great care. However, keep in mind that it is a handmade product and rarely two pieces are completely identical. This also has its charm of course as long as the quality remains high. If it is the first time that you use natural soap, this can take some getting used to. The foam and delicious scent will amaze you and it cleans your skin so well that your skin may feel different, maybe even less smooth than your regular products with chemicals that ensure the smoothness of your skin.
Does the above information sound new to you? We hope to encourage you to do further research about the effects of washing. Not only into the products you wash with, but also the way you wash daily. Daily or even several times a day, taking too hot showers, always using shower products and putting on various creams on your skin with ingredients difficult to pronounce. These options aren’t very good for your skin and/or your health. Other solutions that are preferable are for example taking a short and cool shower, (also good for the environment), don't use bath and shower products every day and maybe even experiment with pure coconut oil or other oils instead of lotions and creams.
If you have any other tips, ideas or thoughts about this subject, please feel free to comment as we are excited to read your experience!
Team Vicus Apis.
*Link: https://incidecoder.com/