Are your soaps castile soaps?
Yes! Traditionally, Castile soap referred to a soap made exclusively from saponified olive oil (such as our Simply Olive Bar Soap). Today, the term is used for vegetable-based soaps that contain no animal fats.
Key Features of Our Castile Soaps:
- Foaming Soaps – Made from saponified organic extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. Olive oil provides moisture and stable lather, coconut oil contributes fluffy lather, and sunflower oil adds silkiness and conditioning benefits. Additional glycerin is included to enhance hydration, and water is added so that you don't need to dilute the formula, ensuring you get the perfect consistency every time without the hassle of mixing or measuring.
- Bar Soaps – “Super-fatted,” meaning excess oils remain in the formula for added moisture. They contain organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, and organic RSPO sustainable palm oil. Olive oil provides moisturizing properties, coconut oil creates a firm, lathery bar, and palm oil makes a harder bar that increases longevity.
What is saponification?
Saponification is the chemical reaction that creates true soap. At Glenn Avenue Soap Company, we make soap the traditional way, just like our great-great-grandparents did. While they used lard and wood ash, we use a carefully selected blend of high-quality oils. When these natural oils (triglycerides) mix with water and lye (an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), they transform into soap (fatty acid salt) and glycerin—a natural humectant that helps retain moisture in your skin.
Why do you use the oils you do in your bar soaps?
Our bar soaps are made with Saponified Organic Extra Virgin Olive, Organic Coconut, and Organic (RSPO Sustainable) Palm Oils. Olive oil provides moisturizing and stable lather, coconut oil contributes to fluffy lather and hardness, and palm oil ensures a harder, longer-lasting soap.
I am allergic to coconut oil. What do you recommend?
Most of our soaps contain coconut oil, except for our Simply Olive Bar Soap. True to its name, it is made with just one ingredient: saponified olive oil.
I am very sensitive to scents. Do you have fragrance-free soaps?
Yes! We offer fragrance-free options, including Simply Olive Bar Soap, Simply Clear Foaming Hand Soap, and Simply Soft Body Lotion. These products are completely free of added scents.
What does RSPO palm oil mean?
RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certifies sustainable palm oil production, ensuring it minimizes harm to forests, wildlife, and communities. Certified producers meet strict environmental and social criteria, promoting eco-friendly practices.
Why are your bar soaps oval-shaped?
Dr. Sandra, our co-founder, found that rectangular soaps often slip out of hands. Our unique oval-shaped bars fit perfectly in your palm for a comfortable grip.
Can I use your bar soaps as shampoo?
Yes! Find more information here.
Can I use your bar soaps on my face?
Most of our bar soaps are safe for facial use, but we do not recommend Citrus Blossom or Not a Brown Trout due to their strong exfoliating properties. For gentle exfoliation, try Salty Beans & Rice. For oily skin, Activated Charcoal Bar Soap is a great option. Additionally, our Herbal Mist Foaming Face Wash is specially formulated for facial care with 19 botanicals targeting anti-aging and acne.
Which bar soaps are the most exfoliating?
- Citrus Blossom: Contains bits of lemon and orange rind for gentle exfoliation.
- Not a Brown Trout: Includes ground coffee from Stauf’s for a robust scrubbing effect.
Which bar soaps are the most moisturizing?
All our bar soaps are "super-fatted," meaning they contain extra oils for hydration. The most moisturizing options are:
