What makes your foaming soap different from other companies'?
Many commercial companies don’t use saponified oils to make soap. Instead, they rely on cheap detergents, synthetic surfactants, artificial foaming agents, preservatives, and fragrances, which can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated.
At Glenn Avenue Soap Company, we take a different approach:
- We use saponified oils that cleanse and moisturize, rather than harsh synthetic detergents.
- We use essential oils and natural fragrances, rather than artificial scents with hidden ingredients.
Once you try our soaps, you’ll feel the difference—it’s like washing your hands with silk!
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.
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 plant-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.
Do your refills need to be diluted?
No, our refills are ready to use right out of the bottle! Unlike some other soap refills, ours do not require any dilution. Simply pour the refill into your foaming soap dispenser, and it’s good to go. This ensures you get the perfect consistency every time without the hassle of mixing or measuring.
Why do you use the oils you do in your foaming soaps?
Our foaming soaps contain a carefully selected blend of Organic Extra Virgin Olive, Organic Coconut, and Organic Sunflower oils:
- Olive oil: Deeply moisturizing, creates a stable lather.
- Coconut oil: Adds fluffiness and enhances cleansing.
- Sunflower oil: Provides a smooth, silky feel and helps stabilize the lather.
Together, these oils create a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
Why do you make foaming hand soap instead of regular liquid soap?
Foaming hand soap is more effective than regular liquid soap because:
- It lathers instantly, so you don’t waste soap trying to create a lather.
- It lasts longer—you get up to 2.5x more uses compared to liquid soap.
- It’s fun to use—especially for kids, making handwashing easier and more enjoyable!
Do you carry antibacterial soap?
We have an entire blog post on this topic, but here’s the short answer:
The FDA has found no evidence that antibacterial chemicals (like triclosan) provide better protection against disease than simply washing with soap and water.
All of our soaps help remove germs—just wash for 20 seconds! If you're looking for extra protection, try our Bandit’s Oil Blend, which contains Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Lemon, and Clove essential oils—all known for their antimicrobial properties.
What’s better for killing germs: washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer?
Soap and water is the most effective way to remove all types of germs and chemicals from your hands.
🔬 How it works: Soap molecules are amphiphilic—meaning they have a water-loving and oil-loving side. This allows them to break apart the lipid membranes of bacteria and viruses, effectively destroying them and allowing them to be rinsed away.
According to the CDC:
- Wash with soap and water whenever possible.
- Use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) only when soap and water aren’t available.
We recommend keeping a foaming soap pump at each sink and carrying hand sanitizer for when you're on the go!
Do you carry fragrance-free soaps?
Yes! While our products are lightly scented with essential oils (never artificial fragrances), we offer fragrance-free options for those with sensitivities.
Can I refill my empty foaming hand soap container?
Absolutely! We strongly encourage reusing and refilling your bottles.
- Bring your empty bottle to our flagship store at 1166 W. 5th Ave in Grandview Heights, and we’ll refill it at a discounted price!
- You can also bring your own container, and we’ll charge per ounce.
Will your foaming soap work in a regular soap dispenser?
No, foaming soap dispensers use a different pump mechanism than regular liquid soap dispensers.
Does your foaming soap have an expiration date?
Our soaps are all-natural and free from artificial preservatives. While they don’t expire, they may:
- Lose some aroma strength over time.
- Change color slightly.
For best results, we recommend using them within a year.
I see something in my foaming soap… what is it?
If you notice wispy “floaters” or cloudiness, don’t worry! These are natural and harmless.
🫧 Common causes:
- Unsaponified oils, essential oils, or botanical extracts can naturally separate over time.
- Citrus essential oils in particular may cause slight cloudiness.
- If foaming soaps get cold during shipping or storage, they may become cloudy. Simply let them warm back to room temperature and give them a gentle shake.
Simply shake the bottle, and they will dissolve!
If you see black or brown particles, they may be remnants from the packaging or shipping process. While harmless, you can filter them out, or we’re happy to replace your product if needed.
Can I use your foaming soaps on my face?
You could, but we recommend using our specialized skin care line instead. It’s formulated with 19 botanicals that target anti-aging, acne, and promote tissue repair for healthier skin.
