Creating Soap That Lets Skin Heal Itself

I thought I would take a moment to talk about why I started making soap. I’ve had skin issues most of my life. I struggled with terrible acne, and my skin always felt raw and overly sensitive. I even went on Accutane, which helped some, but my skin still felt irritated and dry.

My biggest challenge was the constant dryness. I hated having to put on lotion several times a day just so my skin wouldn’t itch. It felt like a never‑ending battle. Every product I tried solved one problem but created a new one. I’ve always thought it was ridiculous how many products people feel they need for their skin.

I’m a very low‑maintenance person. I haven’t worn makeup in years, and honestly, my confidence has grown because of that choice. I still appreciate the artistry of makeup, but I didn’t want to wear it on my own face anymore.

My skin didn’t heal overnight, but it changed the first time I used the very first bar of soap I ever made, a tallow and honey bar using the hot process method. I instantly fell in love. My skin felt softer, calmer, and less irritated. I was shocked that I didn’t even need lotion, not even on my elbows.

As time went on, I used only my soap, and since I had decided to start my own business, I always had plenty on hand. After several months, something unexpected happened: the freckles on my face came back. I hadn’t seen them since puberty. That’s when I realized I had created something more than just a gentle soap.

My soap didn’t “heal” my skin — it simply allowed my skin to heal itself, something nothing else had ever done.

I use my soap on my daughter, and she has never had skin issues. I don’t know if that’s because I’ve always used my soap on her or if it’s just luck, but there’s something to it.

My goal is to create products that actually work with the skin, not against it. I’ve done a lot of research, and I’ve learned that not all essential oils are good for everyone. Sometimes clean, skin‑friendly, paraben‑free and phthalate‑free fragrance oils are better tolerated, so I use both. And for the people who can’t tolerate either, I offer unscented options.

You can find these Honey Bars in Gibsonville North Carolina at Makers Ark. 117 Lewis St, Gibsonville, NC 27249. They will also be available in an online store soon, but if you're interested send me an email jessica@bubbleandsqueaksoap.com. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DIY Drawing Salve (With Tallow, Castor Oil, Clay & Charcoal)

Image
If you’ve ever dealt with stubborn splinters, bug bites, or those deep, under‑the‑skin bumps, a good drawing salve is a lifesaver. This little black balm has been used for generations to help “draw out” impurities from the skin and once you make it yourself, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many homes. One of the best parts of running this business is that I get to experiment and share what I’ve learned with others. Living in North Carolina means there are bugs, lots of them, so it isn’t uncommon to get a bite here and there. Topical medications have never worked for me and often made things worse because of how my skin reacts to certain ingredients. I started researching ways to create something natural that would help my skin help itself. This drawing salve is the result of that journey. Drawing salves have traditionally been used on bug bites, splinters, and deep bumps, including pimples. This recipe isn’t a medical product, but many people enjoy using it as a natural optio...
Read more

Why Our Soap Is Healthier

Even when scented, our soaps remain phthalate‑free, paraben‑free, and SLS/SLES‑free. They’re made through true saponification using tallow, coconut, and castor oil, which naturally create glycerin — a gentle moisturizer that helps skin stay soft and balanced. Nature’s Oil fragrance oils are IFRA‑certified, cruelty‑free, and formulated for soap and skincare use, offering long‑lasting scent without harsh chemicals. Sources Pure Fragrances for Skin and Hair Care Products | Bulk Apothecary Natural soap is clinically effective and less toxic and more biodegradable in aquatic organisms and human skin cells than synthetic detergents | PLOS One Parabens What they are: Synthetic preservatives used to prevent mold and bacteria in cosmetics and body care products. Why avoid them: Parabens can mimic estrogen and act as endocrine disruptors, potentially affecting hormone balance and reproductive health ( Cleveland Clinic ). Why we don’t use them: Nature’s Oil fragrance oils are paraben‑free, offe...
Read more

What is Soap?

Natural soap is made by combining oils or fats, water, and lye. When these ingredients come together, they go through a chemical reaction called saponification, which turns them into real soap. Nothing from the original lye remains in the finished bar — it’s all transformed into soap and natural glycerin.  What is Hot Process Soap Making Hot process soap is made by gently heating the oils, lye, and water together so the soap fully saponifies right in the pot. The oils are warmed until they melt into a smooth base, then the lye water is blended in to begin the transformation into soap. As the mixture cooks, it gradually thickens and becomes glossy, showing that the reaction is moving through its stages. The steady heat completes saponification, meaning the oils and lye have fully turned into soap and natural glycerin. Once it reaches this point, the mixture is pressed into molds, where it cools and firms into solid bars. This results in a bar with a simple, traditional feel. Soap vs...
Read more