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How is our soap made? All Chester County Soaps are handcrafted
using the gentle cold-process method, in small micro-batches.
This method differs substantially from commercial processes in
two important ways. First, only whole vegetable oils are used in
our vegetable soaps. There are no petroleum derived products or
by-products employed. Secondly, since whole fats are used,
glycerin is created as a natural by-product and is retained in
the soap, composing up to 25% of the end product. This natural
glycerin is often extracted from the soap in commercial processes
in order to be used in higher priced creams and lotions.
All Chester County Soaps are made with significant portions
of olive oil and sunflower oils. These highly unsaturated
oils produce exquisite soaps with a smooth silky feel during and
after use. Other complementary vegetable oils are used
for specific desired qualities. Coconut oil is added to produce
large plentiful lather and palm oil is added to help prolong the
life and durability of the soap. All of our soaps are then “superfatted” with
nourishing ingredients such as shea and mango butters. We add
the finest essential and/or fragrance oils, herbs, botanicals and
cosmetic grade pigments.
In addition, Chester County Soaps occasionally offers a unique historical
line of soaps for the expressed purpose of providing quality
“period” and primitive soaps for the collector. Historical notes
are added for personal or educational interest. The “primitive”
line also features olive oil and some butters, but beef tallow
is used to create an authentic look and feel. |
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Retail Stores:
The Medicine Shop, 578 Lancaster Avenue,
Berwyn
The Compounding Apothecary, Malvern
Bittersweet Farm, Newtown Square |
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