What's in that?!
Want to know what's in your favorite product and why? The chemical make up of each oil has a different effect in both the product and on your skin. Here at Blue Lotus Soaps, LLC, we are able to handcraft each soap (and other products) using all types of specialty oils, extracts, and butters. We also have the benefit of being able to choose ingredients and oils not only for the quality they bring to the soap, but also for their sustainability and fair trade.
Lye - Sodium Hydroxide
Yes, lye is a chemical that is necessary in all handcrafted soap made from scratch. If there isn't any lye, there isn't any soap. Saponification is the reaction between lye and the oils that produces soap but there is no lye remaining in the finished bar.
Scents & Fregrances
Although some soaps are left uncounted, most are scented using plant-based essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are extracted from herbs, plants, and flowers most often through steam distillation. Fragrance oils are their synthetic counterparts, created with a mix of aroma chemicals and natural ingredients, like essential oils, extracts, and resins. At BLS, we only use 100% phthalate free fragrance oils or 100% pure essential oils.
Colorants
While all slightly different, mica minerals come in a variety of naturally occurring colors. The majority of our micas contain only mica and iron oxides, which both readily occur in nature and can be considered natural (although the term "natural" is not regulated by the FDA). AT BLS, we also color many of our products with Titanium Dioxide, Activated Charcoal, and a variety of clays.
Cellophane Bags & Shrink Wrap
Some Blue Lotus products come packaged in Cellophane or Shrink Wrap for their protection. Cellophane is derived from natural sources, like wood, cotton or hemp, and, unlike plastic, is biodegradable, so it can be composted. While not as eco-friendly as we'd like, BLS purchases materials made from sustainably sourced materials, made from compostable biofilm, the best eco-friendly alternative to corn-based PLA.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil contains a high percentage of Vitamin E, as well as potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients which can nourish and moisturize your skin. The oleic acid also promotes collagen production, which helps grow new skin. Its rich antioxidants and vitamins may help heal dry, irritated, and flaky skin, repair damage due to frequent exposure to UV rays, and treat acne by removing buildup in your pores. BLS uses 100% Pure, USDA Organic and non-GMO Avocado Oil packaged in safe, BPA-free bottles.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a product made from the honeycomb of the honeybee the mixing of pollen oils into honeycomb wax turns the white what into yellow. We use 100% pure beeswax granules .
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a type of fat that comes from cocoa beans. Cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, which is why it's often touted for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin and improve elasticity. The fat in the cocoa butter forms a protective barrier over the skin to hold in moisture. Rich in natural plant compounds called phytochemical, it may help to improve blood flow to the skin and slow aging by protecting against damage from he suns harmful UV rays. It's also commonly used to smooth scars, wrinkles, and other marks on the skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a highly saturated oil that is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which have antimicrobial properties that can help protect skin agains harmful microorganisms. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, and aid in the treatment of acne. Coconut oil keeps your skin hydrated and helps to heal wounds. BLS uses certified organic and non-GMO Coconut Oil, packaged in BPA-free containers.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the caster oil plant Ricinus Communis. . It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in you body, helping to prevent wrinkles, and antibacterial properties, helping to unclog pores and prevent acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and puffiness and ease pain associated with sunburn. BLS uses 100% pure hexane-free organic caster oil, responsibly sourced and 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is perfect for most skin types as it can moisturize without clogging pores. It can balance out oily skin, hydrating it and reducing the skin's oil production. A powerful anti-inflammatory, this oil can help calm inflammation and irritation on the skin while simultaneously encouraging skin growth and new cell regeneration. Its anti-aging properties can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as prevent signs of aging from developing. At BLS, we use certified organic, non-GMO, sustainably grown hemp seed oil packaged in BPA-free bottles.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is a humectant ingredient, working to seal your skin with a protective barrier to keep it from losing moisture and helping to prevent bacterial infections, like acne, from forming. So similar to the sebum your body produces naturally, it's easily absorbed and may help your body produce collagen and stimulate wound healing. BLS uses 100% pure, GMP Quality Assured oil from a family owned and operated company.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil comes from the pressed seeds of grapes, known for it's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties..This oil helps improve your skin's moisture, softness, and elasticity, perfect for helping to treat acne-breakouts, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, and evening skin tone.
Olive Oil
Pure Olive Oil moisturizes as it fights acne-causing bacteria, free-radical damage, and prevents signs of aging, especially those caused by sun damage.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is a natural source of vitamins A, C, and E. Its deep moisturizing properties leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. Once of the most beneficial skin care ingredients contained in palm oil is beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that kills off the free radicals that can lead to premature aging. AT BLS, we ONLY use RSPO certified sustainable, Vegan, non-GMO palm that is free from PAH, BPA, Dioxin, melamine, ethylene oxide, zearalenone, and organic solvents.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil is loaded with skin-nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids. It contains phenols that have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal properties that hydrates, brightens, and protects your skin against sun damage while gently exfoliating, reducing inflammation, scars, and fine lines, and boosting immunity.
Shea Butter
Shea butter feels luxurious and moisturizing on the skin. It absorbs quickly into the skin, acting as an anti-inflammatory, treating acne and blemishes, hydrating dry skin, and acting as a anti-agin and anti-free radical agent. BLS only purchases Unrefined, 100% pure Shea made by co-ops of Ghanian women in West Africa.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower seed oil is a great source of vitamin E, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and is effective for combatting skincare issues like acne, inflammation, general redness, and irritation of the skin. Its emollient properties help the skin retain its moisture, keeping it hydrated for longer periods of time. It is extremely high in Vitamin E, helping to protect the skin from harmful sun rays and other environmental stressors. This excellent source of beta-carotene helps fight and, reduces signs of aging, and is particularly beneficial for soothing and healing dry, irritated skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is a highly beneficial cleanser and moisturizer used for thousands of years to soothe, soften, and repair the skin. It reduces puffiness and under-eye circles, improves complexion and skin tone, treat dry skin, improves acne, reduces the appearance of scars and helps reverse sun damage. We purchase 100% Sweet Almond oil, grown, expeller pressed, and bottled in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Vallies of California.